McDowell County Public Library

Library Updates

Old Fort’s Programs

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Children’s Programs



Old Fort Storytimes

Wednesdays, August 20th & 27th  | 11 AM | The Old Fort Library

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.

Storytimes - Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library



Teen Programs



Adventurers Wanted: Teen D&D

Tuesdays, August 12th, 19th, and 26th  | 5-7 PM | The Old Fort Library

Our weekly D&D campaign will continue on the Old Fort branch after a short post-Summer Reading break.

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.

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) | BritannicaMagiKids



Stringed Instrument Learn & Jam

Saturday, August 16th and 30th  | 1-3 PM | The Old Fort Library

Come learn some basics on how to play stringed instruments in a low-pressure environment.

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.

*This program has been expanded and is now offered to Teens AND Adults.

How to Learn Some Different Kinds of String Instrument.



Adult Programs



Stringed Instrument Learn & Jam

Saturday, August 16th and 30th  | 1-3 PM | The Old Fort Library

Come learn some basics on how to play stringed instruments in a low-pressure environment.

We’re focusing on guitar, but if you have a ukulele, mandolin, or dulcimer, we can help you out.

How to Learn Some Different Kinds of String Instrument.



Mountain Stories Book Club

Wednesday, August 27th | 6-8 PM | The Mountain Gateway Museum

We’re partnering with the Mountain Gateway Museum to help offer a book club in their new building!

Check their Facebook @MtnGatewayMuseum for the book title updates.

Home | Mountain Gateway Museum



 

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Seed Library & Propagation Station

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Green background with the Seed Savers logo in the top left corner. Text of "Seed Library Borrow Seeds Donate Seeds Save Seeds & Grow. Various images of seeds and plants around the text. Photo of the seed library catalogue cabinet with the Marion Library Seed Share sign above it.

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!

Seed Cleaning Screens | Homeplace Earth

 

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.

 

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Books By Mail

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📚Books by Mail Program


Launching August 20th!

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 visually unable 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.


✅ 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
  • Reside within McDowell County

📝 How to Sign Up


1. Fill out an application:

  • Here 
  • Download the application form
  • Call us at (828) 653-3858 to request an application by mail
  • Or stop by the library to pick up a printed copy

2. Submit your completed application:

Mail to:

McDowell County Public Library                                                            90 West Court St. Marion, NC 28752

Return in person

Or submit the form above.

Books By Mail - Arlington Public Library

 


📅 When Does it Start?


Deliveries begin August 20th, 2025. Sign up now to be part of the first mailing!


📖 Questions?


📞 Call us at (828) 652-3858

📧 Email us at hgrant@mcdowellpubliclibrary.org

⬇️ Or leave a message below

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  • 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


    Subscribe to our Newsletter

  • Find us

    Marion Library

    90 W Court St
    Marion, NC 28752
    Directions

    Old Fort Library

    65 E Mitchell St
    Old Fort, NC 28762
    Directions