Tag Archive for: #granvillecountylibrarysystem

Granville County Library System

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

/by

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

/by

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.

Granville County Library System

Granville Co. Libraries Implement Precautionary Measures; Remain Open

/by

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

-Press Release, Granville County Government

All four branches of the Granville County Library System have implemented precautionary measures to reduce the risk of virus exposure to patrons and staff. Measures being taken include:

  • All events and programs scheduled through the Granville County Library System are canceled until further notice;
  • Meeting rooms will not be available for public use until the state of emergency is lifted;
  • All services to nursing homes and assisted living centers have been postponed until further notice;
  • Computers and seating have been reconfigured in observance of the “social distancing” recommendation by health officials;
  • Legos, toys and kits from the children’s area will not be available for use until further notice;
  • Deadlines for all materials currently checked out will be automatically extended;
  • Cash handling is limited.

These measures have been approved by the Granville County Board of Commissioners and are now in effect.

In addition, patrons are encouraged to return books via the book drop box, outside of the library facilities, when possible, and are reminded that E-books are also available.

While all four libraries remain open, please note that operating hours at your local branch may change. For questions or more information, please call:

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

or visit the Granville County Library System’s website at https://granville.lib.nc.us/.

Granville Christmas Events Full of Crafts, History & Santa!

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Make a wooden snowman with “Crafts for Every Season,” offered through the Creative Lifelong Learning program of Granville County Senior Services. This hands-on workshop will be held on Dec. 13 from 9:30 until 11 a.m. at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford. The instructor is Christine Luscavich. Call Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930 to register.

Have your pets’ photos made with Santa and enjoy refreshments as the Animal Shelter hosts its annual holiday event. Santa will be available beginning at 11 a.m. at Coldwell Banker Advantage, 2555-A Capital Drive in Creedmoor. For details, contact the Granville County Animal Shelter at 919-693-6749.

Create your own hand-crafted holiday chocolates at the Thornton Library on Dec. 14. Beginning at 2 p.m., make (and sample) peppermint chocolate candies. (Must be 18 years of age and older to participate.) Contact Adult Services Librarian Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121 for more information.

Learn more about genealogy and local history as two programs are presented by the Granville County Library System. North Carolina Room Specialist Mark Pace will show participants how to “discover their roots” as he provides an overview of the history of our area and the resources available to help develop a family tree. These presentations will be held on Dec. 14 at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor and on Dec. 15 at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford, both at 2 p.m. Contact Pace for more information at 919-693-1121.

Want to make your own personalized Christmas gift? A series of fun Cricut workshops continue at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor. Bring your own coffee mugs, plates or other items you would like to have personalized on Dec. 18  at 2 p.m. Supplies will be provided. The event is for ages 18 and up. Call Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121 for details.

Santa and his elves will be turning the South Branch Library into a winter wonderland from 4 until 6 p.m. on Dec. 18. Bring your kids for pictures, greetings and special Christmas wishes. Or enjoy Stories with Santa at the Thornton Library at 5 p.m.– while making a fun holiday craft—on the same day! Visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/ for a listing of additional events scheduled for all branches of the Granville County Library System.

Learn how to make holiday candles and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate as the Granville County Library System’s “Crafternoon” series continues with a workshop at the Berea Library on Dec. 19 (5:30 p.m.) Registration is required to reserve materials for this event. For details, contact Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121.

It’s Movie Night at Thornton Library! On Dec. 20, enjoy “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 6 p.m., complete with popcorn! Contact Adult Services Librarian Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121 for details.

Enjoy holiday music as the South Branch Library hosts a Christmas Piano Student Recital on Dec. 21. Performances begin at 3 p.m., refreshments will be served. To learn more, contact Penelope Mason, Library Branch Manager, at 919-528-1752.

Granville Co. Library System Accepting ‘Food for Fines’

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Granville County Government

Have outstanding fines at a Granville County library? No problem! Bring a food donation for Area Congregations In Ministry (A.C.I.M.) by Friday, December 20, 2019, and $1 will be taken off your library balance for every can/jar contributed.

This applies to all four branches of the Granville County Library System – the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford, South Branch Library in Creedmoor and the Stovall and Berea locations.

Items must be non-perishable, 12 oz. or larger and not dented or expired.

Help someone have a holiday meal this season and reduce or eliminate your library fines!

Author With Granville Co. Roots to Discuss Her Latest Book at Thornton Library

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford welcomes Dr. Cheryl Gooch, author, genealogist and historian, on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. Dr. Gooch will discuss her latest book, “Hinsonville’s Heroes: Black Civil War Soldiers of Chester County, Pennsylvania” at 2 p.m. and will be available to sign copies of her work.

“Hinsonville’s Heroes” tells the story of 18 African-American men who served as Union soldiers in the Civil War, ten of whom are buried at the Hosanna Church Cemetery in Pennsylvania.

The Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford welcomes Dr. Cheryl Gooch, author, genealogist and historian, on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. Dr. Gooch will discuss her latest book, “Hinsonville’s Heroes: Black Civil War Soldiers of Chester County, Pennsylvania” at 2 p.m. and will be available to sign copies of her work. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

After being named Dean of the School of Humanities and Graduate Studies at Lincoln University in 2012, Dr. Gooch took notice of the cemetery, located on the edge of the college’s campus, and became curious as to who was buried there. Over the next few years, she began to research the lives of some of the men who lost their lives more than a century ago.

What were once just names on tombstones – George Duffy, Isaac Hollingsworth, Abraham Blake, Lewis Palmer and others – slowly became more real as Dr. Gooch learned more about their backgrounds and their service, connecting the relationships between Hosanna Church, the cemetery and the college campus in the process.

“This is an inclusive, historical narrative,” Dr. Gooch has said about her latest book. “These were people who would otherwise be forgotten, who transformed the state and the country through their service and their sacrifices.”

Through this book, Dr. Gooch tells the story of brothers Wesley, William and George Jay, who survived the bloody battle at Fort Wagner, SC and were part of the only black regiment to lead President Lincoln’s funeral procession in Washington, DC.

Also featured are William B. Fitzgerald, Abraham Stout, Samuel H. Blake and Isaac A. Hollingsworth, who fought during the last battle of the Civil War, forcing Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. Another member of the 5th Massachusetts Cavalry later settled in Durham, NC – Dr. Gooch’s presentation will cover aspects of his life, as well as several others from the free black community of Hinsonville, PA who served as members of the United States Colored Troops.

Other publications by Dr. Gooch include the books “On Africa’s Lands” and “The Forgotten Stories of Two Lincoln-Educated Missionaries in Liberia,” as well as numerous articles about the African-American experience.

Over the past 20 years, Dr. Gooch has been researching her own family history for a book she eventually hopes to add to her list of published works. A descendant of the Gooch family of Granville County, her genealogical search for information led her to the Thornton Library’s North Carolina Room, where she learned she was descended from Silas Gooch, who was born in 1814. According to the death certificate that was located, Gooch lived to be 113 years old. Additional information about her family, however, has been difficult to find, as the same death certificate indicated that her ancestor’s parents were “unknown.”

“His ancestry is invisible, discarded,” she has said about her findings. “I wrote this book (Hinsonville’s Heroes) to put the lives of these men back into the historical narrative.”

Since its release, “Hinsonville’s Heroes” has sparked a new interest in the Civil War, as told from a different perspective.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at Saturday’s discussion and book signing. The public is invited to attend.

For more details about the book or the author’s presentation, contact Stefani Perry, Adult Services Librarian, or Mark Pace, North Carolina Room Specialist, at 919-693-1121.

Granville County Library System

Granville Co. Library System to Present Documentary Film ‘Landscapes of the Heart’

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Press Release, Granville County Government

On Saturday, September 28, the Richard H. Thornton Library will host a showing of the documentary “Landscapes of the Heart: The Elizabeth Spencer Story.” The 58-minute film is a project of the Southern Documentary Fund, a non-profit arts organization which undertakes projects made in or about the American South.

Elizabeth Spencer has penned nine novels, eight collections of short stories, a non-fiction memoir and a play. Her latest work is a collection of short stories called “Starting Over,” which was published in 2013 and was the recipient of the 2013 Rea Award for the Short Story. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

This particular film, as seen on UNC Television, offers a perspective on class, race and the changing role of women, examined through the lens of a prize-winning American writer.

Elizabeth Spencer was reared on a Mississippi plantation during the depression era. Born in Carrollton, Mississippi, she graduated from Belhaven College in Jackson, MS, later earning her master’s degree in literature from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.

After a short teaching career, she accepted a position with the “Nashville Tennessean,” but soon left the newspaper industry to return to teaching, this time at the University of Mississippi. Her first book, “Fire in the Morning,” was published in 1948. In 1953, she was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, leaving for Italy to pursue writing full-time.

After marriage, she moved to Canada in 1956, where she taught creative writing at Concordia University. Thirty years later, the couple relocated to Chapel Hill, NC, where Spencer continued to teach. Now in her 90s, she still resides in Chapel Hill.

In all, Spencer has penned nine novels, eight collections of short stories, a non-fiction memoir and a play. Her latest work is a collection of short stories called “Starting Over,” which was published in 2013 and was the recipient of the 2013 Rea Award for the Short Story. The award, sponsored by the Dungannon Foundation, is given annually to a living U.S. or Canadian writer who has made a significant contribution to the discipline of the short story form.

In addition to this honor, Spencer is also the recipient of the O. Henry Prize for short fiction, the Award of Merit Medal for the Short Story, the J. William Corrington Award for fiction and the William Faulkner Medal for Literary Excellence, among many others.

“A writer who is not writing is like a useless piece of furniture,” she says, “ready for the attic.”

Spencer’s 1997 work “Landscapes of the Heart” is a memoir that serves as the title of the documentary to be shown this weekend. Through the film, viewers will learn Spencer’s unique family story, and how tackling the important issues she used as inspiration for her writing set her at odds with her father, a deeply religious and politically conservative Mississippi planter and entrepreneur.

Introducing the film will be producer Sharon Swanson, who will be available to answer questions in a follow-up discussion. The presentation will begin at 2 p.m.

Founded in 2002, the Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) is based in Durham and covers a diverse spectrum of topics – civil rights, the environment, history and the arts. Projects undertaken are used as tools for social change, education and community development. Since its founding, the SDF has sponsored more than 100 independent documentaries and has 77 active ones on the roster.

The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main Street in Oxford and is one of four branches of the Granville County Library System. For more details about this event, contact Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121.

‘Tar Heel Traveler’ Mason, Children’s Author Pendergraft to Present at Granv. Libraries

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Granville County Government

On Saturday, September 21, local and statewide authors will present programs at two branches of your local public library.

“Tar Heel Traveler” Scott Mason will present “Stories from the Road” at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor. Author and journalist Mason is well-known across the state for his televised reports from some of North Carolina’s most interesting places and landmarks.

Mason is the recipient of more than 100 journalism awards and recently published his fourth book, “Tar Heel Traveler: New Journeys Across North Carolina” in May of this year, which has been called “a blend of oral history and memoir with a good dose of quirky humor.”

The program is scheduled for 3 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.

Also on Saturday, the Richard H. Thornton Library welcomes local children’s author Cameron Pendergraft. Pendergraft, who resides in Granville County, has penned two works, “The Story About Tigger” and “The Story About Tigger and Elsa,” both of which tell the story of adopted shelter dogs and the life-changing love of a family.

Therapy dogs will also be on hand at the library for 15-minute reading sessions during the “Paws to Read” event scheduled from 1 until 4 p.m. Online registration is required for the reading sessions with visiting dogs.

The meet and greet author’s program is open to the public as Pendergraft reads one of her children’s books to interested participants.

There are four branches of the Granville County Library System, which are located in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea. For a listing of upcoming events at each location, please visit https://granville.lib.nc.us.

For more information about this weekend’s events, contact Penelope Mason at the South Branch Library, located at 1550 South Campus Drive in Creedmoor, at 919-528-1752 or Amy Carlson, Children’s Librarian at the Thornton Library, 210 Main Street in Oxford, at 919-693-1121.

Granville County Library System

Local Public Libraries Offer Wide Variety of Programming

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Granville County Government

The four branches of the Granville County Library System welcome the third full week of August with a wide variety of events, presentations and activities. From cooking competitions to assistance with computers and smartphones, each library offers more than just books, but a “gathering place” for cultural enrichment as well as informational programming.

A lawn and gardening class will be offered at the Thornton Library in Oxford on Tuesday, August 20 as Johnny Coley, Horticulture Agent for NC Cooperative Extension, provides tips on how to start and maintain a healthy lawn.

Topics discussed include soil testing, fertilization, liming, herbicides and more. This class is scheduled for 6 p.m. and is open to the public.

On Wednesday, August 21, join the South Branch Library for “Harry Potter and the Battle for the House Cup.” Ages 9 to 14 can participate by joining a team in “Hogwart’s House” to earn points, with the winning team taking home the prized “house cup.”

Registration is available online at https://granville.lib.nc.us or at the front desk of the library, which is located at 1547 South Campus Drive in Creedmoor.

Every Thursday night is “Game Night” at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford. From 6 until 8 p.m. on August 22, enjoy a variety of Board games in friendly competitions. All ages are invited.

And each Friday at 10 a.m., “Drop-In Tech Help” is available for those needing assistance with computers or smartphones. Learn to set up an email account, how to post on social media and much more.

“DIY” classes continue as participants learn to make a scented teacup candle in a series of “Crafternoon” sessions. Next week’s class will be held at the Berea branch at 2 p.m. on August 22, with registration recommended.

Those interested, ages 12 and up, can register at https://granville.lib.nc.us/DIY-Candlemaking/. Participation is free, with all materials donated by Candlescience.

For those who enjoy baking, a dessert competition will be held at the South Branch at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 24. Enter a homemade dessert for a chance to win a free shopping gift card. Judges are also needed for this contest.

For more details or to enter the contest, contact the South Branch at 919-528-1752.

For the younger set, Story Times are offered at all four library branches. The theme for the third week of August is “Ninjas!” Children are encouraged to attend a fun and educational program at the Stovall Library on Mondays at 10:30 a.m.; at the South Branch in Creedmoor on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; at the Berea branch on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and at the Thornton Library in Oxford at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.

The STEAM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) also continues at the Thornton Library each Thursday at 4 p.m. for kindergarteners through students in grade 8.

Contact Children’s Librarian Amy Carlson at 919-693-1121 for details.

To learn more about upcoming events scheduled at your local public library in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea, visit https://granville.lib.nc.us.

Granville Co. Library System to End Summer Reading Program With Truck Rally

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Granville County Government

The last weekly event of Granville County Library System’s Summer Reading program is scheduled for Thursday, August  1, 2019.

Come to the Thornton Library in Oxford at 10 a.m. or the South Branch Library in Creedmoor at 2 p.m. to learn more about trucks during this community truck rally. Participants will be able to see and interact with fire trucks, garbage trucks, police vehicles, etc. Great for kids of all ages!

The area in front of Thornton Library on W. Spring St. in Oxford will be closed to traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/ for more details about upcoming library events and programs.