Programs at Lanier Library are a tradition that started in 1890 when Mrs. Knott shared her opinions about annexing Canada. The tradition continues with speakers and topics ranging from authors to poets, historians to sculptors, crafts workshops to
wine tasting, butterflies to elephants in the Felburn Nature and Wildlife Series, and more. Most are free to the public and some are possible thanks to support from the Kirby Endowment Fund at the Polk County Community Foundation.
Upcoming programs
To write “Dogland,” Tommy Tomlinson traveled for three years to more than a hundred dog shows from Midwest fairgrounds to Madison Square Garden. At the Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC), get the inside story first hand of what he experienced. Like a real-life version of the mockumentary “Best in Show, “ Tomlinson’s true story follows Striker, a champion Samoyed, and his handler Laura King. After the program, walk next door to the Library to meet the author and mingle with other dog lovers.
Lanier usually welcomes dogs but ironically not this time. Refreshments will be served, so to avoid canine temptation and stress, NO DOGS ALLOWED. Public admission is free thanks to support from the Kirby Endowment Fund at the Polk County Community Foundation.
PacJAM (Pacolet Junior Appalachian Musicians) teaches area youth from 7 to late teens and adults to play and enjoy traditional music on fiddle, guitar, 3-finger banjo, and other instruments. Students have performed in venues across the region from Knoxville to Raleigh. One of the student bands, the PacJAM Performers, will entertain at Lanier free to the public. Professional mandolinist Will Trakas will lead six local youths, 13-17, as they bring back that old time music: Eli Aldrich on bass; Phoebe Aldrich, fiddle and vocals; Frankie Barber, guitar and vocals; Sarah Doan, fiddle and vocals; Ella Tokar, mandolin and vocals; and Lyla Tokar, guitar and vocals. They will also play some of their own compositions and interpret some modern music with Appalachian flair.
Program Director Julie Moore will introduce them and tell of PacJAM’s role in the community.
Birding: Felburn Nature and Wildlife Program-Postponed until April 23
This program was cancelled in February due to weather, but it’s been rescheduled with birders Kevin Burke and Cheryl Day to give you enough time enough to get ready for the spring bird migrations.
Western North Carolina has always been one of the best places to seek and find newly arrived spring bird migrants such as vireos, warblers, tanagers, and more. Even though, some birding hot spots in our area were heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene, Kevin and Cheryl can still share places for birders to go and enjoy the colors calls, intrigue, and thrills of a spotting. Kevin has led birding trips for almost 20 years in the United States, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and elsewhere. Together, he and Cheryl will tell you what to look for in your backyard and within convenient driving distance of Tryon.
The program is free and open to the public.
COMING IN 2025
APRIL 10: PacJam
MAY 21: The Women of the Dark Corner with Jim Stehlik
JUNE 18: Nature Photographer, Corrie Woods, tips and techniques, a Felburn Nature and Wildlife Series Program