This news item expired on Monday, December 31, 2018 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
From local authors to local history, 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 December.
Go directly to the library calendar of events.
Buncombe County Public Libraries
Programs – December 2018
Make Holiday Ornaments
Saturday, December 1 at 11 – 12:30pm
Leicester Library
1561 Alexander Road
250-6480
Join us for this annual holiday tradition. Spend time creating festive ornaments and eating treats. Ring in the season with this fun craft event for the whole family.
Weaverville Library Used Book Box Sale
Saturday, December 1 at 10am-4pm
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Fill a box of books for $5! We’ll provide the boxes and you get to clean up with all the bargains. All fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, DVDs are organized by subject. Just in time for the holidays!
19th Annual Holiday Giving Tree at the Oakley Library
November 16 through December 14
South Asheville/Oakley Library
749 Fairview Road
250-4754
Please help provide new books for children in need in our community.
Beginning Friday, November 16, visit the Oakley/South Asheville Branch Library and select a gift card with pertinent information about a child (gender, grade/reading level, a special interest). Purchase a book ($10 minimum retail value) and bring it to the Oakley Library by Friday, December 14. If you prefer, you can donate $10 per child and the Friends of the Oakley Library will do the shopping for you.
Since our first Giving Tree in December 2000, we have provided new books to over 2200 children. With your help, another 100+ children will receive a new book this holiday season. We appreciate your continued support.
Itch to Stitch
Monday, December 3 at 10am-12n
Monday, December 17 at 10am-12n
Monday, December 31 at 10am-12n
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
A casual knitting and needlework group for all skill levels.
Family Storytime
Monday, December 3 at 7pm
Enka-Candler Library
1404 Sandhill Road
250-4758
Families with kids of all ages are invited to join us for a special after-hours storytime! Pajamas optional but recommended for maximum coziness.
Peter Sellers – A Life & Career in Four Films: Being There
Tuesday, December 4 at 6pm
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6485
“If you ask me to play myself, I will not know what to do. I do not know who or what I am.” – Peter Sellers
Being There is considered Peter Sellers' most personal performance, and his most critically acclaimed. He stars as Chance – a simple-minded gardener who unexpectedly finds himself the toast of Washington D.C. politics. As the trusted advisor to an ailing business mogul, supplier of Presidential talking points and social darling, Chance finds himself in a world he doesn’t understand – but then again, he doesn’t understand much.
For his role, Sellers won the Golden Globe for Best Actor and was nominated for an Oscar in the same category. Also starring Shirley MacLaine, Jack Ward, and Melvyn Douglas (winner, Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe and Oscar). Filmed on location in Washington D.C. and Asheville, NC.
Being There is the last in a four part series exploring the life and career of Peter Sellers. The film will be introduced by James Rosario (thedailyorca.com), who will lead a discussion after.
This free film is rated PG and runs 2 hours, 10 minutes.
Tape & Take Tuesdays
Tuesday, December 4 at 2pm-6pm
Tuesday, December 11 at 2pm-6pm
Tuesday, December 18 at 2pm-6pm
Black Mountain Library
105 Dougherty Street
250-4756
Wrap your gifts away from curious eyes in our Education Room. We'll provide tape, scissors, large tables, cookies, and festive music. BYOW (Bring Your Own Wrapping.)
Holiday Party BINGO!
Tuesday, December 4 at 11am
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Library BINGO is the first Tuesday of every month from 11am to noon. Join us in December for holiday BINGO with coffee, snacks, prizes and fun! Free for all ages.
Basic Computer Skills Class at Pack Library
Tuesday, December 4 at 4-5pm
Tuesday, December 18 at 4-5pm
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
A free basic computer skill class at Pack Library, every other Tuesday at 4pm. All skill levels and questions are welcome.
Art Classes for Veterans: Observations in Art and Music
Tuesday, December 4 at 10am
Tuesday, December 11 at 10am
Tuesday, December 18 at 10am
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
Presented by the Asheville Area Arts Council. Veterans will practice objectivity and a journey inward through intentional movement, art, stillness, and writing in this class led by artist instructor Cara McKinney. Limited to 10 veterans. FREE, but pre-registration is required. Call the Asheville Area Arts Council at 828.258.0710 to sign up. This class will meet on December 4, 11 and 18 and runs from 10am to noon.
Enka-Candler Book Club: "Ginny Moon" by Benjamin Ludwig
Tuesday, December 4 at 7pm
Enka-Candler Library
1404 Sandhill Road
250-4758
Weaverville Evening Book Club: Assorted Short Stories
Tuesday, December 4 at 7pm
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
We will be reading assorted short stories for our December meeting. Please contact the library for a list of the stories.
Heroes Unlimited: Role Playing Game for Middle and High Schoolers
Wednesday, December 5 at 4pm
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6485
Join us for another session of Heroes Unlimited at the Fairview Library. A team of heroes is being assembled. Do you have what it takes to defend the planet from the forces of evil?
Find out December 5th at 4pm when we battle villains and save the day with Heroes Unlimited!
Role-playing games are a great way to cultivate creativity, encourage teamwork & cooperation, and teach problem solving skills. They’re also a lot of fun!
No experience necessary. Snacks and supplies provided. Space is limited. Stop by or call the library to guarantee your spot. Grades 6-12 welcome.
Weaverville Afternoon Book Club: "Nocturnes" by Kazuo Ishiguro
Wednesday, December 5 at 3pm
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Block Printing for Teens!
Friday, December 7 at 4-5:30pm
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Come learn the basics of how to design, carve, ink & print a relief on paper. This class is free, but space is limited and registration is necessary! Sign up online (click the sign up button on our event calendar) or ask a librarian.
Historian Dan Pierce Presents "Hazel Creek"
Friday, December 7 at 6pm
North Asheville Library
1030 Merrimon Avenue
250-4752
Come to North Asheville Library to hear UNCA history professor Dan Pierce discuss his recent book, Hazel Creek: The Life and Death of an Iconic Mountain Community. Pierce's talk will explore the rich history of one of the most iconic "lost" communities of the Great Smoky Mountains, home of Horace Kephart's "back of beyond;" of legendary fly-fishermen, bear hunters, and moonshiners; of one of the largest logging operations in the region; of the tallest dam east of the Rockies; and focal point of the "road to nowhere" controversy. This event is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required.
Create Your Own Gift Boxes
Saturday, December 8 at 2-3:30pm
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
This free class is limited to 10 participants – teens over 13 and adults. Sign up at the circulation desk or call 828-250-6488. All materials provided.
Holiday Book Giving Tree Gift Wrapping Volunteer Event
Tuesday, December 11 at 4pm
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6485
If you are interested in volunteering with the Friends of the Library to gift wrap the books from our Holiday Giving Tree, join us on Tuesday, December 11th at 4 pm. Hot cocoa and holiday cheer provided. Contact Jaime McDowell at the Library for more information.
Kidding Around Yoga
Tuesday, December 11 at 10:30am
Enka-Candler Library
1404 Sandhill Road
250-4758
Bring the kids to the library for a fun, creative blissful yoga class! This class will introduce classic yoga, meditation, breath work, and stress management in a kid-friendly style with original music, games, and imaginative stories. We'll have some mats on hand to borrow but bring your own if you have one. Space is limited-- please register kids ages 3 - 6 for this free event at the library.
Book Club and Holiday Party: "Winter Solstice" by Elin Hilderbrand
Tuesday, December 11 at 12n
Leicester Library
1561 Alexander Road
250-6480
Our annual potluck holiday party will begin at 12 noon with book discussion following at 1 p.m. The book to be discussed is "Winter Solstice" by Elin Hilderbrand. Drop-ins and newcomers are welcome.
Driving to Net 0: Stories of Hope for a Carbon-Free Future
Tuesday, December 11 at 6pm
North Asheville Library
1030 Merrimon Avenue
250-4752
Join Professor Dave Erb at North Asheville Library for an educational discussion on electric vehicles, solar power, and living sustainably. Erb, who recently retired from his professorship at UNCA and who ran a renewable energy consulting firm for nearly a decade, will be reading an excerpt from his entry in the essay anthology Driving to Net 0: Stories of Hope for a Carbon-Free Future. After the reading, Erb will lead a talk and answer questions about electric vehicles and renewable energy. This program is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required.
Drawing Class for Adults
Tuesday, December 11 from 5-7pm
Tuesday, December 18 from 5-7pm
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
A fun drawing class that doesn't take itself seriously, learn to draw figures, objects, and draw from your thoughts. Listen to a selected album and draw what you hear, have a timed switch draw with other people in the class and see what is created. Materials are supplied or bring your own drawing materials!
This free program is for adults and will be held in our auditorium downstairs. If you cannot make the full 2 hours, come when you can! Please be sure to sign up so we have enough supplies for everyone and the instructor can prepare properly. Visit buncombecounty.org/library and locate the event on our calendar to sign up.
Creative Writing Group
Wednesday, December 12 at 4-5pm
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. Open to adults and teens 15 and older.
Documentary Film Screening to commemorate the WWI Centennial: The American in Paris
Wednesday, December 12 at 1pm-2:30pm
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
This free film is about the American Hospital in Paris during World War 1. The hospital played an important role in Paris and France during WWI, and many Americans – doctors, nurses, and philanthropists – volunteered to provide the medical and support services well before America officially entered the war. Many volunteers related to the ambulance corps of the hospital went on to form the Lafayette Escadrille, two members were from Asheville. Members of the Vanderbilt family were directly involved with the war effort at the hospital as well.
Word Storytelling Series with David Joe Miller presents: Holiday Stories with Kathy Gordon and Roy Harris
Thursday, December 13 at 7pm
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Two exceptional, regional storytellers from the Asheville Storytelling Circle will share Holiday Stories at Pack Memorial Library. Doors open at 6:30 for the 7pm show. FREE admission sponsored by Friends of Pack Library and Mr. & Mrs. David Joe Miller. Family Friendly and everyone is welcome!
Make a Ceramic Holiday Ornament
Thursday, December 13 at 4pm
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Glaze an ornament... or two... or three to give as a gift or hang from a tree or window. The Dry Ridge School of Art will fire them in a kiln and return them to you the following week. Show off your creativity for the Holidays!
Movies at Pack: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Saturday, December 15 from 1:30-3pm
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Come join us for our annual screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol. All ages are welcome! Feel free to bring your sleeping bag or pillow if you want to sit on the floor. Hot chocolate and popcorn included.
Pastyme Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 15 at 3pm
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Back by popular demand, Pastyme is an eight member vocal group from Asheville that has its roots in the sacred and secular music of the High Renaissance, and also perform a cappella music from classical to jazz. Sponsored by the Friends of the Weaverville Library.
Spinning Yarns Knitting and Crochet Group
Tuesday, December 18 at 6-7pm
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!
Gentle Yoga during the Holidays
Tuesday, December 18 at 10am
Thursday, December 20 at 6pm
Black Mountain Library
105 Dougherty Street
250-4756
Don't distress during the holidays--De-Stress! Yoga Nidra is for everybody. Bring your own mat or blanket. This is a free class and everyone is invited.
Fairview Evening Book Club: "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman
Tuesday, December 18 at 7pm
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6485
Read with Olivia the Therapy Dog
Tuesday, December 18 at 4-5:30pm
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Uke Jam
Wednesday, December 19 at 3-5pm
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Come and jam on your ukelele! For all skill levels.
Enka-Candler History Book Club: "Abundance" by Sena Jeter Naslund
Wednesday, December 19 at 3pm
Enka-Candler Library
1404 Sandhill Road
250-4758
Pack Makers & Shakers: Doggy Neck Ties
Wednesday, December 19 at 4-5pm
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Tis the season! Come make a necktie for the lucky dog in your life. It’s a little something fancy for your favorite furry friend. This free program is for ages 5 and up with adult guidance (some sewing skills & adult participation required). Don’t have a dog? Come make a tie to be donated to an area animal rescue group for auction.
Book to Movie Film Series: A Christmas Story
Friday, December 21 at 3pm
West Asheville Library
942 Haywood Road
250-4750
West Asheville's Friends of the Library Book-to-Movie program proudly presents A Christmas Story on Friday, December 21st at 3pm.
It's the final days before Christmas in early 1940s Cleveland, and 9-year-old Ralphie wants one thing from Santa Claus more than anything else: a Red Ryder Carbine Action Air Rifle. As he trudges through the snow to school, faces the neighborhood bully and visits a malevolent department store Santa Clause, Ralphie connives, conspires and campaigns for the most fabulous Christmas present ever in this heartwarming, hysterical and sweetly nostalgic holiday film. Starring Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin, and Melinda Dillon. Based on the novel In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd, who also narrates the film.
This free film is rated PG and is 1 1/2 hours long.
Mixed level Pilates with Cisco Pilates
Saturday, December 22 at 11am
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
A mixed level group where the instructor works with you to find your comfort level. Bring your own mat, a water bottle, and a towel if needed. The library has some mats available, email erin.makara@buncombecounty.org if one is needed.