We’re hitting the ground running in 2024 with some exciting public programs. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events!
ᏓᏗᏬᏂᏏ (We Will Speak) Film Screening and Q&A with Filmmakers
Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 5:30 – 7:45 pm
Lord Auditorium, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street
In partnership with Blurry Pictures, we are proud to present a screening of the new award-winning documentary, ᏓᏗᏬᏂᏏ (Dadiwonisi/We Will Speak). With only 1500 fluent speakers left, this film follows a small group of activists racing to save the Cherokee language from extinction. A Q&A with the filmmakers will follow.
Exile From Altamont? Race and Belonging in Thomas Wolfe’s Asheville
Tuesday, February 13 & Saturday, February 17, 2024
Lord Auditorium, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street
Two collaborative programs focusing on the topic of Thomas Wolfe and race will take place in February, in partnership with the Thomas Wolfe Memorial and the Vance Birthplace. Join us for one or both!
On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 5:30 – 7pm, we will present a reader’s theater performance of selections from Thomas Wolfe’s Welcome to Our City and a complete reading of The Road by Andrea Clark followed by a facilitated discussion.
On Saturday, February 17, 2024, 2:30 – 3:30pm, join us to discuss Thomas Wolfe’s examination of race in his works Welcome to Our City and Child By Tiger. Dr. Darin J. Waters (Deputy Secretary, Office of Archives & History, Department of Natural and Cultural Resources) and Dr. Kevin Young (Lecturer, Department of English, Appalachian State University) will present short lectures, followed by a facilitated Q&A.
Light refreshments will be provided at both events. Advance registration is encouraged.
The Stories of Vera B. Williams: Storytime for Kids
Saturday, February 24, 10:30 – 11:30am
Lord Auditorium, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street
This special storytime will introduce participants all ages to the books of Vera Baker Williams, the award-winning children’s book author, illustrator, and activist who graduated from Buncombe County’s renowned Black Mountain College in 1950.
Presented in partnership with Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center as part of the exhibition Vera B. Williams / STORIES: Eight Decades of Politics and Picture Making.
The Black Angels Book Talk
Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 6 – 7pm
This event has been postponed–stay tuned for the new date!
Lord Auditorium, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street
New York City, 1929. A sanatorium, a deadly disease, and a dire nurse shortage. So begins the remarkable true story of the Black nurses who helped cure one of the world’s deadliest plagues: tuberculosis.
The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses who Helped Cure Tuberculosis by Maria Smilios recovers the voices of these extraordinary women and puts them at the center of this riveting story celebrating their legacy and spirit of survival.
Land of the Sky 101 Book Club
Saturday, March 2, 2024, 10:30am – 12pm
Special Collections Reading Room, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street
Land of the Sky 101 is a community learning circle for those who are interested in the history of Asheville, Buncombe County, and Western North Carolina. A four-part series of readings and discussions is modeled after the themes of the exhibit An Incomplete History of Buncombe County in the BCSC reading room.
For our first session of the 2024 cohort, we will be discussing The Land Breakers by John Ehle and Dark and Bloody Ground: The American Revolution Along the Southern Frontier by Richard D. Blackmon.
Spots are limited–be sure to register in advance! Plan ahead for future sessions: view a complete list of dates and titles here.
Women’s History Month Special Collections Open House
Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Special Collections Reading Room, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street
Drop in to the BCSC reading room at any point during the evening with your friends and family to take a look at our favorite treasures featuring the lives of women in Western North Carolina. We’ll have photographs, diaries, letters, and some of our favorite books (old and new!) on display. Light refreshments will be served courtesy of the Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections.
Making Corn Shuck Dolls
Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 4 – 5pm
Special Collections Reading Room, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street
Come craft with Special Collections staff!
Corn shuck (or corn husk) dolls and crafts have a long history in the Appalachian region, from the earliest examples made by many Native Americans, to a resurgence during the 20th century Craft Revival. In Asheville, Allanstand Craft Shop sold corn husk work made by many WNC makers. This March, join in the tradition by making your own!
This event takes place right after Preschool Storytime, so bring the whole family!
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Learn more on our event calendar below:
