New Chatham County Libraries

In Novermber 2006, the Friends of the Pittsboro Memorial Library presented a program by Dr. David Carr, Associate Professor of Information and Library Science at UNC. His topic was the Transforming Nature of a Great Public Library. Our Friends’ programs focus on providing the opportunity to learn about the possibilities of democracy and diversity, providing a place to come, talk about, explain and share our diverse culture. Timothy Tyson, author of Blood Done Sign My Name, a book about pervasive racism during the 1970’s in the south and Dr. Stanley Graham Knick, director of the Native American Resource Center at UNC Pembroke, who spoke about the Lumbee Indian History and Culture: Past and Present, were presenters to our community during the last year. Scheduled for February, 2007 is Paul Cuadros, author of A Home on the Field, who will be speaking about the immigrant experience and the establishment of an Hispanic soccer team, its acceptance into our public school system and its eventual winning of the North Carolina State championship. The Community Read Programs, sponsored by the Friends during the past two years have featured other cultures as well. In 2004 the book was The Kite Runner, which gave a picture of the Afghani culture, with an Afghani dinner, Afghan art, and a presentation by author, Khaled Hosseini. In 2005 the book was My Old True Love, a story of the Appalachian Mountain people during the Civil War with an associated program on the development of NC mountain dialects. The culmination featured a mountain frolic with Sheila Kay Adams, the author, who sang traditional mountain music and told family mountain stories. Students of the local community college created two Readers’ Theatre Events based on the story of My Old True Love. In contrast to the mountain experience, the companion read, Proud Shoes by Pauli Murray, shared the very different Civil War reality of our local slave plantation families. The next Community Read will feature a children's book and family-friendly programs.

On a daily level, our library provides computers for students who do not have computer access in their homes. Volunteers deliver books to homebound patrons. Our meeting rooms encourage sharing of thoughts. Our book clubs connect people and ideas. Our pre-school children’s programs not only introduce children to literature but also introduce young moms to each, other allowing for exchange of ideas and friendship. We wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Carr when he says “libraries are about possibilities and aspirations: free access to information is essential.” Lifelong learning transforms people and communities.

Our libraries provide a safe and welcoming environment where an exceptional staff and willing volunteers assist in finding the perfect materials for each and every patron. Our community is broader than just Chatham County; the library community raised funds to assist a Mississippi library destroyed during hurricane Katrina. A similar outreach was done after 9/11. These programs were beneficial in bringing both our library and community together.