This month's featured author is John Lukacs, born on January 31, 1924. His book, Five Days in London, May 1940, recounts Winston Churchill's initial days in office as Britain's newly elected Prime Minister. Lukacs is known for his ability to portray complex events and situations with remarkable clarity.

by Suzanne Moore, County Librarian

A library renovation project begins in mid-October and is expected to be completed in early 2025.   The improvements will utilize the current space to expand services and modernize appearance.   Most importantly the project includes the installation of an upstairs bathroom.   The original building plan only provided restroom facilities for patrons on the main floor.  Everyone is looking forward to having a bathroom upstairs!   Other renovation highlights include a new stage (wired for sound) to hold concerts and programs and a podcast studio for staff and patron use.

by Suzanne Moore, County Librarian

Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month this September with Wilkes County Public Library and the American Library Association! We're inviting everyone to discover the incredible resources and opportunities available at your local library by signing up for a library card.

This year, we’re thrilled to have Optimus Prime from the TRANSFORMERS as our special ambassador, highlighting that there's more than meets the eye at Wilkes County Public Library. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, find valuable information, or connect with fellow avid readers, a library card unlocks a world of possibilities.

by Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

Check out some good books and join us for cool events to help you through the “dog days of summer.”  There is something at the library for everyone and as of our last count, 597 children have signed up for this year’s program “Adventure Begins at Your Library.”

The library is hosting a Lunch & Learn program on May 22 at noon, and all are invited to attend. The Health Foundation and Recovery Revolution’s Crisis Intervention Team will be speaking about our county's response to the opioid epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that drugs claim almost 300 lives every day. Attendees will learn about the stigma surrounding addiction and treatment, life-saving Naloxone, and facts about Fentanyl. Lunch will be provided, so registration is required. Please call 336.838.2818 x232 to register.

by Suzanne Moore, County Librarian

Bob Dylan, one of America's most beloved folk-rock icons, turns 83 on May 24, 2024. He is widely regarded as the greatest songwriter of all time and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016. In addition to his music career, he has pursued other interests, including painting, distilling, ironworking, and acting in several films.

Wilkes County Public Library and Friends are organizing a special event to honor National Poetry Month. The event will take place on April 30, featuring Jaki Shelton Green, North Carolina’s Poet Laureate. Starting at 4:00 p.m., Wilkes County Friends of the Library will provide refreshments and host Green for a Meet & Greet in the library. At 5:30 p.m., Green will read aloud her poems and talk about her work as the state poet, followed by a brief Q&A session. Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian, said, “We are proud to have our State Poet here to help us wrap up the end of National Poetry Month. She has some powerful stories to tell with her poems and hearing them spoken adds even more depth and beauty to the written words.”

by Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

Addiction has a significant impact on both individuals and their loved ones. Its repercussions can cause emotional and physical pain, often leaving people feeling helpless and unsure about what to do. This can lead some to give up, walk away, or deny that the problem even exists. However, in today's world, where there is so much suffering and heartache, it is more important than ever to be a source of light and look for the good that may be difficult to find. Addiction also impacts the whole community.  Loss of employment, reduced productivity and increased burdens on public healthcare and safety are affected in areas with increased drug use. A supportive community can reduce the impact and save lives.

by Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

Ready, set, library! National Library Week is April 7–13, 2024, and Wilkes County Public Library encourages everyone in the community to visit the library to take part in the festivities and explore all the library has to offer.

by Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

Henry Glassie, a renowned folklorist, and College Professor Emeritus at Indiana University Bloomington, celebrates his birthday on March 24th. His book, Passing the Time in Ballymenone, is a fascinating and detailed exploration of life in a small, tight-knit community in Northern Ireland. In this book, Glassie captures the rich cultural traditions, values, and beliefs of the people of Ballymenone, offering readers a unique and insightful glimpse into the daily lives of this community.