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N.C. Rep. Jonathan Jordan and U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx along with other elected officials visited the Ashe County Public Library on Saturday afternoon to learn more about the programs it offers.

For Foxx, this was her first time visiting the Ashe County Library since new renovations were made in 2009. While speaking with Ashe County Librarian Suzanne Moore, Foxx expressed the importance of public libraries.

“It’s the one thing that every level of government should support, because we need an educated citizenry,” Foxx said, about the library. “This is the way you get an educated citizenry.”

Along with Foxx and Jordan, Moore also met with Jefferson Mayor Bluferd Eldreth and Ashe County Commissioner Larry Rhodes to discuss library programs on Saturday.

Among other services provided by the library, Moore spoke about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which offers free tax preparation for people who earn under $53,000. For more information about VITA, or to schedule an appointment, call (336) 977-5829.

Some more light-hearted programs offered at the library include the Story Walk at Ashe Park, which offers a fun way for children to engage in reading, story times, various book clubs and wellness circles.

Jordan commented that he and his children often take part in the programs offered at the library.

“With two kids, we’re here quite a bit. We use the library for everything from coming in and getting books, to coming here for events, to using the playground outside,” Jordan said. “So, this is a place we come to pretty often.”

Jordan also agreed with Foxx about the importance to governments to support public libraries.

The Ashe County Library has also recently gotten involved in West Jefferson’s centennial celebration by offering challenges, such as the Centennial Lego Challenge and Centennial Book Club.

On Saturday, Moore said she expects a big turnout for these two events.

While Foxx, Jordan, Eldreth and Rhodes were discussing the library’s programs with Moore in the library’s heritage room, Rhodes commented about how widespread county participation is with the library.

“I’ve said it for years, and it continues to be the case, more than half of the people in the county carry library cards,” Rhodes said. “No other business in Ashe County can say that.”

For more information, visit www.ashelibrary.com.

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