Wowbrary, Websites and Apps

Wowbrary is coming to Appalachian Regional Library System.  WOW! What is it?  Wowbrary is an online tool that can be found on Ashe County Library’s website (Wilkes & Watauga too). Wowbrary will display and regularly inform the public of newest additions to the library's collection.  Library patrons can easily browse and place holds online by using this service.  This is a great way to notify the community of all the newest books and movies.  It is a convenient way to explore the library’s collection.  Please note that Wowbrary uses an automatic process to select the Top Choices to avoid political, religious, or other human bias.  The generated list is not reviewed to remove items that might be controversial, because that too could introduce bias.  The library is committed to serving everyone,  to the principle of free speech, and the expression of ideas.  That means from time to time each of us sees books at a library that we don’t agree with.  It is our hope that encouraging everyone to read and explore ideas more fully will help us as individuals and together improve society.

As the new school year is set to begin on August 15, we would also like to introduce recognized apps and websites that foster innovation, creativity, active participation, and collaboration.  The “Best Apps and Websites for Learning and Teaching were evaluated and chosen by The American Association of School Librarians.   The Best Apps are user friendly and encourage a community of learners to explore and discover.  Give your photos a voice with ChatterPix! Explore EarthViewer (similar to Google Earth), Green Screen by Do Ink will help you create incredible videos and photos, iCell gives a 360-degree view of cells and helps with challenging scientific vocabulary, and many other apps help kids with learning to read, language, writing, math, social-emotional development, problem-solving skills, and motor development. 

Best Websites include a slew of free resources with sites, for learning geography, coding, science, teaching tolerance, and even a place to “unite for literacy.”  Links to all of the Best Websites and Apps for teaching and learning can be found on the library’s website, or just drop by for a demonstration and explore!

Dates to remember in August: 

Children’s Programs

• Chess Club, for all ages, meets at 3:00 p.m. on August 2. Up your game with this table top classic.
• Join the Superhero Run from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on August 3 and test your strength, intelligence, or blasters!  Whatever your super power, come show off your skills in your best hero (or villain) cosplay.
• A Summer Reading Party takes place at 2:00 p.m. on August 10.  All readers who complete and turn in their reading passports by August 9, receive an invitation to this special party!  

Teen Programs

• Special programming: Teen Art with Turchin will be held at 4:00 p.m. on August 6 & 13. Learn about Vincent Van Gogh and attempt to replicate his artistic styles.
• Express yourself at Open Studio (games, art, & snacks) at 4:00 p.m. on August 20.  
• Teen Listening Council (TLC) / A.S.H.E. meets at 4:00 p.m. on August 27 (Ages 12-18) 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

• Throughout 2019, VAYA Health is sponsoring a Public Presentation Series at the library.  Two topics will be highlighted, back-to-back, from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Join us on August 1 for “Substance Use, Misuse and the Opioid Crisis,” and “Dementia-Psychosis Behavior: What You Need to Know.”

• The Talking Service Book Club meets at 10:00 a.m. on August 9.  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!
•  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.
• Vickie’s Book Club meets at 1:00 p.m. August 20 to discuss Dopesick by Beth Macy

All Ages

• Get Crafty meets for crocheting and knitting from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on August 17. All skill levels welcome, materials are provided.
• The Community Drum Circle meets at 5:30 p.m. on August 8 and 22.  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 3 and 17 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 Events

• The On the Same Page Festival Read Kick-Off event takes place at 1:00 p.m. on August 8, in the library. “Exploring the Heart of Dopesick” will introduce the book to those who have yet to read it, and start the discussion of its contents—described by the NY Times as “a harrowing, deeply compassionate dispatch from the heart of a national emergency.” 
• A panel discussion, featuring local professionals and others, on “Opioids and Ashe County,” takes place at 1:00 p.m. on August 29 in the library.