Randolph libraries to bring everyone “All Together Now” for summer reading fun

Yasu Ishida

ASHEBORO – Get “All Together Now” for summer reading fun at Randolph County libraries.

The community-themed summer initiative will feature over 100 performances, storytimes, hands-on activities and other events for children in June and July at the libraries in Asheboro, Archdale, Franklinville, Liberty, Ramseur, Randleman and Seagrove.

Teens can join in too, and adults will have opportunities to enhance their reading experiences with speakers, book clubs and more.

In addition to all the activities, children and teens can report minutes read to their local library for rewards and prizes, including cool gadgets and books, and be entered into grand prize drawings for large prizes, like Amazon Fire Kids Tablets and Leap Frogs.

Visit www.randolphlibrary.org/summer for all the details, or contact your local library.

“Library summer reading initiatives offer children and teens a no-pressure way to stay engaged with learning while they are out of school, so they are less likely to experience a ‘summer slide’ when they return in the fall,” says Samantha Martin, the library’s head of Youth Services.

Summer Reading kicks off at the Asheboro library from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 10, with an outdoor event featuring community helpers such as fire, police, the NC Zoo, animal services and more, and a performance by the 208^th Army Band. At the Liberty library, summer gets underway with a community talent show, 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 9 – call the library at 336-622-4605 and sign up to perform.

Criss Cross Mangosauce will appear at each library in June with a bilingual English/Spanish musical performance featuring riddles, songs, finger games, dramatic play and storytelling. In July, storyteller Yasu Ishida will combine traditional Japanese theatre, lion dance, music, origami and magic to guide audiences at each library to the enchanting land of Japan.

Other performers include family-friendly rock ‘n’ rollers Big Bang Boom, Caleb Sigmon’s “The Fun Factory” and Shepherd Shakespeare. All will appear at various libraries over the summer. The North Carolina Zoo and Wild Tails NC will bring live animal ambassadors to several libraries, as well.

All libraries also will offer an array of storytimes, craft activities, STEAM events and more, and the Mobile Library will be on the move around the county.

For further information, contact the Asheboro Children’s Room at 336-318-6804, or call your local library.

Appearances by Criss Cross Mangosauce and Yasu Ishida are sponsored by the Friends of the Library with support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Historian Smallwood returns to Asheboro library for Juneteenth talk

Dr. Arwin Smallwood

ASHEBORO – The history and importance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the 1865 proclamation announcing the end slavery in the United States, is the topic of a talk by Dr. Arwin Smallwood at the Asheboro Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15.

Smallwood, chair of the History Department at North Carolina A& T State University, will talk about the impact of enslavement not just on African Americans, but on all Americans, and the historic effort require to abolish it. He will draw attention to slavery in North Carolina, and the over 5,000 African Americans, Native Americans and white people who fought to end it.

He also will explain why the celebration of Juneteenth brings a strong sense of pride about the commitment that African Americans have made to the betterment of their lives and those of their children, grandchildren and future generations.

Smallwood’s talk is free and the public is invited.

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

Library gardening talks to focus on irises, companion planting

ASHEBORO –Tips for growing irises in your garden and companion planting are the topics of talks at four Randolph County libraries in May.

At the Asheboro Public Library, join Heather Haley, president of the Eastern North Carolina Iris Society, for “Irises in the Garden, a Month-by-Month Calendar,” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 25.

Haley will explore the relationship between iris growth cycles and common cultural practices. Members of the Iris Society will conduct live demonstrations, answer questions, and share tips and tricks for planting, digging and dividing the flowers in the Piedmont.

Attendees will receive a calendar describing irises in 15 horticultural classifications, expected bloom times in North Carolina, and month-by-month recommendations to help them thrive in the garden.

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

Haley also will discuss “Bearded Irises for the Home Landscape” at the Randleman Public Library, 142 W. Academy Street, at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 9. Call 336-498-3141 for further information.

Franklinville and Seagrove libraries will offer “Is This Plant Friend or Foe?” The talk will focus on companion planting, which can be used to attract pollinators, deter pests, invigorate production and keep weeds down, and will offer tips about beneficial combinations and ones to avoid.

The talks will take place at the Franklinville library, 111 Sumner Place, at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 10; and at the Seagrove library, 530 Old Plank Road, at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 24.

For further information, call Franklinville at 336-685-3100 or Seagrove at 336-873-7521.