Appalachian Regional Library - Wilkes County Blog

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.