Robbinsville – The Graham County Public Library threw an open house Dec. 19, to mark the end of another year of growth.
Patrons enjoyed an afternoon buffet of snacks, while students of the Mountain Music Program provided musical accompaniment on their guitars.
“We just wanted to show the community how much we appreciate everyone,” said librarian Mary Griffin. “We want to remind everyone that we’re here and of all the great programs that happen here at the library every week, all through the year.”
The event included a spread of treats ranging from homemade coconut cake to sparkling punch. As visitors feasted, they were welcome to peruse books by more than a dozen local authors. Featured were Bette LoBue, Carolina Carpenter, Dr. Patrick Kelly, Elaine Birchfield, Fran Flowers, Karen Taylor, Latresa W. Phillips, Mae Hensley, Marilyn Curtis Trull, Marshall McClung, Mary Ann Hollifield, Mary Joan, Williams, and Shannon George.
Author Karen Taylor’s knitting skills were also on display, with a variety of handmade items available for sale, including scarves and hats. Midway through the open house, the inaugural class of the N.C. Arboretum’s ecoExplore program kicked off, with Libbie Hobbs-Alexander teaching students about birds.
“This is fun,” said student Charlotte Davis. “I love birds.”
The NC Arboretum’s ecoExplore returns to the library in January and is just one of the many programs and classes hosted by the library in the past year, including yoga, Lego Club, lectures on Cherokee history and culture, Health Living and Wellness, CPR/First Aid Class and classes in wreath-making and rock-painting.