We Need Your Help!

Library programming brings the community rich opportunities for learning, entertainment, and builds connections across all age groups. Special events can connect people to other like-minded individuals who share the same passions as them.  It is also a great time to find a new interest, or discover a hidden talent. 

We strive to offer events and programming for teens and adults that fulfill our library’s mission to promote knowledge, reading, and imagination; support and encourage life-long learning; and contribute to the sense of community and the economic well-being of our county.  And we'd really like to know how we can better serve you through library events, while achieving our mission. Email, call, talk to our librarians on the Upper Level, with programming suggestions.  Share your feedback on programs you have attended. 

I love this quote about a library, by John K. Hudgens, long-time New York Times book reviewer. “I do not mean to suggest that our handsome, newly enlarged library is to be a headquarters of busy bookworms, old and young, routinely absorbing knowledge by the hour while birds sing outside and the Mets fight it out for last place in the National League. On the contrary, a good library is a joyful place where the imagination roams free, and life is actively enriched.”

Dates to remember in August: 

 Children’s Programs

·      Friday Frolic every week at 10:30 a.m. for Pre-Kindergarten. 

·      Design a Book Cover • August 22-September 30 • 6th grade or children ages 11-12: Children are invited to design an original book cover based on any book in the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. The book cover can be designed using any medium but must be drawn/painted/etc. on an entry blank provided by the library and must not be folded. All entries must be original work by the entrant. Entry forms and blanks may be picked up at the youth services desk. One entry per child. 

Teen Programs

·      T for Teen – Gamers Unite! Meet-up at 4:00 p.m. on August 7. Xbox360 and laptops available for teen gaming.

·      Board Game Café is open at 4:00 p.m. on August 14.  Play a variety of board games and enjoy coffee and sweet treats.

·      The Teen Creative Corner meets at 4:00 p.m. on August 21. Join us for a wide range of creative crafts and projects.

·     TLC (Teen Listening Council) is a safe place for teens to talk openly about any subject. Drop in at 4:00 p.m. on August 28.

Adult Programs

·      Book a Librarian • by appointment • Call 336-846-2041 x227 Got a new tablet? Want to learn how to create beautiful cards and flyers on the computer? Or check out e-books from the library? Or sign up for a social media account? Our friendly librarians want to help you achieve your technology goals through free, no prior skills required, one-onone sessions! Call us or drop by our desk on the Upper Level of the library to schedule an appointment.

·      Yoga Club meets in the library’s downstairs meeting room at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays.

·      Drop in for support on your PhD (Projects half-Done) at 10:00 a.m. on August 4.  Find new ways to stay motivated to achieve your goals throughout the year!

·     The Brouhaha Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on August 27 in Boondocks Brewery's Taproom. There is no assigned reading for this book club. Come as you are, read what you want, and join our lively discussion of recent reads!

All Ages

·      Come out and have some FUN with Board Game Bonanza, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. every Saturday. Visit the Upper Level to play board games with friends and family!

·      Read & Craft meets at 10 a.m.  on August 11. Travel the world with a hook in one hand and a ball of yarn in the other. This month travel to India and make some Lotus Blossom Knit Socks, an Amigurumi Indian Elephant, or a Tropical Delight Afghan.  Instruction available for beginners and project materials are provided.

·      The Community Drum Circle meets at 5:30 p.m. on August 9 and 23.  Join the celebration of drums, while exploring the soul and spirit of music!

·      Mountain Music Slow Jam will meet from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on August 4 and 18 in the downstairs meeting room. Songs are explained as to timing, breaks, etc… and played in slow time.  Designed for beginners, all skill levels are welcome.

·      PBS’S THE GREAT AMERICAN READ Vote: Cast your vote for The Great ARL Read in person or online at www.arlibrary.org/ashe Review: Write and submit a review of one of the Top 100 books.  Attend: Attend The Great American Read events this summer and fall. Write: Sign up to be a literary pen pal and write a letter to a fellow bookworm.

Family Events

·      Safety Day takes place between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on August 4, at  Ashe County High School.   Enjoy fire trucks, free bike helmets (while they last), bounce house, climbing wall, and other fun activities. Come by the library booth! 

·      Lansing Twig Mini-Fest  happens between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on August 7. (downtown Lansing, across from Lansing Foods. Check out the Literacy Express, get your face painted, play giant Jenga, and enjoy stories with our librarians.