The four branches of the Granville County Library System offer a full calendar of programs, events and activities for the month of April, which kicks off with a “Meet the Author” presentation at the South Branch in Creedmoor on April 4. The 6 p.m. presentation features Hope Toler Dougherty, who has published three novels, “Rescued Hearts,” “Irish Encounter” and “Mars… with Venus Rising,” as well as nonfiction articles. A native of eastern North Carolina Ms. Dougherty still lives in this state on land originally farmed by her great-grandparents, and is the mother of four children. For more information about this program, contact Penelope Mason of the South Branch at 919-528-1752.
April 7 through April 13 is National Library Week, a time to celebrate the value of our public and school libraries and the rich programming that is offered to make our communities strong. With a theme of “Libraries = Strong Communities,” the Granville County Library System invites all patrons to visit their nearest library branch to discover the resources, services and events that are available through the library system in their own communities. Branches are located in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea. If you stop by South Branch in Creedmoor any time during National Library Week and tell them why you value YOUR public library, you can receive a free gift, while supplies last.
Makerspace Mondays continue during the month of April with “Embroidery 101,” a beginner’s introduction to the craft of decorative needlework. The class will be held from 2 until 4 p.m. at the Thornton Library on April 1, the Stovall branch on April 8, the Berea branch on April 18 and the South Branch Library on April 22. Contact Adult Services Librarian Ashley Wilson for more details.
Interested participants can also learn to crotchet at the South Branch on April 15 at 2 p.m. as a hands-on class is offered. All materials will be provided and the session is open to the public. And if you have a small-sized household, learn to cook for one (or two) with a free cooking class co-sponsored by the Granville County Library System and N.C. Cooperative Extension Service. Participants will find out how to plan and shop for meals, pare down recipes to reduce waste, utilize leftovers and more. This 4 p.m. class will also be held at the South Branch and is scheduled for April 11.
From April 22 through May 1, a mobile planetarium will be coming to the Thornton Library. The “StarLabs” Planetarium will inspire young minds to better understand the world around them. Studies of the solar system and the stars will come alive in this educational experience. Contact Children’s Librarian Amy Carlson at 919-693-1121 for more details.
STEAM workshops continue to be a popular addition to the offerings at the Thornton branch as kids from kindergarten to fifth grade learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. The hands-on, action-packed sessions are offered each Thursday at 4 p.m., with varied themes and topics.
Educational opportunities continue with the GSK “Science in the Summer” program, a fun and free science initiative, scheduled for July 22 through July 26 that helps elementary and middle school students “grow into science.” Registration is going on now for classes led by certified instructors at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford. The 2019 theme is “The Science of Me” as participants learn about human biology and their own bodies. Registration will continue until all spaces are filled. Registration is available at www.scienceinthesummer.com.
Children of all ages can participate in an Easter Egg Hunt at the South Branch Library on April 13. The fun starts at noon and will last until all eggs are found. Participants are asked to bring their own baskets and prepare to look for eggs hidden all over the interior of the library.
Other activities include story times for youngsters, held weekly, with themes of “Rainy Days,” “Happy Birthday to Me,” “Happy Easter” and “Earth Day;” computer classes for all ages at the Thornton branch, Fridays at 10 a.m.; Game Night each Thursday at the Thornton branch, 6 p.m.; and many more programs and services.
Today’s library is not just about books… DVD’s, research materials, audio books, ebooks, computers for public use and more are also available, as well as informative presentations, workshops and special activities for all ages. Contact the library branch closest to you to learn more about the programs and services offered, or visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/.