West Asheville Library recruits branch manager and launches community partnerships for job support

The Buncombe County Library Advisory Board convened on July 10, 2025, to discuss various initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and support through library services. The meeting highlighted ongoing recruitment efforts, summer programs, and new partnerships designed to address the needs of local residents.

The meeting began with an update on the recruitment process for a new branch manager for the Inca Candler Library. The board expressed enthusiasm for a candidate with a background in social work, emphasizing her commitment to community partnerships and resource allocation for high-need populations.

Attention then shifted to the library's summer reading program, "Color Our World," which is currently underway and will run until August 30. The board acknowledged the support from the Friends of Pack Library, particularly for funding the summer reading finale event scheduled for August 16 at the Oakley South Asheville Library. This year, the library is opting for a finale celebration instead of a kickoff event, marking a shift in their summer programming approach.

The discussion also addressed the library's capacity to meet diverse community needs. Board members acknowledged the ongoing challenges but highlighted two promising partnerships aimed at expanding library services. The first partnership is with NCWorks, which will provide job seeker support at various library locations on Thursdays. This initiative will offer services such as resume assistance and interview preparation, utilizing mobile resources to create a full-service job support environment.

Additionally, the library is working with Legal Aid of North Carolina to host drop-in programs and educational sessions on legal topics, including tenant rights and estate planning. This collaboration aims to provide residents with access to legal expertise that library staff are not equipped to offer.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the library's commitment to enhancing community support through strategic partnerships and innovative programming. The board looks forward to the implementation of these initiatives and their potential impact on the local population.