Dear Readers,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

We are grateful for past partnerships with NAMI-High Country over the years for grant funding which has enhanced our collections in the areas of mental health.

I wanted to share information about a grant titled Transition to Community Living (TCL) that NAMI NC has received, in collaboration with the Community Care Clinic, located at 141 Healthcare Drive, Suite B | Boone, NC 28607

The Community Care Clinic has two new comfortable resiliency spaces. Each space is unique. One room is a resource nook with a table, computer, intern, notebooks, pens, books, and digital resources. A second larger conference room with computers is available and can accommodate community meetings, if scheduled. NAMI NC’s Transition to Community Living (TCL) Grant has assisted folks in acquiring life-saving resources. The Collaborative has hired a team of four dedicated Resource Advocates. These advocates have been out in the community at different hubs, tirelessly connecting folks to opportunities such as TCL, Medicare expansion, prepaid gas cards, give-away books, and a life supplies gift offering. They are there to support folks on their journey to independent living. 

A Grand Opening is scheduled for May 17 from 9-12 with free breakfast. Come visit with staff, Resource Advocates, and NAMI Organizers to learn more about resiliency and enjoy free breakfast. No need to RSVP.

The grant was funded by NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-NC) and supported by the regional Managed Care Organization. Resource advocates received training from the regional MCO and NAMI Volunteer Karen Gross.

~Monica Caruso

County Librarian

Western Watauga Branch Book Club

Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune by Anderson Cooper

Wednesday, May 15

2:30 PM

Save the Date!

Summer Learning will begin June 10!

Children's Programs

Story times include songs, books, and activities!

Join us for after-school story time, Tuesdays at 3:30 PM!

Get reading and collect some Reading Dragon trading cards!

National Pet Month Pet Food and Supply Drive to Benefit the Watauga Humane Society

Wednesday, May 1-Friday, May 17

To celebrate National Pet Month, the library will be collecting pet food and supplies to donate to the Watauga Humane Society.

Open S.T.E.A.M. Table

Tuesday Afternoons

Come by every Tuesday afternoon for an open S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activity for elementary schoolers! You can follow the suggested challenge or use the materials to make your own!

Sensory-Friendly Family Movie: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

Saturday, May 11

2:00 PM

Come on down for a sensory-friendly showing of Hotel Transylvania 3!

Join our Crochet Club!

Wednesday, May 15

4:00 PM

For ages 8-18

No experience or supplies needed. Snacks provided!

Email Jennifer with questions

Lego Club

Tuesday, May 28

4:00 PM

Come and build with us!

Animanga Club

Wednesday, May 29

3:30 PM

We've started a brand-new Animanga Club, where teens age 13-18 can read manga and watch anime together! Come by to watch some anime and discuss manga you've been reading. For May's meeting, we will be watching Black Clover!

Creative Writing Workshop for Teens and Preteens

Thursday, May 30

4:00 PM

Stretch your writing muscles, eat some snacks, and meet other creative writers!

Email Kristian for RSVPs and questions

We're looking for volunteers for this summer!

Come sign up to help out the Youth Department this summer! We need help with shelving and shelf-reading, programs and projects, and more besides!

Volunteers should be at least 13 years old

If interested, stop by the Youth desk, email Jennifer, or call us at (828) 264-8784 extension 3

Save the Date!

Summer Reading 2024 Kickoff

Friday, June 7

1:00-3:00 PM

We're already looking forward to Summer Reading. Make sure your day's free on June 7 to celebrate it with us!

We're starting a Youth

Literary Arts Magazine!

Youth ages 3-18 are invited to submit their writing and visual artworks for our NEW Youth Literary Arts Magazine, WatCo Youth! Access our submission form here!

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

Check out a Launchpad with your library card to play games and read books!

Click here to see the new books coming to our collection soon!

National Pet Month Pet Food and Supply Drive to Benefit the Watauga Humane Society

Wednesday, May 1-Friday, May 17

To celebrate National Pet Month, the library will be collecting pet food and supplies to donate to the Watauga Humane Society.

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. 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 1:00 PM.

Friends of the Library Annual Meeting

Saturday, May 4

10:00 AM

The Friends of the Watauga Library will kick off its year-long 50th Anniversary celebration with its Annual Meeting on May 4th, 2024. Monica Caruso, County Librarian, will provide an update on the library, including efforts to expand the library. This will be followed by an election of officers for the upcoming year. Jacob Starks, the Director of the Appalachian Regional Library System, will deliver the keynote address including a brief history, current activities, and future plans for the library. Refreshments and a time for socializing will follow the formal program. This program is free and open to all. We welcome everyone interested in the public library!

Mothers' Day Watercolor Class

Saturday, May 4

3:00 PM

Registration required. Ages 11+

Join multimedia artist Mark Anderson to explore the watercolor medium and paint a Mothers' Day card. Limited spaces available, please register by calling the Adult Services department at (828) 264-8784 extension 2.

PLEASE NOTE: We're moving the Monday Matinees from 2:00 to 3:00!

Monday Matinees: The Producers

Monday, May 6

3:00 PM

Come to the library every Monday at 3:00 for a movie. We're classing up the joint this May with a selection of musicals. For our first Monday, we'll be watching Mel Brooks's great musical about a terrible musical, The Producers!

Seated Tai Chi Classes

Mondays, January 22-May 20

10:00-10:45 AM

Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis is led by a TCHI Board certified instructor, with each session including warm-up and cool-down exercises, one or two movements per lesson, breathing techniques, and Tai Chi principles. Movements can be modified to accommodate mobility issues for any participant. This course will be offered once a week through May 20th, 2024. Participants are encouraged to attend at least 11 sessions in order to maximize the program benefits.

Poetry Reading by Annie Woodford and Pauletta Hansel

Tuesday, May 7

5:00-6:00 PM

Join us for a poetry reading with two very special guests: Annie Woodford, winner of the 2022 Weatherford Award for Best Books about Appalachia, and Pauletta Hansel, winner of the Poetry Society of Virginia's 2023 North American Book Award!

High Country Writers

Hey Writers!

High Country Writers meet in the Watauga County Library meeting room with a virtual option available! Join us on Thursday, May 9 at 10:00 AM for a guest speaker and Thursday, May 23 at 10:00 AM for a critique session.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Friday, May 10

10:00 AM-2:30 PM

By appointment. To make an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: "Watauga County Library"

Sensory-Friendly Family Movie: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

Saturday, May 11

2:00 PM

Come on down for a sensory-friendly showing of Hotel Transylvania 3!

Monday Matinees: Singin' in the Rain

Monday, May 13

3:00 PM

Come to the library every Monday at 3:00 for a movie! We're classing up the joint this May with a selection of musicals. For our second Monday, we're looking back to the dawn of the talkies with Singin' in the Rain!

Cook the Books Book Club

Tuesday, May 14

3:00 PM

Cook the Books will discuss Exiles by Jane Harper. Please stop by the circulation desk for a copy of the book.

Device Diagnostic Day

Saturday, May 18

9:00 AM- 3:00 PM

In partnership with the High Country Council of Governments, Appalachian State University’s Technology Support Center will be providing free tech support and consulting regarding software, viruses, PCs and Macs, tablets, and reformatting. Come by with your device!

Monday Matinees: West Side Story

Monday, May 20

3:00 PM

Come to the library every Monday at 3:00 for a movie! We're classing up the joint this May with a selection of musicals. For our third Monday, we're watching Spielberg's remake of the classic 1950s take on Shakespeare, West Side Story!

Repair Hub Returns!

Saturday, May 25

9:00 AM-2:00 PM

Bring those objects you've been meaning to get fixed and the Repair Hub folks can help you finally check them off your to-do list!

Monday Matinees: High Society

Monday, May 27

3:00 PM

Come to the library every Monday at 3:00 for a movie! We're classing up the joint this May with a selection of musicals. For our fourth Monday, we're watching the classic comedy starring some of history's all-time greatest crooners, High Society!

Parkinson's Support Group of the High Country

Tuesday, May 28

10:00 AM

Come by to meet other folks living with Parkinson's Disease. For more information, contact John Padgett at john@livinghopenc.org or (828)773-2864

Book Bunch Book Club

Tuesday, May 28

1:30 PM

Book Bunch will discuss There There by Tommy Orange. Please stop by the Adult Services desk for a copy of the book and a list of upcoming books the group plans to read.

Tell Us What Movies YOU Want

to Watch!

We're planning to play heist movies in June, but we want to know which ones will draw a crowd! Swing by the Adult Services desk to vote for your favorites or click on this link to vote online!

Spring is officially here, and the Seed Library is ready to help you make the most of the season. Seeds are free, and thanks to the Agricultural Extension and the Appalachian Sustainable Development and Research Farm, our seed collection is overflowing! We do accept donations, so if you have extra seeds, please stop on by the Adult Services desk to drop them off. If you would like to volunteer to help maintain the Seed Library, please contact Monica Gowan at agnesminifarm@gmail.com

COVID-19 Tests Available at Library

Thanks to AppHealthCare, COVID-19 home tests are available to the public at both locations. Limit of 2 boxes per family. Each box has 4 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!

Overdrive is offering free monthly webinars on using Libby, their library reading app. Learn how to access our library’s digital collection of ebooks, audiobooks and more. These webinars are great for new digital users or those making the switch from OverDrive to Libby. May's session is on Wednesday, May 15 at 2:00 PM. Click here to register for it or any upcoming session!

Events from our partners

AARP Featured Online Events

The Galapagos Islands: Nature's Crossroads

You’re invited to join our curious Tuesday Explorers as we venture to the Galapagos Islands. These islands are perhaps best-known for the variety of wildlife that Charles Darwin observed, which formed the basis of his theory of evolution. The course will discuss the history of the Galapagos Islands, including their formation, their early settlement, their role in Darwin’s life and career, and the subsequent balancing of tourism and conservation. The course will both inform those interested in science and history and provide background for people who may wish to visit these enchanted islands.

Tuesday, May 7 3:00 PM

An IndoRican Fitness Balance Bootcamp

In our virtual Balance Bootcamp series, presented by IndoRican Dance, we’ll work individually and in teams to improve balance, stability and agility. Exercises are designed to strengthen and tone muscles while improving stability and coordination. This class concentrates on the neurological aspect of balance as well as fine and gross motor skills. Ongoing class participation can help reduce the risk of falling and enhance the potential for engagement in a wide range of activities. Please consult your physician before beginning any new exercise regimen. 

Monday, May 20 1:00 PM

More AARP Mountain Region events available here.

Virtual Workshops:

For more information, click here!

Call your local NC Works Center to register (828) 265-5385 or go to www.ncworks.gov

Address: 130 Poplar Grove Road Connector, Boone, NC 28607

The Caldwell Community College Small Business Center offers a wide variety of FREE webinars to help your small business succeed.

Financing Your Small Business

If you are seeking capital to start or expand your business, this seminar will provide you with an insider’s view of how best to prepare when seeking a business loan or finding ways to self-finance your business. Learn the tips on the key ingredients for a successful loan package, and even more importantly, mistakes to avoid when working with a lender, will be discussed. Work hand in hand with experienced business minds that can help you navigate through the world of start-up and small business lending.

Speaker(s): Roxanne Reed - Granit Training Group

Tuesday, May 7

12:00 PM

ABC's of Starting a Small Business on a Limited Budget

These are the ABCs of how to start a small business combined with winning strategies from low-cost startups. ABCs Starting a Small Business on a Limited Budget is easier now than it has ever been. In these challenging times everyone from the government to your local banker is trying to help you succeed.

Speaker(s): Mike Collins, The Perfect Workday Company

Thursday, May 23

2:00 PM

Register for this and other courses at the CCC&TI Small Business Center Website!

VAYA Health Training

An Overview of Mental Health Part 1

This introductory course aims to educate individuals on the most common mental health

diagnoses among the aging population, along with treatment options to help overcome stigma.

Variations between mental health and illness will be considered.

Tuesday, May 21

1:30 PM

For a full list of events, visit our events calendar.

Free Aging Well Assessments

are screenings for aging adults and are available for any community member in the High Country. Screenings include balance and fall risk, cognition, dementia, and nutrition. They take approximately 60 minutes to complete and results can be sent to the primary care provider. To schedule an appointment call the Interprofessional Clinic front desk at 828-262-8658 or email ipc@appstate.edu

Caregivers of Neurodivergent Individuals Brown-Bag Lunch

Caregivers of Neurodivergent Individuals Brown Bag Lunch every third Thursday 12:30-1:30 PM 400 University Hall Drive, Boone Room 168 For more information call 828-262-7690

NAMI Family Support Group

Meeting virtually on

Monday, May 13 at 7:00 pm.

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

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups

Meeting virtually on Tuesday, May 28 at 6:00 PM. For zoom link please contact Pam Thomas.

For a full list of online programs from NAMI affiliates, please visit NAMI's North Carolina calendar.

The New Normal Stroke, TBI, & Movement Disorders Support Group

First Wednesday of every month

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

The New Normal, a stroke, TBI, and movement disorder support group hosted by App State's Interprofessional Clinic, meets over Zoom at this link.

For more information call/email

(828) 262-6628

strongme@appstate.edu

Surviving to Thriving Caregiver Support Group

Leon Levine Hall, 1179 State Farm Road, Rooms 208 & 210

Meeting on the first and third Monday of every Month, or on Zoom (Meeting ID 946 3674 2526, Passcode 213158).

12:00-1:30 PM

For more information call (828) 262-6628 or email strongme@appstate.edu

"Movin' & Groovin' Walking Group"

On Mondays from 8:30-11:30 at the Greenway, community members can sign up for 30 or 60-minute walks. They will traverse the Greenway from Leon Levine with students. The goal is to improve physical and social health outcomes. Register at 828-262-6628 or strongme@appstate.edu

Conversation Connection with Immigrant Connection of the High Country

Wednesdays, February 21-May 8

6:00-7:30 PM

We're a conversational English class at Alliance Bible Fellowship in Boone. Come join us for one or all of the weeks. All levels of English speakers are welcome. We look forward to practicing English and learning some of your language too! Childcare is available for all ages.

Te invitamos a clases de inglés en Alliance Bible Fellowship en Boone. Puedes asistir a una o a todas las clases. Todos los niveles de ingles son bienvenidos. Te esperamos a Practicar y aprender juntos! Cuidado para niños disponible.

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