Appalachian Regional Library - Wilkes County Blog
Protecting the Freedom to Read: Reflections on Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Thursday, 16 October 2025 12:44
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.
Library Hosts Mental Health and Recovery Events in October
Wednesday, 24 September 2025 16:25
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.
Library Open House Celebrates 25 Years!
Friday, 12 September 2025 14:56
Wilkes County Public Library is excited to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of its building with a community-wide Open House on Saturday, September 20.
From Cinnamon to Silencers: Jorge Amado spices up Brazil, while Hiram Percy Maxim laughs through life with a genius dad.
Wednesday, 27 August 2025 16:42
by Suzanne Manners, Wilkes County Librarian
What do a barefoot cook stirring cloves and cinnamon in Bahia and the son of a gun-inventing genius in New England have in common? More than you’d think. Both Jorge Amado’s lush novel and Hiram Percy Maxim’s witty memoir show how personality, passion, and humor can shake loose the legacies that try to pin us down.
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One Card, Endless Possibilities: Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month this September
Tuesday, 26 August 2025 16:30
by Suzanne Manners, Wilkes County Librarian
This September, Wilkes County Public Library invites you to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month and discover how a single card can open the door to endless opportunities.
Wilkes County Public Library to Host Veterans Appreciation Event
Wednesday, 30 July 2025 16:20
The Wilkes County Public Library, in collaboration with the Wilkes Friends of the Library, the Wilkes Art Gallery, and the North Carolina Arts Council (a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources), is proud to host a Veterans Appreciation Event on Saturday, August 16, at 1:00 PM.
Appalachian Regional Library Names Russell Taylor as New Director of Libraries
Wednesday, 30 July 2025 16:18
Following a nationwide search, the Appalachian Regional Library Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Russell Taylor as the new Director of Libraries, effective August 4, 2025.
David McCullough’s Truman: Biography at Its Best
Tuesday, 22 July 2025 11:49
by, Suzanne Manners, Wilkes County Librarian
In celebration of historian David McCullough’s July 7th birthday, The Reading Trap, our branch library’s book club, embarked on an ambitious literary journey: a “BIG Book Read” of Truman, McCullough’s Pulitzer Prize–winning biography of President Harry S. Truman. Known for his meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and ability to bring historical figures to life, McCullough invites readers into the heart of Truman’s world with a narrative that is both enlightening and engaging. Our group was eager to take on the challenge—and the nearly 1,100 pages—of this sweeping portrait of America’s 33rd president.