Huskies Read!

Research shows that boys are having trouble reading, and are getting worse at reading. The facts are that boys don’t read as much as girls and this reading gender gap is affecting boys’ performance in school.  No one is quite sure why. Some of the reasons are biological.  Some of the reasons are sociological.

On his Web site, guysread.com, the teacher and author Jon Scieszka writes that boys “don’t feel comfortable exploring the emotions and feelings found in fiction. . . . Boys don’t have enough positive male role models for literacy. Because the majority of adults involved in kids’ reading are women, boys might not see reading as a masculine activity.” 

Brian Hampton, Ashe High School football coach, realized the need for boys to improve on their reading skills and met with school officials last week to organize after-school reading groups for his Huskies and younger boys.  Starting April 5 the high school boys plan to visit a different elementary school every Wednesday to spend some time reading and talking about books with beginning (boy) readers.  For many boys reading is often viewed as a task to be done, rather than something to be enjoyed. Coach Hampton’s vision is that his players will feel good about themselves by helping, and in return boys of both age groups will actively enjoy and discuss stories, develop their listening and concentration skills, and build an appreciation for reading.  While reading on Wednesdays the Huskies will wear their team jerseys, adding significant “coolness” to the sport of reading.  Coach Hampton is also encouraging his players to get county library cards and find out about resources that are available.  The library has scores of databases, access to books on all topics through its state catalog, DVDs, games, and special programs.  Teens are also invited to volunteer at the county library when looking for community service opportunities. 

After the school year ends, the library will continue inspiring reluctant readers with a “Boys Read Club” to help them develop a love for reading and an appreciation for the books, programs, and services of the library.

Dates to remember in April:

The library will be closed on April 14 and 15 for Easter weekend.

 Children’s Programs

• Baby Bounce meets every Friday at 10:00 a.m. for ages birth to 2 years.  Enjoy stories, rhymes, bounces, and songs with a stay-and-play social time afterwards.
• Tot Time meets every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. for ages 2 and 3.  Wiggle, giggle, laugh, sing, and create!  This is a fun-filled time featuring stories, art, and music.
• Story Time meets every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for ages 4 and 5.  Join us for ABC adventures with stories, art, and music.
• Move to the Music is an active engaging time for youth to explore music, movement, and learning. This program is for ages 1-7 and meets on April 7 at 10:30 a.m.  A moving child is a learning child.
• The Lego Club meets on April  20 at 4:30 p.m. for grades 1-5. Build, create, and make new friends.

Tween Programs

·         Tween Takeover! Gamers Unite! Tween gamers meet at 4:00 p.m. on April 13 for food and fun with friends to play Minecraft, giant games and various board games.

Teen Programs

• T for Teen, Gamers unite! will meet at 4:00 p.m. on April 4.  Xbox 360 and laptops available for gaming.
• Teen Art Studio meets at 4:00 p.m. on April 11. Come and create! We provide the supplies and you make the art in this open choice art studio.
• Board Game Café meets at 4:00 p.m. on April 18.  Come alone or bring a group to enjoy a variety of board games, hot coffee from local brews, and sweet treats.
• The Teen Advisory Council (TAC) meets at 5:00 p.m. on April 18.  Tell us what you want to see in YOUR library.
• Teen Craft Club meets at 4:00 p.m. on April 25.  Join us for a Black Out Poetry Slam to celebrate National Poetry Month!

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.
• Read Around the World Book Club meets at 5:45 p.m. on April 19.  Take a literary journey to far-flung locales with this monthly book club, focusing on titles set in other countries. Ask for this month’s selection, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, at the circulation desk.
• The Library Matinee (TBA) will be at 3:00 p.m. on April 8. 
• Brouhaha Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on April 24 in Boondocks Restaurant for “Books, Beer and Bookworm Babble.”  Come and find out what everyone has been reading lately!

 All Ages

• A family program, Book and a Bite, takes place from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on April 1. Pick up a recipe, create a craft, and laugh.  Browse our joke and wacky book selections for mealtime fun.

• Get Crafty and make Quick Knit & Crochet Gifts at 10:00 a.m. on April 8.  Instruction available for beginners and project materials are provided.

• The Community Drum Circle meets at 5:30 p.m. on April 11 and 25.  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 April 7 in the downstairs meeting room (after-hours access through side door on lower parking lot) and on April 21 in the park pavilion (behind the library) for a special potluck pick-nic.  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:

• Come out and wish Arly the Library Fox a Happy Birthday at 9:30 a.m. on April 11.
• Kevin Hining, wildlife education specialist, will be back for a special NC Science Festival event.  Come out and discover what animal has a powerful predator deterrent at 4:00 p.m. on April 20.
• Save the date and join us from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on April 21, for Pickin’ & Grinnin’ in the Park with a Potluck Picnic and a Poet.  Bring a dish and join North Carolina Poet Laureate, Shelby Stephenson, in the park behind the library for this special event!
• Visit the Backstreet Park at 10:00 a.m. on April 22 to see a performance of Shelby Stephenson’s “family play,” Maytle’s World by Ashe Little Theater. 
• The Friends of Ashe Library will host a reception for 5^th & 6^th grade poetry contest winners.  Join us for refreshments to honor young, talented poets.
• Learn about Moonjars, a novel way to teach your child about money at 4:00 p.m. on April 27.  Come out and create your own Moonjar!