We’re excited to welcome Shawn as a Library Assistant at Mebane Public Library! Shawn brings a passion for public service, years of teaching experience, and great enthusiasm for her new role.

How long have you worked with the County?

I just started working in Alamance County, but I’ve lived in Saxapahaw since 2020. Before this, I worked at the Randolph County Public Libraries (Liberty), where I deepened my love for community-centered public service.

Where are you from originally?

I grew up in a military household, so “home” moved around a lot. I was born in Germany and spent most of my childhood in South Carolina.

What are you most passionate about?

I’m passionate about intentional parenting—especially nature- and art-based empathy-building practices that foster creativity and self-expression. I worked as an outdoor preschool educator for ten years before moving into public libraries. I also learned a great deal about conscious, gentle parenting through raising my daughter, Magnolia, and those lessons continue to evolve as she grows into each new stage of childhood and adolescence.

Do you have a hobby?

Spending time outside is both my favorite hobby and my favorite reset. Whether I’m walking the dog, reading under a tree, biking long distances, or kayaking with my family, I’m happiest outdoors. I also enjoy dabbling in all kinds of crafts—trying new things is part of the fun.

When you were little, what was your dream job?

I wanted to be a veterinarian all the way through high school—until I shadowed a vet during surgery. The sights, sounds, smells, and fluids quickly led to some serious soul-searching. It was intense sensory overload, and I realized I might need a different calling.

What was the best part of your week/weekend?

My daughter and I like to experiment with different self-care rituals to unwind from busy weeks. This time, we tried a kid-friendly salon and got mani-pedis together. I’m very low-maintenance, so it felt extra indulgent to get pampered with foot rubs and fancy nails—now I just have to relearn how to type with them!

If your life was a song, what would the title be?

If my life were a song, it would be Innerbloom by RÜFÜS DU SOL—grounded, a little psychedelic, and the kind that unfolds slowly the more time you spend with it. I love EDM, and honestly, I always want to dance—whatever hits the right frequency in the moment.

Are you involved in any community projects or organizations?

I served in the U.S. Peace Corps for three years in West Africa (The Gambia), which deeply shaped my values around community development and service. Locally, I help with my daughter’s Scouting America Cub Scout pack and occasionally volunteer at her school. Last fall, I also started a group called Trashy Tuesday in Saxapahaw to help clean up the Haw River trails after the major flood. It was a great way to care for places I love while getting outside and moving my body.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

The word weird is pretty subjective—what’s strange to one person might be a delicacy to another. If we define “weird” as unexpected, then some surprise menu items have included squirrel, groundhog (woodchuck) stew, monitor lizard, and a few unidentified goat parts.

What’s your favorite TV show?

I love Bob’s Burgers, King of the Hill, and SpongeBob SquarePants. I don’t take TV too seriously—it’s usually on in the background while I’m doing something else. Plus, these are shows I can enjoy with my daughter and husband. They don’t quite share my enthusiasm for Vikings or Victorian-era romance dramas.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?

I was going to share something really profound, but then my brain filed it under “later.”

Winter is upon us, and that means our Winter Reading Program is right around the corner!

This program is a month-long, all-ages, reading challenge that takes place in the middle of winter. So, for those of you who have said you wanted to read more in the new year, this is the perfect program for you! This year, we have a bingo board challenge.

Pick up a bingo board from any of our library branches between January 20th and February 21st and play your way through the board. Return your completed bingo board to any of the branches for a free book and a special edition sticker!

Playing is easy!

Just complete a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line across the bingo board. Write the title of the book that you read in the corresponding square. Don’t use the same book to complete more than one square!

Once you are finished, please bring your completed bingo board to any library location to claim your prize. We will be distributing Winter Reading prizes until FEBRUARY 28th.

If you have finished the game once, you are more than welcome to play again. Just ask library staff for a fresh bingo board. Subsequent finished bingo boards are eligible to be returned to the library for another free book and sticker.

Remember, audiobooks and graphic novels are considered books too!

Because this challenge is for all ages, please note that we did our best to make this bingo board for every age. We understand if you need to adapt a challenge for a younger reader. Also, grown-ups, if you’re reading to your baby, know that that counts too!

Share how your game is going by connecting with us on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram @alamancelibraries.

For more information, contact Emery Lai at elai@alamancelibraries.org or call (336) 790-0465.

We’re excited to welcome Rei as the new Children’s Assistant at May Memorial Library! Rei brings valuable library experience and a passion for working with kids.

How long have you worked with the County?

I am currently on my third week!

Where are you from originally?

I grew up in Lenoir County, North Carolina.

What are you most passionate about?

I am really passionate about music, listening to and creating it.

Do you have a hobby?

I play the guitar and have recently joined a band!

When you were little, what was your dream job?

I wanted to be a variety of things – a teacher, a book writer/illustrator, a filmmaker, and a video game developer.

What was the best part of your week/weekend?

I got to jam with my band, and we came up with some song ideas!

If your life was a song, what would the title be?

Untitled #3 by Sigur Ros

What’s your favorite TV Show?

There are so many shows I love, but I think Mr. Robot is the best one I have ever seen.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?

I recently learned about how engaging in instant gratification behaviors, such as scrolling on your phone, dramatically depletes your dopamine levels once you’re finished with that behavior. Thus, it makes you less motivated and energized to complete harder and more long-term goals. 

We are excited to introduce Tyra, our newest member of the children’s team at Mebane Public Library. With her extensive experience working with children, we look forward to the engaging storytimes she will host for our community!

When you were little, what was your dream job?

I really wanted to be an NFL cheerleader/dancer growing up.

What was the best part of your week/weekend?

The best part about my week are those Saturday mornings when I can slow down, enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea, and spend time on my favorite activities.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

I was tricked into eating alligator bites. They looked and tasted like chicken nuggets but are a bit too chewy for my liking.

What’s your favorite TV Show?

Girlfriends! It’s funny, relatable and shows the importance of having a strong circle of friends.

What is your favorite thing to spend money on?

Home décor, I love making my space feel cozy and stylish.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?

The naps I used to fight as a child are now one of my favorite hobbies as an adult!

Museum on Main Street (MoMS), an outreach of Smithsonian Institution, in cooperation with North Carolina Humanities presents SPARK! Places of Innovation, featured at May Memorial Library October 9 – November 19, 2025.

The story of human history is written in inventions and innovations. People are problem- solvers. Sometimes we invent. More often, we innovate—we introduce a fresh idea or an invention into use in some way that creates a new way of doing or thinking.

Invention can happen anywhere and it’s happening right now in small towns across America. Rural Americans are creating new products, taking risks, meeting challenges together, and seizing upon exciting opportunities that change local life and sometimes reach far beyond.

Spark! Places of Innovation will highlight innovation in rural America from the perspective of the people who lived it! Their words, images, and experiences gathered through an ambitious crowdsourcing initiative will be the heartbeat of the exhibition. Technical, social, cultural, artistic, or a combination of all of these–every innovation is as unique as each community. Explore the diversity, ingenuity, and tenacity of rural Americans in Spark! Places of Innovation.

Spark! Places of Innovation explores the unique combination of places, people, and circumstances that spark innovation and invention in rural communities. Inspired by an exhibition by the National Museum of American History, the exhibition features stories gathered from diverse communities across the nation. Photographs, engaging interactives, objects, videos, and augmented reality bring a multilayered experience to reveal the leaders, challenges, successes, and future of innovation in each town.

Spark! Places of Innovation will be the springboard for diverse local programming in the humanities, sciences, and arts. Visitors will be inspired to learn about how innovation has shaped their own communities and how they may be innovators themselves. Community members will come together in conversation about their history, present, and future.

Join us during regular library hours for this limited, one-of-a-kind exhibit!

How long have you worked with the County?

Four Months.

Where are you from originally?

Greensboro, NC.

Do you have a hobby?

I enjoy crocheting, knitting, baking, and playing video games.

When you were little, what was your dream job?

A Chef, Writer or Ballet Dancer.

What was the best part of your week/weekend?

The best part of my week is enjoying anime or video games with my Husband.

Are you involved in any community projects or organizations?

I’m currently a part of DKG Chi Chapter, which is an international professional society for women educators.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Lemon-flavored ants.

What’s your favorite TV Show?

An anime called One Piece.

Welcome Ashlea, the new Library Assistant in the Circulation Department at Mebane Public Library. We are excited to see her bring her wealth of knowledge and positive energy to the team!

How long have you worked with the County?

Since March 2025

Where are you from originally?

Reidsville, NC

What are you most passionate about?

My faith, my family, and helping others.

Do you have a hobby?

Reading, watching movies, making jewelry, traveling, visiting museums / art galleries, & shopping.

When you were little, what was your dream job?

I wanted to be an elementary teacher first and later become a librarian – and I did!!!

What was the best part of your week/weekend?

I enjoy walking on my local nature trail on Saturday mornings and going to church on Sunday.

If your life was a song, what would the title be?

Video by India.Arie

Are you involved in any community projects or organizations?

I used to volunteer with a group that distributed used clothes to refugee & migrant families in Greensboro. I’d like to start doing that again soon.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Cornstarch. Several of my relatives ate it when I was growing up. I later found out this is related to iron-deficiency anemia, which a lot of us have in my family.

What’s your favorite TV Show?

A Different World, Downton Abbey, Hey Arnold!, and Batman: The Animated Series.

What is your favorite thing to spend money on?

Books, clothes, and handbags.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?

The first pair of Nike running shoes were made in a waffle iron!

📢 Attention! The Mobile Library will be at Mebane Public Library during the following hours: Thursday, July 10th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday, July 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. During these designated pick-up times, patrons can collect their holds—only for items for which you have received an email or call indicating they are ready for pickup. You will also have the opportunity to browse the Mobile Library collection and claim your Summer Reading prizes. Please be aware that the building will remain closed, and the Mobile Library will be parked in front of the building. For any questions, please call May Memorial Library at (336) 229-3588.

Congratulations to Joan as the new Children’s Assistant at the May Memorial Library. We are excited to see her bring a creative flair to the team!

How long have you worked with the County?

Just over 3 years.

Where are you from originally?

Here! I grew up coming to storytime at May Memorial.

What are you most passionate about?

Music, cats, literacy, access to education, mental health.

Do you have a hobby?

Maybe too many – sewing, crocheting, cross stitch, embroidery, baking, reading, DnD, piano, guitar, listening to podcasts, cozy gaming, jewelry making…

When you were little, what was your dream job?

An artist, dancer, or doctor.

What was the best part of your week/weekend?

Hanging out with my cat – she’s the purrfect nap partner!

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Probably rattlesnake, though I don’t remember it – I was a toddler, and liked it so much that I ate both my portion and my mom’s. My dad says it tasted like chicken.

What’s your favorite TV Show?

My go-tos are Frasier, Murdoch Mysteries, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, but I’m always looking for recommendations!

What is your favorite thing to spend money on?

Food, stickers/patches, craft supplies, and new experiences!

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?

The creator of the “eatertainment” chain restaurant Rainforest Cafe convinced uncertain backers to invest in his vision by gutting his Minneapolis home and filling it with artificial waterfalls, trees and plants, custom rock formations, animatronic animals, multiple sound systems, forty live tropical birds, and a baboon. He sold almost everything he owned to do this and still came close to bankruptcy, but it worked – and Rainforest Cafe became iconic.

Beginning July 1, 2025, patrons with Online Borrower Registration (OBR) accounts will no longer have access to resources from OverDrive or the Libby app. If you are using an OBR account to checkout ebooks, audiobooks, or magazines from OverDrive/Libby, you will need to visit one of our locations in person to switch to a regular library card. You will need to present a photo ID and proof of your local address to complete the application process. Please let staff know you have an OverDrive or Libby account. They will replace your old OBR account number with the new card number in OverDrive. You will not lose any of your checkouts, holds, tags, etc.