Summer Fun = Summer Reading and Other Library Activities!

Ashe County Public Library has something for everyone, and we're not just talking about books. Although to begin with, I will mention that books are the perfect vehicle for transporting yourself to another place (or time) if you can't afford a get-away vacation. In a recent online book club poll, members were asked where they would be physically, based on the book they were currently reading. At the time I “was” in Munich, Germany and replies from others touched on all corners of the world and everywhere in between.

During the summer months, our youth services department has many activities to keep children reading. There will be lots of hand-on programs and special events that include: music, art, science experiments, storytelling and magic. Some programs require pre-registration, but this year for big events, FREE tickets will be made available thirty minutes before programs begin. Be sure to check the library's website calendar and save-the-dates for these activities. Even though school is out for break, it is important to keep reading and exploring through books. Children are encouraged to read with incentives for special events and prizes. But the best thing about reading during the summer is to keep your brain active and retain skills and knowledge.

Even for adults, throughout life, the habit of learning is something one should make a regular practice. The benefits of life-long learning are many, but primarily these can be accounted for in three categories. The greatest benefits help with coping in a fast-changing world, greater paychecks with increased job opportunities, most of all learning and reading will add enjoyment and fulfillment to your life.

I'd also like to point out that play is a big part of learning, especially when interacting with others. This builds social skills and imagination. As mentioned, you can find more than just books at the library, there are unique check-out materials available that add to the experiences of learning and playing. Such as, ukeleles available to borrow for discovering a hidden musical talent and newly added gym bags with balls, jump ropes, frisbees, etc … for park fun. Be sure to make Ashe County Public Library a top destination place when planning your summer. We look forward to seeing you there!

Dates to remember in June: 

 Children’s Programs

• Friday Frolic every week at 10:30 a.m. for Pre-Ks: June 1 – I is for Imagination, June 8 – Music and Ranger Joe, June 15 – Bubbles, June 22 – Surprise!
• Hands on Regional Museum visits at 10:30 a.m. with Boomwhackers. Discover some of the smallest bones in the body – the ones in our ears! Come out and play a song on palmpipes and listen to crystal water glasses. *Registration required. 
• North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences presents the Sounds of Nature at 10:30 a.m. on June 28. * Registration required.
• Turchin Art Center visits at 11:00 a.m. on June 29 (for ages 3-6). Join us for art and a story! *Registration required.

NEW This Summer - pick up a (FREE) ticket at the library for these programs 30 min. before start time.

• See Caleb Sigmon LIVE! and hear a spectaccular story told by a fantastic illusionist (for ages 6-12) at 10:30 a.m. on June 12.
• ScienceTellers share “The Mystery of the Gold Piano” (for ages birth – 12) at 10:30 a.m. on June 19. Don't miss this wild west story, told with science experiments!
• “Almost Amazing Al” performs an (always) amazing magic show at 10:30 a.m. on June 21 (for ages birth-9)

Tween Programs

• STEM for Tweens - Join us in all the fun of experiments that can go wrong at 3:00 p.m. on June 14. *Registration required.
• Turchin Art Center visits at 4:00 p.m. on June 28. Join us for art and a story! *Registration required.
• Comic & Anime Club meets at 3:00 on June 1, 15, and 29 for ages 10 – 18. Explore the artistic style and creations of Comic Books, Anime, and Mangas.

Teen Programs

• T for Teen – Gamers Unite! Meet-up at 4:00 p.m. on June 5. Xbox360 and laptops available for teen gaming.
• Board Game Café is open at 4:00 p.m. on June 12. Play a variety of board games and enjoy coffee and sweet treats.
• The Teen Creative Corner meets at 4:00 p.m. on June 19. 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 June 26.
  

Adult Programs

• For all your tech troubles, book and appointment with our friendly reference librarians.  Call 336.846.2041 x227.  Free computer classes are offered on a variety of topics every Tuesday.
• 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 June 2. Find new ways to stay motivated to achieve your goals throughout the year!

All Ages

• Read & Craft meets at 10 a.m.  on June 16. Travel the world with a hook in one hand and a ball of yarn in the other. This month we celebrate America with patriotic crafts.  Instruction available for beginners and project materials are provided.
• The Community Drum Circle meets at 5:30 p.m. on June 14 and 28.  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 June 2 and 16 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.