Appalachian Regional Library - Wilkes County Blog

by, Suzanne Manners

Holiday Fun at the Friends of the Library Book Sale

The celebrations begin early with a special visitor at the Friends of the Library Book Sale on Thursday, December 11. Santa will be on hand for photos beginning at 5:00 p.m., followed by a cozy reading of The Night Before Christmas at 6:00 p.m. After story time, Santa will even autograph the book!

Raffle tickets to win this autographed copy will be available for $1 each, with one lucky winner drawn at the event. It’s the perfect way to kick off your holiday cheer—alongside great book sale bargains and festive fun for the whole family.  This event takes place in the FOL Bookstore, behind the Stone Center on Cherry Street in North Wilkesboro.

by Suzanne Manners, Wilkes County Librarian

The Wilkes County Friends of the Library are celebrating a remarkable milestone—50 years of supporting the Wilkes County Public Library!

by Suzanne Manners, Wilkes County Librarian

It’s that time of year when we pause to recognize books that have been challenged or banned—and to reflect on how dangerous censorship can be. As a librarian and lifelong learner, I proudly call myself an intellectual freedom fighter. I deeply believe in the saying that “free people read freely.” I don’t read every book to adopt its beliefs or values; I read to understand the world beyond my own experience. Each book, even one I may disagree with, offers a window into another person’s truth. Protecting the freedom to read isn’t just about defending books—it’s about safeguarding curiosity, empathy, and the right to think for ourselves.

This October, Wilkes County Public Library will partner with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and local organizations to host a series of community events focused on support, recovery, and open conversation. All events are free and open to the public.