Items filtered by date: November 2021

by, Suzanne Moore

What is financial wellness? Financial wellness is your ability to live a healthy financial life. It is the power to take control of your financial health now and into the future.

Financial wellness allows you to feel secure over day-to-day and month-to-month finances.  You have the means to absorb a financial shock and freedom to make choices that let you enjoy life.   You are able meet your long-term financial goals.

You can enhance your financial wellness by improving various aspects of your personal finances.  

By, Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

The North Wilkesboro Woman’s Club recently donated a guidebook; Great Day Hikes on North Carolina’s Mountain to Sea Trail, to Wilkes County Public Library and the Branch at Traphill.   The local chapter of the North Carolina General Federation of Woman’s Clubs has adopted the state president’s special project of highlighting the Mountains-to-Sea-Trail.  One particular way that the North Wilkesboro Chapter is doing this is by sharing a beautiful book that is the “Official Guide from Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea-Trail.”

By, Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

I have spent the month of February absorbed in learning about Nazi Germany.  It sounds like a grim topic, but again it is especially important after reflecting on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which takes place each year on January 27.  This date is the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and reminds us horrible atrocities and killings of over six million Jews.    

by, Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

Recognizing America’s Black history and even that of African-Americans is so important when we look at how far our country has come with efforts to create racial equality.   We need to know about struggles endured though time, what has gone on in the past, to appreciate the blessings we have today. 

by Suzanne Moore, County Librarian

Wilkes County Public Library recently received an LSTA (Library Science and Technology Act) Grant to offer Heritage Cooking Classes in 2023.  The total award was $17,000, allowing the library to purchase a demonstration cart for ‘edible’ education (Kitchen a la Cart), supplies, curriculum for teaching, and a community fridge.

by Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

What exactly is a hobbit?  I heard this question recently and was amazed.  I thought everyone knew about hobbits.  I always imagined a hobbit was as famous as any cartoon character.  When I was a small child, I remember seeing the cartoon version of The Hobbit at the theater.  That of course was many years ago, and since then there have been major motion pictures released on the sagas of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, based on books by beloved high-fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkien.

The Reading Trap, meets every second Thursday (6:00 p.m.) in the Branch Library, 6938 Traphill Rd.  Traphill, NC.  With so many books to choose from, it is always exciting to see the list of books randomly selected for discussion. This book club narrows the list by reading a book each month in honor of a particular author’s birthday.  January begins with a celebration for J.R.R. Tolkien and his book The Hobbit.   Save the date and join The Reading Trap on January 12 for lively conversation and a taste of Bilbo Baggins’ Seed Cake.

For those who would rather ‘read’ the movie, The Reading Trap is ‘keeping it reel’ with free monthly features at Two Rivers Cinema in North Wilkesboro.  Visit the theater every first Saturday at 1:00 p.m. to see films based on, or related to, the book club’s monthly read.  Stop by to see The Hobbit on the big screen this Saturday, January 7 and have a ‘reel’ good time!

We all need eight dimensions of wellness for a balanced life.   Each month the library will be holding programs with an emphasis on a dimension from the wellness wheel.  These will be presented in collaboration with community partners and bring encouragement, motivation, and accountability for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Be sure to check out the monthly displays for books related to our featured wellness topic.  There will also be activities for families and children of all ages. 

by Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

‘Books Make Us Bright’ is Wilkes County Public Library’s holiday slogan and we are all excited to share the brightness during our Holiday Open House between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on December 13.  Stop by and enjoy refreshments, provided by our Friends of the Library.  In addition, along with new books to share, we are highlighting special additions to the library’s non-traditional collection.   *Let us just say that Santa came early this year!

sumitted by Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

On November 5, 2022 the first Marathon Jam was held from 1:00 - 11:00 p.m. at VFW Post 1142 in North Wilkesboro.   Wilkes County Public Library in partnership with Wilkes Acoustic Folk Society hosted the event where $1040 was raised to benefit Fisher Houses in North Carolina.  

by, Suzanne Moore County Librarian

The 1^st Annual Marathon Jam will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. on November 5, 2022 at VFW Post 1142, located in North Wilkesboro, 802 Veterans Dr.  In partnership with Wilkes Acoustic Folks Society and VFW Post 1142, the library is encouraging listeners and musicians to join the Marathon Jam.

Wilkes County Public Library is hosting two upcoming programs with rare and notable guests who are visiting the last week of October.  Alice Gerrard will be here on October 25 and Michael Almond will be here on October 27.    Read on for more details about these amazing folks and save-the-dates.  You won’t want to miss them!

by Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

Banned Books Week is an annual awareness campaign spearheaded by the American Library Association to celebrate the freedom to read.  Throughout human history, and across many countries and cultures, many books have been banned, confiscated, censored, destroyed in bonfires, had content edited out, and challenged in schools.  Also, many authors and their readers have been fined, imprisoned, threatened, assaulted and even executed for their association with banned books that were disapproved by some authorities and governments.

With September just around the corner we’d like to encourage everyone to register for a library card during “Library Card Sign-up Month.”  All who stop by Wilkes County Public Library to sign-up for a library card will receive a special treat.  Read on for the scoop about this National Annual Campaign . . .

by Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

J K Rowling, author of the Harry Potter book series, celebrates her 57^th birthday on July 31.  It is not only a special day for her, but for her character Harry who also was ‘born’ on this day (different year, of course).    Ms. Rowling is a British writer who invented the fantasy series about Harry Potter.  It is exciting to see her books translated into so many languages and sold to so many readers, both young and old.  There are 80 different translations of these books and sales are astronomical.  In 2007, when the seventh and final novel in the series was released, 11 million copies sold within the first day! 

Recently a tree was planted outside the childrens garden, at Wilkes County Public Library.  The tree is in memory of Rose Herring, and is called Acer griseum; aka Paperbark Maple.  Though native to China it is well adapted to our local climate. It is not very common but a highly sought after tree due to it’s peeling,cinnamon colored bark and scarlet fall color. Its size is similar to the better known Japanese maple.

by Suzanne Moore, county librarian

June’s literary highlight honors Dava Sobel (b. June 15, 1947), author of Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time (published 1995).  This story follows John Harrison through a 40-year process of inventing the marine chronometer which made it possible for calculating longitude, allowing safe and secure passage across the sea.

by, Suzanne Moore - Wilkes County Librarian

Check out a Party –

Wilkes County Public Library can help you get the party started! If you’re looking for a little summertime fun, check-out the newest items available. All you need is a ‘free’ active library membership to take home fun and games for outdoor entertainment.  Enjoy pickle ball, ladder ball, disc golf, corn hole, badminton, croquet, horseshoes, and bowling.  While playing outside with friends and family, you may want to amplify your party music with Bluetooth speakers too.

by Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

I wasn't into this book the first time I consumed it, but the second time around I started to tune in to all the hidden sarcasm and jokes. I listened to it on audio, and will likely read the series at some point. Having seen the original movie years ago, I went into the book with the impression that it was a silly nonsense story and didn't expect to like it. I was right about the nonsensical parts, but I was wrong about not enjoying the book. Adams was before his time when describing the actual guide. It had all the characteristics of today's Kindle ... here is website I found that makes a good comparison between the two: The Real Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Has Arrived

5 New YA books to read for Black History Month

While it is important to read books by Black writers and about Black stories and characters all year long, now is a good time to start with these 5 YA books that have been released this month.

by Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

Wilkes County Public Library is hosting a series of virtual yoga sessions by Dianne Bondy in partnership with Network of the National Library of Medicine.  Dianne is a social justice activist, author, accessible yoga teacher, and the leader of the Yoga For All movement.  Her inclusive approach to yoga empowers anyone to practice—regardless of their shape, size, ethnicity, or level of ability.

Gertrude Stein, the youngest of five children, was born in Philadelphia on February 3, 1874 and grew up in Oakland, California.  Her parents were wealthy German Jews who came to America from Europe, and during her childhood years they often visited Vienna.  Gertrude’s parents died while she was in her teen years, and she went to live with extended family in Baltimore, Maryland.  She graduated from Radcliffe College and later studied medicine at John Hopkins University.  Though noted to be a most brilliant student, she became bored with medical school and dropped out right before completing the program. 

The Children’s Department of Wilkes County Public Library received support for an early literacy program that focuses on the sounds and recognition of alphabet letters.  Every Monday at 11:00 a.m., Elizabeth Lee, Children’s Librarian, interacts on Facebook with an average of 160+ parents and young viewers to share a ‘Monday Mayhem’ arts-and-crafts letter activity.  There have been 43 programs since the series began in November 2020 with an average of 2500+ on-demand views.  

With support from the Flettie Alifair Church Literacy Fund, WCPL will be able to purchase ABC books as give-aways to families of young children.  The books will be used as an incentive for program participation and encourage library usage.  Some of the money will also be used to buy books with an ABC connection for the library’s permanent circulating collection as well.

The impact of these programs and related books will help parents bond with their children as they learn, play, and read together.  Children will have increased success with reading skills once they start school, if they are encouraged to learn their letters early through play and activity.  With support from this grant, many children will be able to have books to keep and read at home as they practice identifying letters and the sounds they make

Move over St Valentine’s because 14 February is also Library Lovers’ Day!  In fact, the whole month of February is nationally recognized as Library Lover’s Month and is a chance for everyone to reconnect with Wilkes County Public Library and show a little library love.

Wilkes County Public Library is excited to announce a new project Wash and Learn at the Wilkes Laundromat in North Wilkesboro.  The library recently received $3500 in state funding through an LSTA (Library Science and Technology Act) grant to provide an early literacy station at the laundromat.  This is an effort to help put an end to ‘book deserts’ in our county and offer fun learning experiences for families who use this laundromat.  Laundry is a necessary chore but not especially exciting or fun for children.  Often children come along and are stuck at the laundromat for two or three hours with their parents while waiting on the wash.