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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Wrapping Up April at Perry Memorial Library

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This week is National Library Week, but if you think that the staff at Perry Memorial Library is taking a break to enjoy the moment, think again. There’s a lot going on, and it’s not all happening inside the library, according to Melody Peters.

Because April is also National Poetry Month and Earth Month, the library staff has been working at warp speed to make sure there’s plenty of activities to help the celebration.

In fact, the Bookmobile is cruising over to the Vance County Regional Farmers Market on Wednesday, April 22 for an Earth Day celebration from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The library is joining forces with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Vance County unit and Pathways 2 Peace to create fun-filled activities for the whole family to enjoy.

“We’re excited to introduce young people and their caregivers to the amazing farmers market,” Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

There will be a special Earth Day Story Time and then the kids will rotate through a variety of hands-on activities that show appreciation and support for the Earth.

“We need our Mother Earth,” Peters said. “Children care, they care about our Earth – trees and flowers and plants. It’s important to show them that grownups care about them, too.”

The farmers market is located at 210 Southpark Dr.

Next up is a Star Party, which will take place in the Farm Bureau Room this Friday, Apr. 24. This event is part of a statewide event thanks to a partnership with NC SciFest.

Two programs – one at 1:30 p.m. and a second at 4:30 p.m. – are open to the whole community, Peters said. The later program will include a visit from North Carolina author Sue Soltis, who will read her book The Moon Moved In, Peters said.

Participants will get to take in some daytime sky viewing, and they’ll get to use some eclipse glasses as they gaze skyward. They’ll learn about the sun, moon and have their hand at some pretty cool astronomy-themed activities, too.

The Earth Month celebration continues on Sunday, Apr. 26 for Family Story Time, which begins at 3:30 p.m. The story, songs and crafts for the day will be all about celebrating gardening.

As April – also Poetry Month – comes to a close, join the Vance County High School S.A.V.E. Club and the VCHS Chorus for an “Evening of Poetry and Performances” on Tuesday, Apr. 28 at 6 p.m.

This event will take place in the gallery area outside the library. This collaboration came about because the students wanted to perform original poetry and the spoken word. “We talked about bringing it to the library to share with a larger audience,” Peters said.

The chorus did such a fantastic job during a February performance to celebrate Black History Month that they’re returning to take part, too.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/ for a complete listing of programs and activities at Perry Memorial Library.

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! April Fun For All At Perry Memorial Library

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There’s going to be a book-tasting next week at Perry Memorial Library.

Yes, that’s correct – a book-tasting. And Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters can’t wait to share all the yummy offerings that books provide!

And while they’re not literally edible, Peters hopes that this Tasty Tuesday will whet the appetites of children and their families as the library celebrates the Week of the Young Child April 11 – April 17.

The library staff is embracing the annual observance with activities each day that align with the national campaign, Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! The activities will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

On Music Monday, kids will make a musical egg shaker. On Work Together Wednesday, it’s all about the Lego, then on Artsy Thursday, there will be markers, crayons, paper and more to get creative. And on Family Friday, participants will have the chance to write and share their favorite poems – or they can get inspired and pen original creations.

But back to Tasty Tuesday – that’s when kids get to learn about different genres of books and understand that there are many different types of books. There’s literally something for everyone, she said.

“It’s a great way for kids to understand (genres like) fantasy, mystery,” and more, Peters said.

Sure, children are exposed to reading for school and for other instructional purposes, she explained, but it’s so important for children to understand that reading also can be fun and pleasurable. “You just have to find something that you like to read about,” she said.

Other upcoming programs include:

Thursday, Apr. 9 – Mother Goose Story Time at 11 a.m. – the theme is Dogs! Then there’s Afternoon Story Time at 4:30 p.m. and Lego fun and games from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Apr. 14 – Teen Time at 4 p.m. – Craft activity to create a jellyfish mobile

Friday. Apr. 17 – Baby Rave from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for the 0-2 crowd, then Parachute Play for ages 3-5 from 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/ for a complete listing of programs, activities and services at Perry Memorial Library.

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Spring Break with a Summer Sneak Peak at Perry Memorial Library

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For many parents of school-age children, Spring Break offers a reminder that summer’s coming – quickly – and that means lining up vacations, camps and child care for when the kiddos are out of school for a couple of months.

Perry Memorial Library’s Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters wants parents – and their children – to save a spot for the library’s activities this summer – they’re going to be a lot of fun!

“I want people to be thinking about it (now),” Peters said. “I want the library to be a priority.”

This summer’s reading theme is “Unearth A Story,” Peters told WIZS’s Scout Hughes on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

The regular programs and story times are all embracing the theme, and Peters said she and the staff are planning to have weekly activities that include dinosaurs, paleontology and archaeology.

“It’s a great theme,” Peters said. “You can do so much with it…it’ll be busy all summer!”

The Summer Reading kickoff is Tuesday, June 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and continues through the end of July.

The library will host several special programs during the summer on Tuesdays. First up is Big Bang Boom! a group of dads who play kids’ music.

“They’re a fan favorite,” Peters said. “They do a fantastic job.” You know it’s a hit when the grownups in the audience are clapping and singing along with the young people, she said.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/home for all the details.

 

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Perry Memorial Library Ready For Spring

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With spring just around the corner, school spring breaks aren’t far behind, and Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters said the library’s planning some fun programming for when youngsters are out of school.

In addition to some of the familiar offerings, like Sunday’s Family Story Time, Mother Goose Story Time, Teen Time and Lego Club, Peters told WIZS’s Scout Hughes about some daytime activities for schoolchildren in the week leading up to Easter when many area schools are on break.

On Monday, Mar. 30, the library will show the movie Zootopia 2 beginning at 1:30 p.m. Then at 4 p.m., it’s time for Smurfs 2025, she said.

It’s fine to bring your favorite snacks to enjoy during the showings, she said.

If you plan to bring groups of 10 or more, please email Peters in advance at mpeters@perrylibrary.org.

On Tuesday, Mar. 31, come at 4:30 p.m. for arts and crafts activities. On Wednesday, Apr. 1, the two movies for the day are Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie and Elio, an animated Disney Pixar film released in 2025.

There’s another movie showing on Monday, Mar. 23 – this one is Hidden Figures, based on a true story about three women and their contributions to NASA. It’s part of Women’s History Month, as is a special story time on Tuesday, Mar. 24 at 4 p.m. to read Around America to Win the Vote: Two Suffragists, a Kitten, and 10,000 Miles.

The book tells the true story of two women who traveled around in an old yellow car to spread the word about women’s suffrage – giving women the right to vote.

“It is a beautiful book about their trek,” Peters said. “A great story about what they did” that eventually paved the way for the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Learn more about all the programs and services at Perry Memorial Library at https://www.perrylibrary.org/.

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Perry Memorial Library Preparing for March

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Teens who have wanted to try out virtual reality headsets have a great opportunity at Perry Memorial Library. Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters welcomes creative programming at the library, and VR fits the bill.

Tuesday was the first opportunity to experience the VR headsets during Teen Time, but there will be another opportunity on Mar. 24, Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

A young man is bringing headsets and his VR programming knowledge to the library for teens to enjoy, Peters said. It’s something that kids have asked about in the past, she said.

“I’m really excited to see something new and different,” Peters said.

Then, on Thursday, as part of Read Across America Week, Vance County Schools is hosting its own Read Across Vance activity at Vance County Middle School from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“It’s wonderful to be in a room where kids can get excited about reading,” Peters said, and to be among other young people who also are enthusiastic about reading.

Schools across the school district will be represented at this gathering, and the public is invited to participate. The school is located at 293 Warrenton Road.

To celebrate Earth Day this year, the library is participating in a program that provides free trees to children and families.

Peters said interested families can call the library’s Youth Services Desk at 252.438.3316 or email her at mpeters@perrymemorial.org to register for the tree giveaway. The deadline to register is Mar. 15.

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

 

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Wrapping Up February at Perry Memorial Library

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The weather looks like it’s going to cooperate this weekend for the much-anticipated Teddy Bear Sleepover at Perry Memorial Library. Apparently, Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters is willing to take on any number of roles as she plans programs for youngsters and their families – even the role of meteorologist.

Peters may enjoy the role of party planner more, however, as she puts into place a steady stream of events for the whole community to enjoy.

Bad weather forced the cancellation in January of the Teddy Bear Sleepover, but Peters wanted to make sure youngsters had the chance to bring their favorite stuffed animal or “lovey” to the library for a Saturday night pajama party.

Drop off your lovey during regular library hours on Friday, Feb. 20 or Saturday, Feb. 21 during regular library hours, and then pick them up again on Sunday between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Peters explained.

Extend the family time at the library on Sunday, Feb. 22 by coming to the Learning Lab at 2:30 p.m. or staying for Family Story Time at 3:30 p.m. The Learning Lab activity is jewelry making.

Come back to the library on Monday for Movie Night. The featured film is “Sarah’s Oil,” a 2025 movie based on a true story.

“It’s gotten amazing reviews,” Peters said. It’s about a girl whose faith guides her to find oil, making her one of the first Black child millionaires.

Then, on Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Vance County High School Library Club and Chorus will gather at the library to present a program focusing on local Black history, highlighting people from Henderson and the surrounding area.

And the new Bookmobile is hitting the road this weekend for a stop in Townsville.

“I’m really excited to bring it out more often and throughout the community,” Peters said. Patrons can visit the bookmobile and get a library card, use the internet and, yes, even check out a book.

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

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Great Ways To Kick Off February at Perry Memorial Library

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The recent snow and ice “events” have put the brakes on some of the programs for kids and families at Perry Memorial Library, but Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters is ready with a flurry of activities, when the weather is a bit more cooperative.

Tuesday’s afternoon and evening activities were cancelled because the library will close at 5 p.m., but Peters said Thursday’s activities are “still a go” — as of now, unless Mother Nature decides to send in another round of bad weather.

That includes the 11 a.m. Mother Goose storytime, followed by Lego fun in the afternoon from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Then on Friday, Feb. 6, it’s Baby Rave for the 0-2 group at 10:30 a.m. followed by Parachute Play for kiddos ages 3-5 from 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon.

Another part of the Fun Friday activities includes Homeschool Social Hour. Homeschooled families can come to the library at 1 p.m. to spend some time with other homeschool groups. It’s a chance to network, ask questions and learn from each other.

“It’s important for the library to offer opportunities for those families to be together,” Peters said. “Our space can accommodate different ages for learning and playing,” she said. It’s a flexible alternative to other more structured associations.

Peters said the homeschool social hour doesn’t require a commitment, but provides a way for families to connect with others, while allowing scheduling flexibility.

The Feb. 10 Teen Time program combines fondue and “found object” art for middle and high-school aged students. Come to the Maker Space at 4 p.m.

The Teddy Bear sleepover was rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21, Peters said. Drop off those precocious stuffed animals and loveys to spend the night at the library. Drop of is Friday, Feb. 20 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and pickup is on Sunday, Feb. 22 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Who knows what shenanigans they’ll be up to on Saturday? Peters and staff will document their mischief.

Visit www.perrylibrary.org for a complete listing of programs and activities.

 

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! January Wrap-Up at Perry Memorial Library

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Not only does Perry Memorial Library’s Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters keep track of all the programs that go on inside the library, she’s got to keep an eye on the weather, too.

And because weekend weather forecasts point to “winter weather,” Peters said she’s decided to reschedule the Teddy Bear Sleepover.

But don’t fret – the loveys and favorite stuffed animals will be invited in February to have their sleepover fun among the books, Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

Just add that to the growing list of programs and events happening at the library as the calendar turns from January to February.

“We’re getting ready to get rolling,” Peters said. “Things will really get busy and I love it – there’s a lot to celebrate!”

All that wintry weather predicted for the weekend likely will be a distant memory by the time Tuesday, Jan. 27 rolls around. That’s when ‘Teen Time’ launches. Young people in grades 6-12 are invited to the weekly gathering from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Maker Space to take part in different activities.

“This is a program that will happen every Tuesday through the end of April,” Peters said.

The program kicks off with make your own pizzas and a t-shirt bag, she said. And while there probably won’t be pizza every week, plan on having some sort of snack while enjoying the activities, Peters added. Participants are asked to bring a t-shirt from home, but there will be extras on hand at the library, just in case.

“Each week will be something different,” she said, giving kids a chance to come to the library to hang out and do crafts together.

The first ‘Community Read-In’ of 2026 will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28 and the library welcomes back members of the Henderson Fire Department who will create the ever-popular s’mores treats for participants. Explore the fire truck, read a book with a firefighter and then enjoy a deliciously gooey treat, compliments of the fire department and sponsor Fred’s Towing and Recovery.

The library hosts the Anime Club on the last Thursday of each month, beginning at 3:30 p.m. It’s a time when kids in middle and high school can gather to watch an anime and then do a craft activity. Book your spot by calling the library or emailing Peters at mpeters@perrylibrary.com.

Kids of all ages can take part in a Wizard of Oz scavenger hunt at the library as a lead-in to performances on Saturday, Jan. 31 of “Wizard of Oz on Ice” at McGregor Hall.

“It’s just a little something fun, something different,” Peters explained. “We’re happy to highlight and support McGregor Hall. We’re very lucky to have them in our community – they do amazing things.” Get tickets at https://www.mcgregorhall.org/. Visit or call the box office, 201 Breckenridge St., at 252.598.0662.

Find all the details about the scavenger hunt at the Youth Services desk in the library. Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/ to learn about all the programs and services offered.

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Great Events To Kick Off 2026 At Perry Memorial Library

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The holiday decorations are down, the kids are back in school and winter programming at Perry Memorial Library is returning to full swing. Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters and staff welcome patrons of all ages to the library for some social interaction and literacy fun.

Mother Goose Storytime fans can return Thursday morning, Jan. 8 at 11 a.m. Later that afternoon, kids can enjoy Lego Fun from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. One scheduling note is the Thursday afternoon story time, Peters said. She is pushing the start time back to 4:30 p.m., which she hopes will be a friendlier time for families with children.

Speaking of fun, Fun Fridays launch this Friday, Jan. 9.

Baby Rave runs from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for the youngest kiddos, 0-2. There’ll be dancing and movement to music, complete with party lights and bubbles, Peters said.

The morning morphs into Parachute Play at 11:30 a.m. for a half hour of games and songs for children ages 3-5.

Fridays are busy at the library, with the Home School Social Hour cranking back up at 1 p.m.

This program helps connect homeschooling families – adults and children alike – allowing them to meet new people while they get together to share resources and other areas of interest.

Peters said she hears from homeschooling families routinely who want to find ways to connect with others. “If you’re new to the area, you may not know others nearby,” she said.

  • Pajama Story Time is another favorite for families who may not have time during the day because of work or school commitments.

It’s a short program, just 30 minutes or so, but Peters said it’s all about parents and children engaging in the story together.

The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and continues on Jan. 13, Feb. 3, Mar. 3 and April 7.

  • Teddy Bear Storytime kicks off the new program year on Sunday, Jan. 16 at 3:30 p.m.
  • Drop off your favorite stuffed animal or “lovey” at the library between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23 to take part in the “Teddy Bear Sleepover,” Peters said. Kids often ask what happens at the library at night, she said. “The animals take over the library, and we get to see the fun that they have,” she added. Lovey pickup is on Sunday, Jan. 25 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Check out all the library’s programs and activities at https://www.perrylibrary.org.

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Wrapping Up 2025 at Perry Memorial Library

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As 2025 winds down, Perry Memorial Library Youth Services Director Melody Peters reflects on successes throughout the year as patrons, staff and the community celebrated the library’s centennial.

Libraries have transformed over the years to being so much more than just a place to check out books, and Henderson’s library is no exception. Families can come in to watch movies, like the recent showing of The Polar Express in the Farm Bureau room, bring homeschool groups in for special activities and participate in events that reach into the community.

Staff and others from the community will gather at 4:30 p.m. today Wedat the library and then set out for Garnett Street to serenade local downtown businesses with Christmas carols.

“This is a new program and I’m glad the weather’s going to be cooperating, Peters said on Tueday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

“We just want to spread the joy of the season around downtown,” she said, promoting literacy and the downtown district in the process.

It’s not unusual for the library to try new programs and events, all in the name of promoting reading, literacy and community togetherness.

Peters said she was particularly pleased with the summer program. “I was just so thrilled the way the summer reading program reached a new level of continued engagement,” she said. Community read-in events and book bins throughout county businesses filled with books for the taking were just a couple of examples of the library making new connections and reviving old connections with patrons.

“We were really busy, and that’s ok” Peters said, recalling the hustle and bustle of summer activities coming on the heels of a full calendar year filled with special events and regular monthly programming.

More than 7,000 individuals participated in the various programs the library offers, and Peters no doubt is looking for more in 2026.

Community support is critical to make sure individuals and families are aware of the programs and services the library offers.

“It really takes everybody working together promoting literacy,” she said.

we couldn’t’ do it without that comm support.

Visit www.perrylibrary.org to learn more.

 

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