Hello Thursday.
April 25 2024
Change is a comin’ to the Buncombe County library system — approximately $81 million worth, based on a new 15-year master plan that’s currently in the community feedback phase.
Let’s dig into the major deets of these proposed changes, and how you can get involved in the input process.
The recently remodeled East Asheville library. | Photo courtesy of Buncombe County
A hub and what?
The library system’s current model is “hub-and-spoke,” meaning that the majority of the County’s services are available at downtown Asheville’s Pack Memorial Library, while a collection of smaller, surrounding branches provide more basic services for Buncombe residents.
In contrast, the proposed regional branch model would transition library services to a more evenly distributed, larger + comprehensive network of branches. This move would help the county save on operating costs, and would also improve the overall accessibility of the library system, especially for the 34% of residents who report that lack of parking is what keeps them from using area libraries.
A visual of the regional branch model. | Screen grab courtesy of Buncombe County Libraries Facilities Master Plan
The plan’s major recs
- Relocating the Pack Memorial library to a new 65,000 sq ft building in downtown Asheville, and adding more space for administrative + technical services, free parking, and potentially affordable housing units.
- The creation of 2 new 20,000 sq ft regional branches in Weaverville and between Black Mountain + Swannanoa.
- The creation of 3 additional vending or locker locations to increase accessibility of library materials.
- The expansion of the Skyland/South Buncombe, West Asheville, and Enka Candler libraries to at least 20,000 sq ft.
- The closure of the Oakley/South Asheville, Black Mountain, and Swannanoa libraries.
Share your input
The county is asking for feedback on this plan through September via 3 virtual sessions that are open to the public. Feedback can also be submitted via email. The sessions take place:
- Wed., Sept. 15, 12-1 p.m. (bilingual version)
- Mon., Sept. 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Thurs., Sept. 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Use the buttons below to share this story with all the library lovers in your life.
Today
- Ron Gallo + Becca Mancari | Tues., Sept. 14 | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave. | $15 | Bring proof of vaccination to this hip-hop-inspired jazz and punk show. 🎤
- Our VOICE: A People's History of Asians in America Workshop | Tues., Sept. 14 | 1-3 p.m. | Free | Burton Street Community Center, Burton St. | Explore the rich history of Asians in America.
- Getting Your First Sale | Tues., Sept. 14 | 12-1 p.m. | Free | Virtual | Join this Launch & Learn that helps aspiring NC-based entrepreneurs finalize their startup ideas. 👔
- Tax-Smart Retirement Seminar | Tues., Sept. 14 | 6-7 p.m. | Biltmore Hilton Hotel, 43 Town Square Blvd. | Free | Whether someone is saving for retirement, transitioning to retirement, or living in retirement, attendees will learn the latest strategies and gain tools that they may need to help protect their wealth. Ⓟ
Wednesday
- An Evening with Jill Andrews | Wed., Sept. 15 | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave. | $15+ | Bring along your proof of vaccine for this night of Americana, inspired by the tales of womanhood.
- Panel Presentation - Growing Your Business | Wed., Sept. 15 | 2-4 p.m. | Virtual | $5 | A panel of local WNC businesses share tips + tricks for success. 💻
- DJ Logic with Electro Lust | Wed., Sept. 15 | 6:30 p.m. | Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr. | $15+ | Members of Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, Empire Strikes Brass, and The Fritz create electro Latin funk sounds as an opener for the renowned American turntablist. 🎸
- Tami's SoulSpeak with Animals | Wed., Sept. 15 | 8-9 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Is your pet an old soul? How do you know, and how does that affect your life together? Dive into the true meaning of “old soul,” plus the signs to look for, during this show with animal intuitive Tami Hendrix. 🐕 Ⓟ
Thursday
- Masters of Soul | Thurs., Sept. 16 | 7 p.m. | Wortham Center, 18 Biltmore Ave. | $20+ | Opening night performance filled with soul songs and artists from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. 🎶
- Chow Chow: Farmers Market Cook Along | Thurs., Sept. 16 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Virtual | $15+ | Join Chef J. Chong of J. Chong Eats for a live Cantonese cooking demonstration + market-inspired recipe.🥘
- Wildlife Trivia | Thurs., Sept. 16 | 6-8 p.m.| Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy. #200 | Free | Test your wildlife knowledge while raising money for the Friends of the WNC Nature Center. 🌳
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
View from the stage at an Asheville Symphony concert in 2010 | Photo provided
The Asheville Symphony is returning to the stage with Symphony in the Park: A Celebration of the Arts, happening this Sun., Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. in Pack Square Park.
The free outdoor concert will feature beloved and popular music from Copland, Brahms and Gershwin to Bernstein, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and John Williams, plus surprises from Queen, Prince, and more. 🎶
#ProTip: Bring a picnic, grab a local brew from the beer kiosks + enjoy pre-concert entertainment ft. the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra. Ⓟ
Weather
- 84º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain
Civic
- At today’s 5 p.m. meeting, Asheville City Council will hear a 6-month update on hotel regulations, vote on a conditional zoning permit for a 72-unit condo complex, and decide how to use $26.2 million in federal funding. See the full agenda and tune in. (Mountain Xpress)
- At 2:30 p.m. — prior to the City Council meeting — there will also be pre-arranged interviews for the open seats on the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority and the Planning & Zoning Commission. Tune in here.
Coming Soon
- Local cycling clothing + accessory manufacturer Kitsbow is opening a bike service and repair shop in Old Fort this week, which will be located inside the Old Fort Ride House (59 Commerce St.). The shop will be owned and operated by local bicycle industry veteran Chad Schoenauer. 🚴
Traffic
- Sections of I-26 East will be closed starting at 8 p.m. Wed., Sept. 15 and Thurs., Sept. 16 from Long Shoals Road, exit 37 to US 25 Business, exit 44. The interstate will reopen no later than 6 a.m. 🚧 (WLOS)
Outdoors
- Black Mountain Recreation & Parks will offer its annual Fall Peaks Hiking Series from Oct. 1- Nov. 5. The free hiking series features 6 unique hikes following fall’s peak colors through different stages at various elevations + locations, including Blackstock Knob, Brushy Mountain, Glade Mountain, and Mount Ida. Advance registration required. 🍂
Health
- The Dogwood Health Trust, WNC’s largest nonprofit, is asking for community input on its future grants, with the goal of improving the health of locals over the next few decades. It will have 2 virtual meetings on Tues., Sept. 14 and Mon., Sept. 20, both from 4:30-6 p.m. Register. (Mountain Xpress)
Arts
- Some local buskers, aka street performers, have shared that they feel pushed out by the city due to construction projects and new developments. Buskers are a well-known component of Asheville’s cultural identity. Want more info on busking in the 828? Peep our guide here. (Mountain Xpress)
- The Asheville Area Arts Council will host a virtual AVL Arts Town Hall on Sept. 21 at 12 p.m. to discuss health + safety protocols for live local events. Several venues, including The Orange Peel, Rabbit Rabbit, and The Grey Eagle, will share their best practices. Register to attend and submit questions in advance via email.
Job
- Despite regional labor market recovery, the Asheville labor market has over 23,000 unfilled job openings and not enough workers to fill them. Experts say the labor crisis is taking place primarily with entry level positions, and bizzes wanting to hire should consider wage increases, flexibility with shifts + remote work, and hiring typically overlooked populations. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Giveaway
- The folks at Show and Tell Pop Up Shop are giving away a gift box of goodies valued at over $200 featuring items donated from its 100+ indie makers, designers + artisans. Check out our Instagram post for the easy peasy deets on entering to win this rad prize, and don’t miss their pop up market Sun., Sept. 19 at Rabbit Rabbit from 12-6 p.m.
Home
- DYK about all the services MB HAYNES offers? The local company has been serving Asheville for 100 years, helping customers out with electrical, plumbing, heating + cooling, and more. Ⓟ
Finance
- Score an easy $200 bonus after spending just $500 in the first 3 months with this no annual fee cashback card. (That's like getting 40% cashback on your first $500 spent.) After that, keep racking up rewards with unlimited 1.5% cashback on every purchase. Ⓟ
Featured Dig
Recognize this lovely saffron-hued plant? Abundant in WNC, goldenrod has 100+ species that can be used for purposes ranging from homeopathy + baking to simply brightening your day with its vivid hue.
Next time you see some, grab a handful for admiring. Or if you’ve successfully foraged before (like the AVLtoday team, courtesy of local foraging experts No Taste Like Home), you can use it to make a unique cornbread or a chamomile-like tea.
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Just use #AVLtoday on social media.
We wondered which of NC’s 4 main apple varieties would be your favorite, Asheville, and the result is clear: 79% of you favor sweet + versatile Gala apples, which also happens to be our favorite as well. ’Tis the season to enjoy NC apples of any + every variety. 🍏
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