#GetLibraryCarded

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide join together to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning.

Library lovers know that showing your library card gets you access to great things all year-round, but during Library Card Sign-up Month it will also get you the chance to win $100.  Help us spread the word about the value of libraries this September by snapping a picture with your library card and posting it to Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #GetLibraryCarded.  You'll be automatically entered in a drawing to win a $100 Visa gift card!  Entries can also be submitted by posting as a comment or wall post on the I Love Libraries Facebook page.  

The promotion begins Sunday, September 1 at noon CT and ends Sunday, September 22 at noon CT. Librarians and library lovers are encouraged to participate. Don't forget to cover up any personally identifiable information!

The #GetLibraryCarded Promotion is open to residents of the United States, Washington, D.C., and U.S. Territories. Employees of the American Library Association are not eligible to participate.

If you haven't visited the library recently, stop by during September to see what's new and take part in the celebration.  Do you have friends who don't have library cards? September is a great month to invite them to the library.

Ashe County Public Library is also recruiting partners from local businesses to help promote Library Card Sign-up Month.  Businesses can participate by offering perks to customers who show their library cards.   Photos of cardholders at participating business locations must be posted on social media, using the #GetLibraryCarded@AsheCountyPublicLibrary.

At time of this news release, The Blue Ridge Movie Lounge has already planned to offer a discount on VIP memberships and select shows, to those who are “library carded,” during the month of September.

Dates to remember in September: 

The library will be closed on September 2 for Labor Day.  

Children’s Programs

·        Baby Bounce, for ages birth to 2 years, takes place every Friday at 10:30 a.m.  Enjoy stories, rhymes, bounces, and songs, with stay-and-play time afterward.

·        Tot time meets every Wednesday for ages two and three for a fun-filled time with stories, art, and music.  Come out to wiggle, giggle, laugh, sing, and create!

·        Story Time for ages four and five takes place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays.  Join us for ABC Adventures of stories, art, and music. 

Teen Programs (Ages 12-18)

·         T for Teen meets at 4:00 p.m. on September 3.  Gamers unite!  Xbox 360 and laptops available for teen gaming.

·         Open Studio (games, art, & snacks) is held at 4:00 p.m. on September 17.

·        Teen Listening Council (TLC) / A.S.H.E. meets at 4:00 p.m. on September 24. Once each month, A Safe Home for Everyone will host Teen Listening Council. Each session will feature snacks, fun activities, and help in navigating the turbulent teenage years.

Adult Programs

·         Life with Children takes place at 10:00 a.m. on September 10.  Welcoming parents and caregivers of young children for practical parenting tips and discussion, light refreshments, and time to enjoy the companionship of others who are raising the next generation.  Child care will be provided by members of the Friends of Ashe County Library (FOL).  Registration is suggested.  This is a program of the FOL with support from the library.

·         The Talking Service Book Club meets at 10:00 a.m. on September 13.  Each meeting begins with a discussion of one or more readings from Standing Down: From Warrior to Civilian, a collection of works ranging from Homer’s Iliad to recent memoirs by veterans of conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. The readings serve as an entry for attendees, particularly veterans, to talk candidly about their own experiences. This club is open to veterans and anyone who cares about veterans. Stop by the library to pick up a copy of this month’s read!

·         Brouhaha Book Club takes place at 5:30 p.m. on September 30 at Boondocks Brewing.  Come as you are and read what you want.  There is no required reading for this book club!  Join us to share the books you’ve read over the past month and get recommendations for your next great read!

·         For all your tech troubles, book an appointment with our friendly reference librarians.  Call 336.846.2041 x111. 

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

·         Vickie’s Book Club meets at 1:00 p.m. September 10 to discuss Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver.

All Ages

·         Get Crafty will meet on September 21 for crocheting and knitting from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  All skill levels welcome, materials are provided.

·         The Community Drum Circle meets at 5:30 p.m. on September 12 and 26.  Join the celebration of drums, while exploring the soul and spirit of music!

·         Mountain Music Molasses (slow) Jam meets from 3:00 – 5:00 on September 7 and 21 in the downstairs meeting room.  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

·         Ashe County’s 12th annual On the Same Page Literary Festival promises attendees a medley of characters and places, both real and fictional, by a group of outstanding authors. Events include author readings, writing workshops, and special luncheon events. Authors are Diane Chamberlain, PT Deutermann, Georgann Eubanks, Robert Gipe, Jaki Shelton Green, Ronni Lundy, Beth Macy, AJ Mayhew, Alan Michael Parker, and Stephanie Powell Watts. Pick up a full schedule at the library or view online at OnTheSamePageFestival.org. To make a reservation for a writing workshop or a luncheon event, call Ashe Arts Council at 336.846.2787.

·         Visit the library at Museum of Ashe County History between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on September 28 for a special Fall Festival Event.  Molasses Jam will be performing … all musicians are invited to join in!