Look for Library Improvements

A new clock will soon be prominently displayed on an interior wall of the library. The clock is unique in that rather than having ordinary numbers, each number will be represented by a book with a number in its title. The idea for the clock was inspired by a DIY Facebook post and became a project of Ashe Friends of the Library who support the belief that everyone should to take time to read. Another project the Friends are sponsoring at the library is a coffee bar. Who can resist books, hot coffee and a comfortable chair? Patrons visiting the library are welcome to relax with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or hot tea. This new self-service station offers coffee / hot beverages at an affordable cost and is set to be an ongoing fundraiser, sponsored by the Friends. The smell of coffee also adds to the library's warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The Friends Book Store is open daily during library hours on the library's main floor and continues to be the best deal around for gently used books and gift baskets for every occasion. Stop in the book store during National Friends of the Library Week, October 18-24, for special prices celebrated with the Friends Fall Fiction Festival. All money raised by the Friends goes to support library programming. Library lovers are invited and encouraged to become advocates of the library by joining the Friends. This is a great way to get involved and serve your community.

One other improvement, coming soon, is new furnishings for the teen area. The current chairs in this area have seen better days and that is a good thing! Within the last couple of years an increase in teen traffic, new teens coming to use the library, has resulted in more interest in the events being held there. The library provides local teens a place to belong, while at the same time supports positive behaviors and helps teens avoid risky situations. The library's teen advisory council was tasked with selecting replacements for their worn-out seating, and they have chosen a very modern style of chair, known as “The Blob” in colors of Lipstick and Mango. These new chairs will be very tempting for adult use. And though they are strictly for teens, adults may visit the area to “try out” the chairs for a limited time.

Dates to remember in October:

• Children’s Programs
  • Tot Time is every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. for 2 and 3 year-olds with stories, songs, and crafts
  • Story Time is every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and offers stories, songs and crafts for 4-5 year-olds
  • The Lego Club meets on May 21 at 4:00 p.m. for grades K-5 with a new challenge each month.
  • Little Owl's Night by Divya Srinivasan is the featured Story Walk, on display at Ashe County Park throughout the month.

• Teen Programs
  • Geek out at 4:00 p.m. every Tuesday with Otaku’s United, an Anime/Manga Club.
  • The Teen Advisory Council (TAC) meets at 4:00 p.m. on October 28.
  • Sign up for Sundae Wars and create a masterpiece to be crowned the “Best Sundae Maker” at 1:00 p.m. on October 17.
  • Learn strategies for navigating the path to car ownership and calculating the costs to achieve it with “You Auto Know,” a financial literacy workshop at 5:00 p.m. on October 20.
  • Sign up for an exclusive teen movie screening on at 7:30 p.m. on Halloween night.

• Adult Programs
• For help with technology, book a one hour appointment with an “Information Wizard.” Call 336.846.2041 x227

• The Player's Club meets at 5:00 p.m. on October 30 to read God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza.
• The Centennial Book Club meets on the 4^th Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in Hotel Tavern. The Midwife's Apprentice by, Karen Cushman is the selected book for October 27.  

• The Centennial Matinee takes place at 2:00 p.m. on October 31
• Connect to the past and become “Rooted” with a workshop led by Sam Shumate on the history of West Jefferson at 11:00 a.m. on October 24.
• Brouhaha Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on October 26 in Boondocks Restaurant for “Books, Beer and Bookworm Babble.” Come and find out what everyone has been reading lately!

• All Ages
  • Get Crafty meets at 10:00 a.m. on 2^nd Saturday of every month. This month’s project is “Christmas Stockings for Operation Christmas Child.”
  • The Community Drum Circle meets at 5:30 p.m. on October 13 and 27. Join the celebration of drums, while exploring the soul and spirit of music!
  • Mountain Music Slow Jam will meet from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on October 2 and 16 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.

• Special Events:
  • Watch a demonstration on cider-making and carve shrunken apple heads at 4:00 p.m. on October 1.
  • Meet Guy Jennings and James “Dawg” Wood, who will share their new book “Where Do the Birds Sleep?” and lead a painting activity at 4:00 p.m. on October 8.
  • Come out for Star Wars Reads Day Events on October 10. At 1:00 p.m. participate in a special Star Wars Edition Computer Mini-Camp and at 2:00 p.m. play “I Spy With My Jedi Eye” and become a Jedi Master with Star Wars Creations Origami.
  • Drop-in all day on October 24 for some make-and-take crafting fun, featuring Book Charms with Laura.
  • Join us for Frozen Karaoke, games, and “Trick or Treat at the Library” from 2:00 – 4:45 p.m. on Halloween.