Blog
America 250: Lexington County Reflects
The 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War offers an opportunity to reflect on a complex chapter in our nation’s history. By exploring the stories of those who lived through this era, we can better understand both the hardships and the hopes that shaped the future.
Discover a New Language at the Library
We are excited to announce that we now offer Transparent Language free to all library cardholders. Whether you’re looking to help your child practice a foreign language, prepare for an upcoming trip or simply eager to learn something new, Transparent Language has you covered.
Preserving the Past: Library History
We’re celebrating Library Lovers’ Month with the launch of the new Local History Digital Collections website.
Black History is American History
I remember being in school as a kid and wondering why we were only taught about historical Black figures during February. I then remember being confused because we only talked about well-known names like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.
Apple-solutely Love Fall
During the fall season, the apple truly hits its prime with delicious concoctions like apple cider, apple pie, caramel apples — and the list goes on. October marks National Apple Month, a dedication to the top-tier fruit that’s been around for nearly 10,000 years.
The Strange Origins of Everyday Things
Do you ever put your shoes on and wonder where the idea for them came from? Or pick up a child’s toy and think about how it’s made? What about those office supplies you use everyday? If you haven’t before, you will after reading about the origins of these everyday objects.
National Book Lovers Day
Calling all book lovers — did you know that there’s a day meant entirely for you? There’s no better way to celebrate than to grab a book, kindle or tablet and find a cozy place to read the day away.
National Mutt Day
If you’re anything like me, fur babies hold a very special place in my heart. Did you know that there’s a distinct holiday to celebrate our pups? July 31 is National Mutt Day.
Japan: Olympic Host
As anticipation continues to grow and the world awaits the beginning of the XXXII Olympics, we’d like to take this opportunity to learn more about the Olympics’ host nation, Japan — also known as the Land of the Rising Sun.
The History of Food Chains
If you were a child of the 80s, had a crazy chorus instructor in the 90s or just love Mickey D’s, chances are you’ve got the melody of this jingle engraved somewhere in your memory. But did you know the OG McDonald’s didn’t even serve most of the lip-smacking items mentioned in the tune? Perhaps you’ve pondered the epic feud between Burger King and McDonalds and wondered why it started in the first place.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Memorial Day isn’t the only major celebration in May. For the past 40 years, Americans have also honored the history and contributions of its Asian Americans and Pacific Islander.
Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month is dear to me because I admire females who refuse to be confined by a patriarchal system. I’m inspired by strong female leaders who don’t hold back — they speak their minds.
Black History Month
Every February, we celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month. Literature in particular has been a space for black authors to tell their stories and bookworms seeking good reads can choose from an array of …
Coretta Scott King Book Awards
February is Black History Month. It’s a time to bring more awareness and recognition of African American authors and illustrators whose work bespeak an appreciation of African American culture.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
“Bah, hum bug.” Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly, cantankerous miser, made his way into the homes and hearts of many people in the 1800s and has remained steadfast for decades. Charles Dickens wrote the classic tale A Christmas Carol, and published his work on December 19, 1843. Hoping to write his way out of a financial slump, Dickens penned this work as a commentary on how Victorian society treated the poor, as well as, the importance of goodwill towards all human beings. What better time to show goodwill than Christmas, right?
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month and to celebrate we have some facts about Native American history. However, please note that “Native American” encompasses many, many, many different cultures across the country — so for the purpose of this writing we have purposefully been very broad and focus largely on general Native American history. If you would like to learn more about a specific tribe and Indigenous history, visit any of our locations or go to Ask A Librarian for more information.
Witches
Witches (and wizards) wield magic with a wave of a wand, a wiggle of a nose and the snap of a finger. Whether they are from Oz, Camelot, the Discworld — or the most magical land of all, Scotland — witches and wizards have made us spell-bound.
Werewolves
Who’s afraid of the big, bad wolf? Not us. Werewolves are one of the world’s most famous shape-shifters, and have enthralled us in stories — both in print and on screens. Below the glow of a full moon, werewolves frolic and stalk the night. But what else do you know about werewolves? Read these hair-raising facts, and become a shape-shifting scholar.
Mermaids
Mermaids swim and splash through our imaginations in a flurry of shells, seaweed and scales. They give us mental images of gorgeous beaches, serene lagoons, sunken pirate ships and underwater cities made of coral. Not to mention grottos full of human treasures such as gadgets, gizmos, whozits, whatsits and thingamabobs galore. The secretive nature of these elusive men and women of the sea leave us with many questions. Surf through these awesome Mermaid facts and feel free to shell them out as you “sea” fit.
Vampires
Regardless of whether they are the heroes or villains of their story, vampires captivate our imaginations. These blood-sucking fiends (or, in some cases, friends) hide in the shadows, cloaked in the darkness of night. While vampires may hide from the sun, let us metaphorically shine a light on these ferocious, fanged creatures of the night.
