Adult Book Clubs

Reading becomes an even richer experience when it is shared. Book clubs are a great way to meet new people, discover new genres or titles, have good conversations, and get to know your local library each month.

Jacksonville: 1pm

Dec 17: Mr. Dickens and His Carolby Samantha Silva
Jan 28: Call Me American: A Memoir by Abdi Nor Iftin
Feb 25: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

Richlands: 5pm

Dec 5: Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler
Jan 23: Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
Feb 27: Call Me American: A Memoir by Abdi Nor Iftin

Sneads Ferry: 1pm

Dec 13: Educated by Tara Westover
Jan 17: The Children Act by Ian McEwan
Feb 21: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Books at the Bistro: Swansboro

Mix and mingle at the White Oak River Bistro in Swansboro, socialize with book talks and food for thought. 11:30am, White Oak River Bistro, 206 W Corbett Ave, Swansboro
Dec 10: Lost December by Richard Paul Evans
Jan 14: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Feb 11: Queen Bee by Dorothea Benton Frank

Online Book Club

Join the conversation anywhere, anytime. Our online book club is a great way to experience the benefits of a traditional book club with the flexibility of being completely online and at your own pace. Find Us on Facebook: OCPL Online Book Club
Dec: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Jan: The Last Child by John Hart
Feb: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

MAD HATTER TEA PARTY

Join us as we commemorate Lewis Carroll’s birthday with a Mad Hatter Tea Party. Guests will enjoy themed games, activities, crafts and refreshments. Wonderland attire is encouraged. Ages 15 and up. Registration is required.
Sneads Ferry: Jan 24: 6:30-8pm

YOGA WITH NICHOLE

Always wanted to try yoga but were afraid? Seasoned veteran looking for another workout? Join yoga instructor Nichole Aguon in our meeting room every Monday at 10. There will be no classes when the library is closed for holidays or training. Come once or every Monday, the choice is yours!
Registration is requested.
Swansboro: Mondays at 10am starting Dec 2nd

GENEALOGY MEETINGS

Valuable info, ideas, and tips to successfully research your roots!
Jacksonville:
Open Forum (Bring in your own questions or research journey to share with fellow
genealogy enthusiasts): Dec 9; 10am-12pm
Geographical Information Services (Cemeteries Mapping App): Jan 13; 10am-12pm
African American History Month (Onslow County Museum collection and resources):
Feb 10; 10-12pm

Cooking & Nutrition

COOK SMART, EAT SMART ($30)

Join Peggie Garner, NC Cooperate Extension Director, as she presents a 4 Session class on the value of cooking and eating smart. Participants will learn to prepare simple, healthy, delicious meals; learn several basic cooking techniques and learn to stretch the food budget while eating healthy. This class is open to older teens and adults. Cost is $30.00 which includes meals for all 4 sessions and a cookbook. Registration is required by calling
the NC Cooperative Extension Office at 910-455-5873.
Sneads Ferry: Jan 10, 17, 24 and 31; 10am-1pm

SMORGASBOOK

Want to try a new cookbook, but not sure it’s for you? Join us for our cookbook club. Register in person at the Swansboro Branch Library to pick a recipe! Recipes are limited to one person, one recipe. Bring your dish in on the meeting day where all participants can
have a tasting. Prizes will be awarded! In person registration is required.
Swansboro: Thursdays; 5pm
Dec 19: Taste of Home Best Loved Cookies & More
Jan 23: Hungry Girl To the Max!: The Ultimate Guilt-Free Cookbook
Feb 27: American Heart Association Healthy Fats, Low-Cholesterol Cookbook

Hobbies & Crafts

BUTTERFLY GARDENS: HOW TO

Grants Creek Nursery will teach you how to plan and develop a butterfly garden. Discover best plants and practices to enjoy the magnificence and beauty of butterflies at your own home. Registration is required.
Swansboro: Jan 13; 1pm

SUCCULENTS AND AIR PLANTS: HOW TO

Ever wonder about succulent plants? What do they do? Are they easy to care for? Join Carolina Home & Garden and learn all about succulents and air plants. What if you don’t have a green thumb? No worry, find out how you can develop one! Registration is required.
Swansboro: Feb 24; 1pm

ART WITH EMILY

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” – Pablo Picasso. Adults, come join local artist, Emily Jeffreys to discover your hidden artistic ability. Ages 18 and up. Registration is required.
Jacksonville: Dec 5 - Cards; Jan 16 - Chalk- Pastels, Feb 13 - Acrylic Paints; 1pm

COMMON THREADS: A KNIT, CROCHET AND STITCH CLUB

Do you enjoy stitching, knitting or crocheting? Come meet new friends and share tips and ideas at Common Threads! Coffee, tea and cookies provided by the Friends of the Library.
Richlands: Dec 6, Jan 3 & Feb 7; 12-1pm

PINTEREST PARTY

We pick a project and provide the supplies, you make it and take it home to enjoy! Registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library
Jacksonville: Jan 11 (Paint Chip Cards); 1pm
Richlands: Jan 4 (Reversible wood sign); 10am
Sneads Ferry: Jan 11 (Mini Memory Book); 10am
Swansboro: Jan 10 (Paper Roses); 10am

Career, Education & Self Help

BUDGETING BUILDING BLOCKS: HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT

Local Government Federal Credit Union will be here to teach you how to develop a plan to pay your bills and forecast budgeting to get what you want. Registration is required.
Swansboro: Jan 8; 5-6pm

HURRICANE INSURANCE: ARE YOU COVERED ENOUGH?

John Stanley from North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance will be here to discuss hurricane insurance. He will answer questions about coverage limits, claim processes and more! Registration is required.
Swansboro: Jan 29; 5-6pm

ESTATE PLANNING

Representatives from Edward Jones will be here to discuss estate planning to ensure you are prepared to protect you and your family. Estate Attorney John Tandem will also be available for any legal questions you may have. Registration is required.
Swansboro: Feb 1; 1pm

LEGAL AID OF NC DIY CLINICS

Free Legal Aid Video Clinics. Participants receive paperwork and general legal information via a live webinar. No specific advice is given on individual cases and no lawyers will be physically present. Dates and times vary, please visit www.legalaidnc.org/clinics to view and register.

APPY HOUR

Drop by the Jacksonville library during “appy” hour for help with the digital book app Libby!
Jacksonville: Every Wednesday; 12-1pm

NC WORKS

NC WORKS Career Center is here to help library patrons connect to resources! Visit any OCPL location to consult with an experienced Employment Assistance representative to learn more about jobs, job fairs, education and training, and resources.
Jacksonville: Every Fri; 10-12pm
Richlands: Every Wed; 1-3pm
Sneads Ferry: Every Wed; 1-3pm
Swansboro: Every Tue; 1-3pm

VA REPRESENTATIVE

A representative from the Jacksonville Vet Center will be available to answer questions on services available and assist with referrals. The Vet Center provides free confidential counseling services to combat Veterans, active duty and families to help them make a satisfying transition from military to civilian life.
Jacksonville: Fourth Fri; 1-3pm
Richlands: First Wed; 1-3pm
Sneads Ferry: Third Wed; 1-3pm
Swansboro: Second Tue; 1-3pm

DIGITAL RESOURCE SHOWCASE

Explore the digital resources available from NCLIVE! Stop by the library anytime during the month and discover more about these educational resources.
Testing and Education Reference Center; Jan
Entrepreneurship Database; Feb