Come hear a story and do a craft together in our cozy Old Fort branch!
This program is oriented towards preschool-age children, but kids of all ages are welcome.
After-School Adventures
Corn Husk Dolls: Wednesday, November 12 | 4 PM | Old Fort Branch Library
Try your hand at a traditional fall craft and learn about some ways local people historically entertained themselves!
Capillary Action STEAM Turkeys: Wednesday, November 26 | 4 PM | Old Fort Branch Library
Combine art and science to create your own turkey with a one-of-a-kind tail feather pattern!
Teen Programs
Adventurers Wanted: Teen D&D
Every Tuesday | 5-7 PM | Old Fort Branch Library
We will not be meeting on November 11th during the library’s Veteran’s Day closure.
Come see what’s lurking under the surface as our party slogs into the swamps of the Willowdim!
Beginners are always welcome, and the group is level 4.
This program is made possible by donations from community members and our friends at MagiKids.
Adult Programs
Adult D&D
1st Thursday of the Month | 5 – 7 PM | Old Fort Branch Library
Curious about TTRPG games? Used to play D&D and looking to get back into it? Or just looking to hang out and make some adult friends? Join us for our new D&D campaign for adults– the most requested program our branch has had in quite a while!
Beginners and old hands are welcome alike, and we have all the supplies on hand!
Adult Craft: Haunted Paper Houses
Thursday, November 13 | 5-7 PM | Old Fort Branch Library
Come take a stab at some simple rustic crafts from materials you can find lying around in nature– even just in the yard of the library!
You’ll have your choice of three options: walnut shell hedgehogs, a walnut shell owl, or a tiny gnome neighborhood from acorn caps and other bits.
Mountain Stories Book Club
On Hiatus | Mountain Gateway Museum
For the past several months, we have worked with the Mountain Gateway Museum to offer a book club that focuses on stories set in and around local areas! This book club is going on hiatus for the holiday season, but we’ll see you in January for the start of Season 2!
All Ages
Stringed Instrument Learn & Jam
1st & 3rd Saturday of the Month | 1-3 PM | Old Fort Branch Library
Come learn some basics on how to play stringed instruments in a low-pressure environment, or just share and jam with other musicians!
We’re focusing on guitar, but if you have a ukulele, mandolin, or dulcimer, we can help you out!
Some instruments provided, but bring yours if you have one!
Game Night!
Thursday, November 20 | 5-7 PM | Old Fort Branch Library
Come hang out and play some games! We have Magic the Gathering, Catan, Munchkin, and more! Of course, there will also be snacks!
Feel free to bring your favorite games to share, too!
Welcome to our Seed Library, a community initiative run by our local  McDowell Master Gardeners and local volunteers. Our Seed Library offers a diverse selection of gardening seeds free of charge for anyone in the community to take and use in their gardens. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, we welcome you to explore our collection and discover new varieties to grow.
How it Works:
1. Browse our collection of seeds, conveniently organized by type.
2. Select the seeds you’d like to grow and take them home with you, free of charge.
3. Plant your seeds, nurture your plants, and watch them thrive in your garden.
4. Harvest and enjoy your homegrown produce, and consider saving seeds from your healthiest plants for future seasons.
5. If you’re able, consider donating seeds from your own garden to help replenish our library and keep it thriving for others in the community.
Our Seed Library is a celebration of biodiversity and a testament to the power of community collaboration in nurturing our shared environment. We hope you’ll join us in this wonderful gardening adventure and help us grow together!
As an additional resource, we offer seed cleaning screens available for borrowing. These screens make it easy to clean and prepare seeds harvested from your garden for future planting. Simply ask the front desk staff to borrow a seed cleaning screen, follow the instructions provided, and ensure your seeds are ready for storage and sharing with fellow gardeners.
Propagation Station
Visit our Propagation Station, located next to the Seed Library.
What is plant propagation?
Plant propagations are pieces, or cuttings, from plants that grow their own root systems and become new plants.
Want to adopt cuttings?
Spray a paper towel with water.
Remove a cutting from a cup, and wrap the plant roots gently in the paper towel.
Place the wrapped roots in a plastic bag.
When you get home, continue to grow the cutting in water or plant it in well-draining soil in a pot with drainage holes.
Want to donate cuttings?
We take houseplants or indoor herbs only.
Please no soil or potted plants.
Please root the cuttings in water before donating them.
Cuttings must be healthy and free of pests or disease.
Pour water into one of the donations cups. Record your donation in the notebook and include care tips plus the cup’s number where you place your donation.
Our Books by Mail service brings library materials straight to your mailbox, FREE of charge, for eligible McDowell County Public Library patrons.
📬What is Books by Mail?
Books by Mail is a service for library card holders who are physically or visuallyunable to visit the library in person. Whether you’re homebound due to disability or a long-term health condition, we’re here to make sure library resources are still within reach.
âś… Who is Eligible?
To qualify, you must:
Have a McDowell County Public Library card
Have a physical or visual disability that prevents you from visiting    the library
