Randleman Public Library to open in new facility on February 2

Randleman library manager Donna Toomes shows off a book-themed kids’ entry way to the children’s area at the new Randleman Public Library.

RANDLEMAN – Randleman’s spacious, new, state-of-the-art public library will open at 10 a.m. Monday, February 2, in its new home at 142 W. Academy Street.

The library’s preschool storytimes, every Thursday and Friday at 10:30 a.m., will resume on February 5.

“The new library will be a ‘better library for a better tomorrow’ for the residents of Randleman and the surrounding areas,” says Randleman Librarian Donna Toomes.

The new facility essentially doubles the library’s space, from 6,300 sq. ft. to 12,573 sq. ft. Amenities include all new furnishings and shelving; a large, inviting area for children that includes iPads and a smart table; plenty of lounge and study seating for all ages; an expanded public computing area; small group study or tutoring rooms; a conference room for book clubs or other community groups; a large programming space with seating for 80 and associated activity space; and sufficient staff workspace and storage areas.

The library closed its 122 Commerce Square location on January 9 as relocation got underway. The previous library, built in 1973, had become extremely crowded and lacked space for reading, study, children’s programs and shelving for books.

Expansion of the library is part of the city’s effort to reorganize government offices and beautify the Commerce Square area. City Hall was moved to a Main Street building; the police station moved to the former city hall; and the square was landscaped with a stage, a fountain, seating areas and a farmer’s market. 

The new library building previously housed the Richard Petty Museum, which relocated to Petty Enterprises in Level Cross.

Gardening expert to provide growing season tips at library

Ben Grandon

ASHEBORO – North Carolina’s long growing season is almost here, and Randolph County Cooperative Extension can help you get ready.

Join Extension Agriculture-Horticulture Agent Ben Grandon at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 10, at the Asheboro Public Library, to get a rundown on all you need to produce a bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables.

Get answers to your gardening questions, an overview of supplies and equipment you may need, and information about services available through Cooperative Extension.

Grandon’s talk, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, is free and the public is invited.

The library is located at 201 Worth Street. Call 318-6803 for further information.

Randolph landmark group to mark return of bell to Historic Courthouse

ASHEBORO – The Randolph County Historic Landmark Preservation Commission will recognize the relocation of the county’s courthouse bell to the 1909 Historic Courthouse, and salute Guy Troy of Liberty for his initiative in prompting the bell’s return, as part of its regular meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, in the Historic Courthouse meeting room.

The bell was moved to the new Randolph County Courthouse in 2002 and placed on display in the fourth floor lobby. In November, Troy recommended to the landmark commission that the bell be moved back to the Historic Courthouse, where it would be more accessible to public viewing. The commission approved the request and the Randolph County Board of Commissioners agreed to the move earlier this month.

The bell is now on display in the lobby of the Historic Courthouse.

The bell was commissioned in 1838 by a committee consisting of Jonathan Worth, Hugh McCain and John Balfour Troy, an ancestor of Guy Troy. It was cast in Medford, Mass., in 1838 by G.H. Holbrook, a bell founder whose father was trained in the craft by Paul Revere.

The Historic Landmark Preservation Commission identifies, preserves and protects the county’s historic landmarks, and educates the community about those resources as well as historic preservation in general. Learn more at www.rchlpc.org.

The 1909 Historic Courthouse is located at 145 Worth Street in Asheboro.

Friends of the Library Bookshop to offer Patterson, Koontz books at half-price

ASHEBORO – Books by James Patterson and Dean Koontz will be half price during an end-of-January sale at the Friends of the Library Bookshop in downtown Asheboro.

Dates of the sale are Tuesday, January 27; Thursday, January 29; and Saturday, January 31.

The bookshop is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It’s located at 226 Sunset Avenue.

All proceeds from the sale of used books go to support Randolph County Public Library book budgets.

For further information, contact the bookshop at 629-1536.

Library invites children for winter tea party

ASHEBORO – Children  and their families are invited to sip warm beverages during a winter-themed ‘Iced Tea Party’ at 4 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, at the Asheboro Public Library.

Bring your little ones for a tea-related storytime, dress up in tea party fashion, and enjoy hot tea, cider and light snacks.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the tea party is free and the public is invited. Space is limited so call 318-6804 to sign up.

The library is located at 201 Worth Street in Asheboro.