When you read the words “public library”, what comes to mind? For many, it’s probably an image of a severe, bespectacled old woman overseeing high shelves stuffed with old books in a room devoid of any sound save for the occasional dust-driven cough.
But in Western North Carolina, public libraries offer so much more!
In the internet age, public libraries around the country have pivoted their missions as mere repositories of basic information. Today, local libraries are also community hubs, offering children’s story hours, springtime tax assistance, regular public events, and much more. And they house more than just leatherbound classics. Here in WNC, it’s common to see people checking out telescopes, musical instruments, and even free passes for Asheville Community Theatre or Hands On! Children’s Museum!
As experts in the region, our Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks agents are no strangers to their local libraries. We asked them: Where are the best and most unique things about your local public library branch in WNC?
I love so many things about the Transylvania County Library. It’s in a great location, they accept and sell used books upstairs, and they even check out jigsaw puzzles! They also will get books from other libraries at your request. It makes for a fantastic visit every time.
The Henderson County Public Library has a great main branch in Downtown Hendersonville. It has five other locations in Henderson County including Edneyville, Etowah, Fletcher, Green River, and Mills River. There are events for children, teens, and adults; facility use requests; and a Zoom pass. The website has downloadables including audiobooks, eBooks, magazines, videos, music, and items for children. The website also has a great resource tab that includes consumer reports, business and money, genealogy and local history, health and wellness, and more.
My local library provides me with a service that I use every day! It’s called the Libby App. It is a free app connected to my library card that allows me to download audiobooks, Kindle books, and books that I can read straight from the app. It has been a game changer for my drives between showings and a wallet saver by being free!
We love the Transylvania County Library in Brevard! They have a very active social page, and they feature fun events and unique elements such as Book Club Kits, history blogs about the local area, jigsaw puzzle contests, Lego night, and much more. Play the ukulele? Check out the Ukulele Circle at the library!
The Haywood County Public Library in Waynesville hosts Balsam Mountain Trust’s Nature Preserve Center, which showcases different animals, insects, fossils, and plants. It is an incredible hands-on experience for kids and parents alike.
The Yancey County Library in Burnsville is filled with historic charm, great reads, and community resources. But they also offer the ability to join the State Employees Credit Union after one day of volunteering—which can open many new doors for soon-to-be homeowners.
My favorite part of the library located on Main Street in Weaverville is The Friends of The Weaverville Library Used Book Store. On July 8, 2021 the used book store opened, about a year and a half after my father-in-law, Ralph Lewis, passed away. The funds for the mural in the F.O.W.L were donated in memory of Ralph, or Papa as we called him. Ralph was a regular visitor to the library and would always ask, “What are you reading?”—which is painted as part of the mural. The proceeds from the used book store are used to help fund the library. Be sure to visit the Weaverville Library as well as the F.OW.L. used book store.
What are you reading?
My Weaverville library always has activities! This month, there’s a sourdough bread making class taught by a local baker/culinary school teacher. The librarians are soooo creative. During the pandemic, they created take-home crafts for kids since we couldn’t meet for story time. My granddaughter just loved making her bedazzled mermaid tale. She even asked to go back to the library the next time she came for a visit.
Live Near Your Favorite WNC Public Library Branch!
Among the many ways we Live Abundantly in WNC is by having access to some of the most interesting and unique resources through our local public libraries. Find a home near one of the great library branch locations mentioned in this post!
- Haywood County Public Library – Search for homes in Waynesville.
- Henderson County Public Library – Search for homes in Hendersonville.
- Transylvania County Library – Search for homes in Brevard.
- Weaverville Library – Search for homes in Weaverville.
- Yancey County Library – Search for homes in Burnsville.
