Adult Programs
Check out July’s upcoming adult programs!!
MCPL Pen Pal Program
Pick up your packets today!!
The McDowell Public Library is on a mission this Summer to connect folks of all ages with pen pals from far and wide.
Here is the rundown for important dates during this program:
April 16-May 20: Patrons can register
May 21-27: We will pair pen pals and reach out to everyone participating
May 29: Starting this day, patrons can pick up their Pen Pal Packets. (Packets include pen pal information, paper, envelopes, and suggested writing topics)
June – July: Patrons are encouraged to write at least 3 letters to their pen pals
Medicaid Sign-Ups with MATCH
Monday, July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th| 1-5 PM | The Marion library
Every Monday from 1-5 PM at the Marion Library in July, MATCH will be assisting with Medicaid Sign-Ups!
Walk-ins welcome or call 828-659-5289 to schedule an appointment.
One-On-One Tech Time w/ Molly Sandfoss
Tuesday, July 9th | 3-5 PM| The Marion library
Stop by the Marion Library for personalized tech assistance from Molly with the NC Cooperative Extension.
No registration required!
We can help you with …
- Basic computer skills
- How to access eBooks and Audiobooks
- Using devices such as eReaders, tablets, and smartphones
- Digital photos
- Social media
Adult Craft: Zen Gardens
Tuesday, July 9th | 3-4:30PM | The Marion Community Building (Downstairs)
Find your calm with our adult craft on zen garden making. Join us for a relaxing time that combines creativity with serenity.
All supplies provided.
The “Library Books” Book Club
Friday, July 12th | 1-2 PM | The Marion Community Building (Downstairs)
Join our library book club for lively conversations, new friends, and great reads.
This month we are discussing Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.
YMCA Book Club
Monday, July 15th | 11 AM-12 PM | The YMCA
Stop by the YMCA to discuss Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.
All are welcome. YMCA membership not required.
Adult Craft:Macrame
Tuesday, July 16th | 3-4:30 PM | The Marion Community Buildind (Downstairs)
Discover the art of macrame! Join us to create beautiful, handcrafted designs using simple knots and techniques.
All supplies provided.
Plant Swap
Thursday, July 18th |12-2 PM | The Marion library
Join us for a community plant swap!
Bring your extra cuttings, seedlings, or mature plants and exchange them for new green friends!
Adult Craft: Fairy Gardens
Tuesday, July 23rd | 3-4:30 PM | The Marion Community Building (Downstairs)
Create your own magical fairy garden! Join us to design enchanting miniature landscapes.
All supplies provided.
Historical Fiction Book Club
Friday, July 26th | 1-2 PM | Marion Community Building (Downstairs)
Dive into the past with the Historical Fiction Book club!
Where the past comes to life through fiction within the walls of our library.
This month we are discussing The Saints of Swallow Hill by Donna Everhart.
Bad Art Contest
Tuesday, July 30th | 3-5 PM | MACA
Think you can make the worst art? Prove it!!
Whoever can create the most dreadful art piece will win the “ Worst Art of the Night!” and be crowned champion.
- Create your worst art piece
- Vote on the worst piece
- Winner takes home a crown & prize!
OLD FORT’S ADULT PROGRAMS
Medicaid Sign-Ups with MATCH
Tuesday, July 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th| 1-5 PM | The Old Fort library
Every Tuesday from 1-5 PM at the Old Fort Library in July, MATCH will be assisting with Medicaid Sign-Ups!
Walk-ins welcome or call 828-659-5289 to schedule an appointment.
Adult Craft – Leatherworking
Thursday, July 11th| 5-6 PM | The Old Fort Library
Join us for a craft with special guest Matthew Smith of Dog & Pine Leather co. as we make small leathercraft items!
Adult Craft – Upcycled Folk Instruments
Thursday, July 18th| 5-6 PM | The Old Fort Library
Come and celebrate the Appalachian tradition of home-made instruments by building cigar box guitar or mountain dulcimer from reclaimed materials!
Tools will be available, but feel free to bring your own if you’d like (rasps, saws, knives, etc)!
Adult Craft – Zen Gardens
Thursday, July 25th | 5-6 PM | The Old Fort Library
Come create a relaxing miniature zen garden and enjoy some calm hang-out time with fellow crafters!
What is the Summer Reading Program?
The Summer Reading Program is not just for kids but for all readers. It is about library advocacy for readers as we connect with our communities through programs and activities. It is designed to be fun and to encourage reading, maintain skills, and spark new interests. The Summer Reading Program will begin June 10th at 12 pm and end August 2nd at 5:30pm.
How to sign up…
You can sign up by attending our kick-off event at the Marion Library Monday, June 10th from 12-3 PM. You can also sign up by picking up a reading log at the Marion Library after June 10th or the Old Fort Library after June 11th. After completing your log, return it to the library and you will be entered into the reading program.
How it Works…
To get started, kids, teens, and adults will use a Reading Log to record the amount of time spent reading during the summer. This reading log will also be key to earning prizes. As a bonus, attending library programs, completing BINGO sheets, and Adventure/Passport logs will also count toward their reading goal.
To earn reading hours you can read
- Physical Books
- Audiobooks
- Magazines and Newspapers
- e-books/e-audiobooks
- Subtitles on the television
For Kids..
Every 2 hours spent reading= 1 raffle ticket for one of several fun prize baskets. Present your reading log to the front desk to receive your tickets. Additionally completing a Passport log = 1 raffle ticket.
For Teens (rising 6th grade through 12th grade)…
Teens will earn 1 raffle ticket for every 8 hours of reading. Teens can earn extra raffle tickets by completing a BINGO sheet. Attending library programs will count toward your reading goal. There is no limit to the number of raffle tickets you can earn.
For Adults…
Adults will earn 1 raffle ticket for every 8 hours of reading. Adults can earn extra raffle tickets by completing a BINGO sheet and a Choose Your Own Adventure activity sheet.
Want more chances to win? Pick up a new reading log and keep coming to programs at the library!
All reading logs, tickets, BINGO sheets, summer adventure passports, and Choose Your Own Adventure activity sheets must be turned in by 5:30 P.M on August 2nd at the Marion or Old Fort branch to be entered for one of many prizes! Winners will be contacted by phone by August 10th.
Don’t forget to check out the Seed Library!
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.