Randolph libraries' Summer Reading initiative will "Color Our World"

Jeghetto (Tarish Pipkins) performs with
one of his sculptural puppets.

ASHEBORO – Get ready for a colorful, creative summer experience at Randolph County’s public libraries with a over 200  interactive performances, hands-on activities, storytimes and more, as this year’s Summer Reading initiative invites the community to “Color Our World.”

Summer Reading offers children and teens a no-pressure way to stay engaged with reading and learning while out of school, so they can avoid “summer slide” in the fall. Adults also can enjoy speakers, book clubs and projects that engage their creativity.

To find out about all the activities, as well as reading rewards, go to www.randolphlibrary.org/summer, or visit your local library.

Kickoff events will take place at Asheboro, Liberty and Randleman in early June. Archdale will host a Summer Reading Kickoff at 4 p.m. Friday, June 6, featuring hands-on activities and chalk art, and at 6 p.m., a performance by folk-country-rock band Corey Hunt and with Wise.

Liberty and Asheboro will hold their inaugural events on Saturday, June 7. Asheboro will offer art for all ages in a Messy Summer Reading Kickoff outside the library from 10-11:30 a.m., with rock painting, chalk designs and more, while Down to Earth Aerials performs. Liberty will team up with the Liberty Arts Guild for outdoor art stations, enabling participants to create art with working artists, from 1-3 p.m. 

Appearing in June at all libraries is Jeghetto’s Workshop. Jeghetto, a.k.a. Tarish Pipkins, is an artist and self-taught master builder and puppeteer whose puppets are one-of-a-kind moving sculptures crafted with passion and precision. Learn how Jeghetto builds and manipulates his puppets in a very interactive show.

In July, CLAWS Inc., a Chapel Hill-based, volunteer-run animal rescue, will bring animal ambassadors to six libraries. Meet an African Corvid (an intelligent bird in the crow family) and other creatures. Learn about their habits and habitats, and how to safely cohabitate with wildlife.

More animals abound as the NC Zoo visits Archdale, Asheboro, Franklinville, Ramseur and Seagrove with their furry (or slithery!) friends; Wild Tails NC brings more animals to Asheboro, Franklinville, Liberty, Ramseur and Seagrove; and Ellie’s Exotic Road Show reaches Liberty and Randleman. 

The always amazing Sigmon Theatrical returns with two performances, Color Circus at Asheboro, and The Magic School Bus Live! at Randleman. Also coming to Randleman are popular children’s performers Steve Somers and Mark Daniel.

Asheboro will reverberate with the family-friendly rock ’n’ roll of Big Bang Boom! and the energetic poetics of Shepherd Shakespeare. Amazing illusions and spectacular showmanship will appear in Archdale, Asheboro and Liberty in the form of Rockstar Magic, and the Starlab inflatable planetarium blows up in Archdale, Asheboro and Liberty.  

Meanwhile, ongoing storytimes, arts and craft activities, movies and more will take place almost every day.

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

Appearances by Jeghetto’s Workshop and CLAWS, Inc. are sponsored by the Friends of the Library. The project receives 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.

Comic-Con, Renaissance Fair, to join forces at Archdale library

G-Man series graphic novel author
Chris Gairrusso signs copiesof his books
at last year’s Comic-Con

ARCHDALE – Get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure as the third annual Randolph County Public Libraries Youth Services Comic-Con moves to the Archdale Public Library, and teams up with a Renaissance Fair for an epic outdoor celebration of creativity, fantasy and fun, 1-5 p.m. Saturday, May 17.

The all-ages, family-friendly event will feature 25 comic book authors, illustrators and other creators who will demonstrate their techniques and display their work, which will be available for purchase.

Booths will include original art, rare comics, toys, books, retro video games and other merchandise. Participants can join in activities such as special effects makeup demos, trivia games, a themed selfie station and a caricature station. 

At the same time, the Middle Ages will come to life at the Renaissance Fair. Booths will feature handmade jewelry, ceramics, resin art, gem trees, and baked goods. Activities will include crafts, juggling demonstrations throughout the day, fantasy-themed costumes with photo-ops galore, and a costume contest. Ruff Love Rescue will be present with adoptable rescue dogs.

The library will be open special hours to coincide with the event. The schedule:

• 1 p.m.: Library and vendor booths open.
• 2 p.m.: Comic trivia with prizes.
• 3 p.m.: Interactive storytime for all ages.
• 4 p.m.: Costume contest with prizes.
• 5 p.m.: Library closes and vendor booths wrap up.

 As of this writing, artists, authors and others participating this year include: Astro Rose, author/artist; Micki Bare, middle-grades author; Beardy Weirdy’s Comics and Toys; Blink on the Street, ceramics; Braids of Yarrow, jewelry; Caricatures by Rodney Bennett; Centfont’s Stuff, jewelry; Clay by Kelly, clay earrings and accessories; K.S. Harvin, author; Healy Crafts, jewelry, gem trees and other items; Heart Shine Studios, art and jewelry; Herndon’s Homestead, sourdough baked goods; J&M Bakehouse, baked goods and pastries; Jamie’s Jewelry and More; A.D. Lombardo, books, bookmarks and journals; LimeLife by Alcone and Jensfk, makeup and face painting; Odyssey Comics, author/artist; Michael Roberti, author; Rocks Unlimited, jewelry and stones; Gene Shanks, comic book author/artist; Snailz Art, art; sparkle-series, handmade jewelry; The Bubbles Boutique, jewelry and 3D printed items; T-Rex Comics, comics and toys.

Rain date for the event is Saturday, May 24, 2-6 pm.

 The Archdale library is located at 10433 S. Main Street. For more information, call 336-431-3811.