McDowell County Public Library

Adult Programs


CSLP | 2025 theme is Color Our World(™), which is all about art and creativity at the library. Our illustrator for 2025 is Mike Mullan... | Instagram

Get ready!! Summer Reading Begins June 9th!!

Summer Reading Kick-Off will be Monday, June 9th from 12-3 PM at the Marion Library!

– Sign up for Summer Reading

-Enter the adult raffle to win a prize from Painter’s Greenhouse!!

-Don’t miss the magical fun with BRad the Magician performing from 2-3 PM!!

-Meet our community partners!!


Check out our upcoming adult programs!

 



Spring Retirement Workshop

Wednesday, May 21st | 10:30 AM-12:00 PM | The Marion Library

Join us for an informative and engaging retirement planning workshop led by Chris Dobson of Dobson Wealth Management. 

Whether you’re nearing retirement or just starting to think ahead, this session will help you make confident, informed decisions about your future.

Learn about

• Cost Savings
• Tax Benefits
• Deciding your Benefits
• Planning for the Unexpected
• Having a Customized Plan
Tailored Specifically for You
• Getting on the Same Page with your Spouse

Don’t miss this opportunity to plan smarter and retire with peace of mind!

Dobson Wealth Management Home



Tech Classes for Seniors

Wednesday, May 21st, & 28th | 1-2 PM | The Marion Library

May 21st- Intro to Managing Your Privacy: Come learn about some essential privacy tips! In this introductory lecture, we’ll review how ads target us online, how to limit tracking, where to find browser settings and extensions to better control how our information is shared. We’ll also discuss some of the key features of password managers and why they’re a safe and secure option.

May 28th- Intro to Smartphone Photography: Interested in learning more about your smartphone camera? In this lecture, we’ll discuss common camera icons on Android and iPhone devices, simple editing tools, managing and sharing your photos, and editing date and location details on your phone. We’ll also go over how to check your camera settings so that it can scan QR codes.

Announcements from North Carolina Cooperative Extension- Bladen County Center -



Spice Club: Cardamom

Friday, May 23rd: Meeting | 1-2 PM | The Marion Library

Pick up this month’s spice kit to take home and explore in your cooking,

then we’ll gather for a fun meeting where you can share the dishes you’ve created using this month’s spice, Cardamom.

Swap recipes, share cooking tips, and discover new ways to spice up your meals!

To check out this month’s spice, cardamom, and delicious recipes follow this link. https://docs.google.com/document/d/11_qycMdArUfp43H2jEAFG7meU6beiIYpMP67DXbcbW8/edit?usp=sharing

Great Value Organic Ground Cardamom, 1.8 oz





Tech Classes for Seniors

Every Wednesday |1:00 PM | The Marion Library

Wednesday, June 4th- Getting to Know Your Smartphone: Join Molly from the Cooperative Extension for a relaxed class designed especially for seniors who want to feel more confident using their devices. Whether you have an iPhone or Android, this class will cover the basics from how to make calls, send texts, adjust settings, and use common apps. Bring your phone and your questions.

Wednesday, June 11th- Exploring & Downloading Apps: Join Molly from the Cooperative Extension for a relaxed class designed especially for seniors . This class will guide you through finding useful, fun, and safe apps to help with everyday tasks, from health and weather to staying in touch with loved ones. You’ll learn how to search, download, and organize apps on both iPhones and Androids. Bring your phone and questions.

Wednesday, June 18th- Intro to Learning Apps: Join us for an easygoing class designed for seniors, led by Molly from the Cooperative Extension! This class will introduce you to learning apps that can help you stay sharp, explore new hobbies, and much more. We’ll guide you through finding, downloading, and using beginner-friendly apps that make learning fun and accessible. Just bring your phone and questions.

Wednesday, June 25th- Getting Started With Duolingo: Interested in learning a new language from the comfort of your home? Join us for a senior-friendly class where we’ll help you get started with Duolingo, the popular free language-learning app! Molly from the Cooperative Extension will guide you through downloading the app, setting up your account, and exploring the basics of how Duolingo works.

Cooperative Extension – Lenoir County, North Carolina | Official Website



Spice Club: Tarragon

Pick-Up: Friday, June 6th

Meeting: Friday, June 27th | 1-2 PM | The Marion Library

Pick up this month’s spice kit to take home and explore in your cooking,

then we’ll gather for a fun meeting where you can share the dishes you’ve created using this month’s spice, tarragon.

Swap recipes, share cooking tips, and discover new ways to spice up your meals!

To check out this month’s spice, tarragon, and delicious recipes follow this link. https://docs.google.com/document/d/16VOAyFTHlwXaxOw9E9p6g-gyMPgkX7387ivabA2loXg/edit?tab=t.0

Great Value Organic Tarragon - 0.4 oz



Summer Reading Kick-Off Event!

Monday, June 9th | 12-3 PM | The Marion Library

Join us at the Marion Library as we kick off our Summer Reading Program with the theme “Color Our World”, a celebration of art and creativity!

Sign up for summer reading, enjoy fun activities for all ages, and connect with some of our local community partners.

Don’t miss a magical performance by B-Rad the Magician from 2-3 PM, plus enter for a chance to win a beautiful fern donated by Painter’s Greenhouse.

Bring the whole family and help us start the summer with a little magic and lots of fun!

Summer Reading Program | Department of Libraries



One-One Tech Help

Tuesday, June 10th | 3-5 PM | The Marion Library

Molly Sandfoss from the NC Cooperative Extension will be at the Marion Library to assist with basic

computer skills, email, social media, and more.

Announcements from North Carolina Cooperative Extension- Bladen County Center -



Adult Craft & Create: Hobbit Door Wreaths

Tuesday, June 10th | 4-5 PM | The Marion Library

Step into the Shire with us as we create charming Hobbit door wreaths inspired by the cozy homes of Tolkien’s Middle-earth!

Using a variety of craft materials, you’ll design a round, greenery-trimmed wreath that looks like it belongs in Bag End.

Everyone who attends will also be entered into a raffle for a special library-themed prize which will be given away at the end of the program!

All materials provided.

LOTR SPECIAL: DIY Hobbit Door Wreath - Etsy



Book Club

Friday, June 13th | 1-2 PM | The Marion Library

Book Club is always a good time! Come hang out, eat free snacks , and chat about The Guncle by Steven Rowley.

The Guncle [Book]



Adult Craft & Create: Fabric Bowls

Tuesday, June 17th | 4-5 PM | The Marion Library

Get crafty and add a pop of color to your home with this fun craft!

We’ll show you how to turn fabric scraps, Mod Podge, and balloons into beautiful fabric bowls.

Perfect for holding jewelry, keys, or just to show off.

Everyone who attends will also be entered into a raffle for a special library-themed prize which will be given away at the end of the program!

All materials provided.

Fabric Scrap Mâché Bowls — simply living well



Sun Printing with the Master Gardeners

Friday, June 20th | 11 AM | The Marion Library

This all-ages program invites you to create stunning botanical prints using real flowers, leaves, and natural materials.

We’ll provide cotton handkerchiefs for printing, but we encourage you to bring your own fresh flowers, leaves,

and any cotton items you’d like to print on- such as t-shirts, tote bags, or fabric squares.

DIY Sun Printing on Fabric | Garden DesignGardening in McDowell County | N.C. Cooperative Extension



Local History Club

Friday, June 20th | 3:30-4:30 PM | The Marion Library

To accompany our Summer Reading theme of ‘Color Our World’, we will explore the art and crafts history of

McDowell County, including the formation of MACA and how art communities still thrive in the county.

Collaborative Summer Library Program Resources - Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives



Adult Craft & Create: Spilled Coffee Bookmarks

Tuesday, June 24th | 4-5 PM | The Marion Library

Add a little fun to your reading with this fun adult craft!

We’ll be making bookmarks that look like a mini coffee cup is spilling coffee right onto your page.

Using simple materials and a bit of creativity.

Everyone who attends will also be entered into a raffle for a special library-themed prize which will be given away at the end of the program!

All materials provided.

Spilled Coffee Bookmark, Cute Bookmarks Book Lovers Gifts for Reading Lover Women Men (White)



Outreach



Maker Monday: Beaded Plants

Monday, June 2nd | 11 AM-12 PM | YMCA Multipurpose Room

Do you lack a green thumb and love making crafts? Come create beautiful forever plants with beads!

You DO NOT need to be a YMCA member!

Beaded Bliss: DIY charm bracelet and rings - Crafty Chica



Old Fort Branch @ Bud Hogan Senior Center

Tuesdays | 10 AM | Bud Hogan Senior Center

Stop by the Senior Center in Old Fort to chat and craft with some folks from the Old Fort branch!

21,300+ Adult Crafts Stock Illustrations, Royalty-Free Vector Graphics & Clip Art - iStock | Party, Craft supplies



Old Fort Trails and Trains

Saturday, June 7th | 10 AM | Old Fort Train Depot

Come visit the Bookmobile and check out books while you participate in this community event!

Old Fort Festival North Carolina



Juneteenth Freedom Festival

Saturday, June 21st | 3 PM | Addie’s Chapel

Come visit the Bookmobile and check out books while you participate in this community event!

2024 Juneteenth Freedom Festival — West Marion Community Forum



OLD FORT’S ADULT PROGRAMS



At this time the Old Fort Library is closed until further notice. 

Please check our calendar for Old Fort Bookmobile stops.

 

 

 

  • Hours

    Marion Library

    Mon, Wed, Fri: 10-5:30
    Tue, Thu: 10-7
    Saturday: 11-5
    Sunday: Closed
    Holiday Hours

    Old Fort Library

    Monday: Closed
    Tues: 10-7
    Wed, Fri: 10-5:30
    Thursday: 10-7
    Saturday: 11-5
    Sunday: Closed
    Holiday Hours

  • Get in touch

    Marion Library

    Phone 828-652-3858
    Fax 828-652-2098

    Old Fort Library

    Phone 828-668-7111
    Fax 828-668-1758


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  • Find us

    Marion Library

    90 W Court St
    Marion, NC 28752
    Directions

    Old Fort Library

    65 E Mitchell St
    Old Fort, NC 28762
    Directions