January 2021 News & Events
Libraries will be closed Monday, January 18 in observance
of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
 
FREE WIFI IN LIBRARY PARKING LOTS
 
Free WiFi is now available in Hickory Public Library parking lots as part of the state’s N.C. Student Connect partnership and “Park and Learn” project.

The new WiFi network is in action at both Hickory Public Library branches - Patrick Beaver Memorial Library and Ridgeview Branch Library. To connect to a network while in the vicinity of a library, look for NCGuestWiFi in your device’s list of available networks.

Intended to create accessible sites where students can connect to the internet to download lessons in order to complete assignments at home, the parking lot WiFi is available 24/7 and filtered to be compliant with the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Although provided primarily for students, the internet access is available for anyone with a capable mobile device.

The Park and Learn project, which is funded by a federal CARES Act grant, is part of a broader effort called N.C. Student Connect.    LEARN MORE
JANUARY PROGRAMS & EVENTS
ZOOM CYCLE CLASS
Tuesday, January 5 at 5:30 pm 
 
Join us from home for a high-energy cardiovascular workout! We’ll join in with the in-person Cycle class taught by Lance at Highland Recreation Center.  The class requires a stationary bike. Participants will adjust resistance and intensity levels to customize the workout. Towel and water bottle are suggested.  RSVP at the link below.
 
 
Registration required. RSVP to receive login information for the Zoom meeting.
LEARN ABOUT COMMUNITY POLICING
January 14, 12:00 p.m. 
 
Representatives from Hickory Police Department will talk with us about their philosophy of community based policing, called Police and Community Together (PACT). The presentation will be followed by a brief question and answer period.  RSVP  to receive a Zoom link by email on the day of the event.
 
Registration required. RSVP to receive login information for the Zoom meeting. 
FREE DOCUMENT SHREDDING WITH ENVIRO-SHRED
Saturday, January 30, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library
 
Hickory based shredding company Enviro-Shred will offer free shredding service at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library. Individuals can bring up to two boxes or bags of personal documents to Patrick Beaver Memorial Library’s parking lot.
The two boxes or bags must not be larger than the size of banker boxes (10″H x 15″W x 24″D).   Any type and color of home office paper may be brought for shredding.  Paper clips, staples, manila envelopes and credit cards are allowed for shredding.  Items not permitted for shredding are heavy metals, newspapers, magazines, and plastic.
Online Story Time 
Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
 
Families are invited to join us each week for a live story time with our Children's librarians. Recorded sessions are available on the City of Hickory YouTube page.
Registration required
STEM Kits for Kids

Stop by and pick up a STEM activity kit. A new set of activities is available each month. Kits are available at the Library-To-Go counter.
January's kits include paper snowflakes and a secret decoder.
Musical Story Time
January 4 & February 1
10:00 a.m.
 
Musician and storyteller Sharon Clarke shares stories and songs for preschoolers and their families. Join us for the live interactive Zoom event. 
Registration required
Open Door Book Club
Wednesday, January 27, 3:30 p.m.
New members welcome. This month's selection is When Books Went to War by Molly Guptill Manning.
Spanish Conversation Group
Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m.
Practice your Spanish language skills in this informal online group. Newcomers are always welcome.
Sojourner Truth Book Club
No meetings in December or January
Questions? Call 828-304-0500.