Sunday, January 31, 2016

Libraries Transform



American Library Association's (ALA) newest public awareness campaign, Libraries Transform, is an initiative designed to increase public awareness of the value, impact, and services provided by libraries and library professionals. The campaign  seeks to strengthen librarians’ roles as core community leaders and change-agents. This initiative will help libraries become more reflective of and connected to their communities and achieve a domino effect of positive results, including stronger relationships with local civic agencies, non-profits, funders and corporations, and greater community investment in civility, collaboration, education, health and well-being. This campaign hopes to shift public discourse away from past themes about libraries in crisis and toward talk of libraries as agents of positive community change.

As part of the campaign, a proactive brand explains why libraries are transforming with Because statements. For instance: “because there are more than 14,400,000 search results for the 2016 presidential election” and “because more than a quarter of U.S. households don't have a computer with an Internet connection.” Libraries are transforming “because why shouldn't you be able to bring your grande caramel snickerdoodle macchiato?” and “because students can't afford scholarly journals on a ramen noodle budget.”

Libraries today are less about what they have for people and more about what they do for and with people. Children are overcoming hurdles and becoming stronger readers. Seniors and families who are living on less are getting information and advice.  The unemployed are gaining job-hunting skills and getting the support and Internet access they need.  Students and faculty consult with library personnel on their work requiring information resources.

Ashe Library would love to know your Because statement. When you visit the library, be sure to let us know why the library matters to you and find out how your library is transforming its community.

Dates to remember in February:
  • 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 February 25 at 4:00 p.m. for grades K-5 with a new challenge each month.
    • The Odd One Out: A Spotting Bookby Britta Teckentrup is the featured Story Walk, on display at Ashe County Park throughout February. 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 February 25. 
    • The Teen Drama Club meets at 4:00 p.m. on February 11.
    • A special program Financial Literacy Program for teens: Check it! is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on February 16 (includes free meal).  Find out how to avoid identity theft and online fraud.
  • Adult Programs
    • For all your tech troubles, book and appointment with our friendly reference librarians.  Call 336.846.2041 x227
    • Yoga Club meets in the library’s downstairs meeting room at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays.
    • Read Around the Clock Book Club meets at 2:00 p.m. on February 2 in the library.   All books read must have one thing in common: the title must contain the number two.
    • The Coloring “Book” Club celebrates reading (and coloring) as a group experience at 5:00 p.m. on February 23. Relax with adult coloring books while listening and discussing a different short story audiobook each month.
    • The Deep Focus Film Club meets at 5:00 on February 25 for a feature showing and discussion of a Coen Bros. film, Fargo.
    • Brouhaha Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on February 29 in Boondocks Restaurant for “Books, Beer and Bookworm Babble.”  Come and find out what everyone has been reading lately!
  • All Ages
    • Get Crafty and learn to “Crochet Your Way Through the ABCs” at 10:00 a.m. on February 13. You can make an alligator, a bear, a cat, ...you get the idea. Project materials are provided.
    • The Community Drum Circle meets at 5:30 p.m. on February 9 and 23.  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 February 5 and 19 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.
    • Drop-in all day on February 20 for some make-and-take crafting fun, featuring Paper Flowers. 
  • Special Events:
    • Stop in at 1:00 on February 5 for the opening reception of a Library Staff Art Exhibit.  Light refreshments will be provided.
    • Celebrate “Take Your Child to the Library Day” on February 6.  Drop in during the afternoon between 2:00 - 4:30 for games, valentines, and a scavenger hunt.
    • Youth Services will have a Mad Scientist (pre-Valentine) program at 1:30 p.m. on February 13 “experimenting with candy.”  Join us for the marshmallow challenge!
    • Leap Year Game Night begins at 4:00 p.m. on February 29 for board games and Schokoladenessen fun! 

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