New Exhibits Showcased at the Library

Throughout December, Ashe Library is hosting two special interest exhibits.  On the library’s main floor discover NC Digs, an exhibit borrowed from the Office of State Archaeology (OSA).  NC Digs highlights five different types of archaeological sites - Native American, battlefield, plantation, trash pit, and industrial - that are found across the State. The exhibit includes interpretive panels explaining each site type and techniques and methods used for excavating and analyzing materials from these different types of sites. There are artifacts on display as well as various tools used by archaeologists.   There is also a “mini” dig site set up for hands-on exploration, as well as a variety of books on the topic of archaeology that can be checked out for further study.

North Carolina contains many thousands of prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, including thousands of shipwrecks in our coastal and inland waters.  OSA works to protect the state’s legacy of Native American villages, colonial towns, farmsteads, and historic shipwrecks through application of state and federal archaeology laws and regulations, and by maintaining inventories of site data and artifact collections. Appreciation of our state’s cultural heritage enhances the social, educational, cultural and economic future of North Carolina.

In the library’s Ida C. Marsh Gallery, on the upper level, The Faces of Resistance: Women in Camps, an exhibit borrowed from NC Council on the Holocaust, will highlight forms of resistance taken by women in concentration and death camps during the Holocaust.  The North Carolina Council on the Holocaust is a state agency in the NC Department of Public instruction, established in 1981 by Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., and authorized in 1985 by the General Assembly.  It is composed of twenty-four members, of whom six are Holocaust survivors or first generation lineal descendants of survivors.  All members are volunteers appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the House, or the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; six are appointed at large.

Along with this exhibit, local artist Stephen Shoemaker will display his newest painting of Czestawa Kwoka, a teenage girl who was prisoner at Auschwitz.  The library’s focus on the Holocaust was planned to offer extended resources for students at Ashe High School who will be studying this as part of their curriculum in 2019.  The community is invited to attend a special presentation by Dr. Walter Ziffer about his experience as a “Witness to the Holocaust” on January24, 2019.

Dates to remember in December:

The library will be closed on December 24 - 26 for Christmas.

Children’s Programs

• Baby Bounce meets every Friday at 10:30 a.m. for ages birth to 2 years.  Enjoy stories, rhymes, bounces, and songs with a stay-and-play social time afterwards. 
• Tot Time takes place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays for ages 2 and 3.  Wiggle, giggle, laugh, sing, and create.  A fun-filled time featuring stories, music, and a craft.
• Storytime for ages 4 and 5 is at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday.  Join us for ABC adventures with stories, art, and music. 
• The Illustrator Book Club, for grades 3 – 6, meets at 4:00 p.m. on December 13. Observe an artistic style and attempt to re-create it.  December’s featured book is One Night Two Moons, by Joe Miller.

Teen Programs

• Help pack Winter Care Kits for people in Ashe County who are experiencing homelessness during this coldest season at 4:00 p.m. on December 4.  Also, enjoy hot chocolate and music from the library’s literary Spotify playlist.
• Board Game Café is open at 4:00 p.m. on December 11.  Come and make some friends! Play a variety of board games and enjoy coffee and sweet treats.
• Compete to create the ultimate ice cream sundae with Snow Days Sundae Wars at 4:00 p.m. on December 18.  Prizes will be awarded.

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.

All Ages

• A Reading Challenge Focus Group is meeting at 5:30 p.m. on December 13.  Your librarians have been hard at work planning 50 new challenges for the 2019 Reading Challenge, and now we want to hear from you!  What do you want the challenge to look like?  What do you enjoy most?  What do you not enjoy?  What could be improved? 
• SAVE THE DATE: The 2018 Reading Challenge Wrap-up and 2019 Reading Challenge Kickoff Party takes place at 5:00 p.m. on January 3, 2019.  Participants in the 2018 Reading Challenge are eligible to win prizes!
• Read & Craft meets at 10 a.m. on December 15. Travel the world with a hook in one hand and a ball of yarn in the other. This month, go to Russia.  Instruction available for beginners and project materials are provided.
• The Community Drum Circle meets at 5:30 p.m. on December 13 and 27.  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 December 1 and 15 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.

Special Holiday Events

• The Grinch is coming to steal Christmas at 3:30 p.m. on December 5!  Don’t miss the chance to meet him (and his dog, Max) as they bring Dr. Suess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas to life in their own special, silly way.  Make sure to stick around afterward for photos and fun during our exclusive Meet-and-Greet.  We promise your heart will grow three sizes.  Caleb Sigmon, as the Grinch, will astound you!
• Take a break from the holiday hustle!  We invite you to enjoy a leisurely cup of tea, a little something sweet, a lovely chat, holiday music, and more.  This event is our gift to the community for your support throughout the year.  Please join us and bring your friends!
• All ages are invited to join us in celebrating a Superhero Holiday at 4:00 p.m. on December 20. This event is a fun mixture of superhero activities that includes games and special superhero Christmas ornaments.  Wear a costume or just come as you are!