Wilkes County Public Library is the place to go if you need a pick-me-up, and a dose of holiday cheer.  The trees are lit and books are on display.  Candy canes for visitors and a winter-scene photo both featuring Santa are popular attractions for children.  Stop by and pick out some good books to read while relaxing at home, by the fire, with a hot beverage.  There are also plenty of holiday movies to borrow for family entertainment.

November 22 came and went without my literary birthday recommendation.  Blame it on the beginning of the holiday rush . . . Since this month’s chosen read celebrates an author born on December 12, this article will recommend two-in-one.  I’ll start with the belated and end with the upcoming.  I am also planning my ‘to-read list’ for the new year.  This is always a hard chore since I want to read everything I hear about, and time never allows for that. I will begin hosting monthly in-person Literary Celebrations at the Roaring River Winery (in Traphill) beginning in January.  Look for more information about this in our library news column, or call 336.838.2818 x 241  

“We have so much to be thankful for.  One day a year hardly seems adequate…” - Anonymous

This quote means so much and is a special reminder for me when celebrating Thanksgiving.  And on behalf of Wilkes County Public Library staff, we are especially grateful for all the community partners and Library Friends who contribute to making our library a place where everyone can be empowered and inspired. 

We would also like to recognize all the veterans in our community and extend a special thank-you for their service.  In honor of Veterans Day, the library’s community room is showcasing a photography exhibit by Martin Tucker, Vietnam veteran and photojournalist.  Stop in the library through the month of November and see Vietnam photographs brought home by North Carolina Veterans. 

by Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

Coincidently, the month of October began with an observance of Banned Books Week and later, recognition of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos (b. October 18, 1741) whose literary worth is noted by his famous epistolary novel, Dangerous Liaisions.  A banned book in its own time (1782).