Moneytopia at Ashe Library

Money Games for Teens will kick-off the library’s financial literacy workshops at 5:00 p.m. on August 17. Since today’s teens are digital natives, the first in a series of Smart Investing programs will feature the online games Moneytopia and Gen I Revolution. The games simulate real-life applications of financial skills, such as budgeting, saving, smart spending, minimizing credit card use and establishing financial goals. Smartinvesting@yourlibrary is made possible by a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation in partnership with the American Library Association. Sarah Spanburgh, Ashe Library’s Adult Service Manager, leads teen programming and encourages teens to come and find out more about money matters that can prepare them for the now and the future. Sarah also plans to bring “money programs “to middle school 4-H programs throughout the year. The first after-school 4-H program is scheduled for September 9.  

Laura McPherson, reference librarian, will lead programs for adults beginning in September.    Smart investing programs for adults include ways to mend the spend, finance the future, and take care of wealth.  Both parents and teens will be interested in understanding student loans and making major purchases.  The grant provided Appalachian Regional Library with funds to purchase a materials collection that covers a wide range of financial topics for all ages.   It is also exciting for library staff to learn about many great resources that will keep providing programs and information long after the grant money is spent.   For more information visit ashelibrary.com or call 336.846.2041.

Dates to remember in August:

·         Children’s Programs

o   Farmer Joe and the Music Show is the featured Story Walk book at Ashe County Park (Old Highway 16).  Come out to the park for a story and craft at 10:30 a.m. on August 14.

o   ABC Ready before Kindergarten, a fun preschool program with stories, games, and crafts, takes place at 10:30 a.m. on August 26.

o   The Lego Club meets at 4:00 p.m. for grades k-3 and 5:00 p.m. for older children on August 20.

·         Teen Programs

o   Moneytopia & Gen I Revolution, online financial literacy games, will be introduced at 5:00 on August 17.

o   Join Otaku’s United and geek out with friends at 4:00 p.m every Tuesday (except August 4).

·         Adult Programs

o   Two O’Clock Tech Talks answers questions about your phone, tablet, or laptop on Mondays.

o   Improve your quality of life with Tai Chi classes 10:00 a.m. every Thursday.

o   Enjoy stimulating conversation, share experiences and feelings about current events and trends with “Coffee Talk” at 8:15 a.m. on August 14, at West Jefferson Coffee House.

o   The Wellness Circle’s lunch-n-learn program (BYOL) meets at 11:30 a.m. on August 11.  Find where exercise intersects with your social life.  Dancing has a number of health benefits beyond the physical and is a great way to get out and socialize.  Come pick up some new steps. 

o   Join “The Player's Club” at 5:30 p.m. on August 19 and read a play with others aloud, or just come to listen.  Featured play for August is The Odd Couple  by Neil Simon.

o   The Centennial Book Club meets on the 4^th Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in Hotel Tavern.  Terms of Endearment by, Larry McMurty is the selected book for August 25 and will be featured on the big screen in the library at 2:00 p.m. on August 29.

o   Connect to the past and become “Rooted” with a genealogy workshop led by reference librarian Julia May throughout the day on August 22.

o   Brouhaha Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on August 31 in Boondocks Restaurant for “Books, Beer and Bookworm Babble.”  Come and find out what everyone has been reading lately!

·         All Ages

o   LGCU will be holding a Community Shredding Event at the library from 9:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m. on August 22.  A mobile shredding truck will be on hand for individuals to securely dispose of confidential documents and records.

o   Get Crafty meets on 2^nd Saturday of every month at 10:00 a.m. for crocheting and knitting.  This month’s project is “Afghans for A Safe Home for Everyone.”

o   Wendy Patoprsty provides a unique educational program on the beautiful Monarch butterfly at 4:00 p.m. on August 27.

o   The Community Drum Circle meets on August 11 and 25 at 5:30.  Join the celebration of drums, while exploring the soul and spirit of music!

o   Mountain Music Slow Jam will meet on August 7 and 21 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room (after-hours access through side door on lower parking lot).  Get together with other musicians and jam.  Songs are explained as to timing, breaks, etc… and played in slow time.  Designed for beginners, all skill levels are welcome.