Written by: Deena Bouknight | Publish: July – 2022
The Plateau’s twin libraries filled their calendars with events and activities for all age groups. To learn more, visit fontanalib.org.
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Libraries are hubs of activity throughout the year, but especially during the summer months when the population of the plateau quadruples. In addition to books and films and many accessible services, local libraries host guest speakers and authors. This summer, the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library offers:• The presentation of Awesome Amphibians by the North Carolina Aquarium on July 1 at 10:30 a.m.;• A presentation of Japanese culture by Nanaka Okamura, coordinator of the Western Carolina University Japan Outreach July 8 starting at 10:30 a.m. when there will be a children’s program that shares the tales of Kamishibaicard; at 3:00 p.m., Okamura will demonstrate a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and discuss the historical and cultural significance; • local author Tom Baker on July 15 at 3 p.m.; the Vietnam War veteran presents and signs his new book, Warrior Wannabe • Character Cavalcade on July 22 at 10:30 pm; kids can dress up as their favorite literary/comic character or historical character and wander around the library, and prizes will be awarded to each age group; • local author Patricia Brandon on July 29 at 3:00 p.m.; she will discuss her 2021 mystery, A Rule of Life. Running during the summer months at the Cashiers Library, Sweating with Switch Sports on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; Mah Jongg on Monday; Crafts on Tuesdays; Story time on Wednesday; and free film screenings on Thursdays. “In addition, we are partnering with the Highlands Performing Arts Center Youth Theater again this year in July to offer theater workshops for different age groups throughout the month,” said Serenity Richards, Branch Librarian. . The Hudson Library in Highlands is also hosting guest speakers and various activities, including local author Diane McPhail, who will discuss and sign on July 15 at 12:30 p.m. her new historical fiction, The Seamstress of New Orleans. Story time on Thursdays at 10:40 a.m.; interactive Kids Zone programs Thursday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. (July 14, Okamura offers origami, chopstick challenge, and more); and the Vaya Health series on the second Tuesday of each month. “And we’re continuing to add events,” said Carlyn Morenus, Hudson Library Branch Librarian, who pointed out – along with Richards – that the library’s websites and event pages are being updated to provide public information on all that is offered: fontanalib.org .
by Deena Bouknight
