Technology is Creating a Reading Revolution!

Reading has never been easier, and we keep seeing breakthroughs every year. Without a doubt, we have the capacity to be the most well-read generation in history.  Providing digital resources for entertainment, information, and inspiration is a big part of Ashe Library’s mission to promote knowledge, reading, and lifelong learning.   The library offers a large online collection of eBooks and is excited to introduce NC Kids Digital Library, its newest online resource.  This service provides instant access to over 3,700 eBooks, audiobooks, videos, and Read-Alongs for young patrons.  Library cardholders will be able to borrow 5 titles, for up to 3 weeks, at a time.  Some special features that come with these eBooks include highlighted read alongs and definitions. And text can be converted into wonderful OpenDyslexic font, so that dyslexic readers can read text easier. If you don’t have a library card, drop in the library to get registered now.  Library staff are ready to sign you up and introduce you to this wonderful online collection.  

Another motivation for reading is the Ashe Library 2017 Reading Challenge.  This year Ashe Library remains Appalachian Regional Reading Champions, again outdoing Wilkes and Watauga Counties in a bit of friendly reading competition.  During the year 2016 over 1,200 books were read and reviewed by challenge participants, doubling previous year’s numbers.  The challenges offer a good mix between the general (so you can include many of the books you would have read anyway) and the specific (so you have to read some books you never would have chosen on your own).   Our library sponsors this challenge for two very important reasons: to promote literacy in our community and have fun doing it!  Our community has been very supportive in sponsoring our literacy efforts by donating gifts as incentives to reward our readers.  We would like to extend public thanks to the following local businesses: Boondock Brewing, Rose Mountain Butcher Shoppe, Art of Oil, The Vintage Locket, The Hotel Tavern, Bobby D’s Pizza, The Log House Restaurant, Carolina Country Wines, Ashe County Arts Council, Parkway Theater, Food Lion, The Quilt Square Girls, Bohemia Coffee Shop, Walmart, Mountain Outfitters, Florence Thomas Art School, Sweet & Savory, Osaka’s Chinese & Japanese Restaurant, and Ashe County Friends of the Library.  Information about joining the 2017 Reading Challenge can be found on the library’s website and at the library.  Above all just READ - explore new things - play with your imagination- widen your horizon- heal your soul - brush your opinion and you will become a better person!  Research proves that “deep reading" is vigorous exercise for the brain and increases our real-life capacity for empathy.

Dates to remember in February:

Children’s Programs

• Baby Bounce is every Monday at 10:00 a.m. for birth to two year-olds.  Bring your young ones for stories, rhymes, bounces, and songs with “stay and play” social time afterward.

• Tot Time is a fun-filled time for 2 & 3 year-olds, featuring stories, art and music at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.

• Story time for 4 & 5 year olds feature ABC Adventures at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays.

• A special story time for daycare classes takes place at 9:30 a.m. on February 3.  Call 336.846.2041 x223 to register.

•  Move to the Music takes place at 10:30 a.m. on February 17.  This is an active engaging time for youth to explore music, movement, and learning.

•  Build, create, and make new friends at a Lego Block Party at 4:00 p.m. on February 23.

Tween Programs

•  Tween Takeover! Gamers Unite! Tween gamers meet up to play Minecraft, giant games and various board games at 4:00 p.m. on February 9.  This month there will be a hot chocolate bar! 

Teen Programs

• T for Teen – Gamers unite at 4:00 p.m. on February 7! Xbox 360 and laptops are available for teen gaming. 

• Visit the Teen Art Studio at 4:00 p.m. on February 14. Come and create, supplies are provided.

• Board Game Café is open at 4:00 p.m. on February 21. Come alone or bring a group to enjoy a variety of board games, hot coffee from local brews, and sweet treats.

• Help plan upcoming events at the library with the Teen Advisory Council at 5:00 p.m. on February 21.

• The Teen Craft Club will learn about finger knitting at 4:00 p.m. on February 28.

Adult Programs

•  For all your tech troubles, book an 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.

• Brouhaha Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on February 27 in Boondocks Restaurant. There is no assigned reading for this club.  Join our lively discussion of recent reads. 

•  Stop the library from 2- 4 p.m. on February 24 for a “Love Your Library Reception” and find out about all the reasons to love your library! 

All Ages

• A family program, Book and a Bite, takes place from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on February 4. Create a centerpiece for the table, pick up a recipe and browse selected books for dinner table conversation starters.

• Get Crafty and make Quick Knit & Crochet Gifts at 10:00 a.m. on February 11.  Instruction available for beginners and project materials are provided.

• The Community Drum Circle meets at 5:30 p.m. on February 14 and 28.  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 3 and 17 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

• An ABC Hunt will take place during the month of February.  Visit our display and try your hand at identifying items which represent letters of the alphabet. There will be challenges!!!
• February 16 is World Read Aloud Day.  Stop in at 4:00 p.m. to hear stories read by special readers and visit with Arly the Library Fox.
• Meet Lisa Muir, the author of Taking Down the Moon at 3:00 p.m. on February 27.  This book is a collection of short stories full of quirky and compelling characters. 

The library extends gratitude for donations given by Morris Walker on behalf of Ms. Alda Perkins.