The Buncombe County Library Advisory Board convened on September 25, 2025, to discuss several key topics impacting the local library system and its community. The meeting began with a moment of reflection on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, acknowledging the significant impact the storm had on the lives of residents and library staff. Board members expressed gratitude for the dedication of library personnel who stepped up to assist in recovery efforts, often taking on new responsibilities during challenging times.

The meeting transitioned to budget discussions, marking the kickoff of the fiscal year 2027 budget planning process. Library officials noted that while no new positions were added in the current budget due to ongoing recovery efforts, there are plans to request new positions for the upcoming year. This reflects a hopeful outlook for expansion as the community continues to heal.

A highlight of the meeting was the conclusion of the Fairview Library's bridal history project, which began in 2018. This initiative involved collaboration between Fairview branch staff, special collections teams, and community volunteers to document local history through interviews and archival work. The resulting collection is now available online, along with four hardback volumes of oral histories that will be accessible at the Fairview Library.

Additionally, the board celebrated the recent renaming of the Fairview Library meeting room to honor Annie Clark Ager, a significant figure in the community. This change was officially approved by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and was celebrated at a recent event attended by over 100 people.

The meeting concluded with an exciting facility update regarding the West Asheville Library, which is set to undergo renovations. The project will address necessary building and system needs, and the library will temporarily close to facilitate the work, ensuring a more efficient renovation process.

Overall, the meeting underscored the library's vital role in the community, especially in times of recovery, while also highlighting ongoing projects and future plans aimed at enhancing library services and preserving local history.