Appalachian Regional Library - Wilkes County Blog
Wilkes County Public Library Announces Reduced Hours and Programming Due to Budget Cuts
Thursday, 17 July 2025 15:05
The Wilkes County Board of Commissioners has approved a budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 that reduces library funding by 9%. This reduction equates to $73,404 less than the library’s approved budget for 2024-25. Due to our limited staffing capacity, the library will reduce its operating hours by five hours each week, along with a decrease in staff hours. These changes are essential to maintaining core library services.
Celebrate Colonial Craft Day as Part of Wilkes America 250!
Wednesday, 25 June 2025 09:19
Thursday, July 3 • 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM • Brushy Mountain Ruritan Park
Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and stories of early America at a special Colonial Craft Day hosted by the Wilkes County Public Library as part of the America 250 initiative! This family-friendly event on Thursday, July 3 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM offers a hands-on celebration of heritage, tradition, and creativity with something for all ages to enjoy.
Literary Legends Take Flight: Honoring Katherine Anne Porter & Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Friday, 23 May 2025 12:42
by Suzanne Manners, Wilkes County Librarian
As spring turns to summer, we pause to honor two literary figures whose birthdays fall in May and June: the brilliant Katherine Anne Porter and the ever-enchanting Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Though they wrote in different languages and styles, both authors left lasting imprints on world literature with works that explore memory, mortality, and the invisible threads that bind us.
Grow With Us: Dig Into Summer with Books, Dirt, and a Whole Lot of Heart!
Wednesday, 14 May 2025 14:24
This summer, Wilkes County Public Library is going green—and we mean it literally!
We’re inviting you to roll up your sleeves, grab a trowel, and join us in the garden as we launch our Library Community Gardening Project! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or you’ve never touched a tomato plant in your life, this is your chance to grow something meaningful, not just vegetables, but community, connection, and a little more sunshine in your life.
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Oles Honchar's The Cathedral: Ukraine's Forbidden Monument
Friday, 28 March 2025 10:38
by Suzanne Manners, Wilkes County Librarian
It seems fitting that this book, published in 1968, has been chosen to celebrate the birthday of Oles Honchar (born April 3, 1918), especially given the recent political developments regarding our country's withdrawal of support for the war in Ukraine. While Honchar’s book, "The Cathedral," is not a war novel, it is significant to note that it was banned in Ukraine during the Soviet regime.
Tom Baker: A Vietnam Veteran’s Story
Sunday, 16 March 2025 21:10
Meet Tom Baker at the Wilkes County Public Library on March 28 at 3:30 p.m.
Tom Baker, a celebrated author and dedicated advocate for veterans, brings his compelling stories to life in this special discussion. His works, The Hawk & the Dove and Wannabe Warrior, explore themes of resilience, service, and personal transformation. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from an inspiring storyteller who bridges literature and real-life experiences!
Marching to the Beat of Billy Collins: Celebrating a Poet's Birthday!
Friday, 21 February 2025 15:35
by Suzanne Manners, Wilkes County Librarian
William “Billy” James Collins was born on March 22, 1941. He is best known for serving as the United States Poet Laureate from 2001 to 2003. Additionally, he was New York's State Poet from 2004 to 2007. Both state and national poets are responsible for increasing public awareness and appreciation of poetry through reading and writing.
'Love Your Library' Open House
Wednesday, 29 January 2025 16:21
by Suzanne Manners, County Librarian
During February, don’t forget to show your love for your library! This month, libraries are nationally celebrated for their value in the community. You may be familiar with the saying, “It’s not a house; it’s a home…” In a similar vein, we can say, “It’s not just a building that houses books; it’s the heart of the community!”