Shawna Bryce, Technology Instructor, Madison County Public Libraries, Mars Hill, NC (Population served: 21,746) Big Talk From Small Libraries 2019 February 22, 2019 http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/bigtalk

1. BEST SMALL LIBRARY IN AMERICA
MADISON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES

2. The Madison County Public Libraries (MCPL), a rural library system located in the beautiful mountains of Western
North Carolina is recognized as an integral and enriching entity in the community that continues to seek innovative
ways to serve everyone in the county including residents of our three unique towns-Hot Springs, Marshall and Mars
Hill-that abound in rich culture, history, and recreation. The county is home to numerous nature trails including the
Appalachian Trail, a vibrant music scene, and a library that is committed to adding quality to lives through promoting
literacy, supporting life-long learning, and connecting community.
Town of Mars Hill
Town of Hot Springs

3. STRATEGY
The Madison County Public Libraries focus on four components that are interwoven to
create an active learning environment for all ages that transcend the library’s walls
through innovative outreach initiatives, programs, and marketing on multiple platforms to
connect with our diverse community.
Literacy
Outreach
Partnership
Technology

4. E a r l y L i t e r a c y P r o g r a m sMCPL and Madison County Partnership for Children team
up to bring pre-K literacy programming to the 65% of
children in Madison County that do not attend formal
preschool programs. MCPL and Kith & Kin programs
provide our youngest patrons with the opportunity to
participate in pre-kindergarten activities that include
listening to stories, beginning-to-read skills, and learning
the alphabet, plus singing, dancing, and STEAM activities!
▪ Parent Testimonial: “My kids are 3 & 5 years old. They love
coming to the Library every week for Little Explorers. They call it
their ‘school’. I love that they are getting an early start on
learning.”
▪ Parent Testimonial: “My 3-year-old loves Little Explorers. He
likes learning the alphabet, writing letters on the dry erase
board, and of course singing songs.”

5. E-LIBRARY
Madison County Schools and MCPL
partner to support students’ ongoing
education. We share the belief that a
love of books and learning is a strong
foundation for student success. With
these shared goals, every student from
4th to 12th grade is provided an e-library
account which gives them free access to
MCPL’s e-books and NC LIVE databases.
Monica Ponder, Principal Testimonial: “The e-
library program has given our students at
Brush Creek Elementary access to thousands
of books in both the home and school
environments. Thanks to the e-library
program, we have a building full of
passionate, enthusiastic readers and teachers
who have around-the-clock access to an entire
world of books!”

6. In collaboration with the Madison County School system, MCPL has
developed two distinct afterschool programs that help struggling
students attain higher educational achievement through one-on-one
and small group tutoring. The program targets students who are
identified by their teachers for being below grade level or who are at
risk of falling below grade level and who do not have financial means
to participate in a quality afterschool tutoring program. 65% of
participants passed one or more of their End of Grade exams. Also
STEAM and LEGO afterschool clubs are offered weekly at each library.
LITERACY LEAPS
Parent Testimonial: “The school says he is showing tremendous growth.
He’s doing so well; he no longer needs an IEP and to think that they were
considering retaining him last year!”
Student Testimonial: “I didn’t realize how smart I am! I like coming here.”

7. In partnership with the NC Arboretum, MCPL offers an
incentive-driven science enrichment program that
engages Kindergarten through 8th grade students in
guided and self-directed citizen science
activities. Each season, one particular area of field
ecology is highlighted with public programming and
self-guided activities. Students engage as active
participants of the scientific method as they record
observations of organisms found in their own
backyards.
▪ ecoExplore Citizen Scientist Testimonial: “I love using iPads
to take pictures of nature especially in the butterfly garden
at the library. Plus I earn prizes while exploring!”

8. MCPL partners with PAGE and Madison Middle School to implement
an exciting outreach program to provide innovative learning
opportunities for adolescent girls in Appalachia. It is designed to help
rural mountain girls enter a society that is global, digitally connected,
and navigated through literacy and leadership skills. In essence, PAGE
girls read books, think critically and creatively, and create digital
learning projects throughout the academic school year.
▪ PAGE Coordinator Testimonial: “This enrichment opportunity helps teach
PAGE girls they can be what they want to be through hands-on creative
projects that provides a framework for future success.”
▪ 7th Grade PAGE Girl: “It is really cool to write and create our own books and
book trailers.”
PAGE
(PARTNERSHIP FOR APPALACHIAN GIRLS’ EDUCATION)

9. T e e n S u m m e r R e a d i n g P r o g r a m
( T S R P )
The TSRP is a collaborative partnership with the Madison
County School system for high school students. Teachers and
Administrators worked alongside MCPL to create a TSRP that
encourages students to avoid the “summer slide” and develop
strong life-long learning habits. MCPL encourages reading and
keeps students engaged during the summer through
interactive workshops focused on Appalachian Literature
utilizing digital platforms. The program has grown throughout
the past two years with a total of 284 teen participants in
2017. In addition, the overall Summer Reading Program for
children from ages 0-17 has grown 245% since 2014.
▪ Ms. Kristen Vann, Teacher Testimonial: “The teen summer
reading program gives our students the opportunity to make
meaning of novels in an engaging, community atmosphere
during the summer months when they need this structure and
instruction the most. The positive experiences our students
have at the library are not only memorable, but they are a huge
contributor to their developing understanding of the
importance of literacy as a life-long and necessary survival skill
in today’s world.”

10. Empowering learners of all ages with the opportunity to reach their
highest potential through diverse literacy and high school
equivalency instruction, MCPL provides tutoring, and workshops
packed with essential skills for gaining employment. These
components are designed to help community members gain the
21st Century skills necessary for success.
Technology Class Participant Testimonial: “Although I have a long way to go,
the Excel class was very helpful to me for my job. It was also very helpful that
the Library visited the office to work with us.
Adult Learner Testimonial: “When I came in here, I couldn’t read very good, but
I can read pretty good now. I’m getting better. “
GED Testimonial: “Learning about all of these subjects is exciting because now I
can help my kids with some of the things they are learning in school.”
ELITE JAIL PROGRAM
In partnership with AB Tech Community College, the ELITE Jail
program connects those individuals incarcerated at the Madison
County Jail with the opportunity to succeed through High School
Equivalency (HSE) preparation classes, and one-on-one literacy
tutoring. The program is an extension beyond the library’s walls
that seeks to help those most in need, and in the process lower
recidivism in our community. 65% of participants graduated with
their HSE diploma since the inception of the program in January
2017.
Inmate Testimonial: “I’ve made up my mind, I’m getting out of here with a
high school diploma, and I’m never coming back here. I’m turning my life
around and getting my business back. They ain’t nobody going to stop me.”
Inmate Testimonial: “I want to get out of here and help other people like this.
I want to change their lives too.”
LITERACY CONNECTIONS

11. MCPL’S AMAZING STAFF

12. THANK YOU
Shawna Bryce, Branch
Manager/Technology Instructor
(828) 689-5183
sbryce@madisoncountync.gov