Ashe County Library Celebrates 2nd Annual Twig Fest!

As you travel throughout the county you may discover a Little Free Library (aka a Twig Library) … or maybe you already frequent a Twig location nearby.  Since the county library doesn’t have any branch locations, there are seven “Twigs,” or places to find a good book and pick up monthly calendars to keep you informed about library happenings.  Twig locations include: State Line Grocery, Phipps Store, Sheets Store, Todd Mercantile, Fleetwood Post Office, Mabe’s Grocery, Family Central, Riverview Community Center, and New River State Park’s visitor center.  

 

These little libraries function as basically a neighborhood book exchange. The idea is that someone will take a book that piques their interest, and sometime in the future return either that book, or a totally different one.  Library volunteers help to keep Twig inventory fresh by stocking each location monthly. 

This year’s celebration will take place at the Family Central Twig between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  on August 5.  We’d love to have everyone stop by and help us celebrate! There will be crafts, face painting, snacks, games, FREE books, and more.  Ashe Cosmetology School has provided free haircut vouchers for children who come out and pick a story to read aloud (limited supply).    

In recent months, a variety of gardening books, that focus on supporting local farmers and eating healthy have been distributed in Ashe Twigs to complement the library’s signature programming, Involving Books.  This programming strives to encourage involvement in reading books on timely topics that will engage participants in lively discussions, as well as in meaningful, and fun, service projects that benefit the community. Future programs will honor and recognize our local military heroes, so when visiting Twigs look for all sorts of stories, fiction and non-fiction from wartime eras. We believe that books can inspire you to make the world a better place—starting in your own neighborhood!

Dates to remember in August: 

 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. 
• A special baby bounce takes place at 10:00 a.m. on August 11.  Julie Alexander, of River Mystic Massage Therapy, will lead a program on the many benefits of infant massage.

Tween Programs

• Digital Art/Animation Class is planned for 3:30 p.m. on August 10 (limited space, call to register)
• A stage make-up instruction class will be at 3:30 p.m. on August 17

Teen Programs

• Teens meet at 4:00 p.m. every Tuesday for games and art activities.

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. 
•  Brouhaha Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on August 28 in Boondocks. There is no assigned reading for this book club. Come as you are, read what you want, and join the lively conversation! 
• The On the Same Page Festival Read Kickoff Event introduces The Underground Railroad by, Colson Whitehead with a discussion led by Dr. Pat Beaver on the role the North Carolina mountains may have played in the underground railroad.  Join us at 2:00 p.m. on August 8.  

All Ages

• Get Crafty and make Quick Knit & Crochet Gifts at 10:00 a.m. on August 12.  Instruction available for beginners and project 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 5:30-7:00 p.m. on August 4 and 18 in the downstairs meeting room (after-hours access through side door on lower parking lot).  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:

• Join us for our 2^nd Annual Twig Festival from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Family Central to celebrate Little Free Libraries                                     
• Explore the Literacy Express at Mt. Jefferson Baptist Church between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on August 9.  Discover digital tools and 3D printing with a hands-on solar art craft.
• Join Sheriff Terry Buchanan, along with his specifically trained K9, as he shares some fun tales, beginning at 10:30 a.m. on August 16.