Alert

Appalachian Regional Library will be closed on Monday, January 20th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Friends are major supporters of the library, its programs, services and staff. Listed below are some of their primary activities. You can join the Friends while at the library at any time.   Meetings of the Friends of the Library board of officers are held the second Tuesday of each month (except July and December) at 4:00 PM in the Friends of the Library Meeting Room and are open to all members.

For an application to join the Friends of the Library, click here.

Applications may be mailed to:
Friends of the Wilkes Library
215 10th Street
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659

Used Book Sales

Used book sales are conducted to raise money in support of our library. The Friends collect books throughout the year.  Donations may be made any time by delivering books to the Friends Book Room, 611 Cherry Street behind the Stone Family Center.   Book sales are held on the second weekend every month on Thursday from 5-7, and Friday & Saturday from 9-5.    Books are also on sale at the library on the upper level.

Public donations are crucial for our sales; we resell books, video and audio cassettes, and DVDs.

Books for Babies

Books for Babies introduces books and reading to new parents. This project gives every new mother birthing at Wilkes Regional Medical Center a packet containing a sturdy board book, information on the library, and information on "Ten reasons to read to your baby."

Community Events

Programming serves the community and increases patronage. The Friends sponsor author visits, displays, and other special events in the Friends of the Library meeting room. In past years programs have included a Poetry Festival, a Latino Festival, visiting authors and Summer Reading programs for children. We are grateful to the Kulynych Family Foundation for its contributions to the summer events for children and youth.

Volunteer Opportunities

Our annual gift to the library provides funds in support of programming for children and adults, and other items not covered in the library's regular budget. Funds raised during our book sales are the main source of financial support  for the Friends of the Library. Volunteers are vital to our book sales' success — collecting, moving, sorting and pricing donated materials is the work behind the scenes while others sell during the sales. Volunteer needs in support of special events are: baking refreshments, selling t-shirts or bags, working at book sales, taking tickets, helping with mailings, writing grants, preparing publicity. Let us know what skills or talents you would like to offer!

Staff Development

Staff members wishing to further their education in the library field may seek approval from the County Librarian to take a course or attend a conference and have the cost reimbursed by the Friends.

Annual Dinner Meeting

The Annual Dinner is held the first Sunday in November. Friends of the Library officers are elected and an annual report of activities is provided.  The evening's entertainment is provided by a notable author, lecturer, or performer.  Membership is not required to attend the Annual Dinner Meeting.   Tickets are on sale through mid-October.