Twig Revival

Ashe County Public Library has been maintaining a number of ‘Little Free Libraries’ throughout the county since 2013.  These book-swap spots were envisioned to reach community members who live farthest away from the library.  Since Ashe County only has one main library, without any branch locations, the little libraries are affectionately referred to as ‘Twigs.’ 

When the pandemic hit in 2020 the Twigs weren’t serviced as usual.  Typically, each month the Twigs are restocked with books and information about upcoming library programs.  Over the years, many community volunteers have assisted the library with caring for the Twigs and freshening inventory.  Now that pandemic restrictions are lifting the Twigs are being refreshed and put back into service. 

The Friends of Ashe County Public Library are coordinating the care and service of library Twigs among their members who live near Twig locations (Family Central, State Line Grocery, Mabe’s Grocery, Sheets Grocery, Fleetwood Post Office, Todd Mercantile, Downtown Lansing, and Riverview Community Center).  Future plans are to expand library outreach with pop-up events at these locations.  You can find out more about these Twigs and other Little Free Libraries in the region at: https://arlibrary.libguides.com/littlefreelibraries  Visit a Twig location near you and find something good to read!

 

Summer Learning 2021

 

Summer is a great time to catch up on reading about some of your favorite topics, and to let your imagination take you on a journey.  The Ashe Public Library has summer reading activities for all ages and is encouraging everyone to participate in discovering good books and to have fun learning.  Reading for pleasure can help turn you into a life-long learner.

Studies show that public library summer reading programs enhance student achievement.  Summer reading programs are an antidote for learning loss. So instead of losing knowledge and skills during the summer months, kids who attend reading programs actually show gains.  This summer a number of exciting programs are planned and prizes are given as encouragement for children to keep reading over the summer (June 7 – July 31). 

This summer, the theme for children’s programming is Tails and Tales.  The season begins, at 11:00 a.m. on June 12, with an outdoor (library parking lot) Adoption Fair in partnership with Canines & Happy Tails Rescue.  During the month of June, you can virtually visit the Greensboro Science Center for Aquarium Adaptations, go on an African Safari with the NC Zoo, and hear Tales about Tails from the Schiele Museum.  Be sure and visit our website, and follow us on Facebook, for dates, times, and more special guests appearing online throughout the summer. 

As mentioned, the Ashe County Public Library wants to give you books/prizes when you read your recommended 20 minutes a day.  Earn a book/prize for every 100 minutes read.  Become eligible for special prizes when you read more than 800 minutes. Don’t forget, it’s a fine free summer when you check out books with your student ID.  Plus, it’s a ‘read to bead’ summer!  Each week you turn in your reading log, you earn a new animal bead.  For more information, visit bit.ly/ashesummer21.

Teen programming plans highlight pirate adventures.  “Read up, me hearties!”  The first 50 teens to sign up will receive a copy of Treasure Island.  Enjoy online activities and weekly take home kits throughout the summer.  Submit your reading time and learning activities to earn points and be eligible for some ‘arrr-esome’ prizes.  

Adult Summer Reading will have you ‘Exploring Near and Far.’ Enjoy a scratch-off challenge for the near (go on a hike, put your feet in some water, listen to some music outside, visit a Twig, etc . . .) and far (read books set in a variety of exotic locales).  Read and complete activities to earn points and be eligible for prizes.  We will also offer weekly adult kits while supplies last.

For all ages, every third Saturday, beginning June 19, meet us in the park picnic area behind the library at 10:00 a.m. for a Get Crafty Session and at 2:00 p.m. join us to either listen to or make some ‘mountain’ music with Molasses Jam.

Also during June and July, the library will host a live story time at the Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.  Details for all these programs can be found on the library's website at www.ashelibrary.com.

Free sessions on Compassionate Non-Violent Communication

 

The Ashe County Public Library on behalf of NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) High Country, is promoting three sessions on compassionate non-violent communication via Zoom at 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays, April 10, 17, & 24. 

Ed Rothstein, Peer Specialist in Western North Carolina Watauga County for Daymark Recovery Center, will be facilitating the sessions.   He has a B.S. degree in Physical Education from San Francisco State University and has worked in the mental health field, under various capacities, for over thirty years.

Rothstein will be using Marshal Rosenburg’s workbook Nonviolent Communication to lead the sessions and all those who register to participant will receive a free copy of this workbook in the mail.  Register for the sessions at this link: bit.ly/3fGx4LM

“Nonviolent Communication shows us a way of being very honest, without criticism, insults, or put-downs, and without any intellectual diagnosis implying wrongness.” – Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD

Rosenberg’s book has sold over 3,000,000 copies in 35 languages around the world.  You can visit www.nonviolentcommunication.com to learn more about Nonviolent Communication. 

-                   -   published by PuddleDancer Press, here is an excerpt from the website:

If “violent” means acting in ways that result in hurt or harm, then much of how we communicate – judging others, bullying, having racial bias, blaming, finger pointing, discriminating, speaking without listening, criticizing others or ourselves, name-calling, reacting when angry, using political rhetoric, being defensive or judging who’s “good/bad” or what’s “right/wrong” with people – could indeed be called “violent communication.”

Nonviolent Communication is the integration of 4 things:

Consciousness – A set of principles that support living a life of compassion, collaboration, courage, and authenticity.

Language – Understanding how words contribute to connection or distance.

Communication - Knowing how to ask for what you want, how to hear others even in disagreement, and how to move forward towards solutions that work for work.

Means of influence – Sharing “power with others” rather than using “power of others.”

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) serves our desire to increase our ability to live with choice, meaning, and connection.  Using NVC helps us to connect empathically with self and others to have more satisfying relationships, and by sharing our resources, everyone is able to benefit.

Spring Back From the Pandemic

 

Ashe County Public Library is dedicated to serving its community and is happy to announce that ‘inside service’ is now available for library patrons.  We are thrilled to see faces again . . . We’ve missed everyone!

After the initial shutdown in March 2020, we reopened in May 2020 with modified services: curbside pick-ups, virtual programs, and numerous procedures for health safety.  Operating during the summer months was especially difficult, since public gathering restrictions prevented us from holding traditional summer reading events and activities for children.  Luckily our librarians are especially creative and found ways to reach readers and connect with the community despite these circumstances.  They began to offer Take-home Activity Kits, recorded story time videos, and interactive zoom programs, helping to fight social isolation.   In the Fall months, we began surveying the public and talking with community groups to solicit feedback on a new five-year-plan for our county and the regional system. On several occasions, library staff visited selected areas throughout the county for outdoor pop-up library events.  Following the holiday season, all our regional libraries reclosed in January due to a spike in Covid cases.  Curbside delivery continued, as well as assistance with copies and print information requests.  Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Team adjusted their efforts, with help from library staff, by offering drop-off & pick-up of documents for virtual appointments.  Programs continued to live-stream on Facebook or via Zoom.

Ashe Library certainly kept busy during the previous ‘unprecedented’ year.  There were a total of 818 new patrons registered in 2020 and the circulation of digital materials (ebooks, streaming films, magazine) continues to rise.  The library’s new normal will include virtual services along with the anticipated return to pre-pandemic in-person services.

For now, ACPL will continue to observe the 3W’s – Wear, Wash, Wait –  and require visitors to do the same.  Our opening hours are Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs from 10:00 - 6:00 and Fri & Sat from 10:00 - 4:00.  As you enter the library, there will be a library staff member to answer any questions and remind visitors to limit their time inside to no more than one hour.  Computers will be available and workspaces cleaned regularly.  There is also the option of using parking lot Wi-Fi, mobile hotspots, or borrowing a Chromebook.  

As the health environment of our county and nation continues to improve, we are looking forward to increasing hours and lifting limitations.  Stay safe, stay well, and vaccinate!

Find out about “the secrets of anonymous people” in conversation with Bud Mikhitarian, author of Many Faces One Voice

 

Bud Mikhitatian is an award-winning writer, producer, and director in broadcast news, film documentaries, and commercial production.  His book Many Faces One Voice: Secrets from The Anonymous people is a journey of surprising discoveries as celebrities, politicians, executives, academicians, recovery leaders, and other extraordinary individuals share personal, often breathtaking stories that convey the hope and reality of recovery.  

Recovery is the miracle antidote to one of the most destructive forces in our society – addiction. Through first-hand stories in this book, told by people from all walks of life, we learn in intimate detail that recovery is real, and that recovery works.  The faces and voices of recovery presented in the book give us helpful information on how to deal with addiction and make recovery successful. In so doing, the brave people who are fighting the stigma of addiction and who advocate for recovery inspire us all to see the transformative power of recovery.  Recovery, we finally learn is a solution for everyone and all that ails us in our lives.

At least 86 million Americans are directly affected by the addiction of family members or friends.  All the rest of us are affected in some way too, if not by intimate pain and suffering, then by the dollar cost of addiction, the failings of recovery healthcare, and the eroding of our social capital.

Mikhitarian has also produced a documentary, Anonymous People, to compliment his book.  This film is available on Netflix and can be requested at the library.  Register in advance for a meeting with Bud Mikhitarian at 4:00 p.m. on March 11  (http://bit.ly/3r8uEbJ) and receive a free copy of his book or film while supplies last.

This conversation, and others to come, was funded through a Community Inclusion grant with SAMSHA and NCDHHS in partnership with Ashe and Watauga Public Libraries to raise awareness about mental health through books and conversations. 

This community inclusion project aims to build people’s confidence so that they can more readily explore the world of books and reading.  Usually we think of reading as an isolated activity.  Both the ARL and NAMI want to break down barriers to reading through connection.  This is one way to address the disempowerment that comes from exclusion.

“Reading about people’s lived experiences and gaining insights into mental health conditions through zoom discussion sessions present the perfect collaboration with the library,” says Karen Gross, board member NAMI High Country.

This project will not only connect individuals with mental conditions to reading for pleasure, discovery and new ideas, but it will also connect inclusive communities through sharing author interviews, book discussions with peer support specialists, and other facilitators on the topics of insightful communication methods.  Participants will learn new tools for self-care found in free Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) booklets offered by the library.  Topics include; overcoming isolation during COVID19, finding freedom from addictions, moving forward from incarceration, and plans for veterans, active service members, and military in transition.  These booklets can be sent out, by request, through direct mail or you may pick them up at the library.  Call Karen at 336.982.2100 for information.

Show a Little Library Love This Month!

Move over St Valentine’s because February 14 is also Library Lovers’ Day!  In fact, the whole month of February is nationally recognized as Library Lover’s Month and is a chance for everyone to reconnect with Ashe County Public Library (ACPL) and show a little library love.

The initiative, coordinated by Ashe County Public Library’s Board of Trustees and library staff, aims to raise the profile of services offered by ACPL. Libraries provide quality information services that support lifelong learning and significantly impact the cultural and information industry.  They are the number one most trusted public institution and looked to as a leader, a place, and platform that you can come to for accurate appropriate information. 

When pandemic precautions became necessary, ACPL began offering a variety of programs online; such as monthly zoom meetings with a veterans reading group and Lego challenges for children.  Along with online programming, the library offers expanded Wi-Fi parking lot access and curbside pickup.  Many patrons have been able to attend library programs for the first time because they could watch them from home.  There has been an incredible uptick in Facebook interactions and ACPL has been able to reach new people with social media. Recently the library added Chromebooks and Hotspots to its circulating collection, providing Internet service and devices for overnight checkout.  Taking home technology is especially crucial for students and job-seekers.  Patrons are beginning to realize how easy and convenient it is to order items online or via phone.  Librarians are also creating activity kits, for all ages, to take home in lieu of onsite programming.  This has become very popular and is another new and unique way of connecting with the community. 

‘Many people will likely want curbside service, even when COVID restrictions are lifted.’

~ Rebecca Kennedy, Circulation Manager 

Last year, ACPL registered 818 new library accounts!  Our regular library users, along with new cardholders are finding out about RB Digital (e-magazines), OverDrive (e-books), and Kanopy (film streaming) They’ve been stuck at home more and are learning they can use their library card to sign-in and read or watch something new.  NC LIVE, a database provided by NC State Library, can be accessed through the library’s website, for free with an active library card.  This database includes Transparent Language, a resource for interactive lessons in 100 different languages.  There is even a feature for children, Kidspeak, that makes languages extra fun by using cartoons!  There are more e-books and films on NC LIVE, as well as many articles for researchers and test-prep for students too.

Ashe County Public Library provides access to information and resources which have been carefully curated, chosen because they are high quality and meet your needs. What’s more, Ashe County Librarians have been specifically trained to help you find the information you want. They know how to search online, have access to databases and indexes that wouldn’t be practical to purchase and are familiar with the collection of resources that are available.  Visit ACPL’s website to chat online, or call 336-846-2041

‘Not everyone can afford to buy all the books or resources they need and want. But they are free to borrow — whether that is an e-book, an audio book, a DVD, CD or some other resource.’

~Suzanne Moore, County Librarian

While celebrating Library Lover’s Month, we encourage patrons and library lovers to make a gift in support of Ashe County any time through February 28 by visiting us at www.ashelibrary.org 

Curbside Only . . . for now

 

Appalachian Regional Library, with public libraries in Ashe, Watauga, and Wilkes Counties, is moving back into curbside and virtual services only.  Beginning Wednesday, January 13, all our libraries will be closed to the public. 

The library system has chosen this course of action due to the recent spike in positive COVID19 cases across the state and Dr. Mandy Cohen’s directive recommending that people stay at home as much as possible.  Please see https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/ncdhhs-issues-secretarial-directive-immediate-actions-protect-north-carolinians for details. We want to keep library users and staff as safe as possible during this dangerous time.

Curbside service will be available during all open hours. You may call your local library to request particular items, put items on hold through our online catalog, or call the library to request that a staff person choose books for you. The Take & Make kits we have had available in our libraries will be available through curbside pickup as long as they last. Check with your library to discover the details of how to take advantage of curbside service.

Please check your local library websites or Facebook pages for the days and times of curbside service at your home library. You will also find links to lots of virtual materials and programs to enjoy. 

https://www.arlibrary.org/ashe  Ashe County Public Library

https://www.arlibrary.org/watauga  Watauga County Public Library

https://www.arlibrary.org/wilkes  Wilkes County Public Library & Traphill Branch Library

Find us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Ashe-County-Public-Library-379422518832559/

https://www.facebook.com/wataugacountylibrary

https://www.facebook.com/WilkesCountyPublicLibrary

Keep an eye on the website or our Facebook pages for further updates as they become available. Remember the 3 W’s – Wear a mask, wash your hands often, and wait six feet from other people. Stay safe so you can come back to see us when all this is over!

Mobile Hot-Spots, Chromebooks, Expanded Wi-Fi

The Ashe County Public Library, as a member of the Appalachian Regional Library System, has received new technology to lend from a Digital Inclusion Grant through the State Library of North Carolina. The grant award provided funding to purchase and provide Chromebooks and mobile hotspots for residents of ARL’s three counties. This technology can be borrowed with a current library card, in good standing, and kept for up to 21 days (no renewals). Both a hot spot and a Chromebook can be borrowed at the same time, but are limited to one per family. You must be at least eighteen years old to borrow these devices, or if younger have a parent to check them out.

“This grant is made possible by funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-246551-OLS-20).” 

The pandemic has reminded us that Internet is not a luxury, it is essential. Many high-risk individuals have sheltered at home during the pandemic and lost access to vital computing and internet resources that they usually receive at the public library. We believe lifting the barriers of access to digital content by providing hardware (laptops) and connectivity (Wi-Fi hotspots) will offer opportunities for patrons to access digital resources needed for vital information, job and career opportunities, educational resources, and reading material. 

 Other exciting news comes from the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Ashe County Public Library was one of 350 public sites to receive expanded Internet access with the “Park and Learn” project. This project provides free high-speed Wi-Fi access to students in rural communities. At the library, Internet access is available on both the lower and upper parking lot 24 hours - 7 days a week. 

The “Park and Learn” project is part of a broader effort called NC Student Connect, and was created to improve internet connectivity and fill gaps that are a barrier to remote learning. The project is a partnership of state agencies, including the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Hometown Strong, the Department of Information Technology, the Governor’s Education Advisor and the NC Business Committee for Education, to rapidly connect students with remote learning. 

“Expanding student access to the internet has become a priority as school systems across the state have adopted remote learning policies in response to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Susi H. Hamilton, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “Our state parks, historic sites and local libraries are locations that provide a safe and secure space for students to access the internet for remote learning. Partnering with Hometown Strong on this project to bring internet access to our students in rural North Carolina is one of the most important initiatives we have undertaken together.”

Ashe County Public Library receives recognition award from i2i Center for Integrative Health

Laura McPherson, Adult Services Manager,
 with i2i award.

While keeping abreast of health concerns in the ‘Year of Covid’, we became aware of i2i (insight to innovation) Center of Integrative Health’s work to provide support for a comprehensive system of whole person care.  This non-profit organization is based in Cary, NC but reaches across the state to provide trainings, resources, and make connections with community health providers. 

Libraries play an integral part in health of individuals and the community as a whole.  At Ashe County Public Library, we partner with many local organizations and collaborate with leaders in the community about ways to provide wellness services that are designed to meet a variety of needs.  Our programming has featured eating healthy, suicide prevention, stories of recovery and hope, compassion and the ‘power of giving.’  This year we highlighted the national conversation about racial equality, and justice with a series of programs entitled “Talking About Race in Life and Literature.”   These programs provided a voice for people to communicate, advocate, and inform each other on these issues.

This year i2i issued a 2020 Innovation Awareness Challenge to recognize innovation in services and programming given 2020’s challenges of a pandemic, and the need for systemic response towards social injustice.  It was an honor to be chosen for this award, with programming centered on Race in Life and Literature, and to be recognized at their virtual conference.  The books we read, and the conversations we had, highlighted race, ethnicity, social injustices surrounding incarceration, and how to be a good ancestor.  This award reminds us that conversations like these should continue.  Check out our program guide for archived events and visit the library for books on these topics. It is important to affirm the dignity and value of black lives and black people. 

Wear It Like You Mean It!

 

Appalachian Regional Library Launches “Wear It Like You Mean It”

Local Public Libraries Determined to Keep Library Users and Staff Safe

Boone, West Jefferson, North Wilkesboro, NC:  Appalachian Regional Library, with public libraries in Ashe, Watauga, and Wilkes Counties, announced a new campaign to help keep its libraries open and serving the public during what may be a long and hard pandemic winter.  “Wear It Like You Mean It” focuses on the requirement for everyone to wear a mask or acceptable face covering in the right way – covering nose to chin – and to wear it at all times while in the library.

“The best information we have right now tells us that when everyone wears a mask, everyone is more protected from the virus,” Jane Blackburn, ARL Director, points out. “Library staff have been wearing masks for months now, and we will continue to do so until advised to stop by health authorities.  People coming into our libraries must also wear masks, and wear them correctly.” Blackburn added “We will of course follow the governor’s directions to allow exceptions as listed in his executive order, but if you have a condition that keeps you from wearing a mask, we encourage you to use our curbside service.”

The library’s expectations are that library visitors come into the building with a mask on, that it securely covers nose and mouth, and it is worn for the duration of the visit.  We request that if you are sick – especially with a fever, cough, or shortness of breath -- you do not enter the library.

ARL libraries have implemented all the recommended safety precautions, plus some. Staff wear masks at all times, wash hands frequently, and work at least six feet apart. Frequently touched surfaces are disinfected often.  Free or low-cost masks are offered to library users. Libraries have marked six-foot distances and one-way directional arrows on the floors where appropriate so that library users are reminded to keep their distance from one another.  When library materials are returned, they are quarantined for several days before being put back on the shelf.   Library users are encouraged to make their visits short, or to use Curbside Service and have their materials delivered to them in the parking lot.

Blackburn’s final comment: “We welcome library users to visit our libraries, but remind everyone:  Wear It Like You Mean It. Help us keep our communities safe and healthy!”

Holiday Events and Activities at Ashe County Public Library

 

Stop in the library and pick-up Ornamentality Kits for kids, teens, and adults; December 7 - 12.  All you need to create a special homemade ornament for your Christmas tree!

Take your family on a Virtual Expedition to the North Pole with Sigmon Theatrical at 5:30 p.m. on December 8 - LIVE on Ashe County Public Library’s Facebook page.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday rush and pick-up a Holiday Tea Take Home Kit; December 11 & 12.  Enjoy goodies and hot tea at home with a good book to read. What could be more perfect?

Join us for a Virtual Holiday Cook-along at 5:00 p.m. on December 12. This is a unique opportunity to cook together from the comfort of our homes while we garnish our dish with advice and stories from ‘beloved Southern food writer,’ Sheri Castle.  LIVE on Ashe County Public Library’s Facebook page.

Winter Holiday Kits are available for kids beginning December 14 – 23.  This is something to keep young ones busy while waiting for Christmas to FINALLY get here!

Visit Ashe County Public Library’s Facebook page for a Virtual Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas Event with Sigmon Theatrical, 5:30 p.m. on December 17.  Fun for the whole family!

Plan a family movie night with a little help from us!  Winter Family Movie Kits: A Christmas Carol, starring George C. Scott are available for pick-up December 16 – 23.

Keep reading over the holidays and win prizes with the Kids Winter Break Reading Challenge; December 18 – January 5.

Ashe County Public Library joins public libraries nationwide in digital reading program Sept. 14-28, 2020

 

Ashe County Public Library is joining public libraries across the country in offering access to the same ebook for a two-week period through the Libraries Transform Book Pick. The ebook selection is Lauren Francis-Sharma’s epic saga “Book of the Little Axe,” published by Atlantic Monthly Press, an imprint of Grove Atlantic.

During the lending period, Sept. 14-28, ebook copies of “Book of the Little Axe” will be available without waitlists or holds through U.S. public libraries using OverDrive. Readers will only need a library card and the Libby app to borrow and read the ebook.

Ambitious and masterfully wrought, “Book of the Little Axe” is an incredible journey, spanning decades and oceans from Trinidad to the American West during the tumultuous days of warring colonial powers and westward expansion. In a starred review, Booklist said Francis-Sharma “offers fascinating characters across the broad sweep of the American continent at a time of great tumult, warring colonial powers, the spread of slavery, and expansion West” and described the story as a “compelling saga of family bonds, ambitions, and desires, all subject to the vagaries of powerful historical forces.”

The selection of “Book of the Little Axe” for the Libraries Transform Book Pick was made in consultation with experts at Booklist. Atlantic Monthly Press is providing this title to public libraries for simultaneous use for two weeks at no cost.

“We chose Book of the Little Axe by Lauren Francis-Sharma because it is a strikingly original and richly compelling historical novel which illuminates the roots of America’s dire systemic racism. Francis-Sharma’s profoundly relevant saga will surely inspire meaningful discussions. Book of the Little Axe is also exquisitely well-written, and features a strong and fascinating woman protagonist.”

— Donna Seaman, Editor, Adult Books, Booklist

 

Ashe County Public Library will be hosting online discussions surrounding Book of Little Axe and other complimentary topics as part of Involving Books programming this fall. Several copies of Book of Little Axe have also been added to the library’s permanent print collection.  For more information about the Libraries Transform Book Pick, and additional programming please visit https://arlibrary.libguides.com/involvingbooks.  You can also follow the Libraries Transform Book Pick on ALA’s Facebook and Twitter and join the discussion on social media using the hashtag #LTBookPick.

Programs like the Libraries Transform Book Pick help showcase how libraries are continuing to serve their communities during challenging times by providing digital content and virtual services people need now more than ever. Over the last few months, Ashe County Public Library has expanded access to electronic content by adding 3,000 digital magazines to its online collection and offering  Kanopy, a collection of critically acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award-winning foreign films and more.  Kanopy Kids offers unlimited plays so kids are free to explore enriching, educational, and entertaining films and TV series.  Ashe Library is also finding innovative ways to continue virtual programming and other services, like chat reference on the library’s website.

The Libraries Transform Book Pick is a collaboration between Booklist, the book review magazine of the American Library Association; Libraries Transform, the American Library Association’s public awareness initiative; and OverDrive, ALA Library Champion and lead sponsor of Libraries Transform. 

Ashe County Public library promotes knowledge, reading, and imagination; supports and encourages life­long learning; and contributes to the sense of community and the economic well­being of Ashe County.

Library cards empower students and fuel academic success

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

There is nothing more empowering than signing up for your own library card. Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams and passions.

Libraries offer everything from early literacy programs to virtual homework help, helping to transform lives and communities through education. At Ashe County Public Library, you’ll find a wide variety of educational resources and activities, including quiet study spaces and technology to help out with online learning.

“Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children,” said Ashlin Edmisten, Youth Services Librarian. “Our library activities serve students of all ages and backgrounds and their families. Some of our most popular events are story times to build early literacy skills and get kids ready for school; hands-on maker and STEAM activities to encourage critical thinking and collaborative skills; wellness programs for body, mind, and spirit; cooking demonstrations; book clubs; teen club for ages 12-18; and many other programs to encourage exploration and discovery of the world around them.”

Ashe County Public Library, along with libraries everywhere, continues to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of our community. To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, please visit ashelibrary.com 

This year, DC’s Wonder Woman is embarking on a mission to champion the power of a library card as Library Card Sign-up Month Honorary Chair. In her new role, Wonder Woman will promote the value of libraries and encourage everyone to get their very own library card. During September, the Ashe County Public Library will host a Library Card Sign-up BINGO activity: Pick up your Bingo card along with your library card and join the fun.  If you already have a library card, you can still participate.  As in any Bingo game, once you fill in five squares in a row (down, across, or diagonal) you will be eligible for cool library prizes. 

#LibraryCardHero Social Media Promotion

Having a library card makes you feel like a superhero with all the amazing things it gives you access to, including technology, media resources, and educational programs. This Library Card Sign-up Month, we encourage you to strike your best superhero pose with your library card and post to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #LibraryCardHero. One randomly selected winner will receive 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.

This promotion begins Tuesday, September 1, at noon CT and ends Tuesday, September 22, at noon CT. All librarians and library lovers are encouraged to participate.

Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries unite together in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card. 

Ashe County Public library promotes knowledge, reading, and imagination; supports and encourages life­long learning; and contributes to the sense of community and the economic well­being of Ashe County.