By Amanda M. Gardner, Wilson County Public Library
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when Wilson County Public Library joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning.
There is nothing more empowering than signing up for your own library card. Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams and passions.
Stop into any of our six library locations during the month of September to obtain or renew your library card and pick up a Library Card Sign-up Month Bingo game. Return your completed Bingo game by Friday, October 1, 6pm, to be entered into a gift card drawing!
National Voter Registration Day 2021 is Tuesday, September 28, 2021! Drop into the Main Library Assembly Room from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. to hear speakers discuss the importance of voting, to register to vote and find your polling place, and to enjoy free popcorn and lemonade!
Banned Books Week, September 26 – October 2, 2021, is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. To learn more about Banned Books Week, including lists of banned and challenged books, visit https://bannedbooksweek.org.
All programs are free of charge and will be accessible via the library’s Facebook and YouTube channels or Zoom, unless otherwise specified. Registration is not required unless stated for specific programs. For more information about library programs, online or in-person, call 252.237.5355 or visit www.wilsoncountypubliclibrary.org.
Main Library Programs
The Wilson County Public Library’s main library is located at 249 Nash Street N, Wilson, NC. See hours here.
Youth Programs
Programs will take place on Facebook and YouTube unless otherwise specified. For more information, contact Scott Houston, Youth Services Manager, at shouston@wilson-co.com or 252.237.5355 ext. 5055.
STEAM Programs
Tuesdays, September 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2021 @ 7pm
Ages 5 and up. Join us for science, technology, engineering, art, and math-themed programs.
Storytime
Wednesdays, September 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2021 @ 10am
Ages 0-10. Join us for an all-ages storytime with Mr. Scott! Each week we will explore a new theme with favorite stories, old and new!
Pajama Storytime
Thursdays, September 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2021 @ 5pm
Ages 3-6. Join us every Thursday for Pajama Storytime! Branch librarians will provide stories, songs, and other surprises to help our younger patrons have pleasant dreams!
Bilingual Storytime
Fridays, September 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2021 @ 5pm
Ages 0-10. Listen to favorite stories in English and Spanish!
Signing Storytime
Saturday, September 18, 2021 @ 5pm
Ages 0-10. Introducing a new storytime in partnership with Barton College Deaf Education Students! This storytime will be presented in American Sign Language and Spoken English.
Young Adult Programs
Programs will take place on Zoom or Facebook/YouTube unless otherwise specified. For more information or to register, contact Kate Brittain at 252.237.5355 ext. 5073 or via email.
Teens Talk Books
Thursday, September 9, 2021 @ 4pm
Ages 12-19. Teens are invited to a Zoom Book Talk featuring Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. Join us for a guided discussion on this novel and hear what your peers have to say about it! Please register to obtain a Zoom link.
Virtual Poetry Slam
Thursday, September 16, 2021 @ 4pm
Are you a poet? Do you have a voice and something to say that you want people to hear? Do you have a way with words? Now is your chance to share your gift of gab in our Virtual Poetry Slam! Make sure to register to get a Zoom link and get on the program!
Teen Advisory Board Meeting
Thursday, September 23, 2021 @ 4pm
TAB gives teens the opportunity to share ideas and plan programs and services offered to their peers by the library. Members of TAB attend monthly meetings and assist in at least one teen program each school year. Participation may count toward school and National Honor Society service hours! Please register to obtain a Zoom link.
Banned Books Week Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Monday, September 27-Friday, September 30, 2021
In honor of Banned Books Week, September 26-October 2 teens are invited to participate in a virtual scavenger hunt. This hunt provides an opportunity to learn the fascinating facts about books that have been banned and/or censored and celebrates the freedom to read! Scavenger hunt sheets will be available at the Main Library Adult Services desk.
TGIF: Teen Book of the Week
Fridays, September 3 and 17, 2021 @ 11am
TGIF is a bi-weekly book review show featuring Teen Librarian Kate Brittain. Listen to book reviews and recommendations for readers of Young Adult literature and learn background information on each title. Tune into Facebook or YouTube every other Friday at 11:00 a.m. for a brand-new episode!
Adult Programs
Alternative Career and Job-Hunting Techniques
Tuesday, September 14, 2021 @ 2pm
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the different paths to hunt for jobs or to explore a career change? Duna Long, Special Projects Outreach Coordinator at the Turning Point Workforce Development Board will demonstrate alternative websites and networking strategies to help you find your ideal position. Contact Amanda Gardner at 252.237.5355 ext. 5072 or via email (agardner@wilson-co.com) to register for a Zoom link.
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Wednesday, September 1-Thursday, September 30, 2021
Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Join the Alzheimer’s Association for this recorded webinar to learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s; the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia; stages and risk factors; current research and treatments available for some symptoms; and Alzheimer’s Association resources. This program will be available on-demand on the library’s Facebook and YouTube channels. For more information, contact Amanda Gardner at 252.237.5355 ext. 5072 or via email (agardner@wilson-co.com).
Pee-Can vs. Pah-Cahn: A Sweet and Savory Nut with a Controversial Name
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 @ 7pm
Join Assistant Director Amanda Gardner and Library Assistant Naija Speight to learn about the origins and pronunciation differences of the versatile pecan. A cooking demonstration featuring a savory main dish and a delectable dessert will follow. This program will air on Facebook and YouTube. For more information, contact Amanda Gardner at 252.237.5355 ext. 5072 or via email.
Branch Libraries
Black Creek Branch Library
103 Central Avenue, Black Creek, NC
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm
Phone: 252.237.3715
Craft-to-Go Kits
Kits for ages 6-10 are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
- September 13, 2021: Make a Hat Day — Create and decorate a paper hat to celebrate Make a Hat Day on September 15.
- September 27, 2021: Wonderful Wind Chimes — Create a fall wind chime. Supplies include nature items such as sticks and mini pinecones, as well as beads and twine.
Elm City Branch Library
114 N Railroad Street, Elm City, NC
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm
Phone: 252.236.4269
Craft-to-Go Kits
Kits for ages 3-12 are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. September’s theme is Peg People, inspired by the wooden sculptures of artist Bob Trotman.
Lucama Branch Library
103 E Spring Street, Lucama, NC
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm
Phone: 252.239.0046
Craft-to-Go Kits
Kits are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
Up In the Air
Thursday, September 9 and Monday, September 13, 2021 @ noon-5pm
Ages 14 and up will receive an activity kit containing items to create and decorate your own unique hot air balloon craft.
There’s No Place Like Home – Shelter Animals
Monday, September 27 and Thursday, September 30, 2021, @ noon-5pm
Ages 5-12 will learn how our cuddly friends need a place to call home with humans to love. Participants will receive an activity kit containing fun facts, puzzles, and more!
Crocker Branch Library (Stantonsburg)
114 S. Main Street, Stantonsburg, NC
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:30-6pm
Phone: 252.238.3758
Family Fun Craft-to-Go Kits
Kits for ages 5-12 are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
- September 7-10, 2021: Pinecone Apples — Pick up a fun nature craft to turn pinecones into apples! Includes a worksheet on the parts of an apple!
- September 20-24, 2021: Fall Windsock — This week’s kit includes everything needed to create a fun fall windsock, just in time for the first day of Autumn!
