Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
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Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
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Play like a kid again in Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s first summer adult co-ed kickball league! The league will take place over the span of 4 weeks, culminating in a final game where all teams will have the chance to compete for the title. Games will take place on every Tuesday during the month of June from 6-8 p.m. at Charles D. Owen Park (875 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa). Each game will last 45 minutes, or 7 innings. This kickball league prioritizes recreational enjoyment over competitiveness, and emphasizes a social environment where participants can make new friends while having fun. Participants of all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome. “Kickball is a timeless sport that encourages friendly competition, laughter and exercise,” says Program Coordinator, Mac Stanley. “This is a wonderful way to spend time with friends at one of our many beautiful parks.” Registration for the kickball league opens on May 6, and closes on May 24. There must be 4 teams total, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 players per team. The cost to participate is $150 per team. All team members must be over 18 years old. The opening game is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4th at 6:00 p.m. on Field 1 at Charles D. Owen Park. A full game schedule will be provided to team captains prior to the start of the season. Teams can register here. Email [email protected] for additional information. |
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Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
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Play like a kid again in Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s first summer adult co-ed kickball league! The league will take place over the span of 4 weeks, culminating in a final game where all teams will have the chance to compete for the title. Games will take place on every Tuesday during the month of June from 6-8 p.m. at Charles D. Owen Park (875 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa). Each game will last 45 minutes, or 7 innings. This kickball league prioritizes recreational enjoyment over competitiveness, and emphasizes a social environment where participants can make new friends while having fun. Participants of all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome. “Kickball is a timeless sport that encourages friendly competition, laughter and exercise,” says Program Coordinator, Mac Stanley. “This is a wonderful way to spend time with friends at one of our many beautiful parks.” Registration for the kickball league opens on May 6, and closes on May 24. There must be 4 teams total, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 players per team. The cost to participate is $150 per team. All team members must be over 18 years old. The opening game is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4th at 6:00 p.m. on Field 1 at Charles D. Owen Park. A full game schedule will be provided to team captains prior to the start of the season. Teams can register here. Email [email protected] for additional information. |
This series, in collaboration with the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, explores novels, poetry, and historic nonfiction focused on Appalachian experiences and Swannanoa Valley history through discussions and visits from regional authors.
Schedule:
10:00-10:30 a.m. Book club discussion
Short break
11:00 a.m. – noon Author reading and Q&A
Cost: Swannanoa Valley Book Club Series events are FREE to the public.
Registration is FREE and strongly encouraged: https://book.peek.com/s/67a8f17f-ab07-4336-8fbe-2a8a817c5c55/6a6eY?gaClientId=938399776.1700153138
Accessing Books: The Black Mountain Public Library will order and hold SVM Book Club books ahead of time for checkout by book club members. Some books are available for purchase through the Swannanoa Valley Museum.
The May title is Appalachia on the Table by Heather Abrams Locklear.
AdventHealth is honored to be part of the Coca-Cola 600 Cup Series Race and join NASCAR in recognizing the heroic men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. This iconic race on Memorial Day Weekend is where you will see seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Hall of Fame Inductee and Legacy Motor Club Co-owner, Jimmie Johnson driving the No. 84 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE in the race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26.
Before the green flag drops in Charlotte, you have a chance to see the No. 84 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE at the Henderson County Historic Courthouse on Friday, May 24 from 11 am to 2 pm.
No. 84 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE Show Car Event and
Jimmie Johnson and Erik Jones Meet & Greet
Friday, May 24 | 11 am to 2 pm
Meet & Greet with Drivers: 12 to 1 pm
Henderson County Historic Courthouse
1 Historic Courthouse Square
Hendersonville, NC
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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].
A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).
Register your child now!
Program Launch and Expansions
Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.
The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.
Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
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Play like a kid again in Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s first summer adult co-ed kickball league! The league will take place over the span of 4 weeks, culminating in a final game where all teams will have the chance to compete for the title. Games will take place on every Tuesday during the month of June from 6-8 p.m. at Charles D. Owen Park (875 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa). Each game will last 45 minutes, or 7 innings. This kickball league prioritizes recreational enjoyment over competitiveness, and emphasizes a social environment where participants can make new friends while having fun. Participants of all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome. “Kickball is a timeless sport that encourages friendly competition, laughter and exercise,” says Program Coordinator, Mac Stanley. “This is a wonderful way to spend time with friends at one of our many beautiful parks.” Registration for the kickball league opens on May 6, and closes on May 24. There must be 4 teams total, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 players per team. The cost to participate is $150 per team. All team members must be over 18 years old. The opening game is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4th at 6:00 p.m. on Field 1 at Charles D. Owen Park. A full game schedule will be provided to team captains prior to the start of the season. Teams can register here. Email [email protected] for additional information. |
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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].
A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).
Register your child now!
Program Launch and Expansions
Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.
The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.
Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
Join us for this Memorial Day 5K Run for Life event to remember those who gave their all for our country and to help support Open Arms Pregnancy Center. This will be a run/walk-timed event to be held at Bill Moore Community Park in Fletcher (AKA: “Fletcher Park”) located at 85 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher, NC US 28732 on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th with a start time of 8:00 AM. A Fun Run will start at 9:00 AM.
Runners should register by April 20th to secure a T-shirt for the race.
Sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Fletcher/Run4for5k
Those interested in sponsoring the event should contact Open Arms Pregnancy Center to learn more. (Marlies Zerressen at [email protected] or call 828.676.4510)
Open Arms provides a safe place for women facing unplanned pregnancies, those
needing material goods for their baby, or those who need emotional support. We serve
each mom throughout her pregnancy and continue supporting her and the baby to 18 months of age. All services are free and confidential.
Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
Woman’s Soccer
USL W League vs Athens United
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Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
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Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].
A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).
Register your child now!
Program Launch and Expansions
Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.
The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.
Experience the Blue Ridge Mountains with the Flying Squirrel Ten Miler, Asheville’s premier 10 Mile road race. Enjoy the ease and convenience of a road race with the spectacular views and seclusion of a mountain race. The race starts and finishes just blocks from downtown Asheville and then promptly takes runners on the winding roads of Town Mountain. Participants will enjoy shaded mountain roads typically only used by locals, such as the beautiful Sunset Drive and Patton Mountain Road. One thing about The Flying Squirrel Ten Miler is sure: you’ve got to “earn” those views. The Blue Ridge mountains are hilly and so is the Flying Squirrel Ten Miler.
Swimming Pools
Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.
Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.
Admission
- Individual – $3 per session
- Individual Season Pass – $100
- Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)
Locations
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
- Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road
Events
- Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
-
Pools will open Saturday, May 25!
Dates of Operation:
Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
August 12th through September 2ndPools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!
Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pmCost is $3 per person per day
Did you know that data shows having active male role models in the life of children can breakdown stereotypical gender biases and lead to higher gender equality and empowerment? With that in mind, Buncombe County public libraries is excited to introduce our new Saturday morning story time series, Reading MENtors. This reading initiative encourages men from our local community to celebrate that men love to read. “According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, less than 3% of early childhood educators, including preschool teachers and librarians, are men,” says Enka-Candler Library Branch Manager Erin Parcels. “That means that we have entire generations of children who grew up without a clear idea of what positive male educators are. To see strong literacy practices in children, adults need to model such behavior, which is why we are inviting men with different professions from the local community to share good reading habits to children.”
To help bolster the number of male reading role models, the Enka-Candler Library is inviting men with different professions from all over Buncombe County to share their joy of reading with young patrons. Data shows that having active male role models in children’s lives can break down stereotypical gender biases and lead to higher gender equality and empowerment. Additionally, teaching and modeling reading at an early age vitally important for brain development. “In the first few years of life, more than one million new neural connections are formed every second. Ninety percent of the brain develops by the age of five,” exclaims Librarian Kate Sprate, “Reading plays a pivotal role in setting children up for future social, emotional, and educational success because literacy helps build language, phonological awareness, and comprehension skills.”
This program is open to children of all ages and gender identities. We believe that positive literacy role models are for everyone! Story time will be every other Saturday beginning May 4 at 10:30 a.m., please join us for a story time followed by fun activities! See below for more MENtor story times.
Interested in being a MENtor?
If you know of someone in our community who would be a great Reading MENtor, let us know! Volunteers will read a book and be accompanied by Youth Services Librarian Kate Spratt, who will host a follow-up activity in line with the theme of the story or the person’s career. We love to collaborate, so ideas from volunteers and full participation are welcome. We are looking for volunteers who enjoy reading and sharing the love of reading, are patient, positive, and joyful. To submit a reading MENtor nomination, email [email protected].
Upcoming MENtor story time and acitivity schedule – all story times are at 10:30 a.m.
May 4: Read & Play!
- Jason Hyatt, Director of Buncombe County Public Libraries
- Play-Doh Club preview
- Free book prize
May 18: Music & Movement
- Mike Martinez, LEAF Global Arts #SparktheArtsNC Artist-in-residence, Announcer at Blue Ridge Public Radio, Artist Mentor for StoryCraft
- Musical instrument petting zoo, Build your own instrument, songwriting station
June 1: GOAL!
- Gregg Munn, Director and Head Coach of Mars Hill University Men’s Soccer Team & players
- Soccer obstacle course/warm-up stations
June 15: TBD
June 29: TBD
July 20: Building communities
- David McNair, Rector at St. James Episcopal Church
- LEGO free-build and giant foam block building
Aug. 3: Fun and games
- Mac Stanley and Matt Dixon, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation
- Giant yard game stations and crafts
Aug. 17: Pizza party
- Jack Kirakossian, personal chef and food educator
- Create your own min pizza
Woman’s Soccer
Gates at 6:30pm
Match at 7:30pm
Adult tickets for ages 12 and up
Youth tickets for ages 5 to 12
No ticket needed for ages 5 and under
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].
A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).
Register your child now!
Program Launch and Expansions
Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.
The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.