Master Illusionist Caleb Sigmon to rock Randolph libraries in July

Master illusionist and storyteller Caleb Sigmon

ASHEBORO – Master illusionist Caleb Sigmon will appear at all seven Randolph County Public Library locations in July as “Libraries Rock,” the library’s summer reading initiative, continues.

Sigmon brings an inspirational, high-energy approach to his one-of-a-kind illusion show, which is filled with magic, stories and interactive audience participation

He will bring his unique blend of magic and storytelling to each library as follows:

• Archdale, 2 p.m. Thursday, July 19;

• Asheboro, 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 16;

• Franklinville, 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 16;

• Liberty, 2 p.m. Monday, July 16;

• Ramseur, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 17 (at the Ramseur Municipal Building)

• Randleman, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 19;

• Seagrove, 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 17.

The month also will feature “Animal Sound Bites” with the NC Zoo at Asheboro, Archdale and Seagrove. This unique event focuses on what animals are saying with their sounds; participants will even meet a few live animals. Randleman will host “Snakes Alive” with Ron Cromer.

Asheboro will present “Didgeridoo Down Under,” a fusion of Australia-themed music, culture, science, comedy and audience participation, and “Bluegrass Rocks,” featuring singer/songwriter Charles Pettee. Finale events at Archdale and Asheboro will showcase the “Balloon Magic” of Clark Sides, while Liberty hosts a “Last Day Luau.”

There’s more; visit www.randolphlibrary.org/summer for full schedules, drop by your local library, or call 336-318-6804.

The Summer Reading Program is sponsored by Friends of the Randolph County Public Library with support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. It’s part of a national effort to keep children reading during the break from school; research shows that kids who read during the summer do better in school the next year.

Historian tells tales of notable North Carolina women in Asheboro library talk

Randell Jones

ASHEBORO – A woman disguised as a Civil War soldier. A couple of famous pirates. A daredevil aeronaut. An internationally famous sharpshooter. And a first lady who “really, really, really” liked being married to the governor.

Award-winning author and storyteller Randell Jones will talk about theses notable North Carolina woman and others in “Famous and Infamous Women of North Carolina” at 6;30 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, at the Asheboro Public Library.

Jones’s talk is a lighthearted look at some serious history — the roles and accomplishments of a few notable women, among so many — in whom we can all take pride as being part of the fabric which makes North Carolina so special.

His talk is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. It’s free and the public is invited.

Jones is author of In the Footsteps of Daniel Boone and Scoundrels, Rogues and Heroes of the Old North State, among other books. In 2013, he received the History Award Medal from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and has received two Kentucky History Awards from the Kentucky History Society.

The library is located at201 Worth Street. For further information, call 336-318-6803.

Author Chip Womick to debut second children’s book at Asheboro library

Chip Womick

ASHEBORO – Local author and journalist Chip Womick will debut his second children’s book, Phantom Fishing with Gramps, in a storytime and talk at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, at the Asheboro Public Library.

Womick’s appearance is free and the public is invited. A fun, hands-on activity for children will follow his talk.

Phantom Fishing with Gramps is the second collaboration between Womick and Argentinian illustrator Marina Saumell, following 2016’s Mrs. McGillicutty’s Last Sunflower. It was released in May by PeaceLight Press.

The story follows a young girl who goes fishing with her grandfather on her birthday. They have a picnic, dig for fishing worms, and experience the sights and sounds of the forest as they walk a path to the pond, where they uncover the mystery of the phantom fish.

The library is located at 201 Worth Street. For further information, call 336-318-6804.

Musician to bring Irish tunes to Asheboro library

ASHEBORO – Hear some fine Irish tunes and learn about the country’s music in “An International Musical Journey: Trip to Ireland,” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 18, at the Asheboro Public Library.

The performance will feature musician Travis Hicks, who will play traditional Irish music including jigs, reels, hornpipes and slow airs on traditional hand-crafted instruments. With 18 years' experience on the Irish whistles and bagpipes, Hicks will demonstrate the nuances of the Irish pipes, tin whistle, and Anglo concertina in the Irish tradition.

The concert, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, is free and the public is invited. A question and answer session will follow the musical demonstration.

Irish music is an avocation for Hicks, who is an assistant professor of interior architecture at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and director of the Center for Community-Engaged Design.

The library is located at 201 Worth Street. For further information, call 336-318-6803.