Dear Readers,

Happy New Year to all!

As I write this, I am thinking about changes and growth in the New Year.

Earlier this year, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Library building. When the Library was built, it was 1/3 smaller than planned. The time has come to plan for the next 20 years of Library service for Watauga County residents.

We hope to secure funding for the expansion of the building soon.

This would mean more space for children's and teen programming, Digital Watauga work, and additional community meeting and study room space.

If you would like to help the Library advocate for our much needed and overdue expansion, please contact me at mcaruso@arlibrary.org

Thanks so much!

~ Monica Caruso

County Librarian

Story times include songs, books, and activities!

Check out the Appalachian Regional Library Literacy Resources YouTube channel for virtual library story times.

Enjoy Storywalk® at the Tot Lot!

Storywalk® is an outdoor reading experience.

Located at the Watauga County Recreation Complex

141 Complex Drive, Boone, NC 28607

LEGO Club

Tuesday, January 24

4:00 pm

For Grades K-5

Back by popular demand! Come show off your LEGO skills and build with us!

Year of the Reading Challenge

For Ages 3-17

Sign up at the Youth Services desk to receive a 2023 Reading Calendar and a lanyard! Complete a different reading prompt each month to earn cool buttons for your lanyard!

TAG Meeting: Bad Art Night

Monday, January 9

4:15 pm-5:15 pm

For Ages 12-17

Talent not required, but taste encouraged!

Bonus: We'll be using your art to decorate the library!

STEM Stories: Flight of the Paper Planes

We'll read Andrea Beaty's Rosie Revere, Engineer before we make paper planes and see which flies the farthest!

Saturday, January 14

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

For Grades K-2

Registration Required

Call (828) 264-8784, ext. 3, or email acombs@arlibrary.org to register!

STEM Lab: 1...2...3...Launch!!!

Saturday, January 14

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

For Grades 3rd - 5th

Join us to learn some fun facts from John Farndon's "Stickmen's Guide to Aircraft" before we make rocket launchers!

Registration Required

Call (828) 264-8784 ext. 3, or email acombs@arlibrary.org to register.

Family Fun Time: Winter Animal BINGO

Thursday, January 19

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Fun and prizes for the whole family!

More Adult Programs

North Carolina Legal Aid

Free online legal help clinics via Facebook Live. Join from the Watauga County Public Library Facebook Page. To view recorded and upcoming clinics,

click here.

The Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series

Save the Date for more authors in the spring!

High Country Writers

Hey Writers!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023

         Our first meeting of the year will be on Thursday, January 5 via Zoom. The meeting starts at 10 am but join us at 9:30 am for chat. We will have a planning session for the programs for this coming year – yes, it will be exciting.

Click on link below to join in.

https://appstate.zoom.us/j/92823761214?pwd=WlJYN21VVGlJS01yblgwbUxUVE5tdz09

For events information, click here.

Please check here in February, 2023 for a new set of events with High Country Life Long Learners!

AARP Featured Online Events

~all times are Eastern Time~

Rainbow Inspirations

Wednesday, Jan 4, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

Brain Health

Saturday, Jan 14, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.

Learn to Play Bridge: The Basics

Tuesday, Jan 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

*Zoom - Link will be emailed upon registration*

Powerful Tools for Family Caregivers

Virtual 6-week program

Monday, Feb 6, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. ~

Monday, Mar 13, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.

Registration required by January 27.

More AARP Mountain Region events available here.

The Next Chapter Book Club is for adults and young adults with developmental disabilities. The discussion group provides a connection to books, friends, and community. The book we are using is Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles. To attend via Zoom, please contact Adult Services at (828) 264-8784 ext. 2.

With the exception of the second Wednesday of the month, the group meets Wednesdays at 2:30 pm

Help Next Chapter Book Club Happen!

Next Chapter Book Club needs more facilitators! Read all about the national project here, and then RSVP to adult services at 828 264 8784 ext. 2 to join the training session for the local club on January 17th from 3:30 to 4:30 pm at the library.

This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for all those devoted to community and literacy!

Book Bunch Book Club

Book Bunch will discuss The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles on

Tuesday, January 31 at 1:30 pm.

Please stop by the Adult Services desk for a copy of the book.

Cook the Books Book Club

Cook the Books will discuss Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty on Tuesday, January 10

at 3:00 pm.

Family Support Group

Monday, January 9

7:00 pm

Please contact Mike Tanner if you would like to join this meeting. For more information click here.

VAYA Health Training

Personality Disorders: Reaction to Interaction

Supporting an older adult with a personality disorder can be challenging. This training looks at specific personality disorders, what to expect, and treatment options. Also shared are tips used to make interactions smoother and more effective.

Thursday, January 12

1:00 pm

To register, click here.

Enriching Mental Health with Complimentary Treatments Part 1

This course covers a variety of complementary treatments for overall mental health that can support managing everyday stressors and improving wellness. These treatments can create opportunities for balance, stability, and stress reduction. Join us to explore topics from nutrition to mindfulness and many in between.

Friday, January 13

10:00 am

To register, click here.

Free Webinars

Resumes and Job Applications

Wednesday, January 11

10:00 am

Expungement

Thursday, January 19

10:00 am

Contact your local NCWorks Center to register. For more information, click here.

COVID-19 Tests Available at Library

Thanks to AppHealthCare, we now have COVID-19 home tests available at both locations for the public.

Limit of 10 tests per family, please. Each box has two tests.

Please do not come in to pick up tests if you have COVID-19 symptoms and/or are not feeling well. Just give us a call, and we will bring tests to the bench outside the library doors for you to pick up. Thank you!

Book Signing with Appalachian Author Nova Mann

Saturday, January 14

10:00 am

Join us for a warm beverage and cookie while hearing the author read from her work.

For more information, click here.

Wreath Making Workshop

After a highly successful Wreath Making Workshop with Donna Breitenstein this December, we plan to offer these workshops seasonally. Please stay tuned for an announcement about a spring workshop.

View as Webpage

Like our Facebook page to get the most up-to-date information.

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!