Dear Readers,

Happy October!

The Watauga County Public Library has been awarded a $ $34,832.00 grant with a $11,611.00 match to be used for a new outreach vehicle to serve homebound, residents at elder care facilities and for visits to events in our community, with emphasis on getting out to rural parts of the county. We appreciate the partnership with Watauga County Schools. The vehicle and supporting technology and equipment was supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-252476-OLS-22). 

We are thankful to the Friends of the Western Watauga Branch and the Watauga Library Endowment for their support.

Click here to read our press release.

If you see our vehicle, give us a wave!

~ Monica Caruso

County Librarian

Story times include songs, books, and activities!

A whole new story time starting this month!

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

Bi-lingual Storytime

Thursday, October 5

Wednesday, October 11

and Thursday, October 12

at 11:00 AM

Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at bi-lingual storytime!

Join our BRAND NEW Crochet Club!

Wednesday, October 4

4:00 PM

No experience or supplies needed. Snacks provided!

Email Jennifer with questions

Día de Película con IJC

Sabado 7 de Octubre

11:30am

¡Te invitamos a un día de película con a coalición de Justicia para Inmigrantes para ver la película Coco!

Movie Day with IJC

Saturday, October 7

11:30 AM

We invite you to a movie day with the Immigrant Justice Coalition to watch Coco!

Book Brigade

Young Adult Book Club

Thursday, October 12

5:30-6:30 PM

ages 14-18

For our second meeting, the Book Brigade will discuss They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera, eat some pizza, and choose the next book to discuss. Stop by the Adult Services desk any time to pick up a copy of the book and join the fun!

Email Justin or Kristian for questions and pizza requests.

Books may contain mature themes, profanity, or violence. Parental discretion advised.

Teen After-Hours Movie Night

Saturday, October 14

5:00 PM

For ages 13+

Stay at the library after we've closed and watch Twilight with us!

Family Friendly Halloween Movie

Tuesday, October 17

3:30 PM

Come to the library to watch a not-so-scary Halloween-themed movie!

LEGO Club

Tuesday, October 24

4:00 PM

Come and build with us! We'll be watching The Lego Batman Movie while we build!

Creative Writing Workshop for Teens and Preteens

Thursday, October 26

4:00-5:00 PM

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

Email Kristian for RSVPs, questions, and pizza requests

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!

We've prepared a new scavenger hunt at the library!

The Watauga County Public Library and the DBDA have collaborated to create a Downtown Scavenger Hunt using The Junaluska ABC Book for October and November. Stop by the Watauga County Public Library or the Jones House to pick up a worksheet flyer that lists the stores you can find pages from the book. Write the letter of the alphabet or a word on the page that you find at each store on your flyer! Bring it back to the Jones House or the library for a prize!

Art in the Afternoon

EVERY Friday in October

12:00-4:00 PM

Come by our open art table and create your own mini ABC book in the style of the alcohol ink artwork in The Junaluska ABC Book!

Try this scavenger hunt through October 15!

To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we've hidden the flags for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, and Belize around the library. Find them all to win a prize!

Solve this new scavenger hunt!

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

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

More Adult Programs

North Carolina Legal Aid

Social Security and Disability Listen & Learn

Thursday, October 5

2:30 PM

Simple Divorce Listen & Learn

Thursday, October 19

2:30 PM

SNAP 101 Listen & Learn

Thursday, October 26

11:00 AM

All clinics are online! For a full list of clinics and to register, click here.

AARP Featured Online Events

LGBT History Month: A Conversation with Rodney Wilson

Join us as we celebrate LGBT History Month with educator and activist Rodney Wilson, a high school teacher who conceived the idea for LGBT History Month in 1994. Following a special screening of the short documentary “Taboo Teaching,” which chronicles Rodney’s experience coming out as a gay man that year to his Missouri high school class during a history lesson, we’ll have an opportunity to speak with him about that time, LGBT history and where the movement is today.

Monday, October 2

5:00 PM

Where do All Those Christmas Trees Come From?

Whether you're new to the area or lived here all your life, bring the family and learn more about our agricultural heritage and the livelihoods of people who produce our major cash crops. If you happen to get hungry, join us for lunch afterward at the Copper Mine Grill.

Friday, October 6

11:00 AM

Upper Mountain Research Station

8004 North Carolina 88

Laurel Springs, NC 28644

Paranormal Poe: Edgar Allan Poe and Victorian Spiritualism

Many of Edgar Allan Poe’s tales offer ideas on the afterlife and how the living can communicate with the dead. In this virtual presentation on Poe and the rise of the Spiritualist movement in America by Emma Clark, programs coordinator at the Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia,we’ll explore how he took advantage of the movement to share stories of death and life and whatever comes inbetween. Hear about Poe’s connection with the movement and find out how he inadvertently influenced their beliefs.

Thursday, October 12

6:00 PM

Movies for Grownups: "Only in Theaters"

Spanning nearly three years of challenges, losses and personal triumphs, this film tells the story of Laemmle Theatres, the beloved arthouse cinema chain and third-generation family business in Los Angeles as the business is facing seismic change and financial pressure. The family behind this multigenerational business - whose sole mission has been to support the art of film - is determined to survive. This film is not rated.

Tuesday, October 24

8:00 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

Conversation Connection English Language Practice Sessions

Every Wednesday Night from September 15 to November 15

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Alliance Bible Fellowship

1035 NC Highway 105 Bypass

To register and for more information, write or call:

(828) 278-9302

info@ichighcountry.org

VAYA Health Training

Living With Anxiety: Medications That Help

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point. When excessive, it can negatively impact one’s quality of life. This course will explore medications used to treat anxiety, specifically in the aging population. Also explored will be effective therapies and potential medication side effects.

Thursday, October 26

1:00 PM

To register, click here.

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

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

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 pm

Book Bunch Book Club

Book Bunch will discuss The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict on

Tuesday, October 31 at 1:30 pm.

Please stop by the Adult Services desk for a copy of the book and a list of upcoming books the group plans to read.

Cook the Books Book Club

Cook the Books will discuss The River by Peter Heller on Tuesday, October 10 at 3:00 pm. Please stop by the Circulation desk for a copy of the book.

Health Insurance Q&A

Wednesday, October 11

3:00-6:00 PM

and

Thursday, October 19

10:30 AM-1:00 PM

Have a health insurance related quandary you need guidance on? Come by and a Certified Healthcare Navigator from the Legal Aid of NC High Country Office can give you some answers!

Parkinson's Support Group

Tuesday, October 31

10:00 AM

Contact John Padgett for more details at john@livinghopenc.com or (828)773-2864

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, October 12 at 10:00 AM for a visiting writer/speaker and on Thursday, October 26 at 10:00 AM for a critique session.

Book Talk with Local Author Neil Wilson

Saturday, October 7

10:00-11:00 AM

Sit down with local author Neil Wilson as he discusses his Civil War Trilogy of novels. Copies will be available for purchase!

Genealogy Workshop: Beginning and Intermediate Research Techniques

Saturday, October 14

1:00-3:00 PM

This class, taught by Jo Betts Baxley, will focus on searching for your ancestors using primary proofs and lead into how to use wills, deeds, chancery records, and deeds of gift.

Please call Adult Services at (828) 264-8784 extension 2 to register. Class is limited to 15 participants.

Presentation by Michael C Hardy: Benjamin Cleveland and the Revolutionary War in Watauga County

Wednesday, October 18

5:30-7:00 PM

Join the Watauga County Historical Society for a presentation by historian and author Michael C. Hardy about colonel Benjamin Cleveland and the Revolutionary War in Watauga County.

Save the Date!

Repair Hub

will be returning to the library for the last time this year on Saturday, November 18 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM! If you have broken or torn items around your house, bring them to the Repair Hub pop-up rather than throwing them out!

Tech Tips with Troy Returns!

Do you want to write an email, use a tablet, or have another tech question on your mind? Library & Information Science GRADUATE Troy Brooks rides again to provide technology assistance once more on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. To schedule an appointment, call the Reference Desk at (828) 264-8784 ext. 2.

Introducing Memory Kits!

After the Western Watauga Branch Library introduced their wildly popular memory kits, the Watauga County Public Library's Adult Services department has constructed eight themed memory kits of our own for patron use. Each kit contains activities, sensory items, books, and music based around a theme for use in reminiscence therapy for people with dementia or dementia-related diseases. For more information, read this American Library Association blog post on the subject. Come by and check one out today!

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. October's session is on Wednesday, October 18 at 11:00 AM. Click here to register for it or any upcoming session!

Let your voice be heard! Take the brief Community Health Priorities Survey to help set health priorities for Alleghany, Ashe and Watauga Counties. By completing the survey, you are eligible to be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card, and your input will be used to address unmet needs in the community. For assistance with the survey or to complete it over the phone, call AppHealthCare at (828) 795-1970. Click here to take the survey in English or in Spanish.

Deadline is October 4th!

NAMI Family Support Group

Meeting virtually on

Monday, October 9 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, October 31 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

Monthly Shared Meal with Seniors and Students

Leon Levine Hall 1179 State Farm Road, Dining Lab Room 138. The focus is on decreasing social isolation and improving connection. The seniors will be tabled with Beaver College of Health Sciences graduate students. This event is held on Oct 3, Nov 7, and Dec 5, the first Tuesday of the month from 12-1:30. There is an educational topic and seating is limited so registration is required at 828-262-6628 or 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

Parkinson's Speak Out & Education Group

On the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 1-3 beginning September 13th. Classes will run twice a month through November 22nd in the Interprofessional Clinic, Leon Levine room 132. Sessions will include education, group speech, and cognitive exercises. One-on-one therapy with social work is available but not required. Topics include: What is Parkinson's?, Motor Symptoms and Exercises, Cognitive and Speech Decline, Nutrition, and Social and Emotional Effects of Parkinson's. Register at 828-262-6628 or strongme@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

Aging Academy Fridays Free Workshops for Healthy Living

Please mark your calendars and join us for our upcoming Aging Academy 2023-2024 series. As a special kick-off to the series on September 22, we welcome Sandi Solomon and the Ageless World of Dance. At 2:00 pm we will enjoy a High Tea in the High Country along with an entertaining dance presentation. At 3:00 pm, we will begin the Aging Academy series with "Cognitive Wellness: What You Should Know", presented by Dr. Kim McCullough, CCC-Speech-Language Pathologist.

All presentations will be held in Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences room 103, from 3:00-4:15 pm unless otherwise noted. Kindly confirm your registration here for all events.

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

The Incredible Years Free Parenting Class

The Children's Council of Watauga County is offering FREE parenting classes on Tuesdays, 5:00-7:30 PM or Wednesdays, 9:00-11:30 AM from September 5 until December 13. Register by email at this link or by phone by calling (828) 262-5424.

View as Webpage

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