Tag Archive for: #perrymemoriallibrary

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Events To Kick Off Summer at Perry Memorial Library

/by

With summertime approaching, Perry Memorial Library’s Youth Services librarian Melody Peters has planned some programs to help get families and children in the mood for warm-weather activities.

The Mother Goose Story Time returns at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 5 and the theme of the morning is The Beach. Subsequent themes include Summer,  Art, Camping, Colors, Crayons and Boats.

When the Summer Reading program “Color Our World” kicks off on Tuesday, June 17, Peters and library staff have planned an afternoon of outdoor activities sure to please the whole family. She said it’ll be “super fun and different,” with close to 20 nonprofit partners scattered throughout the parking lot to interact with families and children – complete with prizes and giveaways.

“We wanted families to move through and interact with groups they may not normally interact with,” Peters said, mentioning N.C. Cooperative Extension and a local beekeepers’ group as just a couple of the groups on hand for the afternoon event, which takes place between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Participants can complete one reading log each week over the course of the seven-week program for the chance to choose prizes that are mostly consumable – think ice cream cones, milkshakes, movie passes and snow cones.

Teens in grades 6-12 will have an extra chance to gather at the library for Summer Thrilling Thursdays, Peters said. She tried a similar program over spring break, and she wants to keep the momentum going over the summer.

The teens will gather in the library’s Makerspace from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and enjoy gaming, crafts and snacks.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/home to learn about all the programs and services at the library.

 

CLICK PLAY!

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! May leading into Summer at Perry Memorial Library

/by

May is a time when the Perry Memorial Library staff kind of catches its breath – it’s a lull of sorts sandwiched between a jam-packed April and the big push of programs and activities that happen over the summer.

Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters is busy, busy, busy behind the scenes to put the finishing touches on the summer reading program, which kicks off in just a few weeks.

Peters joined WIZS’s Scout Hughes to provide details about upcoming events on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

On Tuesday, May 13, the Edmonds Tennis & Education Foundation visits the library for a program that combines reading and tennis. The Edmonds team includes adults and high school-aged interns, and they’ll put on a clinic in the Gallery outside the library after Peters reads a book the foundation brings along about a famous tennis player.

“They do such a wonderful job,” Peters said, to promote the importance of education and to teach younger children a thing or two about tennis. They’ll divide participants into groups and work on specific skills, she said.

“Kids don’t get exposed (to tennis),” she said, “and lessons can be expensive.”

Geared for the K-8 crowd, high schoolers are welcome as well.

If you head out to this weekend’s 5K for AIM High, you may see Peters out there as well. She’ll be walking, but she’ll also do a Story Walk at the Kids’ Fun Run that starts at 8:30 a.m.

The big summer reading program kick-off takes place on Tuesday, June 17 in the parking lot of the library, weather permitting. Bring the kids between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. for a fun afternoon.

Last year’s program had 200 or more participants at the kick-off event, and Peters said there will be games, arts and crafts activities and much more.

“It’s a rain or shine event,” she said. If the weather does not cooperate, Plan B is to have the event in the Gallery.

The first 200 children will get summer reading bags, supplies, reading logs and more, she said. Several area businesses will be set up as well to provide other goodies to the summer reading program participants.

If you’d like to help at these or other activities, please contact Peters at the library 252.438.3316 ext. 225 or send her an email at mpeters@perrylibrary.org.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/home to learn about all the programs and services available at your local library.

CLICK PLAY!

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Perry Memorial Library Celebrates Earth Day, National Poetry Month

/by

Perry Memorial Library is teaming up with Vance County Cooperative Extension and Safe Routes To School to promote Earth Day 2025.

Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters invites the public to come out on Tuesday, Apr. 22 at 4 p.m. No registration is necessary – just come on out and have some fun!

Peters said there will be plenty of hands-on activities for youngsters as they learn about how to care for the planet and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

“We just want to celebrate Mother Earth,” Peters said, adding that there will be opportunities projects to create bird feeders and plant seeds in a cup, both of which can be taken home when they’re completed.

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and the activities can take place outside. Safe Routes to School will bring a Story Walk to share and kids can take part in a scavenger hunt, too.

Then on Tuesday, Apr. 29, the library will be the site of an evening of poetry to celebrate National Poetry Month.

Peters said she’s visited Vance County High School to do programs, but this time, the school’s chorus and library club are coming to the library to share a program highlighting poetry and the spoken word.

Members of the Library Club are always helpful when they come to the library, and Peters said if you have never heard the VCHS Chorus perform, you should definitely come hear them on the 29th.

“They have a beautiful sound,” Peters said, adding that their voices, lifted together, just seem to fill the entire gallery area.

Bringing groups into the library to present programs improves and strengthens community partnerships. Peters isn’t shy about approaching groups or individuals, and the answer is usually a resounding ‘yes’ to the request.

It’s just another way to inform the community and raise awareness about resources located right here in the area.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/ to learn more.

 

CLICK PLAY!

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! April Excitement at Perry Memorial Library

/by

The staff at Perry Memorial Library has planned some extra activities for young people for the week leading up to Easter, when many traditional public school students will have Spring Break.

Youth Services Director Melody Peters said the library is a gathering place for the whole community, and Spring Break is the perfect time for young people to come have some fun at the library while they enjoy a few days off from school.

In addition to the regular programming like the 11 a.m. Thursday Story Times for the little ones and Pajama Story Time on Tuesday, Apr. 8 at 6:30 p.m., the library team has put together

Arts and Crafts activities for Monday, Apr. 14, Movie Day on Tuesday, Apr. 15 and STEaM Club beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Apr. 17.

While those activities are geared for younger children, teens will have the Maker Space to call their own each afternoon during the week, Peters said. “You don’t have anything to do? – Come to the library!” The Maker Space will be open from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and teens can enjoy snacks, gaming and arts and crafts activities, she said.

Members of the library staff will be at the Community Resource Fair on Wednesday, Apr. 16 which will take place at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center.

This month’s First Friday activity takes place on Friday, Apr. 4 and features construction of a lava lamp, Peters said. First Friday programs feature a Science theme, and lava lamps are a perfect way to show kids how liquids mix – and separate.

“Add a little food coloring, and you’ve got a lava lamp,” she explained. Throw in an Alka-Seltzer just adds to the fun. The 10:30 program is for preschoolers and the 1 p.m. program is geared to multi-aged homeschool groups.

Then Michael Ellington from N.C. Cooperative Extension will help library patrons celebrate Earth Day on Tuesday, Apr. 22 and will bring lots of hands-on activities for young people – think seed planting, Story Walk and more. “It’s going to be a great day,” Peters said.

Check out all the activities and programs at Perry Memorial Library at https://www.perrylibrary.org/

CLICK PLAY!

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Author Talks About Writing Books At Next Kids Connect Program

/by

A published author with local ties is visiting Perry Memorial Library to share her book and what it takes to be a writer at the upcoming Kids Connect program, Tuesday, Mar. 25 at 4 p.m.

The Kids Connect program is geared to children in elementary school – grades K-5, and Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters said she’s excited to be able to let young people hear from a real, live author about writing books.

Kristen Mann lives in New York, but she’ll be visiting family in the area and is planning to stop by the library.

“I love when authors reach out to me,” Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! “Kids love to learn hands-on,” she said. They ask questions to learn about the nuts and bolts of writing, illustrating and publishing a book.

Mann latest book is called “Legendary Lessons: We Use Our Hands,” Peters said.

Mann will bring her book and talk about it, which Peters said is a great way to connect the act and art of writing a book with a child who may be developing a passion for writing, too.

“They like to think, ‘I can do that,’” Peters said.

She’s had a couple of other authors come to speak to children’s groups and said it’s hard to tell who has more fun – the kids or the grownups.

Often, authors have other jobs and writing is their passion.

“It’s so important for kids to understand that (writing) doesn’t have to be your only job,” Peters said.

She wants young people to find their passion – what they enjoy doing – that doesn’t always have to do with a device like a phone, a tablet or a computer.

Learn more about the programs the library offers at www.perrylibrary.org.

CLICK PLAY!

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Events at Perry Memorial Library

/by

Springtime is just around the corner, and Perry Memorial Library’s Youth Services Director Melody Peters is gearing up for a busy time, filled with themed programs wedged in between the regular favorites.

“We will be getting really busy,” Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! February was filled with programs to observe Black History Month and April’s calendar is shaping up to be busy, if not busier.

Not only is April National Poetry Month, but there’s Week of the Young Child and National Library Week, it’s a time when students will be enjoying Spring Break so they may have extra chances to visit the library.

But before April, there’s Women’s History Month, and Peters said she’s invited a female author to come speak toward the end of March.

The Sunday afternoon Family Story Time will be held on Mar. 16, which is just one day away from St. Patrick’s Day, when mischievous leprechauns roam around and have some innocent elfin fun.

Peters said she feels the luck of the Irish all year long as she plans and creates programming for young people.

“I talk to kids all the time,” she said, “and I listen to what they’re saying.”

From those interviews have come programs about teen mental health and the Crochet Club, among others. “I want to find out what’s exciting to them and try to make it happen,” she said.

Peters said she visited Pinkston Street Elementary on Monday and a youngster came in with her grandmother after school was out – it was the 6-year-old’s first visit to the library.

“It was just great!” Peters exclaimed. “That’s why you do what you do.”

Visit perrylibrary.org to learn about all the programs and services the library offers.

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Events At Perry Memorial Library

/by

Vance County Commissioner Valencia Perry will join Melody Peters next week for a special Story Time program as part of Perry Memorial Library’s celebration of Black History Month.

“I’m so excited that she can come,” Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! “She’s amazing!”

Perry was elected to District 2 in 2024 and Peters, Youth Services director, said she is always interested in what’s going on at the library, so she invited the newly elected official to take part in Story Time from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

The impending wintry weather shouldn’t pose a problem for that event, but Peters said it could adversely affect the student Library Club, scheduled to meet on Feb. 25 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

If schools are forced to cancel classes this week, it could mean that the students won’t have enough time to put the finishing touches on their latest project.

“Being out of school can throw things off,” Peters said. “If we have to reschedule, that’s what we’ll do.”

Peters offers the reminder that the library follows the same inclement weather schedule as the county, so check social media and the library website for updates on openings and closings.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/home to learn more about the programs and services the library offers.

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Events At Perry Memorial Library For February

/by

People are quick to blame social media for many of society’s ills lately, but Melody Peters, Youth Services Librarian at Perry Memorial Library, gives it credit for a growing interest in crafting. So she’s riding that wave and launching a monthly gathering for young people to learn the art of crochet.

“It is a ‘thing,’” Peters said of the renewed interest in the art of crochet, “and a lot of people are doing it.” The first class is Feb. 18 and will continue monthly.

Sticking with a retro theme, the First Friday program continues this Friday, Feb. 7. Participants will make lava lamps, Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

With materials that include baby oil and Alka-Seltzer tablets, Peters said the craft project /STEM activity will come together.

Pre-schoolers will gather at 10:30 a.m. for the activity, and then a mixed-age group of homeschoolers will convene at 1 p.m. to create their lava lamps.

Mental Health Monday is a a new program that Peters is kicking off on Feb. 17 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. It’s a teacher workday, and students are out of school, so she’s offering a special day for teens – ages 12-20 – to take part in a variety of activities including art therapy, “food for your mood” cooking and some time with animals from the local shelter.

The program is designed to help teens focus on “different ways to boost your mood and feel good,” Peters said.

Later in the month, there will be different scavenger hunts that spotlight Black History Month, she said.

And Vance County Commissioner Valencia Perry will be a special guest for Kids Connect on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 4 p.m.

Visit perrylibrary.org for a complete listing of programs, events and services.

CLICK PLAY!

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Dec. 21 Make-And-Take Program At Perry Library

/by

They’re making snow at Perry Memorial Library Saturday, Dec. 21!

Well, not snow, exactly. More like snowflakes.

Youth Services Director Melody Peters said there’s going to be plenty of fun in the process, too, during the make-and-take craft activities that people of all ages are sure to enjoy.

The library will have a variety of age-appropriate activities available during the 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. snowflake-themed program.

You can make huge paper bag snowflakes – just glue several layers together and then cut to create that unique snowflake pattern.

Teens will enjoy a bead and pipe cleaner craft to create their own version of a snowflake, too, Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

Saturday also is the Winter Solstice, which marks the longest night of the year. After Saturday, the days will increasingly grow longer.

The library will take a little break for the Christmas holiday and will be closed Dec. 24-26, Peters said. The library will be open New Year’s Eve day, but will be closed New Year’s Day.

Peters said the library will open 2025 with a bang – literally – on Jan. 2 with Mother Goose Story Time at 11 a.m. for kiddos 0-5. The theme will be “make a little noise,” she said.

Then winter programming continues full-steam ahead, with First Fridays. This program for  area preschools kicks off Jan. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. It gives preschoolers a chance to experience the library and enjoy STEM activities, Peters said. The January program features chemical reactions and baking soda volcanoes.

There’s a new club starting up this year for anime enthusiasts, she said.

The group will meet on the last Thursday of the month – beginning on Jan. 30 – from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“It’s a very popular section” of the library, Peters said. “We have a couple of staff members who are really into it themselves – they read it, they watch it, they wear it…they appreciate it.”

For the uninitiated, anime – pronounced A nih may – is a form of animation that originated in Japan. The club is for young people in middle school and high school. Space is limited, and registration is required, Peters said. Email her at

mpeters@perrylibrary.org to get signed up.

Visit www.perrylibrary.org to learn about all the programs the library offers.

Click Play!

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Events At Perry Memorial Library

/by

So far, Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters has resisted the urge to get the library festooned in red and green for that big December holiday – she said she wants Thanksgiving and Native Peoples Month to have their moments to shine, too.

In fact, next Tuesday afternoon’s activity will feature a story celebrating Native Peoples Month. Participants will surely enjoy the associated craft activity – making “corn” using pipe cleaners and beads.

Once Thanksgiving has come and gone, the library will surely shift its attention to December when thoughts turn to snowflakes and gingerbread men and Christmas decorations.

Peters invites folks of all ages to come out on the first official day of winter to the library’s “Winter Celebration” on Saturday, Dec. 21. Activities will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include make-and-take crafts for all ages, from kiddos and teens to adults.

And bring your photo-taking device to snap some family selfies in front of a beautiful holiday backdrop, she said.

There are plenty of activities before Dec. 21 to enjoy, too, Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

For starters, there’s Pajama Story Time on Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Then on Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., bring the family to watch the film Polar Express while sipping hot chocolate and nibbling sweet treats.

Youngsters will enjoy hunting for hidden gingerbread people cookies around the library. No, they’re not edible – these are made of felt – but Peters said the children enjoyed looking for them hidden throughout the library.

Sometimes, you’ll find Peters or other library staff out in the community, too.

Visit the Vance County Regional Farmers Market on Saturday, Dec. 7 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a special Market Story Time, which may include decorating some gingerbread cookies that ARE edible, Peters said.

And then later that afternoon, the library will have a float commemorating its 100 year-anniversary in the Henderson Christmas Parade, which begins at 3 p.m.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/ to learn about all the programs and services the library offers.

 

CLICK PLAY!