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Learn about the history of country music and singer-songwriter Vernon Dalhart’s lasting impact on the record industry on Tuesday, September 8 at 6 p.m. in the Library's Jones Meeting Center, followed by a musical performance from Ted Olson and Jack Hinshelwood.
Are you ready to discuss the dragonets of destiny? Or maybe you don't know a MudWing from an IceWing, but you definitely think dragons are cool. Whichever the case, both FanWings and general dragon enthusiasts ages 5-12 are invited to celebrate Tui T. Sutherland's expansive "Wings of Fire" series on Monday, September 14 at your Library. Drop in to the Jones Meeting Center anytime between 6-7:30 p.m. to explore the world of Pyrrhia with themed festivities like creating your own characters, dragonesque craft stations, and discovering which tribe you'd fit into.
Get ready to spruce up your family's tree knowledge and learn facts to stump your friends! On Saturday, September 19 at 2 p.m. in the Library's Polly Peterson Room, families can learn to identify native trees such as oak, maple, and hickory through a brief presentation with the ETSU Arboretum's Dr. Tim McDowell. Afterwards, participants can test their new knowledge in hands-on activities such as leaf and seed matching.
Step into an afternoon of music, craftsmanship, and community at Shirefest on Sunday, September 20 from 2-4 p.m. at your Library. Inspired by the Hobbits’ Shire and the rich culture of Appalachia, this free all-ages celebration offers something for everyone. Drop by with your whole family for musical performances by The Butternuts and the Science Hill Chamber Orchestra, traditional folk dancing, and demonstrations by local blacksmiths and fiber artists. You'll experience the traditions and vibes that connect Appalachia and the Shire by playing festival games and hobbity activities, sipping locally-brewed soda, and browsing vendor booths.
Delve into epic tales from all over the world! On Monday, September 21 at 6 p.m. in the Library's Jones Meeting Center, mythology fans ages 8-12 will explore intriguing tales about dragons from many different cultures. Stories about these fiery and fascinating creatures have been around for over 4,000 years! Sign up to dive deep into the lore with one of our most enthusiastic children's librarians. Registration is required at https://events.getlocalhop.com/stories.../event/R4rX9scL3N/.
Dive into the history of foraging and learn how to identify native Appalachian edible plants and fungi on Wednesday, September 23 at 6 p.m. in the Library's Jones Meeting Center.
Join us at the Library on Friday, September 25 at 6 p.m. for (Second) Supper and Stories, an evening inspired by the Library’s Shirefest and J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, “The Hobbit.” Enjoy dinner, drinks, live music, and a storytelling performance. In the spirit of the evening, the charming Welsh storyteller Daniel Morden will spin timeless tales of thrilling Celtic adventures. Tickets cost $125 and can be purchased at jcpl.org/second-supper beginning Tuesday, September 1. All of the money raised will go to the Johnson City Public Library Fund at the East Tennessee Foundation. This endowment fund ensures our long-term organizational sustainability. For more information, contact Library Director Julia Turpin at (423) 434-4457.
 Have a TEDx idea? Let’s hear it! Join TEDxJohnsonCity, TEDxETSU, and the Johnson City Public Library for a TEDx Community Writing Workshop designed to help you take your big idea and turn it into a powerful TEDx talk. Hear from past TEDx speakers, get practical tips on developing and writing your talk, learn more about the application process, and have the opportunity to share your own TEDx idea and get feedback. Whether you’ve been thinking about a TEDx talk for years or just had an idea yesterday—this workshop is for you!  Johnson City Public Library October 1  6pm Free & open to the community Come with an idea. Leave with a plan.Â
Drop in and learn about ETSU football student-athletes in this interactive session on Friday, October 2 in the Library's Jones Meeting Center from 4-5 p.m. Teens 12-18 will have the opportunity to ask questions about learning how to balance academics, athletics, leadership, and college life.
Explore Appalachian cryptid creatures and crochet basics in the Library's Jones Meeting Center on Wednesday, October 7 from 4-6 p.m. Teens 12-18 will create spooky crochet characters and learn about local legends. Supplies will be provided. All experience levels welcome! Registration is required. Register here:Â https://events.getlocalhop.com/teen.../event/qAAR7TKN8V/
Watch the documentary “Railroaded” on Wednesday, October 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library's Jones Meeting Center and learn how the outdoor recreation community rallied behind the Nolichucky River Gorge after the devastating effects of both Hurricane Helene and CSX’s railroad construction. Stay after for a Q&A with the film’s director and crew.
Join ETSU Classics professors for a live reading of Homer’s Odyssey (Book 9) on Thursday, October 15 at 6 p.m. in the Library’s Polly Peterson Room. Discover the epic’s lasting relevance, discuss Christopher Nolan’s recent film adaptation, and get your name handwritten in Ancient Greek!
Love adventure, friendship and Halloween? Teens 12-18 are invited to join us in the Library's Jones Meeting Center from 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21 for a cozy, autumnal discussion of "Pumpkinheads" by Rainbow Rowell. The first 10 teens to register will receive a free copy of the book. Register here:Â https://events.getlocalhop.com/teen.../event/KSH25lnK1t/
Hear from writer Pauletta Hansel as she introduces her new book of essays and poetry, “Understory: A Women’s History of Appalachia” on Tuesday, October 27 at 6 p.m. in the Library's Jones Meeting Center. Hansel will talk about researching 14 generations of female ancestors whose voices were lost to time.
Bring the whole family to celebrate the rich traditions of DĂa de los Muertos in the Children's Library on Monday, November 2. Drop in sometime between 6-7 p.m. for crafts, snacks, and more activities. We encourage you to bring photos, flowers, and other offerings to celebrate your loved ones during the week prior to the event to add to the ofrenda in the Children's Amphitheater. Please do not bring original photos or family heirlooms to leave, as the space will be outside and inclement weather is possible. Staff will be happy to make copies of photos to leave in the space. The Library is not responsible for lost or damaged items left at the ofrenda. Acompañanos a la celebraciĂłn del...
Discover the history of preserving Appalachian foods like apple butter, chow-chow, and sorghum syrup from local author and professor Fred Sauceman on Wednesday, November 4 at 6 p.m. in the Library's Jones Meeting Center. Afterwards, we’ll view his documentary, “Sunlight Makes it Sweeter.”
How much do you know about hamsters? Curious kids ages 5-8 will discover something new in this educational program on Thursday, November 5 at 4 p.m. in the Library's Jones Meeting Center. (You might even get to meet the official Library hamster, Matilda!) Registration is required at https://events.getlocalhop.com/curious.../event/PY9bVKvuwU/.
Join us to brainstorm, design, and build something original! On Saturday, November 14, ages 5-12 can come to the Library's Jones Meeting Center anytime between 2-3:30 p.m. for a STEAM challenge. Inspired by the book "We Are Definitely Human" by X. Fang, young engineers will endeavor to build an innovative spaceship with construction materials. No registration is required for this drop-in event.