Tag Archive for: #perrymemoriallibrary

Perry Memorial Library

Perry Library Bookmobile Fundraiser Off And Running

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Longtime residents of Henderson and Vance County may remember seeing the old bookmobile parked under the shade of a tree alongside the old H. Leslie Perry Library. The paint was a faded blue, but the sight of that vehicle out in the county meant that if the readers couldn’t get to the books, then the books could get to the readers.

The Perry Memorial Library staff is resurrecting that concept and recently announced that it got a $100,000 grant to get a sleek, new bookmobile on the roads of Vance County once more.

The price tag for a new bookmobile, however, is $160,000. A fundraiser is going on now to make up the difference and so far, citizens, business owners and non-profits have stepped up to provide $31,000.

The base of the bookmobile is a 22-foot Morgan Olson Step Van, and the vehicle will be equipped to meet the needs of the people who will use it – all types of technology will be on board to allow for books to be checked in and out, for use of the computers located inside and new library patrons can have their library cards printed on site. There also will be a lift to accommodate handicapped patrons.

Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce President Michele Burgess said her group’s education division is focusing on ways to improve the county’s literacy rate, and it fully supports the library’s efforts to get a bookmobile on the road to serve the community. She noted that nearby counties have multiple branches to serve patrons and other counties already have bookmobiles to serve outlying areas, but Vance County has only the one library in Henderson.
“Having a Vance County bookmobile to travel up to Townsville, out to the Middleburg area, and over to Kittrell is going to provide a tremendous service,” Burgess said.

To learn more about how to make a donation to the bookmobile project, visit the Perry Memorial Library website at:  www.perrylibrary.org.  Or mail your check to:  Perry Library Bookmobile Fund, 205 Breckenridge St., Henderson, NC 27536.

If you have questions, contact Christy Bondy, assistant librarian at 252.438.3316 or email cbondy@perrylibrary.org.

 

Business owners can make tax-deductible donations at the following sponsorship levels:

  • Platinum – $5,000+ – your name and company logo will appear on the back of the bookmobile
  • Gold – $2,500 – 4,999 – your name/business name will be listed on the back of the bookmobile
  • Silver – $500 – $2,499 – your name/business name will be acknowledged inside the bookmobile as a silver donor
  • Bronze – $250 – $500 – your name/business name will be acknowledged inside the bookmobile as a bronze donor
  • Supporter $1 – $249 – your name/business name will appear on the library’s website as a bookmobile supporter.

 

Perry Memorial Library

TownTalk: Perry Library Plans Community Read Program

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The idea of a “community read” is pretty basic: Invite the community to read the same book and then come together to discuss it.

That’s exactly what is happening now at Perry Memorial Library, and Assistant Director Christy Bondy said the library has the chosen book – “The Best of Enemies” – in a variety of formats to accommodate readers’ preferences.

The book is based on a true story that took place in Durham, Bondy told Bill Harris Monday on Town Talk. The title refers to a friendship between a Black woman and a Ku Klux Klan member who found common ground against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement.

Published in 2007, the Osha Gray Davidson book was made into a movie that came out in 2019. Bondy said all are invited to read the book now and then come to the library on Aug. 23 at 5 p.m. for a discussion and then settle in to watch the movie, which stars Taraji P. Henson and Sam Rockwell.

Bondy has read the book and seen the movie, and said although she gives the movie a “thumbs up,” she will usually prefer reading a book to watching the movie. But that’s just her bias showing – she’s been around books since she was 5 or 6 years old, helping her mother behind the circulation desk of her hometown public library. She parlayed her lifelong passion for books into a career, joining the Perry Memorial Library staff in November 2020.

The role of libraries continues to evolve, Bondy said, but she predicts that the traditional book checkout will never go out of fashion.

She said the library has a great digital collection available for patrons. The community read book, for example, is available in ebook and audio formats – in addition to the 25 physical copies at the library. She said 7 or 8 have been checked out so far, and she can access other copies from a consortium of libraries that loan books to one another.

“Most people see libraries as a warehouse for books,” she said. While patrons can certainly still come in and choose a physical book from a physical shelf, there’s access to a digital collection of materials, too.

“We will continue to have the traditional format and the digital format” for book checkouts, but there’s so much more to consider than just books.

Bondy said patrons can check out board games, sensory kits and other hands-on interactive materials – even ukuleles.

“Libraries are really transforming,” she said, adding that staff has been doing some strategic planning to be able to provide even more services, such as a podcast studio and a learning garden.

There’s a lot of grant funding to support libraries, and Bondy said grant money was used for the the community read project. Look for more community read projects in the future; Bondy said she hopes to gather feedback and information to develop a series for mid-winter to spring, including intergenerational programming that takes a common theme and chooses titles for different ages of readers.

Learn more at https://www.perrylibrary.org/ or phone 252.438.3316.

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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.

Author Talk Saturday Morning At Perry Library

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North Carolina author Adrienne Barr will be at the Perry Memorial Library on Saturday, June 18 at 11 a.m. to discuss her new book, Dancing with Butterflies: Discovering Mindfulness Through Breathing.

Library Director Patti McAnally invites the community to come out and hear from the author about her book, which also is the featured book on the library’s Storywalk at Fox Pond Park Trail.

The book tells the story of Leah, who is about to perform in her first recital and is a little anxious. As the story unfolds, Leah learns about deep-breathing exercises. The book, a meditation for beginners primer, encourages readers to manage anxiety with an easy-to-read story. Designed to educate children and parents on the power of breathing techniques to overcome anxiety, this book encourages African-American children to recognize the beauty in body awareness, so they have the confidence to dance their way to their dreams, McAnally said in a press statement.

Perry Memorial Library

Library Seeks Public Input to Plan for the Future

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According to Patti McAnally, H. Leslie Perry Library Director, the library is looking to design the future of public library service for the Perry Memorial Library. Over the past few months, the library has been conducting a community assessment survey to gauge what Vance County wants from their public library. The library is asking for input on experiences, thoughts and ideas about library service. With that in mind, Perry Library is asking for participation in a community conversation that will take place on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 8 a.m. This session is being held in the Farm Bureau Room of the library. A Light breakfast will be served. McAnally asks that those interested to please RSVP no later than Friday, January 21, 2022. Those interested should contact the library at 252-438-3316, ext 232, with any questions.

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny: Perry Memorial Library Is Open And Ready To Serve Patrons

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In many communities the library is still an important resource. Henderson’s Perry Memorial Library also continues to be an important resource in our community. Patty McAnally, the library’s director, says that it has been a challenge to help serve their patrons through the pandemic. The library is currently open from 10am to 6pm Monday through Friday. Patrons are able to browse the stacks and use the computers. While some restrictions on seating are still ongoing, the library does still have seating available at tables in the facility. The History Room is also open by appointment for those looking to work on genealogy.

McAnally also understands that many are still not comfortable coming to the library so curbside pickup is still available and books can be reserved online. For those who need help navigating the library site and are unsure of how to place a book on hold, just give the library a call and they can help with the process.

If you do choose to go to the library, masks are required and if you forget yours they will be happy to give you one. However, McAnally says a national study has determined the risk of Covid transmission from things like books is very low. The virus does not survive very well on paper. Of course there are other items and surfaces beyond books and the staff of Perry Memorial Library continue wipe down computers, keyboards, mice, chairs and all counter tops between each patron to ensure safety. McAnally said it was a big relief to learn the books were not a concern for transmission of Covid. “We are here to help people,” McAnally said. Helping the library’s patrons was made much more difficult by Covid but things are improving now that the library is open again.

For more on Perry Memorial Library visit their Facebook page and their website. There you will find out about the many upcoming events the library has to offer.

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Perry Memorial Library

Perry Memorial Library Reopened April 5

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As of Monday, April 5, Perry Memorial Library is open for all those book lovers who have missed browsing shelves for their next interesting read. The library Patrons can again enter the building to check out books and use the computers.  The library will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Curbside pickup in still available during the week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Patrons must wear masks and practice social distancing while in the library.

For more information, call the library at 252.438.3316.

Perry Memorial Library

Perry Memorial Library Curbside; And The 2020 Holidays

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Perry Memorial Library has a web page at https://www.perrylibrary.org/ and the staff send out important information via email to registered patrons.

This week WIZS received such an email, and it indicated that, although you cannot go inside right now, curbside pick-up is available Monday-Friday from 10am-6pm.  Place your holds, they’ll contact you when the items are ready for pick-up, and staff will bring them to your car!

If you need help placing holds, give them a call at 252-438-3316, and the staff will talk you through the process or place your holds for you.  Hours are Monday-Friday from 10am-6pm.

Holiday Closings will affect those times as follows; “The library will be closed Thursday and Friday, December 24 and 25, and Friday, January 1. Curbside and phone service will not be available. Have a happy and safe holiday,” the library issued email said.

And, Perry Memorial Library on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/perryreaders is having some holiday fun!

From the library:

“The expert curators at Perry Memorial Library have come up with a list of 32 holiday classics, both movies and specials. Voting started last week. Through very scientific voting on Facebook the list has been narrowed to 16 and the competition appears tough.

“There’s still plenty of time to make your voice heard. Voting on the Sweet 16 (started) Monday, December 21, at noon. The champion will be crowned Monday, December 28.

“And as an extra bonus, everyone who votes gets a chance at winning their own DVD copy of the winning classic!

“Be sure to follow us on Facebook and vote for your favorite!”

Perry Memorial Library

Perry Memorial Library Returns to Curbside Pickup Only

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-Information courtesy Perry Memorial Library 

Perry Memorial Library will offer curbside pickup only effective November 24, 2020, until further notice. Curbside pick up of holds is available Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Visit library.perrylibrary.org or call (252) 438-3316 to place holds. Books can be returned at the outside book drop.

Perry Memorial Library

Perry Memorial Releases Additional Info. on Library’s Reopening

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-Press Release, Perry Memorial Library

The Perry Memorial Library reopened to the public on September 21, 2020. The library will be open from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 2 – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

There will be a number of measures in place to protect the safety of customers and staff, including:

  • Properly worn face coverings (over the nose and mouth) will be required;
  • Computer usage will be limited to 30 minutes a day with limited staff assistance available;
  • Curbside pick-up will continue and has been extended to 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Friday;
  • Browsing for materials will be available, but numbers allowed in the stacks at one time will be limited;
  • Some areas of the library, such as the history room, study rooms, and the quiet room will be unavailable;
  • There is limited seating available for Wi-Fi usage, however free Wi-Fi is available 24/7 in the parking areas of the library;
  • Programming will remain suspended and meeting rooms will be unavailable for the foreseeable future.

Protective barriers have been placed around the service desks and hand sanitizer is available in multiple locations in the library. Computer keyboards and mice will be sanitized between uses, and all library surfaces will be thoroughly cleaned during the midday closing and at the end of the day.

The library will continue to provide the Pop-Up Library in various locations throughout the community. People can check the library’s Facebook page for upcoming locations.

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; wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. Library visits should be postponed if experiencing symptoms of illness.

Founded in 1924, the Perry Memorial Library, located in downtown Henderson, serves as the only public library for the Vance County community. The library is located at 205 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, NC.  To learn more about the Perry Memorial Library, check the library’s website at www.perrylibrary.org, or follow the library on Facebook. You can also subscribe to library email updates on the website homepage.