This news item expired on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
From an art contest to free Tai Chi classes, the Buncombe County Public Library System is a fantastic resource for more than just books. Check out the many great activities for all ages and interests at our branch locations in April.
Go directly to the library calendar of events.
Buncombe County Public Libraries
PROGRAMS – April 2019
Art Contest in Partnership with the Fairview Area Art League
Submissions begin April 1
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6485
The Fairview Area Art League is sponsoring a book design challenge for students and homeschoolers in Fairview Area Schools grade K -12. Students can design an art piece that represents an element of their favorite book such as a character, plot, mood, or even their own reactions to the book. All entries should be dropped off at Fairview Library between April 1st and April 26th.
Enka-Candler Book Club: Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Tuesday, April 2 at 7pm
Enka-Candler Library
1404 Sandhill Road
250-4758
Storyteller and Musician Shelia Kay Adams
Tuesday, April 2 at 7pm
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6485
Award winning storyteller, author, and musician Sheila Kay Adams will be doing a special concert at the Fairview Library on Tuesday, April 2nd at 7pm in celebration of the library’s 20th Anniversary Year. This free show is sponsored by the Friends of Fairview Library and refreshments will be served after.
This is a free event, but due to limited space, you must have a ticket to come. Tickets are available now at the Fairview Library.
Geri-Fit: Free Exercise Class for Seniors
Tuesday, April 2 at 11am
Tuesday, April 5 at 11am
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Join us for a free exercise class Tuesday and Friday 11-11:45am for the first week in April. No registration is necessary and you are welcome whenever you can make it. Stretch bands are supplied and bring some hand weights if you have them. Each workout is on a chair, no floor exercises. This class is geared toward seniors, but anyone is welcome. Contact the library with any questions.
High School Study Hour in the NC Room
Tuesdays in April from 5:30-7pm
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Don't cram for your exams! Come to open high school study hour in the North Carolina Room at Pack Memorial Library Tuesday evenings in April 5-7:30pm. Join other students and a librarian to help get organized, find answers to your burning questions, and even meet new study buddies from other schools. A librarian will be available to help find resources and work with students on some aspects of their studies.
Queer Book Club: I'll Give You the Sun
Tuesday, April 2 at 5:30pm
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
For young adults and new adults ages 14-24. April’s book will be I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson.
Beginner's Tai Chi Classes: Free at the Library
Thursdays in April at 11am
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Pack Library will be offering free Beginner's Tai Chi for adults starting Thursday, April 4. Class will be at 11am every Thursday morning. This one hour class will teach the first 17 movement Tai Chi "foundation set", with tea-time discussions introducing the Taoist Tai Chi society.
The class is free, but registration required. You can visit buncombecounty.org/library and find the event on the calendar to sign up, or call 250-4717, or sign up at the front desk at the library.
Live Music by Demeler
Friday, April 5 at 6pm
North Asheville Library
1030 Merrimon Avenue
250-4752
Come to North Asheville Library for a live musical performance by Demeler, an acoustic voice-and-guitar duo. The pair specializes in the small, intimate spaces that inspire them--coffeehouses, wine bars, and other places where people congregate over art, great food or drink, and conversation. The duo blends their love of eclectic music (including many sounds from folk traditions and jazz) with their classical training for a refreshing blend of composed music, arrangements, and original material. Visit demelermusic.com to listen to sample recordings. This program is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required.
Spring Groovin' on Grovemont Concert with Michael Reno Harrell
Friday, April 5 at 6:30pm
Swannanoa Library
101 West Charleston Street
250-6486
In association with Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Community Council, the 17th annual Groovin’ on Grovemont concert series will start the 2019 season with a special Spring Groovin edition. This special edition will feature the well-known singer-songwriter Michael Reno Harrell. Michael guarantees a joyful evening with songs, stories and a few good laughs.
This special Spring Groovin’ Concert is also held to celebrate the grand re-opening of the newly renovated Swannanoa Library basement book sale. The basement of the library has been remodeled after serious flood damage. The re-opening of the book-sale in the basement will be at 5pm.
For the concert you can bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy this family-friendly evening with Michael Reno Harrell at the Grovemont Square. Please contact the Swannanoa Library or check GrovemontPark.org website for information regarding weather-related location change.
This concert is free, but donations are always welcome. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Swannanoa Library and support the Swannanoa Library and Grovemont Park and playground.
Growing and Eating Heirloom Tomatoes!
Saturday, April 6 at 10am
Black Mountain Library
105 Dougherty Street
250-4756
Join us for Growing and Eating Heirloom Tomatoes! with Chris Smith of Sow True Seed.
Explore growing, the culture of heirloom tomatoes, and emphasis on southern Appalachian tomatoes. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Black Mountain Library in partnership with Buncombe Extension Master Gardeners.
Author Kristina Horton at the West Asheville Library
Saturday, April 6 at 3pm
West Asheville Library
942 Haywood Road
250-4750
A pregnant twenty-eight-year-old textile worker spoke up against social injustice in 1929. She stood up for the struggling poor, both white and black. She took a bold stand against the wealthy and powerful. As a result of her actions this young mother was callously assassinated.
Learn more about Ella May and the 1929 textile workers' strike from one of Ella's great-grandchildren. The author of Martyr of Loray Mill, Kristina Horton, will be speaking at the West Asheville Library on April 6th at 3pm. Book signing and books available for purchase will follow the event.
Fairview Friends of the Library Meeting
Tuesday, April 9 at 7pm
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6485
Friends of Fairview Library will be meeting Tuesday, April 9th at 7pm. All dues paying members are welcome to attend.
Preschoolers We Love You!
Tuesday, April 9 at Pack Memorial Library
Wednesday, April 10 at the Black Mountain Library
Thursday, April 11 at the UMC Center in Weaverville
250-4729
Preschoolers, get ready! This year’s “Preschoolers We Love You!” show promises to be one of the silliest ever. This popular variety show for children began as a special valentine to the library’s youngest book lovers and continues to be one of our most favorite events.
Each year, shows regularly draw over 1,000 children for the multiple performances. The program is a book inspired musical revue especially designed for preschoolers, with puppets, dancing and other lighthearted fun. The talented performers are drawn from the library staff across the county.
The dates and locations for this year’s performances are:
Tuesday, April 9th at Pack Memorial Library with shows at 9:30am and 10:45am
Wednesday, April 10th at Black Mountain Library with shows at 9:30am and 10:45am
Thursday, April 11th, at the Weaverville UMC Center (across the street from the Weaverville Library) with shows at 9:30am and 10:45am
All shows are free, but space is limited. All school groups please call 250-4729 to make a reservation.
Community Conversation: Moon Landing Memories
Tuesday, April 9 at 6pm
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
Join us for a walk down memory lane as we approach the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. In a discussion led by Dominic Lesner, President of the Asheville Astronomy Club and NASA enthusiast, we will review the significance of the moon landing and the NASA space missions that led to it. There will also be a time for attendees to share their memories of that historic day.
Strolling Through History: Downtown Asheville History Tour for Parents with Strollers
Wednesday, April 10 at 10:30am
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Join us for a dynamic guided stroller walk and historical tour of Downtown Asheville! This energetic program is designed for caregivers and children young enough to ride along. The walk will last approximately 45 minutes. This walk is free, but space is limited. Visit buncombecounty.org/library and click on the event on the library calendar to register or call 828-250-4720.
Makers & Shakers: DIY Beeswax Candles
Wednesday, April 10 at 4pm
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Join Ona Armstrong, founder of Firefly Valley Design and Consulting as we make hand-rolled beeswax candles out of sheets of pre-pressed beeswax. Each participant will make two six-inch tall candles and one mandala-style candle holder. Ages 5 and Up. This class is free but you need to register at buncombecounty.org/library - click on the event on the library calendar to sign up.
Creative Writing Group at the Skyland Library
Wednesday, April 10 at 4-5:30pm
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
Join us for creative writing exercises, to meet other writers, and to help shape a writer’s community at our library. Our focus is to create a supportive and creative environment for writers. You are welcome to bring a piece of your writing on any topic 300-500 words that you would like to share (not required for attendance). Open to adults and teens 15 and older.
Tiny Tots Yoga!
Wednesday, April 10 at 10am
Swannanoa Library
101 West Charleston Street
250-6486
Tiny Tots Yoga is for babies and toddlers that are crawling to 2 years with a caregiver (parent, friend, or guardian.) This class is a highly active, playful class with songs and music that integrate yoga exercise. The class offers poses that will support a toddlers increased mobility and physical explorations. During Tiny Tots Yoga class, crawlers and walkers will playfully practice yoga postures in seated, standing, walking, jumping. Quiet time will be provided at the end for parents, and bubbles for toddlers. No prior yoga experience is needed. (No mats are used in Tiny Tots Yoga class.)
Heart Beat Drumming with Sonia Brooks
Thursday, April 11 at 4pm
East Asheville Library
902 Tunnel Road
250-4738
Anxiety: Calming the Anxious Mind
Thursday, April 11 at 3pm
Enka-Candler Library
1404 Sandhill Road
250-4758
This program focuses on different types of anxiety disorders, specifically detailing ones more commonly noted in older adults. We will also discuss interventions available to assist in calming the anxious mind.
Read with J.R. the Therapy Dog
Friday, April 12 at 3:30-4:30pm
East Asheville Library
902 Tunnel Road
250-4738
Are you a little nervous to read out loud? Practice reading with J.R., a certified therapy dog. He is a great listener and wants you to take your time. Advance registration is required. 15 minute sessions are available from 3:30-4:30. Stop by the East Asheville Library or call 250-4738 to reserve your space.
NC Statewide STAR PARTY at Pack Library
Friday, April 12 at 3-5pm
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Come spend time with Pack Memorial Library and the Astronomy Club of Asheville to learn about the moon and beyond at our Star Party! We'll be making crafts, looking up at the sky and learning about space in the lot across from the Pack Library.
In the library auditorium the Asheville Museum of Science will be here with their indoor planetarium and we'll have live music! Our telescopes will be available so you can gaze at the moon, hands-on activities to learn from, and print-outs to take home. Volunteers will be around to answer any questions and to give recommendations of books to check out from the library if you want to keep exploring. If you get hungry the Sweet Cheesus food truck will be parked at 68 Haywood too! Come gaze with us, have a snack, and celebrate the moon and beyond!
The NC Science Festival’s annual Statewide Star Party is made possible through the generous support of the NC Space Grant.
Citizen Science Day MEGATHON for Alzheimer's Research
Saturday, April 13 at 1-3:30pm
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Join us to celebrate Citizen Science Day at Pack Memorial Library. We will be participating in this year's featured citizen science event, the StallCatchers Megathon! We will analyze real research data from Cornell University in a game format that would normally take researchers over a year to complete for Alzheimer's research. No experience necessary!
Program will be held in our computer lab, children are invited with adult supervision. Please register for this event at buncombecounty.org/library - click on the event on the library calendar to sign up.
Skyland Non-Fiction Book Club: Magnificent Desolation by Buzz Aldrin
Saturday, April 13 at 11am
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
Join us for a new book club on a wide variety of nonfiction topics! We’ll be reading books about space, history, music, science, travel, psychology, and more. Different staff members from the South Buncombe Library will facilitate each month’s discussion. April’s selection is Magnificent Desolation by Buzz Aldrin. Copies are available through NC Cardinal. Please ask a librarian if you need help requesting a copy. Come explore the world with us through nonfiction!
Jazz Hour with Michael Jefry Stevens
Monday, April 15 at 6pm
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Free jazz concert with pianist Michael Jefry Stevens and Friends.
Black Mountain Mystery Book Club: Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Tuesday, April 16 at 7pm
Black Mountain Library
105 Dougherty Street
250-4756
The Mystery Book Club will be discussing Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. Join a community of book-loving sleuths.
Fairview Evening Book Club: Hour of the Land by Terry Tempest Williams
Tuesday, April 16 at 7pm
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6485
Fairview Evening Book Club will be reading “Hour of the Land” by Terry Tempest Williams for the month of April and discussing it on Tuesday, April 16th at 7pm. According to Booklist, Hour of the Land is “a literary celebration of our national parks, an exploration of what they mean to us and what we mean to them.” No sign up or registration is required to join book club, and new members are always welcome.
Spring has Sprung: POP UP Baby Gym
Tuesday, April 16 at 11am
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Celebrate spring with a fun day of baby play! Join us in the big auditorium for play time with baby and toddler-sized toys, climbing structures, tunnels, and more! No Pre-registration is necessary. For babies and toddlers up to age 3.
Spinning Yarns Knitting and Crochet Group
Tuesday, April 16 at 6pm
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
Beginners can learn a basic pattern. Those with experience are welcome to work on a project and share your knowledge. Supplies will be available for beginners. Come “spin some yarn” at the library!
Black Mountain Afternoon Fiction Book Club: TBA
Wednesday, April 17 at 3pm
Black Mountain Library
105 Dougherty Street
250-4756
Afternoon fiction book club. Contact the library for this month's selection. No time to read? No worries! Come enjoy the company of other book lovers.
Enka-Candler History Book Club: Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen by Alison Weir
Wednesday, April 17 at 3pm
Enka-Candler Library
1404 Sandhill Road
250-4758
Skyland Book Club: Lila by Marilynn Robinson
Thursday, April 18 at 2:30-4pm
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
The Friends of the South Buncombe Library Book Club will be discussing Lila by Marilynn Robinson. Please join us.
Art Adventures for Kids! Frida Kahlo
Friday, April 26 at 3:30pm
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6484
Join us on Friday, April 26 at 3:30 for Art Adventures for Kids! a new art club for kids that celebrates famous artists. This month we will be learning about Frida Kahlo and creating an original masterpiece of our own inspired by her work. This free event is for kids ages 8-12.
Free Mixed Level Pilates Class at the Library
Saturday, April 27 at 11am
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Learn the fundamentals of Pilates, or for those who are already experienced, deepen your practice in this mixed level class taught by Alexis Miller is a certified Classical Pilates instructor. We will target the level of class to who is there, so everyone is equally challenged. Pilates is for every BODY...no matter your age, gender, or physical ability. We will make it work for you!
This class is free, but registration is required. To register online visit buncombecounty.org/library and find the class on the calendar to sign up. You can also call Pack library at 250-4700 to register.
Jazz Hour with Up Jumped Three
Saturday, April 27 at 1pm
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Free jazz concert with jazz trio Up Jumped Three
Watercolor Class with Local Artist Joan Doyle
Saturday, April 27 from 2-3:30pm
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
A free watercolor painting class with local artist Joan Doyle. Call, email or come by the library to sign up. Class limited to 10 participants – teens over 15 and adults. All materials provided.
Swap It Like It’s Hot! Children Clothing Swap at the Fairview Library
Saturday, April 27 from 2-4pm
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6484
Fairview Library will be hosting its first baby and children’s clothes swap, Swap it Like it’s Hot! on Saturday April 27th from 2-4pm. Bring your clean and gently used baby and children’s clothes (up to child size 12) to the library to swap out for free, new to you clothes.
Clothing swaps are a great way to recycle clothes that are in good condition, but just don’t fit anymore. Or to freshen up your child’s wardrobe at no cost. All leftover items will be donated to charity after the swap. Join us!
Documentary Film Series at the Fairview Library: Grizzly Man
Tuesday, April 30th at 6 pm
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6484
Grizzly Man is a multiple award winning film following on the devastating and heart-rending story of grizzly bear activists Timothy Treadwell and Amie Huguenard, who were killed in October 2003 while living among grizzly bears in Alaska.This free screening will be hosted by North Carolina Film Critics Association member James Rosario, who will introduce each film and lead a discussion after. Free popcorn provided by Grail Moviehouse.
Bearwise
Tuesday, April 30 at 7pm
Swannanoa Library
101 W. Charleston Street
250-6486
Spring is here and bears are waking up and coming out with their cubs. Join us for a discussion of how to live safely with black bears in your community. Provided by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.