Tag Archive for: #granvillecountylibrarysystem

Granville County Library System

Friends of the Granville County Library System Hosting Book Sale on May 11

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The Friends of the Granville County Library System will host a book sale at the Richard H. Thornton Library on Saturday, May 11. The sale will be open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Members of the Friends of the Library will have early access beginning at 10:00 a.m.

All items will sell for $1.00 with proceeds going to the Friends of the Library to support the operations of the Granville County Library System. For more information, contact the Richard H. Thornton Library at 919-693-1121.

The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main Street in downtown Oxford. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information about the Thornton Library and the other three branches of the Granville County Library system (South, Stovall, and Berea), visit the library’s website – granville.lib.nc.us or follow the library system on Facebook – facebook.com/granvillecountylibrarysystem.

— information courtesy of the Granville County Library System

Granville County Library System

Oxford’s Thornton Library Welcomes New Manager Lisa Dendy

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

The Granville County Library System has announced Lisa Dendy as the new branch manager for the Richard H. Thornton Library. Dendy brings a wealth of experience and extensive background in library services, both in public and academic library settings. She brings a deep understanding of community engagement and a passion for promoting literacy and learning to her new role.

Dendy joins the Granville County Library System with 19 years of experience in library services, most recently at the Davis Library at UNC-Chapel Hill. Before her time in Chapel Hill, Dendy worked for 14 years with the Durham County Library. Dendy holds a Master of Arts in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Library Science from N.C. Central University.

“We are thrilled to have Lisa Dendy join us as the Richard H. Thornton Library Branch Manager,” said Granville County Library System Director Will Robinson. “Her wealth of experience at two of the most esteemed academic and public libraries in the United States, her educational background, and commitment to community service align seamlessly with the values of the Granville County Library System. We feel that she will bring the Thornton Library and the entire Granville County Library System to even greater heights with her focus on creating an inclusive and dynamic library environment that caters to the diverse needs of Granville County residents.”

The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main St. in downtown Oxford. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.  to 5 p.m. For more information about the Thornton Library and the other three branches of the Granville County Library system, visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/ or follow  the library system on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/granvillecountylibrarysystem

Granville County Library System

Granville Libraries Boast Increased Traffic Across All Four Branches

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Information courtesy of Granville Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

The Granville County Library System reports that more than 139,000 people have come through the doors of its four branches this year, which represents an increase of more than 33 percent from the previous year.

Those visitors have come for a variety of reasons – from registering for a library card and checking out books and other materials to attending programs and using the computers.

Patrons have checked out 88,779 materials – a 17 percent increase from last year. There was a 14 percent jump in the number of children’s books that were checked out and library card registrations went up 17 percent over last year, according to information from Granville County Library System Director Will Robinson.

“These statistics help tell the story about how critical the library is for Granville County residents,” Robinson said.

Access to technology continued to be a major draw to all GCLS branches as public computer use increased by 35 percent.

All GCLS branches saw lots of programming activity and attendance throughout the year by hosting a total of 682 programs. Adult programming saw the largest boost this year with a more than 100% increase from 21-22. Attendance was strong at all library programs with an average of 19 people attending each activity.

“We have seen a particularly high demand for in-person programs and services and these stats show that all our branches are busy and thriving,” Robinson said, handing credit to the hard work of library staff to provide a safe and welcoming environment along with programs and services that library users want. “We believe the programs and services that GCLS offers provide a strong return on investment from the funding we receive from Granville County taxpayers, the State Library of North Carolina, and our other state and federal granting agencies,” Robinson said.

For more information about services and programs offered by the Granville County Library system, visit the library website at https://granville.lib.nc.us/. Or visit any of the four branches: Richard H. Thornton (210 Main Street, Oxford), South (1550 South Campus Drive, Creedmoor), Stovall (300 Main Street, Stovall), and Berea (1211 US Highway 158, Oxford).

Former Granville Street Library To Get A Historical Marker

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A new historical marker is set to be unveiled to designate the site of the former Granville Street Colored Library in Oxford.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which will take place Friday, Sept. 15 at 12 noon at 314 Granville St. Former U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield is scheduled to attend and give remarks during the ceremony, according to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

The Granville Street Colored Library opened its doors to the African American community on June 12, 1942.  Maude Warren Lassiter served as the library’s director for many years and she and the library hold a special place in the history of Oxford and Granville County. The Granville Street Colored Library received visits from numerous African American leaders throughout its history including poet and social activist Langston Hughes,

educator and President of Howard University Mordecai Johnson, and historian and longtime Duke University professor John Hope Franklin.

In 1965, the Granville County Library System integrated and added the Granville Street Library as a new branch. Helen Currin Amis served as branch manager until 1975 when the Granville  Street branch closed and was merged with the Richard H. Thornton Library.

The historical marker was made possible by a partnership between the Granville County Library System Board of  Trustees and First Baptist Church of Oxford. Funding for the marker came from the Granville County Library System Memorial Fund.

For more information about the event, contact the Thornton Branch Library at 919-693-1121.

Granville County Library System

Granville Libraries Offer Programs For Children Of All Ages

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

 

 The Granville County Library System is ready to serve residents with a full schedule of programs for the 2022-23 school year. After another successful summer reading program, programs aimed at pre- and school-aged Granville residents are back at all four library branches. Check out the recurring programs hosted by the Library System below to make plans for your children throughout the school year.

Storytime (ages 0-6): Young children and their caregivers enjoy stories, rhymes, games, songs, crafts, and interactive learning at the library. Storytime is offered Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the South Branch Library, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Richard H. Thornton Library, and monthly on Fridays at 11 a.m. at the Berea Branch Library.

LEGO Club (ages 3-12): Unleash your LEGO creativity! This weekly drop-in program will allow children to create LEGO masterpieces with materials provided by the library. Imagination is required! Lego Club meets Mondays at 4 p.m. at the South Branch and Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. at the Thornton Library.

Craft Hour (ages 5-12): Get creative, explore different art mediums, and take home a new project every week! Craft hour occurs on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. at the Stovall Branch Library.

STEAM (ages 5-12): Have you ever wondered how bridges are built or how airplanes fly? Have you ever asked yourself what electricity is or why volcanoes spew lava? Well, if you’re in elementary school, come join us each week as we explore the curious world of science through hands-on experiments. Get creative, get innovative and get ideas for making our world a better place! STEAM meets weekly on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. at the South Branch and weekly on Thursdays at 4 p.m. at the Thornton Library.

Art Fusion (ages 5-14): Do you know someone who lives and breathes art? Join us as we dive into art history and practice different art techniques created by famous artists throughout history! Art Fusion meets monthly on the second Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Thornton Library.

Code Ninjas (ages 5-18): Learn how to code your own animations and games using SCRATCH, a program created by MIT to teach kids how to code! Code Ninjas meets monthly on the fourth Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Thornton  ibrary.

Battle of the Books Book Club (ages 9-17): Part book club. Part competition. All fun! Pick one of three book options to read, then chat about it with friends. Test your knowledge with a Battle of the Books style trivia contest! Battle of the Books Book Club meets monthly on Thursdays at 4 p.m. at the South Branch.

Teen Time (ages 12-18/grades 6-12): Grab your friends and join us for art projects, Cooking 101, monthly

challenges, theme nights, book clubs, and more! Teen Time meets Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. at the Thornton Library.

Game On! (ages 13-18): Board games, card games, video games, and puzzles! Get your game on at the library! “Game On!” meets on Fridays at 2:30 p.m. at the South Branch.

For a full calendar of events, make sure you visit the Granville County Library System website  (https://granville.lib.nc.us/) and check out all the other programs and services offered across the Granville  County Library System.

Berea Branch Library (1211 US Highway 158, Oxford): Tuesday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Thursday 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Oak Hill Express Library (8061 NC Highway 96 North, Oxford): Lockers and book return open 24 hours a day. Deliveries occur on Tuesday.

Richard H. Thornton Library (210 Main Street, Oxford): Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

South Branch Library (1550 South Campus Drive, Creedmoor): Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Stovall Branch Library and Express Library (300 Main Street, Stovall): Monday – Wednesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Express library lockers and book return open 24 hours a day.

Wilton Express Library (2547 NC Highway 96 South, Franklinton): Lockers and book return open 24 hours a day. Deliveries occur Tuesday and Thursday.

To the Moon and Beyond: James E. Webb Program Coming To Perry Library

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The public is invited to attend a special program, To the Moon and Beyond: James E. Webb, on Monday, July 18 at Perry Memorial Library to learn more about the life of James E. Webb, a Granville County native whose role in the early days of NASA propelled the country’s race to the moon and for whom the giant telescope in the news recently is named.

Local historian and Thornton Library’s North Carolina Room Specialist Mark Pace will lead the discussion of Webb, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. The hourlong program will be held in Perry Library’s Farm Bureau Room.

Webb ran NASA from 1961-1968 and did more for science that perhaps any other government official, according to an information flyer promoting the event.

Come learn about the life and legacy of this local figure.

Sponsored by the two libraries and NASA@My Library, a program based upon work funded by NASA, but opinions, conclusions or recommendations don’t necessarily reflect the views of NASA.

Granville County Library System

No More Overdue Fines For Granville Library Patrons

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How fitting that as the upcoming Independence Day holiday nears, the Granville County Library System (GCLS) announces that the library is now fine-free. As of July 1, library patrons no longer face overdue fees for items checked out from any library branch.

Fees for lost or damaged items, however, remain in effect, as well as fees for various library services, such as printing and copying fees, according to a press statement from Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

The Library Board of Trustees and the County Board of Commissioners chose to implement this new policy based on successful programs in large and small library systems across the United States that did away with library overdue fees. Library systems that eliminated late fees have noted an increase in library use, a decrease in overdue items in their collections, and have noted through testimonials from library patrons how meaningful it was to not have previous late fees, or the fear of future fees, impede their use and enjoyment of the public library.

“Going fine-free helps remove barriers to library access,” said Library Director Will Robinson. “This policy has been successful across the country, and we want to make sure that all Granville County residents know they are welcomed at their library,” Robinson said.

He added that he and his staff don’t want children to have the lasting image of the library as an unfriendly place associated with debt.

“It is especially disheartening to know that these families accrue debt that was caused simply by wanting to enjoy books and the other resources that libraries offer. We can open a lot of doors to learning and enrichment when our residents feel like the library is a welcoming, inclusive environment,” Robinson said.

For more information about resources and programs offered by GCLS, visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/ or any of the branches in Oxford, Berea, Stovall or Creedmoor.

Maude Lassiter Painting

Painting Honors Granville’s First African-American Librarian

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Granville County Library System has announced the completed commission for an oil portrait of Maude Lassiter, the first African-American librarian in Granville County. Painted by artist Stephen Cefalo of Raleigh, NC, the portrait will soon be on permanent display at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford.

A native of the Jonathan Creek community, Lassiter was born on Sept. 12, 1892, and was a longtime educator in Granville County, having earned degrees in School Administration and Religion from North Carolina Central University, Shaw University and Atlanta University.

An oil portrait of Maude Lassiter, the first African-American librarian in Granville County, will soon be on permanent display at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford. Painting by artist Stephen Cefalo of Raleigh, NC.

In 1942, she was hired as a librarian at the Granville Street Library, the county’s first library for people of color. This was a position she would hold for more than 23 years. During her tenure, she is credited with introducing literature and knowledge to many people of the community, as well as for bringing luminaries Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, John Hope Franklin and Langston Hughes to the area.

The impact of Mrs. Lassiter’s contributions to the community and to education are still being felt today.

Juanita Rogers, Head Chair of the Granville County Library System’s Board of Trustees, remembers Lassiter as being “the essence of kindness, caring and dignity” and the Granville Street Library as being a place that was “quiet and conducive to reading” throughout her childhood and teen years.

“Maude Lassiter’s leadership embraced an ambitious vision for the future of many children of color who were exposed to her skillful guidance and lectures in communication, stressing that ‘reading was the key to knowledge,’” Rogers recalls.

“The library offered a variety of books and periodicals from different academic disciplines. There I enjoyed reading ‘Ebony,’ ‘Jet,’ ‘Life’ and ‘Time’ magazines. Some of the outstanding African-American newspapers were ‘The Journal and Guide,’ ‘The African-American,’ ‘The Carolinian’ and the ‘Carolina Times.’ Mrs. Lassiter’s bold and patient leadership encouraged young people from Oxford and Granville County to venture out in life in various positions and careers.”

Lassiter was also active in over a dozen community organizations and was particularly noted for her dedication to the First Baptist Church of Oxford. After four decades of public service and a lasting devotion to her community’s right to education and information, Lassiter retired in 1966 and died five years later. She is buried at the Plummer Cheatham Memorial Park in Oxford.

Andrew Maloney, Branch Manager of the Richard H. Thornton Library, notes that a ribbon-cutting and reception to unveil the painting are now in the planning stages; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the date and time have not yet been determined.

“This painting was a collaborative effort by our staff to honor Maude Lassiter, a trailblazing woman who excelled in a field that had low black representation, in a state that was extremely segregated,” Maloney said. “We hope that this commission will also contribute to the representation of significant black citizens in our local history today, where they are often forgotten.”

Additional details about Maude Lassiter’s life and the history of the library she so skillfully directed are available through the North Carolina Room of the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford. Those interested in learning more can also contact North Carolina Room Specialist Mark Pace at (919) 693-1121.

For more information about artist Stephen Cefalo, please visit his website at stephencefalo.com.

Granville County Library System

Granville Co. Library System Celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Granville County Government

The month of September is set aside each year as “Library Card Sign-Up Month.” The Granville County Library System, in partnership with the American Library Association, marks the beginning of the school year as an opportunity to ensure that every child signs up for their own library card.

The 2020 Theme for the American Library Association’s campaign is “Libraries are Wonderful,” with “Wonder Woman” of the DC Comics’ Justice League, as Honorary Chair. The superhero theme emphasizes the value of learning and the role libraries play in transforming lives and strengthening communities through education.

Library cards can be used to check out books, take home DVD’s, use the internet, and take advantage of a wide variety of ways that make learning fun. Studies show that children who read regularly (or are read to) and who use library resources often perform better in school, and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning. Libraries also offer great ways for families to spend time together through scheduled programs and activities.

Granville County residents may apply for a FREE library card by showing a valid North Carolina driver’s license, photo ID or student ID with a current Granville County address. Students under the age of 14 can be issued a card with a parent ID and parent signature.

Non-residents may be issued a Granville County Library System library card for $15 per year. Lost cards can be replaced for only $1.

Throughout the school year, librarians and staff members are ready to assist students with educational resources and services. From STEAM programs, online activities, internet access, workshops, storytime hours and librarian expertise, local libraries help provide a cost-effective option for education, whether virtually or in person.

Branches of the Granville County Library System (in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea) are open during limited hours, as precautionary measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing guidelines apply and masks are required when visiting library branches in person.

For more details about what your local library has in store during the 2020/2021 academic year, or to learn more about Library Card Sign Up Month, please visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/ or call your local library today:

  • Richard H. Thornton Branch (Oxford): (919) 693-1121
  • South Branch (Creedmoor): (919) 528-1752
  • Stovall Branch (Stovall): (919) 693-5722
  • Berea Branch (Berea): (919) 693-1231

Library Card Sign-Up Month has been held each September since 1987.

Granville County Library System

Granville County Library System to Ease Restrictions on July 21

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Granville County Library System will ease restrictions to the public beginning Tuesday, July 21, 2020. The re-opening will be accompanied by procedures put into place to ensure the safety of staff and visitors, which include: 

  • The number of patrons in each library branch will be limited to support social distancing guidelines. Each patron should limit the number of people brought in with them;
  • Library patrons may browse the shelves or pick up holds Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. and from 2 until 4 p.m. at the Richard H. Thornton and South Branch Libraries. (Contact Stovall and Berea branches for their hours);
  • An emphasis will be placed on mobile printing and the quick selection of materials;
  • Face coverings over the nose and mouth will be required;
  • Computer usage will be limited to 30 minutes a day with limited, remote assistance;
  • Curbside pick-up will continue;
  • Designated areas will be closed off, such as the Children’s area; and
  • Some materials will be restricted, including magazines, newspapers, Legos, and puzzles.

To follow public health requirements, hand sanitizer will be available and high-touch public areas will be cleaned frequently. Protective barriers at circulation and information desks have also been installed. 

Areas that will remain closed to the public include:

  • The Children’s Library at the Thornton Library in Oxford;
  • The Picture Book section at the South Branch Library;
  • Tables;  and
  • Meeting rooms.

Visitors are encouraged to follow the “Three Ws” as outlined by the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services – WEAR a cloth face covering; WAIT in line at least six feet away from others; and WASH hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. Library visits should be postponed if experiencing symptoms of illness.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all four branches of the Granville County Library System (in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea) have been closed to the public since March 21 for safety precautions. “Virtual” programming, curbside service and other precautionary measures have been in place since that time.

Keep up-to-date by visiting the Granville County Government website at https://granville.lib.nc.us/ or following the library system’s social media page.