This news item expired on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.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 May.
Go directly to the library calendar of events .
Buncombe County Public Libraries
PROGRAMS – MAY 2018
Basic Computer Skills Class: Downloading Digital Library Books
Tuesday, May 1 at 6 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
A free basic computer skills class focusing on how to download library books from the digital library.
Weaverville Evening Book Club: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Tuesday, May 1 at 7 p.m.
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
BINGO at Pack Library
Tuesday, May 1 at 11 a.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Crazy fun BINGO at Pack Library for anyone who wants to join in. Prizes and snacks too!
Storybook Doll Display at the Leicester Library in May
Begins Tuesday, May 1
Leicester Library
1561 Alexander Road
250-6480
Throughout the month of May, Leicester Library will host a “Storybook Characters” exhibit created by Go Figure, a group of local artists who make original, mixed media art dolls. Members of Go Figure created their storybook characters display to share their love of figurative art and children’s literature.
Weavrville Afternoon Book Club: Hero of the Empire by Candice Millard
Wednesday, May 2 at 3 p.m.
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Art After School
Wednesday, May 2 at 4 p.m.
East Asheville Library
902 Tunnel Road
250-4738
Art program with educators from the Asheville Art Museum. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Spanish Conversation Group
Thursday, May 3 at 5 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
East Asheville Book Club: White Trash: a 400 Year History of Class in America by Nancy Isenberg
Thursday, May 3 at 6:30 p.m.
East Asheville Library
902 Tunnel Road
250-4738
May the Fourth Be With You: Star Wars Day!
Friday, May 4 all day
Swannanoa Library
101 West Charleston Street
250-6486
Come by the library and check out our amazing collection of books set in the Star Wars universe. Do a craft, have an Endor Moon Pie, or be a bounty hunter and hunt down the scum and villainy hiding out in our library. Costumes are encouraged—you may be featured on our Facebook page!
Drone Aviation Group at Pack Library
Saturday, May 5 at 1 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Bring your own drone or fly one of ours at our mini drone flight group! Whether you're a master flyer or just getting started, everyone is welcome to participate. Learn how to swoop, hover, and soar, as well as make improvements on your drone at home. Once you feel comfortable flying the drone, you can participate in drone races through a colorful, glowing obstacle course!
ALL ages are welcome. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.
This group will either meet in the Pack Library auditorium or meet at a park pending upon weather. Visit our Facebook Events Page for the most current information.
The Sowing Circle Plant Exchange
Saturday, May 5 at 10 a.m.
Black Mountain Library
105 Dougherty Street
250-4756
A plant exchange sponsored by the Black Mountain Seed Library, Black Mountain Blooms.
Combat Veterans: PTSD and the Return to Civilian Life
Monday, May 7 at 6 p.m.
North Asheville Library
1030 Merrimon Avenue
250-4752
Join Dr. Margo Capparelli for an educational program about the effects of PTSD on combat veterans and their families. Dr. Capparelli is the executive director of Equinox Ranch, a rural healing space for veterans whose traumatic experiences have left them numb and closed off to the world. Dr. Capparelli has herself served time overseas with the military, and she has also provided counseling for returning veterans and been a responder on the National Veterans Crisis Hotline. This program is free and open to the public, and snacks will be provided.
Itch to Stitch
Monday, May 7 at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Monday, May 21 at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
A casual knitting and needlework group for all skill levels.
Leicester Book Club: Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig
Tuesday, May 8 at 1 p.m.
Leicester Library
1561 Alexander Road
250-6480
Read With Olivia the Therapy Dog
Tuesday, May 8 at 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 19 at 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tuesday, May 22 at 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Enka-Candler Book Club: Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m.
Enka-Candler Library
1404 Sandhill Road
250-4758
Basic Computer Skills Class: Online Job Searching
Tuesday, May 8 at 6 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
A free basic computer skills class focusing on how to search for jobs online.
Mull it Over Beer and Books Club: Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard
Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Mull it Over: Beer & Books Book club 7-8 PM Wedge at Foundation. Reading: "Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President" by Candice Millard. Mull it Over is a book club that meets every second Tuesday of the month at the Wedge at Foundation, located at 5 Foundy Street. Everyone over 21 is welcome to attend. Books are available for pick up at Pack Library.
Art After Dark: Splash about in Watercolors
Tuesday, May 8 at 6 - 7:30 p.m.
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
Let the pigments flow in this watery workshop. Learn basic techniques unique to watercolors. You will experience how to create a stormy sky and clouds with silver linings. No experience necessary and all materials supplied. Ages 14 and up but limited to 10 people per class. Call 828-250-6488 or come by the library to sign up. This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the South Buncombe Library.
Slow Food Asheville
Tuesday, May 8 at 6 p.m.
North Asheville Library
1030 Merrimon Avenue
250-4752
Come to North Asheville Library for a presentation on Slow Food Asheville, the local convivium of an international movement linking the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment. Slow Food Asheville aims to build a more equitable, healthy and delicious food culture. Board members Maia Surdam and Abby Landry will discuss their efforts to preserve regional heritage foods and to build relationships among gardeners, farmers, educators, and consumers who are interested in the "farm-to-table" movement.
Paper Flower Craft for Mother's Day
Wednesday, May 9 at 4:30 p.m.
North Asheville Library
1030 Merrimon Avenue
250-4752
Come make some beautiful craft flowers just in time for Mother's Day! Supplies will be provided. All ages welcome.
Using Linked In for Job Searchers
Thursday, May 10 at 2 p.m.
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Join the professionals from Goodwill Industries as they discuss the various ways you can use the social media tool LinkedIn to enhance your job searching capabilities.
Gardening Talks for Busy People and Parents
Thursday, May 10 at 6 p.m.
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
Want to get your children to eat more veggies? Strapped for time but still want homegrown, fresh food? Join Rachel Strivelli, a former classroom teacher with a Masters of Science in Soil Science to learn how to make gardening a fun and easy family affair.
Gardening with children is a great way to foster love of the outdoors and more veggie-eating in children. Rachel will guide you through the most essential parts of a productive garden and how you can take shortcuts and still have a good harvest your whole family can enjoy. At the end of the talk, parents and children will plant seeds to take home to start their own garden. This event is free and open to all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the South Buncombe Library.
Fandom Friday Cosplay Club
Friday, May 11 at 4 p.m.
Enka-Candler Library
1404 Sandhill Road
250-4758
Cosplay club for ages 12 and up.
Free Exercise Class at Pack Library: Mixed Level Pilates
Saturday, May 12 at 11 a.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Free mixed level Pilates with Alexis Miller of Cisco Pilates. Registration for this class is required. Visit the Pack Library Facebook page or the Buncombe County library events calendar to sign up.
West Asheville Book Club: "Garden Spells" and "First Frost" by Sarah Addison Allen
Saturday, May 12 at 4 p.m.
West Asheville Library
942 Haywood Road
250-4750
Dungeons & Dragons for Teens
Saturday, May 12 at 1 - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, May 30 at 4 - 6 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Join us for Dungeons & Dragons on the second Saturday of the month from 1-4pm, and last Wednesday of the month from 4-6pm. For ages 12 and up. This event is free, but registration is required. Please call the library to register at 250-4720.
Drop In Yarn Group
Tuesday, May 15 at 6 p.m.
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
Calling all knitters and crocheters! Bring your own materials and work on a project, share tips, try something new and make new friends. This event is free and open to all ages.
Fairview Evening Book Club: The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe
Tuesday, May 15 at 7 p.m.
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6485
Fairview Evening Book Club will be reading ‘The End of Your Life Book Club’ by Will Schwalbe for the month of May and will be discussing it on Tuesday, May 15th at 7 p.m.
“Schwalbe…chronicles his book-related conversations with his mother after she was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer… In a heartfelt tribute to his mother, [he] illustrates the power of the written word to expand our knowledge of ourselves and others.”– Kirkus
This will be the last book club of the season before we break for summer. All the books read in next season’s book club will be chosen at the May meeting, so be sure to bring your suggestions.
No sign up or registration is required to join book club, and new members are always welcome.
Black Mountain Mystery Book Club: The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Tuesday, May 15 at 7 p.m.
Black Mountain Library
105 Dougherty Street
250-4756
Build a Hot Glue Sculpture
Tuesday, May 15 at 6 p.m.
North Asheville Library
1030 Merrimon Avenue
250-4752
Join artist Jennifer Tedder at North Asheville Library for a free craft class. Participants will create sculptures using hot glue and found objects such as buttons, broken jewelry, scrap metal, or fabric. Some materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to supplement with their own collections of interesting junk. This event is free and suitable for teenagers and adults.
Free Exercise Class at the North Asheville Library: Chair Yoga for Seniors
Wednesday, May 16 at 1 p.m.
North Asheville Library
1030 Merrimon Avenue
250-4752
Join instructor Darleen Benson as she leads six-session series of chair yoga classes intended specifically for seniors. A yoga teacher with almost forty years of experience, Darleen will lead the class in a beginner-friendly routine designed to increase strength, flexibility, and balance while learning natural body postures that fight pain and promote mobility. As always, the program is free and open to the public.
Go Figure Storybook Character Dolls with Sculptor Karen Hawkins
Wednesday, May 16 at 4 p.m.
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
Visit with the Box Trolls, a frosty Snow Queen, The Little Mermaid and many more wonderful characters. Award winning professional doll sculptor Karen Hawkins will share her secrets on how she creates these magic characters and allow you to see her sculpting process up close. Go Figure storybook characters will be displayed in the South Buncombe Library throughout the month of May. This event is free and open to older children, families and adults.
Spanish Conversation Group
Thursday, May 17 at 5 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
This free group is for anyone who wants to practice their Spanish speaking skills. No registration necessary and the group meets downstairs in computer lab at Pack Library.
Skyland Library Book Club: And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
Thursday, May 17 at 4 p.m.
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
Friends of the South Buncombe Library Book Club will be discussing And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini. Please join us.
Great Stuffed Animal Sleepover at the Oakley Library
Friday, May 18 all day
South Asheville/Oakley Library
749 Fairview Road
250-4754
The Great Stuffed Animal Sleepover returns to the Oakley/South Asheville Library on Friday, May 18.
Drop off and register your stuffed animal friend at the Oakley/South Asheville Library starting the Wednesday, May 16. The animals will spend Friday night at the library listening to stories, playing games, and probably staying up very late. Pick them up after 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. Each stuffed animal will receive a certificate for their participation. Each child will receive a photo of their stuffed animal at the sleepover.
GREAT STUFFED ANIMAL SLEEPOVER RULES: Only one stuffed animal per person. Open to children of all ages. Please make sure you can sleep without your stuffed animal for the night.
Book-To-Movie: We Need to Talk About Kevin
Friday, May 18 at 3 p.m.
West Asheville Library
942 Haywood Road
250-4750
Join us on Friday, May 18 at 3 p.m. for a Book-to-Movie showing of "We Need to Talk About Kevin." This film is free and rated R.
Free Exercise Class at the Leicester Library: Essentrics Stretching Class
Saturday, May 19 at 11 a.m.
Leicester Library
1561 Alexander Road
250-6480
Join certified instructor Janis Williams as she gives a 15-minute overview, followed by a 45- minute workout in Essentrics, which draws on elements of Tai Chi, ballet, and physiotherapy to create a pain-free body. Essentrics is aimed at regaining your mobility while slowly building strength and awakening the power of your 650 muscles. For men and women of all ages who are looking for a slow-paced, full body workout.
Librarians at Comic Con!
Saturday, May 19, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Come join the library at the WNC Ag Center for a fun day filled with superheroes, art, and books! We'll be playing games, showing off the library comic book and graphic novel collection, painting faces, and giving out prizes, as well as making library cards for anyone who needs one! Fun for ALL Ages.
Tall Tales, Short Tales, even No Tales (well, no tails) with Pat and Becky Stone
Sunday, May 20 at 2 p.m.
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6485
Renowned storytellers Becky and Pat Stone tell Tall Tales, Short Tales, even No Tales (well, no tails) from "Jack Cures the Doctor" to "How Tadpoles Became Frogs."
This program of stories and songs is great fun for people of all ages. Bring the kids and grandparents. Free to all with homemade refreshments served after. Program and refreshments courtesy of Friends of the Fairview Library.
Sweet Adeline’s International’s Song o’ Sky Chorus
Tuesday, May 22 at 7 p.m.
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
Join us for a harmonious and entertaining performance by the Asheville area’s only women’s barbershop style chorus. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the South Buncombe Library. It is free and open to all ages.
The American Black Bear with Smoky Mountains historian Wilma Durpo
Tuesday, May 22 at 7 p.m.
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Unlike us, the black bear is a native of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Learn about the myths that have developed about their spirit and the research that has been done to help humans and bears coexist more comfortably. Sponsored by the Friends of Weaverville Library.
Summer of Noir Film Series: Double Indemnity (1944)
Tuesday, May 22 at 6 p.m.
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6485
What could go wrong when a smitten insurance agent (Fred MacMurray) is seduced into a scheme of fraud and murder by the calculating wife of a wealthy husband (Barbara Stanwyck). Pursued by a suspicious claims manager (Edward G. Robinson), the pair must evade detection as the clock ticks and tensions mount…
Join us on Tuesday, May 22 at 6 p.m. for the first of four film screenings and discussions on the highly influential Film Noir genre. Events will be hosted by North Carolina Film Critics Association member James Rosario, who will introduce each film and lead a discussion after. Rated NR,108 minutes
Geoffrey Steen presents Agroforestry and Silvopasture Systems
Wednesday, May 23 at 6 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Pack Library welcomes Geoffrey Steen (agro-forester, educator, and tradesman) presenting his slides and lecture about sustainable farming and gardening for our region. Held in Pack Library Auditorium. All ages are welcome to attend.
Herpetology for EcoExplorers
Wednesday, May 23 at 4 p.m.
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Join staff from the NC Arboretum in meeting some of our local reptiles and amphibians and learn how your observations of wildlife can earn you cool prizes!
AMOS (Asheville Museum of Science) Comes to Pack Library with DINOSAURS
Thursday, May 24 at 3 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
In celebration of our new mural outside of the children's department by Gus Cutty, the science museum will be giving an all ages talk about dinosaurs with a hands-on dino exhibit!
Stitch it, Don't Ditch it Mending Workshop
Thursday, May 24 at 5:30 -7 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Bring in a clothing item you've been wanting to repair, we'll have all of the supplies, and we'll have one on one help if you have any questions. Hand stitching plus sewing machines available!
Swannanoa Book Club: “Kings of the Wyld” by Nicholas Eames
Thursday, May 24 at 6 p.m.
Swannanoa Library
101 West Charleston Street
250-6486
Read with J.R. the Therapy Dog!
Friday, May 25 at 4 p.m.
Enka-Candler Library
1404 Sandhill Road
250-4758
Starting in May, the Enka-Candler Library will host J.R. the Therapy Dog on the last Friday of each month. Kids are invited to stop by between 4 & 5 p.m. to practice their reading skills with a gentle, patient and adorable canine friend. J.R. is a certified therapy dog and he can't wait to meet the readers of the Enka-Candler community!
Jazz Hour at Pack Library: The Café String Quartet
Saturday, May 26 at 6 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Free Jazz Hour at Pack Library with The Café String Quartet
Jazz Hour at Pack Library: Up Jumped Three
Saturday, May 26 at 2 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Free Jazz Hour at Pack Library with jazz trio Up Jumped Three
Weaverville Library Used Book Sale
Saturday, May 26 at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Check out the great bargains on fiction, non-fiction, kids’ books, DVDs and more! We got rid of last year's stuff and this first sale of 2018 has all new stuff, individually priced and sorted into categories.
Get To Know Asheville Businesses: Composting Day with Wormaculture
Friday, May 18 at 12 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Learn about composting with worms and how Wormaculture started from a handful of worms to a large production facility!
Brain Music: Auditory Integration Training as a Path to Thriving with Autism
Tuesday, May 29 at 6 p.m.
North Asheville Library
1030 Merrimon Avenue
250-4752
Join Annabel Stehli at North Asheville Library for a discussion on Auditory Integration Training, a noninvasive listening therapy that normalizes hearing and brain processes. AIT is used to treat a broad range of communicative and emotional disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, central auditory processing disorder, and traumatic brain injuries. "The Sound of a Miracle," Stehli's 1991 memoir about her daughter Georgie's triumph over autism and learning disabilities, sparked international interest in AIT and led Stehli to give more than 1,000 talks on the subject throughout the world. This event is free and open to the public.
WNC Wildflowers with Scott Dean
Tuesday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Swannanoa Library
101 West Charleston Street
250-6486
Join nature photographer and mountain hiker, Scott Dean as he introduces you to the amazing wildflowers and other hidden treasures you can find in our mountains.
National Worm Composting Day
Tuesday, May 29 at 12 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
May 29 is National Learn about Composting Day! Come to Pack Library at noon for our mega worm bin reveal. The worm bin was donated by Wormaculture of Weaverville. This event is at noon and is for all ages. Snacks and stickers will be provided.