Catawba County Library System will feature several displays next month. The displays are intended for information and education as well as entertainment.

Offerings will include:

Newton-It’s only rock & roll, flu awareness, Salute to author Thomas Wolfe

            Genealogy-Depression glass

Maiden-Art Creations by Cheyenne Ehlert

Sherrills Ford-Teen Read Week, fire prevention, bats and cats

Southwest-Fall season

St. Stephens-Community helpers

The library system operates seven locations throughout the county and has more than 70,000 registered users.                                              ¼/p>

 Customers are pleased with Catawba County Library System, according to a customer service survey conducted earlier this year.

Results from the annual poll show that virtually all of the 569 patrons who took the survey rated the library service as good or excellent. The high marks reflect an ongoing perception of the county system as evidenced in surveys for 17 years. The survey allows the library to gather formal responses from customers.

Library users were asked to complete short paper surveys at all seven locations. The library system, headquartered in Newton, has branches in Conover, Claremont, Maiden, St. Stephens, Sherrills Ford and Southwest which serves the Banoak and Mountain View communities.

Karen Foss, library system director, said that some of the questions were designed to identify ways to better meet the needs of patrons. Individuals were asked for suggestions for programs and library materials as well as how people find out about library events.

The library staff was pleased to see so many supportive comments such as “It is so good now I don’t know how you could improve” and “It’s perfect.”

“While we’re gratified with the positives, we are particularly interested in suggestions to help us better meet our customers’ needs,” Foss said.

Some requested expanded hours, reduced noise, more computer terminals and audio books. Ideas for programs ranged from author readings to genealogy workshops and writing classes.

Likewise, patrons offered ideas for new library materials. These and all suggestions will be considered and acted upon wherever possible.

Volunteers from Friends of the Library helped to distribute the surveys. Respondents reflect a cross-section of residents in terms of demographics. The Main Library in Newton garnered the most survey participants with 229.

There’s nothing quite like Hart Square.

Every year on a Saturday in late October, Dr. Robert Hart of Hickory opens his country place near Vale. By place, I mean large ponds, wildlife and some 80 authentic log cabins.

This year’s event is Oct. 24 when thousands will walk back in time to visit the fully furnished log structures and converse with more than 200 volunteers dressed in period clothing to demonstrate  dozens of arts and crafts from the 19^th century-everything from blacksmithing to spinning to distilling.

The cabins were purchased, dismantled and reconstructed by Hart and his crew who worked within a 25-mile radius of Hart Square for more than 30 years. The collection includes dwellings, shops, chapels, a cotton gin, school and a variety of authentic outbuildings. The oldest structure is more than 200 years old.

Whether you plan to visit or not, the Catawba County Library System has resources to help you study up on the time period and on Hart Square itself. The site was featured in a film narrated by famed historian Shelby Foote. The DVD is available for checkout at the library.

Information about a variety of local historical subjects is available from the Rhodes Local History Room at Main Library in Newton. That collection is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Foxfire books are an excellent resource on folkways. The library has several volumes of the back-to-nature series published by Eliot Wigginton in the early 1970s. The first one includes instructions on mountain crafts including log cabin building. The book and its companions can be found on the 309 shelf.

Wigginton, a West Virginia native, wrote the books from material gathered for an oral history project while teaching in Rabun County, GA in the late 1960s.To complement the original series, there are Foxfire books Appalachian cookery in the “641″ cookbooks and another on rustic toys and games, The Foxfire Book of Toys and Games : Reminiscences and Instructions from Appalachia in the 793 section.

General admission tickets to Hart Square go on sale at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Museum of History in Newton. Price is $25 and proceeds benefit the Catawba County Historical Association.

¼/p>

If you’re among the millions who plan to view Ken Burns’ new documentary series on national parks, Catawba County Library System has some materials to interest you.

Burns, the celebrated filmmaker, is best known for his landmark series The Civil War, and has produced a number of other award winners on such topics as baseball, jazz and Huey Long. This fall, he’s exploring what some refer to as “America’s best idea,” the creation of national parks which began with Yellowstone in 1872 and includes National Park Service property in every state but Delaware.

Burns in fact wrote the preface to this year’s preview of the PBS series. The National Parks: America’s Best Idea is a print companion to the series that begins at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27 on UNC-TV. The book is on order at the library.

For a basic overview of the park system, consider America’s National Parks for Dummies (917 AME). Whether you’re planning a trip or might consider one in the future, this guide offers expert advice on the best features to maximize your visit.

How about some park videos?

Great Lodges of the National Parks, released last year, will whet your appetite for a Western vacation to such places as Furnace Creek Inn in California, Glacier Bay Lodge in Alaska or Volcano House in Hawaii.

Extreme Alaska, Denali National Park is a 2007 video of the breathtaking destination at Mount McKinley that dares to take you beyond the tourist hotspots.

From Texas to Yellowstone takes you on a visual tour through America’s Heartland with stops at Yellowstone and Mesa Verde.

Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC is indeed a national park. Arlington Field of Honor is a 2004 DVD that shares the history of this site through archival footage and stories of some veterans buried there.

To check availability of these or other library materials, contact any branch library or log on to www.catawbacountync.gov/library

This summer’s reading program prompted more local kids than ever to include books in their vacation plans.

A total of 1,489 young people registered for Summer Reading this year-an increase of 20 percent from a year ago. By singing up, the children and their parents agreed to track the books read or read to them for the 10-week program.

The increase was greatest at Sherrills Ford where signups were up 47 percent, followed by Newton at 40 percent. The library system also operates branches at Claremont, Conover, Maiden, St. Stephens and Southwest (Mountain View), all of which reported healthy participation.

 “If the bad economy has a silver lining, this is it,” said Richard Griffin, Youth Services librarian. “More young people were using the library because families stayed closer to home.”

The library system offered 93 programs for children and youth relating to this year’s theme, “Be Creative at Your Library.” Activities included music, games, creative movement demonstrations, a talent show, origami and creative journaling, to name a few.

Of the youngsters who signed up to participate, 374 turned in their reading records for a prize, up 25 percent from last year.

Though the library staff was busier than ever, their efforts were rewarded with happy patrons and young people and their families who are more familiar with the public library and how it can be part of their lives.

A parent who brought her daughter to the closing program at Newton said they had attended every event scheduled, Griffin said.

“The daughter was heartbroken that Summer Reading had ended. I explained that she could come visit us any time during the school year. She was pleased that she had accomplished her reading goal and received her prize: a book she’d begged her mother to buy for her the week before.

“Families, particularly those short on money, appreciate all the free services we offer,” Griffin said.          

Besides loaning audio books, DVDs and print materials, the county system offers free internet access, homework help, research assistance, computer classes and programs year-round. For more information about library branches and services, contact Lynne Bolick Reed, library services coordinator, weekdays at 465-8292.

A $5 donation might win you a custom-made garden playhouse.

Sherrills Ford Friends of the Library announce the lucky winner on Saturday, Oct. 3, during their annual Fall Festival at the Sherrills Ford Branch Library, 8456 Sherrills Ford Road. Proceeds will benefit the proposed Library/Community Center there.

Linda Greenwell, president of the Sherrills Ford Friends group, said the playhouse was constructed this summer by Tom Turowski and Jim Gardner with support from area vendors.

The house includes a sink with granite countertop and could be used as a garden potting shed. Free delivery will be available within a 40-mile radius of the Sherrills Ford Branch Library.

Fall Festival will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and include a plant sale, pottery demonstration, crafts, food and activities for all ages.           

The public is cordially invited to the free event. To reach Sherrills Ford Branch Library from East NC 150, turn north on Sherrills Ford Road and proceed about 1 mile. The library will be on your right.

Fall festivals, Teen Read Week and author Daniel Barefoot are featured activities next month at Catawba County Library System.

Sherrills Ford Friends of the Library will host their annual fall festival on Saturday, Oct. 3, beginning at 8:30 a.m. A noon raffle will determine the lucky winner of a custom-made playhouse. The day will include games, food and more. Details are available by calling 478-2729.

Also on Oct. 3, the library system will staff an informational booth about green initiatives during Claremont Days near the branch library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Claremont Friends of the Library will also hold a book sale.

A fall festival is also planned at St. Stephens from 3:30-5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22.

Spirits of ‘76 author Daniel Barefoot will read from this latest work at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 in Newton. The book, published by John F. Blair Publisher, reveals accounts of ghostly sightings of Revolutionary War heroes. The public is invited to the free program at the Main Library.

Teen Read Week (Oct. 18-24) inspires a number of activities for ages 12-18 including a “monster ball” at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, in Newton. Youth are invited to dress as their favorite book character (not necessarily a monster) and join in the fun including refreshments.

Maiden Branch is hosting a teen book talk at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8. Meanwhile, St. Stephens will sponsor a Teen Read program at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20 to include information about how to succeed in school, and Southwest invites ages 12 and up to take part in a career journaling session at 4 p. m. on Oct. 22.

Check the roster below for dates and times of library activities.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please pre-register for computer classes and Hooks with Books (St. Stephens).

Main Library–Newton, 465-8664

   · Preschool story time, each Thursday at 10 a.m.

   · Family stories, 6:30 p.m. Mondays

   · Kids Power of Words, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 1

   · Teen Book Talk, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8

   · Intro to Computers, 10 a.m. Oct. 8

   · Teen CSI, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 10

   · Job Searching, 10:30 a.m. Oct. 13

   · Where the Wild Things Are, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15

   · Teen Games, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 16

   · Teen Advisory Board, 2 p.m. Oct. 17

   · Teen Monster Ball, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 20

   · You & Me Baby, 10 a.m. Oct. 21

   · Spirits of ‘76 author talk, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29

   · Trick or Treat, 3-6 p.m. Oct. 30 & 31

 

Conover Branch, 466-5108

   · Story time, 10 a.m. Oct. 7 & 21

   · Beginning Internet, 6 p.m. Oct. 19

 

Claremont Branch, 459-9311

   · Intro to Internet, 10 a.m. Oct. 14

   · Friends of Library, 6 pm.. Oct. 27

   · Trick or Treat, 3-6 p.m. Oct. 30

  

Maiden Branch, 428-2712

   · Toddler stories 9:30 a.m. & preschool 10 Wednesdays.

   · Basic Job Searching, 9 a.m. Oct. 9

   · Teen Mystery, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 22

   · Trick or Treat, 3-6 p.m. Oct. 30

 

St. Stephens Branch, 256-3030

   · Preschool/toddler story time 10 a.m. Thursdays.

   · Music Makers 10 a.m. & 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15

   · Teen Read Program, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20

   · Intro to Publisher, 10 a.m. Oct. 21

   · Fall Festival, 3:30-5 p.m. Oct. 22

   · Hooks with Books, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27

   · Trick or Treat, 3-6 p.m. Oct. 30 & 31

 

Sherrills Ford Branch, 478-2729

   · Toddler/preschool stories Wednesdays, 10 a.m.  Preschoolers dress up Oct. 28.

   · Toddler/preschool music time, 10 a.m. Thursdays

   · Intro to Computers, 10 a.m. Oct. 2

   · Friends Fall Festival, 8:30-1:30 Oct. 3

   · Teen Games, 4 p.m. Oct. 20

   · Friends of Library, 7 p.m. Oct. 20

   · Trick or Treat, 3-6 p.m. Oct. 30

  

Southwest Branch, 294-2343

   · Toddler/preschool story time, 10 a.m. Wednesdays.

   · GED classes, 6-8 p.m. Thursdays. Sign up through CVCC.

   · Intro to Word, 10 a. m. Oct. 16

   · Teen Journaling, 4 p.m. Oct. 22

   · Intro to Computers, 10 a.m. Oct. 23

   · Carolina Conspiracy Writers, 3 p.m. Oct. 25

   · Trick or Treat, 3-6 p.m. Oct. 30                  ¼/p>

Catawba County Library System has several opportunities available for adults who want to learn computer basics. The free 90-minute sessions are taught by trained library staff and pre-registration is required.  Classes include:

Intro to Computers-Take the first steps toward computing with the Windows operating system. Offered 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2 in Sherrills Ford; 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 in Newton, and 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at Southwest.

Intro to Word-Get started with this popular Microsoft word processing program to compose letters, reports and other documents. Class begins at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Southwest.

Intro to Publisher- Discover how your PC can integrate text and graphics to produce brochures, newsletters and other printed pieces including birthday cards and reunion flyers. Offered 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 at St. Stephens.

Basic Job Searching-Use a personal computer to find work and fill out a job application on-line. Offered 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Maiden and 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 in Newton.

Beginning Internet-See how easy it is to navigate the World Wide Web using a personal computer. Class held 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 in Claremont and 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at Conover.

In addition, General Education Development (GED) classes are offered Thursday evenings at Southwest Branch in Mountain View. The sessions, designed for adults who lack a high school diploma, are held 6-8 p.m. and are offered through Catawba Valley Community College. For details, contact the branch library at 294-2343.

To register for call the Main library at 465-8665; Conover, 466-5108; St. Stephens, 256-3030 or Sherrills Ford, 478-2729. The Main Library is located at 115 West C Street in Newton. Catawba County Library System has a total of 65 public Internet work stations available.

Hooks with Books, a book discussion and crocheting group at St. Stephens Branch Library, will focus on community service this fall, as members stitch items for the homeless.

Donna Fox, library services specialist, leads the book discussion every fourth Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.  Their next meeting is on Sept. 29.

The group has been working on a blanket project for an African charity. Next month, the group will start work on hats for the homeless or in our area. Each participant should bring a crochet hook and yarn. The session is limited to 15 participants.

For more information or to register, contact Donna Fox at 256-3030.

You can’t please everybody.

That’s especially true when it comes to books. Throughout history, individuals and groups of all

persuasions have tried to suppress anything that conflicts with their beliefs.

National Banned Books Week, on the other hand, is a celebration of choice. Catawba County Library System, the American Library Association and other libraries across the nation will observe the week of Sept. 26-Oct. 3 to remind Americans not to take our First Amendment freedoms for granted.

Book objections usually revolve around sexual references, obscenities, racial epithets, stereotypes or values deemed contrary to the “public good.” At times, governments have gotten in on the act. Mickey Mouse, for example, was found so objectionable by the Communists of East Germany who raided schools in 1954 to seek out Western books. Mickey, they said, was an anti-Red rebel.

Earlier, John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer- and Nobel Prize-winning novel, The Grapes of Wrath, raised ire in 1939 because of vulgar words used by some of the characters. Things turned ugly in California that year when the Associated Farmers of Kern County mapped a statewide ban as being derogatory toward the state. The book has since been used as a high school text for generations.

And so it goes.

Banned Books Week is designed to celebrate the freedom to read materials that may be considered unorthodox or unpopular. It also stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of dissenting viewpoints to all who wish to read them.

A wide variety of books have, at one time or another, been challenged by governments or groups around the world: Huckleberry Finn, Ulysses, Black Beauty, The Age of Reason, Frankenstein, Lord of the Flies, Mein Kampf, The Pentagon Papers, Leaves of Grass, The Canterbury Tales.

Meanwhile, the Youth Services Department will host an activity with craft time at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 1, focused on the once-banned book Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. The William Steig book received both Caldecott and Newberry Medal honors in 1970.

The idea is to celebrate the freedom for parents to choose for themselves what they want their children to read and for patrons of all ages to have a variety of viewpoints available for consideration and discussion.

¼/p>