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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 October, including tons of opportunities for spooky storytimes!
Go directly to the library calendar of events.
Buncombe County Public Libraries
Programs - October 2018
Itch to Stitch
Monday, Oct. 1, 10a.m.-12n
Monday, Oct. 15, 10a.m.-12n
Monday, Oct. 29, 10a.m.-12n
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Knitting and needlework group for all skill levels. Meets Mondays, Oct. 1, 15 & 29.
Writing your Op-Ed: Presented by Casey Blake of the Asheville Citizen-Times
Monday, Oct. 1, at 6p.m.
North Asheville Library
1030 Merrimon Avenue
250-4752
Join Casey Blake of the Asheville Citizen-Times for a free class about how to write essays and op-eds for the newspaper. Blake, who works as the Opinions & Community Engagement Editor, will coach participants on personal opinion writing. This class is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required.
Pajamarama Storytime
Monday, Oct. 1, 7p.m.
Enka-Candler Library
1404 Sandhill Road
250-4758
Join us for a bonus storytime with bonus librarians, too! The children's librarians from North Asheville, South Buncombe and Enka-Candler are teaming up to offer a triple-teller experience for the whole family. Feel free to come in your pajamas to listen to stories in the library after hours.
Weaverville Evening Book Club: The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
Tuesday, Oct. 2, 7p.m.
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
BINGO at the Library
Tuesday, Oct. 2, 11a.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Library BINGO is the first Tuesday of every month from 11a.m. to noon. Coffee, snacks, prizes and fun! Free for all ages.
Enka-Candler Book Club: The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
Tuesday, Oct. 2, 7p.m.
Enka-Candler Library
1404 Sandhill Road
250-4758
Basic Computer Skills Class at Pack Library
Tuesday, Oct. 2, 6 -7p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
A free basic computer skill class at Pack Library, every Tuesday at 6p.m. All skill levels and questions are welcome.
Manhattan Short Film Festival at Pack Library
Tuesday, Oct. 2, 1p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 6, 1p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Join us for a series of 3 events as we screen 10 short films from the Manhattan Short Film Festival. At the end of the screening you'll be asked to vote for your favorites. This event is free and everyone is invited (some films may contain adult content). For more information and previews of the films visit: http://www.manhattanshort.com/
Weaverville Afternoon Book Club: The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker
Wednesday, Oct 3, 3p.m.
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Swannanoa Book Club: The Last Castle by Denise Kiernan
Thursday, Oct. 4, 6p.m.
Swannanoa Library
101 West Charleston Street
250-6486
We discuss "The Last Castle" by NYT best-selling author Denise Kiernan, a history of the Biltmore estate and the epic love, loss and American royalty in the nation's largest home.
Ghost Hunters of Asheville
Friday, Oct. 5, 1p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Ghost Hunters of Asheville are here to tell tales and show pictures of their adventures. This program is free and everyone is invited.
Used Book Sale at the Black Mountain Library
Saturday, Oct. 6, 9a.m. to 3p.m.
Black Mountain Library
105 Dougherty Street
250-4756
The sale starts Friday, Oct 5 5:30p.m -7:30p.m. with a "friends-only" preview sale that includes giveaways. You can join at the door!
The sale will continue on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 9a.m.- 3:00p.m. There will be a large selection of books for adults and children at great prices! All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Black Mountain Library. For more information, please call 250-4756.
Fall Film Series: The Mystery of the Wax Museum with Fay Raye and Lionel Atwood
Tuesday, Oct. 9, 6:30p.m.
Leicester Library
1561 Alexander Road
250-6480
Join us for a free fall film series starting on October.
Leicester Book Club: Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew Sullivan
Tuesday, Oct. 9, 1p.m.
Leicester Library
1561 Alexander Road
250-6480
Kidding Around Yoga
Tuesday, Oct. 9, 10:30a.m.
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.
Creepy, Crawly, Critters by SoulFauna
Tuesday, Oct. 9, 4p.m.
North Asheville Library
1030 Merrimon Avenue
250-4752
Come to North Asheville Library for a free all-ages herpetology presentation about snakes! Join reptile enthusiast Maya Plantamura as she speaks about snakes and the many misconceptions that affect these beautiful but often-misunderstood animals. The presentation will include guided interactions with six live non-venomous snakes and is open to all members of the public. No tickets required.
Gary Sizer: Author, Hiker, and Speaker
Tuesday, Oct. 9, 7p.m.
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6485
Friends of the Fairview Library are pleased to present Gary Sizer, author of ‘Where’s the Next Shelter?’ on Tuesday Oct. 9 at 7p.m.
Gary was born in New Castle, Pa. Years of military service and software consulting fed his passion for travel, which he chronicles in his latest book, ‘Home is Forward’. After walking the Appalachian Trail in 2014, his before and after pictures went viral, and since then millions of people have seen him in his underpants. Now Gary hikes and lives in the hills near Asheville, N.C., where he occasionally records stories for NPR's The Moth. Gary is also co-host of the podcast ‘Stories From the Trail’.
Free Painting Class: Paint Fall Leaves in Watercolor
Wednesday, Oct. 10, 6-7:30p.m.
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
Join us to learn how to paint fall leaves in watercolor. This class is free, but please sign up at library or call 828-250-6488. Class limited to 10 participants – teens over 15 and adults welcome. All materials provided.
History Book Club: The Half-Drowned King by Linnea Hartsuyker
Wednesday, Oct. 10, 3p.m.
Enka-Candler Library
1404 Sandhill Road
250-4758
Introduction to Ornithology with the NC Arboretum
Wednesday, Oct. 10, 4p.m.
East Asheville Library
902 Tunnel Road
250-4738
Scientists need YOUR help in studying animals everywhere, including your own backyard!
Join us for an introduction to ornithology, the study of birds. You’ll learn all about our feathery friends and go on a short birding walk! You can also join our crew of ecoEXPLORERS — kids who submit observations of plants and animals for scientists to study and earn prizes while they do it. Find out how you can earn your Ornithology Field Badge and a free pass to The Great Backyard Bird Count Day on Feb. 16.
Relaxation Workshop for Reducing Stress
Thursday, Oct. 11, 6:30p.m.
Leicester Library
1561 Alexander Road
250-6480
Leicester Library is offering a relaxation workshop on Thursday, Oct. 11 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. with Margery Bastian, a longtime instructor of relaxation and meditation techniques. Relax your body and mind and learn how to handle stress through stillness and attention to breathing. The workshop is designed for beginners and will be conducted with participants seated in chairs or on the floor.
Book to Movie Film Screening: Rosemary's Baby
Friday, Oct. 12, 2:30p.m.
West Asheville Library
942 Haywood Road
250-4750
A young woman in NYC fears she is beset by evil during a bizarre pregnancy. As she falls increasingly ill, she grows terrified at the prospect that her outwardly benevolent neighbors aren't who they appear to be. Starring Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Maurice Evans, and Sidney Blackmer, this film was directed by Roman Polanski and is based on the novel by Ira Levin. Rated R, 2 1/2 hours.
Fall Book Sale at the Skyland Library
Friday, Oct. 12 11a.m. to 4p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 13 11a.m. to 4p.m.
Monday, Oct. 15 10a.m. - 2p.m.
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
Come browse a vast selection of titles at bargain prices. Most hardbacks are one dollar and paperbacks are fifty cents. Proceeds from the sale benefit the library in many ways, from supplies and equipment to programs and improving the grounds.
Free Concert by Border Radio
Saturday, Oct. 13, 2p.m.
North Asheville Library
1030 Merrimon Avenue
250-4752
Join North Asheville Library for a free musical performance by the acoustic duo Border Radio! Musicians Emily and David play the guitar, banjo, mandolin, and concertina, and their music draws from the musical traditions of gospel, blues, country, bluegrass, and traditional Scottish and Irish music. This event is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required.
Plant Exchange and Putting Your Garden to Bed
Saturday, Oct. 13, 9a.m.
Black Mountain Library
105 Dougherty Street
250-4756
Join the Sowing Circle for a plant exchange at 9a.m. followed by a presentation on what fall chores are vital for a healthy spring garden. This free program is presented by the Black Mountain Blooms Seed Library and The Buncombe Master Gardeners. Generous support provided by Friends of the Black Mountain Library. For more information, visit our facebook page or call 250-4756.
Free Pilates Class at the Library
Saturday, Oct. 13, 11a.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Join us for a mixed Level Pilates with Alexis Miller of Cisco Pilates. This class is free, but registration is required. Sign up on the library calendar at buncombecounty.org/library by clicking on the Pilates class at Pack Library.
Silent Horror Monster Movie: The Cat and the Canary
Saturday, Oct. 13, 2p.m.
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Join local film critic Chip Kaufmann for thrills, chills... and laughs as he screens the 1927 classic "old dark house" horror/comedy "The Cat and the Canary". Free popcorn! Sponsored by the Friends of the Weaverville Library.
Evening Book Club: Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz
Tuesday, Oct. 16, 7p.m.
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6485
Fairview Evening Book Club will be reading ‘Shadow of the Wind’ by Carlos Ruiz Zafon for the month of October and will be discussing it on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 7p.m.
“ …this international sensation…has books and storytelling--and a single, physical book--at its heart. Part detective story, part boy's adventure, part romance, fantasy, and gothic horror, the intricate plot is urged on by extravagant foreshadowing and nail-nibbling tension. This is rich, lavish storytelling…” BookList
No sign up or registration is required to join book club, and new members are always welcome.
Spinning Yarns Knit and Crochet Group
Tuesday, Oct. 16, 6p.m.
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
Spinning Yarns knitting and crochet drop in group will be meeting in the library due to Early Voting set up in the Community Room. 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.
Black Mountain Library Mystery Book Club: The Alienist by Caleb Carr
Tuesday, Oct. 16, 7p.m.
Black Mountain Library
105 Dougherty Street
250-4756
Science Shenanigans: Kidsenses Brings Science to Life!
Tuesday, Oct. 16, 4p.m.
Swannanoa Library
101 West Charleston Street
250-6486
What is science? How can we find it? Discover the thrill of a lifetime as we conduct multiple amazing science demonstrations to bring chemistry and physics to life! A free program for kids in grades K-8.
Uke Jam
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 3-5p.m.
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Come and jam on your ukulele! For all skill levels.
Makers & Shakers: Let's Weave
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 4p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Let’s Weave! We will make and take weaving on cardboard looms. This free programs is for ages 5 and UP (parents and siblings of all ages are welcome to participate). Each participant will receive their own cardboard loom. Pre-registration is helpful at the library calendar at buncombecounty.org/library, but walk ins are ok too!
Skyland book Club: The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure
Thursday, Oct. 18, 2:30p.m.
South Buncombe/Skyland Library
260 Overlook Road
250-6488
Friends of the South Buncombe Library book club will be meeting at the Biltmore Park Clubhouse, due to Early Voting. The book club is reading The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure. Please join us!
Ukulele Strum and Sing for Beginners
Thursday, Oct. 18, 3-5p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 25, 3-5p.m.
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
This two part workshop will show you how to tune, strum and play basic chords and many easy songs. Thursdays, Oct. 18 & 25 from 3 to 5pm.
Antique and Collectible Book Sale at Pack Library
Friday, Oct. 19, 10a.m.-5p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
The Friends of Pack Library will have their 8th Annual Antique and Collectible book sale the third weekend in October.
The sale will feature:
• Antique and collectible books, prices starting at $3
• Better children’s books, postcards and wall art
• Coffee table books in upper hallway and lower level
• All items will be individually priced
Bookends Used Book Store will have ½ price sale both days with a box of books for only $5. Boxes will be provided. On Saturday, books on the lower level will be reduced to ½ price.
Credit cards will be accepted with a $5 minimum charge. For more info, call Pack Library at 250-4700 or email library@buncombecounty.org. Proceeds benefit Buncombe County Public Libraries.
Library Block Party
Saturday, Oct. 20, 4p.m.
North Asheville Library
1030 Merrimon Avenue
250-4752
Join library friends, staff, and volunteers outdoors for a block party and fundraiser. Planned activities include mountain stories for all ages by acclaimed storytellers David Novak and Janice Inabinett, children's facepainting, a library book sale, and a raffle for Buncombe County Library totebags with books handpicked by librarians. Food will be available for a suggested donation of $5. Exact location to be announced. For more details, or to volunteer, please call (828) 250-4752.
Friends of the Fairview Library Meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 23, 7p.m.
Fairview Library
1 Taylor Road
250-6485
All dues paying members, or anyone who would like to join, are welcome to attend.
Jazz Hour at Pack Library: Up Jumped Three
Thursday, Oct. 25, 6p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
Free jazz concert at Pack Library by Up Jumped Three.
Local Horror Author Nathan Ballingrud
Thursday, Oct. 25, 6:30p.m.
East Asheville Library
902 Tunnel Road
250-4738
Meet local horror author Nathan Ballingrud at the East Asheville Library. This event is free and everyone is invited.
Really Scary Stories!
Saturday, Oct. 27, 2p.m.
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482
Celebrate the spirits of Halloween with Adam's spooky stories, including traditional and original stories and songs about ghosts (haints, haunts, & boogers), witches, inexplicable phenomena, and strange creatures. YES, people jump and call out during these tales, even high school students and adults! NO, these programs are not for young or immature listeners. Free tickets will be available beginning October 13th. Sponsored by the Friends of the Weaverville Library.
History of Eliada Orphanage with Clifford Davids
Saturday, Oct. 27, 3p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
After moving to the mountains of North Carolina in 1998, on the occasion of Eliada’s upcoming centennial, Director Stewart Humphrey hired Clifford Davids to gather the stories of the children who had grown up at the orphanage. After having served as CEO for over twenty years, he wanted to provide a permanent and lasting record, a testament of sorts, for the children whose only home had been at Eliada. Davids spent a decade tracking down and interviewing people who had grown up at the former Eliada Orphanage in Asheville, N.C. Some of these stories are published on his website entitled “Confessions of an Oral Historian.” Join us for this free program detailing the history of a local institution.
Scary Stories in the Stacks
Saturday, Oct. 27, 6p.m.
Black Mountain Library
105 Dougherty Street
250-4756
Spooky stories for school-age children and adults in the library after hours, featuring acclaimed storyteller Adam Booth. Perfect for the season. For more information, visit our facebook page or call 250-4756.
Free Film at the Library: Young Frankenstein
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 5:30p.m.
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700
A free screening "Young Frankenstein", celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein and its influence on pop culture.