State library provides a host of materials for young readers

Did you know that North Carolina provides free juvenile audiobooks, ebooks and read-alongs?

The NC Kids Digital Library is aimed at kids in pre-K through fourth grade, and the new NC Kids Level Up is aimed at fourth-eighth graders. These are free for anyone in North Carolina.

You just need your library card number, password, and internet access to get started.

If you have a smartphone or tablet, download the Libby (by Overdrive) App, then add this collection AND our e-iNC and NC Kids Digital collections to your app and move back and forth between the collections seamlessly.

More information about our digital collections can be found at bcpls.org/ebooks. Libby users can add NC Kids Digital Library to your list of libraries in the program

If you need any help accessing this digital catalog, call or stop by your local branch.

Bonus tip: Following along with an audiobook while reading a book is a great way to help struggling readers develop their vocabulary and fluency.

Libraries Closed

All locations of the Burke County Public Library will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day.

Senior Tech

The Western Piedmont Council of Governments Planning and Transportation Department is offering monthly Digital Literacy for Seniors classes at the Morganton Public Library.

Join us Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m. for Intro to AI. This class will introduce some of the basic ideas around artificial intelligence. If you are curious about AI or have wanted to know more about Chat GPT, this is the class for you.

We’ll discuss how AI is in use today, what its current limitations are, and possibilities for the future. No pre-registration is required, and the class is free of charge.

Adult Programming

Pick-up for the Savory Spice Club will be Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the registrant’s preferred library. Pre-registration is required. Savory Spice Club is open to adults only.

Savory Spice Club Chop Shop will be Thursday, Sept. 4, at 5:30 p.m., at the Valdese Public Library. Pre-registration is required to attend. This program is open to adults only.

Join us Friday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m., at the Valdese Public Library for Needlework in the Morning.

All programs are adults only unless otherwise stated. For more information, call Danielle at 828-764-9269 or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org

Young Adult Programming

September is almost here, and starting next week #YA2Go YAS Library Subscription boxes will be available at all Burke County Public Library locations on a first-come, first-served basis.

Boxes are available while supplies last and are limited to middle and high school students only.

Registration is now open for this month’s programs with limited space including DIY Book Bedazzling on Monday, Sept. 15; Cake Pop Workshop on Monday, Sept. 22; and DIY Lanyard & Keychain Making on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

For more information on all things Young Adult Services or to pre-register for an upcoming program, contact Lizzie at lizzie.whisnant@burkenc.org or by phone at 828-764-9273.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are needed at the Morganton Public Library to assist with landscape maintenance. We need some folks to help us keep our landscaped areas free of weeds and debris. If you would like to help, call Library Director Jim Wilson at 764-9276 or email at jwilson@bcpls.org.

eBooks @ your library

Nearly 6,000 Burke County Public Library users have registered to use the library’s digital collection available through the e-iNC consortium and NC Kids Digital Library.

This digital collection includes eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming video available to Burke County Public Library cardholders.

Apps are available for download for a variety of devices including Kindle, iPhone, and Android phones. Go to http://omc.overdrive.com to see the apps.

To access the collection and download items go to http://e-inc.lib.overdrive.com and follow the instructions to set up an account.

You will need to know your library card number and your PIN. Please contact the library if you need any assistance.

Find Us on the Web

Go to www.bcpls.org for a list of programs and events. Unless noted otherwise, all library programs are free. Some programs have pre-registration and age requirements.

Most Wanted List

Donations of new or gently used copies of any of the best-selling titles are most appreciated. To date, the library has received 1,112 of these most wanted books.

Current New York Times bestsellers and NC Cardinal Consortium holds:

• “We Are All Guilty Here” by Karin Slaughter – 257 holds
• “For Richer For Poorer” by Danielle Steel – 111 holds
• “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir – 55 holds
• “Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid – 296 holds
• “Accomplice to the Villain” by Hannah Nicole Maehrer – 20 holds
• “My Friends” by Fredrik Backman – 322 holds
• “Kiss Her Goodbye” by Lisa Gardner – 109 holds
• “Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros – 16 holds
• “One Golden Summer” by Carley Fortune – 162 holds
• “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah – 42 holds