About Adult Services
Our librarians are happy to help you find the perfect book, begin researching a paper, find information online, help you download eBooks from the library, or answer just about any question you might have!
Study Spaces
We welcome students and other individuals to utilize our three tutor rooms, each of which is equipped with a built-in desk and two office chairs, for quiet study. If you would like to use or reserve one of our other meeting rooms for group study, please contact us at 336.846.2056 or visit the information desk on the upper level of the library.
Heritage Room
The Heritage Room boasts an unparalleled collection of local history and genealogy information about Ashe County, North Carolina. Out-of-town visitors and local residents alike are welcome to visit the Heritage Room to conduct their own research. Use of the collection is free, and an orientation to the collection is available during regular library hours. Anyone with an interest in Ashe County’s history will find the Heritage Room worth a visit! Also, neighboring libraries in Watauga County and Wilkes County have genealogy and local history rooms that are open for research.
Computers, Copiers, Fax, & Scanners
Our computer lab is equipped with fifteen computers and a self-service print station and is designated for quiet study only. In addition, we have five other desktop computers and four laptops available for in-library use only. There are two black-and-white copiers, one located on the upper level of the library and one on the main level near the circulation desk. Costs for printing are 10¢ per page for black-and-white and 50¢ per page for color. There is a fax machine located on the main level of the library, and the cost to send at fax is $1.50 per page. We also have two flatbed scanners and an overhead scanner, and there is no cost for using the scanners. If you have questions about the public computers, wifi access, scanning, or printing, please ask one of our information wizards or contact us at 336.846.2056.
Information Literacy & Library Orientation Classes
Our reference staff serve as librarians to the students of the Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College. If you are an instructor and would like us to provide information literacy instruction for your class, please use our contact form. Our reference staff will contact you to confirm these requests. If you are a student, come see us! Our librarians will be glad to help you begin your research, request materials for you, offer citation assistance, and more.
Reading Challenge
The library sponsors a yearly reading challenge for all ages. This year's Reading Challenge features categories we hope will inspire you to snuggle up with a good cuppa, such as "A book that brings you joy" and "A book you'd enjoy escaping into." We've also included perennial favorites like "A book that challenges the way you think" and "A book recommended by your friendly librarians." Although all of these attributes could be ascribed to a single book, each book may only be used to satisfy a single challenge. We think this year's challenges are a good mix between the general (so you can include many of the books you would have read anyway) and the specific (so you have to read some books you never would have chosen on your own). Our library sponsors this challenge for two very important reasons: to promote literacy in our community and have fun doing it. If these goals float your boat, we hope you'll join us on this literary voyage! Visit the Reading Challenge website to get started.
Exam Proctoring
Our reference staff provide remote proctoring services for students. Students seeking to schedule a proctored exam must call us at 336.846.2056 or email us at least two weeks prior to the desired exam date. Our reference staff will contact you to confirm your request.
Interlibrary Loan
Library patrons in good standing may request up to five titles at a time through our interlibrary loan service. Visit the Information Desk on the upper level of the library to make a request. The fee for interlibrary loan requests is the cost of return postage for each item borrowed, and lending periods vary according to the policies of the lending institution. Patrons must call the library to request renewals for interlibrary loan items.
Request Library Materials
Do you want a book that the library doesn't own? Let us know! Call us at 336.846.2056 or email us. We may be able to borrow the book from another library system or purchase it for our own collection.
Library Programs & Program Proposals
Library programs are free and open to the public and are intended to complement and fulfill the library's mission. Library programs typically developed and presented for adults include book discussions, author talks, film screenings, workshops, poetry readings, and musical concerts. Individuals and organizations interested in partnering with the library on adult programs are invited to submit a proposal.
Outreach Services
Our Outreach Specialist, Reta W., provides library materials to individuals who love to read but cannot visit the library due to their circumstances. Ashe County residents who are over 65 and are unable to drive to the library as well as those who are under 65 with a medical condition that prevents them from driving to the library are eligible for this free service. For more information and to sign up for this service, call Reta at 336.846.2044. View and print our Outreach Services brochure here.
Tours
Tours of the library are available. Call us at 336.846.2056, tell us about your group or class, and set up a date and time to find out about all the library has to offer!