You may have heard the saying, “It’s not a house, it’s a home.” In much the same way, the library is more than a building that houses books; it is the heart of the community.
Wilkes County Public Library (WCPL) offers far more than shelves of novels and quiet reading spaces. The library is a vibrant hub where preschoolers attend story times filled with music, art, and early friendships; students and adults receive research and technology support; and community members gather for meetings, classes, and special programs. In addition to books and DVDs, WCPL lends unique items such as ukuleles, alphabet activity backpacks, and outdoor activity equipment. Patrons also have access to public computers, technology assistance from trained staff, and one of the finest reference and genealogy reading rooms in the state.
As part of National Library Lovers Month, Wilkes County Public Library invites the community to celebrate during a Library Lovers Month Open House on February 17. Local elected officials, including mayors, town and county managers, commissioners, state representatives, and the county sheriff, will be invited to attend. Community members are encouraged to stop by, meet these local leaders, and share how much the library and its services mean to them. Families can also meet Arly the Library Fox from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and enjoy popcorn, punch, and treats throughout the event.
Library love also has a special day of its own. While Valentine’s Day celebrates romance, February 14 is also National Library Lovers Day, and the entire month offers a chance to reconnect with WCPL and rediscover all it has to offer.
Wilkes County Public Library is consistently recognized as one of the most trusted public institutions, providing accurate, appropriate, and carefully curated information. Through resources such as NC LIVE, provided by the NC State Library, patrons with an active library card can access free databases, e-books, films, research articles, test-preparation tools, and Transparent Language, which offers interactive lessons in more than 100 languages—including Kidspeak, a child-friendly option that uses cartoons to make learning fun.
“Not everyone can afford to buy all the books or resources they need and want,” said Suzanne Manners, County Librarian. “But at the library, they are free to borrow—whether that’s an e-book, audiobook, DVD, or another resource.”
WCPL’s service priorities are supported through a combination of county funding, the library’s endowment, Friends of the Wilkes County Public Library, and generous private donors:
- Reading: The majority of the collection development budget is funded through annual endowment distributions.
- Lifelong Learning: Most library programs and supplies are supported by the Friends of the Library, with additional funding from individual donors.
- Technology: Endowment funds help keep computers, software, and digital resources current and sustainable.
- Library as a Place: Improvements to the library’s upper level have been made possible through support from the county, Friends of the Library, private donors, and the library’s endowment.
During National Library Lovers Month, the library encourages patrons and supporters to continue enjoying library services—and to consider volunteering, making a gift, or simply getting a library card if they don’t already have one. Community members are also invited to share their library love on social media using #NationalLibraryLoversDay.
To learn more, chat online through the library’s website or call 336-818-2818.
Thank you for loving your library!