We are thrilled to welcome Ana as a new full-time employee at the Mebane Public Library. Mebanites might already recognize her from her time as a part-time employee, but we are honored to have her become full-time and see the additional creative flair she’ll bring to the library.
How long have you worked with the County? About two years.
Where are you from originally? I was born in Mexico and I grew up in Graham, NC.
What are you most passionate about? I am most passionate about movies.
Do you have a hobby? I don’t have any hobbies, but I do like traveling, going to new cafes, and visiting the dog park.
When you were little, what was your dream job? I wanted to be a singer growing up.
What was the best part of your week/weekend? The best part about the weekend is taking my dog to the park and letting her lay in the grass for hours.
If your life was a song, what would the title be? It would be Set Fire to the Rain by Adele since that is the only song I know the lyrics to.
Are you involved in any community projects or organizations? Not at the moment, but I am interested in joining a park clean-up.
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? This isn’t weird but I have tried seaweed and it tastes very fishy.
What’s your favorite TV Show? Probably Gilmore Girls because of the fall vibes which is my favorite season.
What is your favorite thing to spend money on? A matcha latte and a sweet treat.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently? I recently learned how to make buttons.
The Alamance County Public Libraries is proud to now offer Fiero Code as a free resource available to our patrons. Through this unique electronic resource, library patrons can use their library cards to learn to code, a tool that not only entertains but will provide a valuable life skill throughout their lives.
With positions in the Information Technology focus becoming one of the most in-demand and lucrative fields, learning to code with easy to follow video and written tutorials from Fiero Code will provide the foundation for meeting requirements for entry-level information technology positions.
Use your library card today to explore a new interest, discover a talent, and create opportunity for your future. Explore today!
Unlock levels to upgrade your robot while you learn how to design and code for video games, websites, animation, and/or programs. Everything is at your own pace with no age restrictions but basic computers skills are required i.e., manipulating a mouse and keyboard, navigating through a website, and watching instructional videos. No previous knowledge is necessary, just an interest in learning and the willingness to follow the instructions. Have fun!
If you’re interested in taking some of your skills to another level, keep your eye out for programs in our Discovery Lab at the North Park Library. Opportunities to utilize some of the hands-on equipment – Dash and Dot robots, Makey Makey STEM packs, Code-a-Pillar, Tinkercad, and more can help you as well.
North Park Library is creating a new space for the community called Discovery Lab, a makerspace to ignite the imagination, give access to specialized equipment, and help build a community of idea makers. A makerspace is a place in which people with shared interests can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge. We are taking that to the next level, where participants will learn new skills through programs and classes all at no cost. The lab will go from a No Tech area for our smallest patrons to start their journey of discovery to hands on areas of arts, crafts, fiber technology, engineering, woodshop, digital media, robotics, gaming, and 3D design.
The No Tech area will hold a Lego® building wall, a magnetic wall, ramp construction sets, Lincoln logs, and MagFormers Tileblox for early imaginative learning. The special purchase of a wind tunnel where even toddlers will be able to see and connect the concept of force. This area will be a space for the youngest makers to explore STEAM through storytime programs and then independent play with the subject matter.
The space will progress to simple craft supplies, such as markers, construction paper, playdough, glue, and scissors. Also offering art supplies such as paints, canvas, and all the tools needed to create a work of art. We will host programs like Artist in Me where we will showcase books about artist and then recreate a work of art or host an artist to come in and teach their craft to older participants.
The next area of Discovery Lab will hold Fiber Arts to showcase one of the counties longest industries textiles. From crochet, quilting, and simple sewing to sewing machines. We will also teach dying techniques, and design. We will have Circuit cutters and vinyl press to create more appeal or products for the budding learners. Programming will be across all these fields and will also give cosplay tutorials for the more adventurous crafters.
Advance to the engineering area where we will hold a lot of cardboard and wood. We will have Makedo SCRU sets for designing structures for the younger participants for cardboard construction and some basic kits like Keva Planks, erector sets, and simple machine kits. With these kits we will host programs from bridge building to ship construction, pine wood derby to rocket design. For older participants we will have basic tools like hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, measuring tapes, to electric tools like drills and sanders. We will have programs where participants can learn how to build simple structures like bird houses or bat boxes. To How-to programs hosted by construction professionals to teach people how to fix or design simple household items.
Digital Media is a big thing now and we want help interested patrons learn how to use and create content. This area will need computers and computer software like Power Director, Abode Premier, or VideoPad, headphones, and microphones for how-to programs from using your phone or computer to create, edit, and upload digital content. Photography tutorials where patrons using their own equipment can learn how to get the best images through the teaching of a professional photographer. The patron will also be able to create original music with an Akai professional lpk25 keyboard and the LPK25 Editor software. We will also be able to create content for the library with these technologies.
Electronics and Robotic is a hot job for the millennial generation with game systems becoming more advanced and robotics being integrated into many industries. We will give even the youngest participants the ability to learn how to code and create with Dash and Dot robots and Code-a-pillar. The middle grade and up can learn how to create their own circuit boards and games with the Makey Makey STEM pack and Tinkercad software, engaging them with plenty of hands-on circuitry projects to help them boost their creativity skills. We will host programs from paper circuits and conductivity labs to robotic creations. We will also have game consoles for game nights and VR headset for experiencing the newest form of gaming.
Finally, we will have our 3D design area that will use the same computers from other areas of Discovery Lab to design and create 3D creations. Using Tinkercad software and our Flashforge 3D printers we will teach the basics of dimensional designing. We will also host more advance nights where makers from the area will be able to come together to work on projects and problem solve issues they are having with their design concepts. The younger designers will be able to experience insta ready designs with our 3D Doodle pens.
In conclusion, our Discovery Lab will be a benefit to our community through teaching basic problem-solving skills through creative programs, facilitating ideas, innovation and encouraging patrons to think outside the box. By offering these collaborative programs, we are creating learning experiences that will help patrons connect concepts they have learned in our programs to real-world applications and build perseverance, “failure is a lesson not an end” to inspires further investigation and learning.
Alamance Reads is a civic event designed to encourage reading and significant conversation among
Alamance County citizens by gathering people around a common book and providing a shared reading experience. Alamance Reads 2024 will be the ninth time this event has taken place in Alamance County, and the first time since 2018.
This year’s selection is American Refuge: True Stories of the Refugee Experience by Diya Abdo. In this eye-opening book, Diya Abdo shares the stories of seven refugees from around the world who begin their American journeys in North Carolina. They are welcomed by Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR), an organization Diya founded. Over the course of the book, we get to know these refugees and learn about the trauma they carry and the challenges they face in their new home.
The Alamance Reads Selection Committee has also chosen a companion title for younger readers. The selected book is When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed. A National Book Award Finalist, this remarkable graphic novel is about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a former Somali refugee to the New York Times Bestselling author/artist Victoria Jamieson.
Copies of both of the Alamance Reads titles will be available for checkout beginning in mid-July. Book discussion opportunities will begin in August with additional programming in September. The program will culminate in a series of author events in late September.
We are looking forward to exploring these two inspiring titles with our community over the coming months!
Alamance Reads is funded by the Friends of the Alamance County Public Libraries, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) corporation, using money raised through annual book sales and other events. All Alamance Reads events are free and open to the public.
Please welcome Jun to the Graham Library as a new Children’s team member. His passion and dedication are sure to inspire some excellent new ideas and programs for the Graham Library.
How long have you worked with the County?
About 3 months
Where are you from originally?
Cary North Carolina, but my parents come from South Korea
What are you most passionate about?
I’m a big fan of lore so anything that has a really fleshed out world and characters. Lore about things like transformers, sonic, Avatar the Last Air bender, and fallout are things I quite enjoy.
Do you have a hobby?
Yes, I like to play guitar and build miniature kits when I get the chance.
When you were little, what was your dream job?
I really wanted to be an inventor capable of both fixing old things and creating new items that would help others.
What was the best part of your week/weekend?
I visited my hometown this week and spending time with old friends was definitely the best part.
If your life was a song, what would the title be?
There is a Korean song I really resonate with called Unpredictable Life by Lee Moon Sae. The lyrics about how we can never be certain where our life goes but being happy all the same is just something that really speaks to me.
Are you involved in any community projects or organizations?
Unfortunately not yet, but I am definitely keeping an eye out
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Sriracha mixed with Coca cola as part of a punishment in a game.
What’s your favorite TV Show?
A Rom-com Anime called Love Is War
What is your favorite thing to spend Money on?
Definitely Food, I love going to various restaurants and trying different cuisines.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?
That the creator of one of my favorite web games Poptropica is also the author of the Diary of A Wimpy Kids Series.
Welcome Kire to the Graham Library as the new Children’s Team Lead. We are excited to see what she can do with the new children’s department and programs at Graham.
How long have you worked with the County?
I have worked for ACPL since January.
Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Boston, MA, but I grew up in and went to college in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
What are you most passionate about?
I am very passionate about Arts Education and its importance in schools.
Do you have a hobby?
I love music and like to sing. Musicals are my favorite!
When you were little, what was your dream job?
Dancing and singing on Broadway.
What was the best part of your week/weekend?
The best part of my week is getting to read and cuddle with my husband and our cat.
If your life was a song, what would the title be?
“Though she be but little, she is fierce”
What’s your favorite TV Show?
I love Veronica Mars and Crime Scene Kitchen.
What is your favorite thing to spend money on?
Traveling and seeing different shows.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?
The hashtag symbol # is technically called an octothorpe.
Meet the new Branch Manager for the Mebane Library, Adrian Zeck. We are excited to welcome Adrian to the ACPL team and excited to have him join the Mebane Library team during this time of redoing our spaces to be more welcoming and intentional towards our community’s needs.
How long have you worked with the County?
I’ve been working for Alamance County since February 26th, 2024. I came here from Cabarrus County Public Library where I worked for the last 8 years.
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Minnesota, and raised in Florida. I lived in Raleigh while completing my graduate degree in Parks and Rec at NC State. Then, I moved to Connecticut to work for the National Parks Service. While working in Connecticut, I met my (now) wife, who actually grew up in NC! We returned here, got married, and started our lives together in our favorite state.
What are you most passionate about?
I am very passionate about Hawaiian pizza – Pineapple belongs on pizza– that is the hill I will die on.
Do you have a hobby?
My current hobby is running. I signed up to run the Pittsburgh half marathon and have been training since November. When not running, I enjoy reading, traveling, and playing board games. I also play video games and binge-watch tv to relax!
When you were little, what was your dream job?
Lego set designer or owning a comic book store.
What was the best part of your week/weekend?
This past weekend I ran in my first formal race, the Charlotte Racefest 10k. I really enjoyed getting to run with other people for once! It was so encouraging to have some of my family there to cheer me on and I feel really proud of how well I did. The whole experience got me excited for running the Pittsburgh half marathon in May.
Are you involved in any community projects or organizations?
My wife and I are new to the area so we are still figuring out where and how to get involved. We are excited by all the greater Greensboro area has to offer!
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Definitely a pig’s eyeball. I’ve also eaten rattlesnake and python.
What’s your favorite TV Show?
For rewatchability… maybe Psych? Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Parks and Rec are also both up there for me.
What is your favorite thing to spend money on?
My wife! Mostly, I’m cheap, but I do justify spending money on opportunities to travel, experience culture, and eat good food!
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?
That there is a scientific reason why people like the music they listened to in their teen years. I first heard about it on social media, but this is an article from the BBC that goes deeper into the process. They call it “the reminiscence bump.”
We are excited to introduce Ryan Fucs as the new BookMARK driver! We look forward to seeing what his attention to detail and willingness to jump right in and help will do for the Outreach Team.
How long have you worked with the County? I just started working for the county close to a month and a half ago
Where are you from originally? Sioux Falls, South Dakota
What are you most passionate about? Learning, literacy, and humanism. And East European filmmaking, especially from the Czech Republic, Romania, and Hungary.
Do you have a hobby? Early last year I was awarded an artist microgrant, which has enabled me to learn all the ins and outs of film photography and film development. I enjoy shooting a variety of subjects, but I am especially drawn to street photography and candid portraiture.
When you were little, what was your dream job? Detective. There’s still time.
What was the best part of your week/weekend? Dancing with my girlfriend.
If your life was a song, what would the title be? “(What a) Wonderful World” by Sam Cooke.
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? Grilled nopales (cactus paddles) or Tatarský Biftek (raw ground beef and raw egg on toast).
What’s your favorite TV Show? Twin Peaks. Oh, and just one more thing: Columbo.
What is your favorite thing to spend money on? Film and books. Lots and lots and lots of books. I like to read a lot of different non-fiction, especially philosophy and sociology, but my fixation lately has been, fittingly, the relationship between money/credit/debt/commercialization and philosophy. And yet, it can’t seem to explain why I spend so much money on books.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently? The German word for “debt” (Schulden) is derived from the German root Schuld, meaning “guilt.”
Congratulations Michael! For his recent promotion into a full-time Library Assistant position at the May Memorial Public Services department. We look forward to seeing the new ideas and creativity you will bring to May Memorial Library!
How long have you worked with the County?
Almost 2 years now.
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Guilford, and raised here in Elon.
What are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about music, when I can I always have an earbud in.
Do you have a hobby?
I love reading and gaming.
When you were little, what was your dream job?
Growing up I always wanted to be a veterinarian.
What was the best part of your week/weekend?
Upon receiving a raise this week, I treated myself to some delicious quesabirria tacos.
If your life was a song, what would the title be?
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac.
Are you involved in any community projects or organizations?
Not at the moment, outside of work I’m primarily focused on completing my bachelors.
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
On a trip to Peru I tried Cuy; roasted guinea pig. The dish is considered a delicacy and sign of abundance and good fortune.
What’s your favorite TV Show?
While I have quite a few favorite shows, my current favorite is Breaking Bad or The Office.
What is your favorite thing to spend money on?
Traveling, or a new toy for my pet ferrets.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?
Ferrets are one of the few animals that can contract covid.
We are excited to welcome Sharada as a Library Assistant on the Children’s team at Graham. We look forward to seeing the impact her enthusiasm and personality will bring to the Graham Library.
How long have you worked with the County?
It has been almost a full month, not including holidays.
Where are you from originally?
Durham, North Carolina
What are you most passionate about?
Art of any form. Art and creativity can change how we see the world and lift our spirits.
Do you have a hobby?
I am passionate about printmaking, which involves creating images on paper, fabric, or other surfaces. I also enjoy jigsaw puzzles, specifically those with 2000 pieces.
When you were little, what was your dream job?
When I was a child, my dream job was to become a marine biologist, with a particular fascination for dolphins. I always hoped that one day I could swim with them.
What was the best part of your week/weekend?
My mom is returning from Berlin, Germany this week after spending time with my older sister, 8-year-old nephew, and my brand new baby twin niece and nephew (names Idris and Sakia). I am eagerly waiting to see her and “steal” the pictures she took during her visit to Germany.
If your life was a song, what would the title be?
There is a song called “Sharada” by Skye Sweetnam, which ironically seems to be about me if you ever play it while working with me.
Are you involved in any community projects or organizations?
I am currently involved with the Durham Awesome Foundation, which is a new organization that supports innovative and impactful projects that have a positive effect on Durham. The foundation donates $1,000 to the chosen organization each month, making it an excellent opportunity to give back to the community and support local organizations in Durham.
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
I had an ostrich burger at the NC State Fair.
What’s your favorite TV Show?
Stargate SG-1
What is your favorite thing to spend money on?
Food
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?
I am learning different techniques for manifesting and meditating. It’s a great practice to stay positive and think about personal goals and how to achieve them.
