Friends, neighbors, and book lovers alike came out in droves to the Warren County Memorial Library on Aug. 14 to celebrate retired district court judge, Reginald Baskerville’s newest chapter.

Baskerville shared that the downtime during the COVID-19 pandemic was his spark of inspiration to finally put pen to paper. What began as a way to fill the quiet moments at home has blossomed into a powerful story now shared with readers near and far.

About A Turbulent Flight with a Smooth Landing by Reginald Baskerville

What happens when an ordinary man from rural North Carolina refuses to accept an ordinary fate?

In A Turbulent Flight with a Smooth Landing, Randolph Baskerville delivers a deeply moving African American memoir rooted in truth, humility, and quiet resilience. Born to hard-working, God-fearing parents who farmed and ran a country store, Baskerville didn’t inherit wealth, privilege, or prestige. However, he did inherit grit, faith, and a relentless belief in the power of education.

This is not the story of a prodigy or a superstar. It is the story of a Black man raised in the Jim Crow South who struggled with anxiety, racial inequality, and trauma but never stopped reaching higher. With no silver spoon or elite advantages, he fought his way through systemic barriers and inner doubts. He ultimately became a respected attorney and judge. Along the way, he encountered both setbacks and silent blessings. People and moments helped him soar even when the winds of life threatened to bring him down.

Written as a legacy for his granddaughters and as a guide for future generations, this legal memoir reflects the broader civil rights journey of many African Americans in the 20th century. It speaks to anyone who has ever questioned their worth, battled quiet fears, or wondered if they were enough.

A Turbulent Flight with a Smooth Landing is an inspiring testimony to perseverance, justice, and what becomes possible when opportunity meets preparation.

Turbulent Flight with a Smooth Landing by Reginald Baskerville is available in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle on Amazon and Bookshop.

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Shirlecia Hunt brought together families, friends, and community members eager to celebrate her first book signing on Saturday, July 26th, at the Warren County Memorial Library.

Attendees had the chance to purchase signed copies of her books, From A to Z: You’re Everything You Need to Be and Game On! A Sports Coloring Book for Children, take photos, and hear firsthand about her creative journey.

During her presentation, the Warren Early College High School and East Carolina University graduate noted that she used AI services, ChatGPT to motivate her moves to becoming an author and used Canva and DALL-E for her designs and illustrations. Hunt also shared that she is deeply inspired by her three children, who motivate her to create work that uplifts and empowers young readers. “Every child deserves to feel seen, empowered, and worthy,” she said during her talk.

Through the rebranding of her company, The Lecia Lane, a creative hub, the Henderson Collegiate second-grade teacher is eager to continue publishing children’s books, designing educational coloring and activity books, offering literary enrichment and tutoring, and creating handmade jewelry.

Both books are now available for purchase online.

From A to Z: You’re Everything You Need to Be
This inspirational alphabet picture book from A to Z encourages young readers to believe in themselves and to live a life full of positivity and self-confidence. Keep turning the pages to find out all the amazing things you can be! Available Now on Amazon

Game On! A Sports Coloring Book for Children
“Game On!” is a fun and empowering sports coloring book designed especially for African American children. This book celebrates representation in sports by showing kids confidently playing a wide range of sports. Kids are featured playing basketball, volleyball, golf, football, and more. Each page inspires kids to be creative and helps build self-confidence while encouraging children to imagine themselves as champions in every sport. Available Now on Amazon

For more information about Shirlecia Hunt and her next step, follow her at The Lecia Lane on Facebook.

Photos: Crystal Myrick/Warrenist

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Children and their adult tag-alongs visited the Warren County Memorial Library on Tuesday (June 17) for the official kickoff of their Summer Reading Program. The library staff fully committed to this year’s theme, Color Our World, decking each corner with inflated balloons and other vibrant decorations.

But, it wasn’t just the decor that saw a colorful upgrade.

Dana Hall, an award-winning magician and balloon artiste’, dazzled his awestruck audience with balloon animals and more of his “Artful Illusions.” Kelley Alston, owner of Dreamface, and a local (and incredibly talented) facepainting artist, went from brush to cheek for a long line of people who wanted to be graced with a splash of bedazzling color.

Other guests who left their mark were Warren County Parks and Recreation, the Sheriffs Office, Warren County Farmers Market and Cooperative Extension, and Trillium Healthcare, all sharing information about local resources and upcoming programs and events.

If any patrons needed a recharge after a whirlwind day of excitement and racing between the bookshelves to jump-start their summer reading list, they flocked to Charlieboy’s Hot Dogs & Lemonade who was set up outside in the library parking lot or enjoyed a free meal provided by Warren County Schools.

Overall, it was a wonderful event and set the tone for the remainder of the season.

For more information about upcoming Warren County Memorial Library programs, visit their newly renovated website, wcmlibrary.org.

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The Warren County Health Department, the Warren County Memorial Library and local partners gathered on May 29th for a ribbon cutting ceremony to announce the placement of a Naloxone Vending Machine outside the library.

The newspaper box style vending machine is available 24 hours each day and includes an instructional video as well as risk reduction supplies such as Naloxone, fentanyl/xylazine testing strips, medication lockboxes, etc. Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is the opioid overdose reversal medication that has proven results saving the lives of individuals who have overdosed from opioid drugs.

Guest speakers were Dr. Margaret Brake, Health Director, Tanika Alston, Library Director and Chris Tucker, Emergency Services Director. Brittley Harris, Health Educator at the health department highlighted the supplies displayed in vending machine and described their use. Supporting partners participating in the ceremony included representatives from Warren County Government, Emergency Medical Services, Sheriff’s Office, Detention Center, Parks & Recreation, Trillium Health Resources, and Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition.

Alston in her remarks stated, “We are excited to be part of this initiative aimed at preventing overdose deaths and creating a healthier community for everyone.”

In addition, the Health Department also provides the ONEbox emergency overdose reversal kits containing two doses of the opioid reversal medication, Naloxone to local organizations, businesses, churches and county government offices. This will enable anyone in those places to administer naloxone quickly and safely to a person overdosing in an effort to save their life.

If your business, church or organization is interested in receiving the ONEbox, please call (252) 257-6017. Health Department staff also provide training on how to use the kit.

ABOUT ONEbox

Both the free vending machine supplies and the ONEbox are available to the community thanks to a grant partnership with Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition.

“We are pleased that our local partners support Naloxone Training and access for populations most at-risk for overdose.” We also recognize the importance of having access to the right tools at the right time to help in preventing an overdose,” said Dr. Brake. Awareness has never been more critical.” Chris Tucker noted that, “anyone is susceptible to overdose, not just those individuals’ experiencing addiction to drugs. Deaths from overdose are preventable through the timely administration of Naloxone/Narcan and appropriate response to overdose situations.”

Anyone interested in receiving FREE training on Overdose Prevention, Naloxone/Narcan administration and Hands-Only CPR can attend a 2-hour training on Tuesday, June 24th at the Warren County Emergency Services Building.

Please contact Chris Tucker (252) 257-1191 or Rhonda Mushaw (252) 257-6012 for more information and to register. Naloxone/Narcan will be available to those individuals who participate in the training.

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The Warren County Health Department, Warren County Memorial Library, and several local partners came together on May 29 to unveil a new public health initiative aimed at saving lives and promoting safety in the community.

The newspaper box-style vending machine at the library is stocked with FREE risk reduction supplies for public use, which include Naloxone (Narcan) – an opioid overdose reversal medication, Fentanyl/Xylazine testing strips, and medication lockboxes.

Watch this video to learn more about this countywide initiative to combat the opioid crisis.

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Warren County Government is inviting residents to help shape a new public art piece by voting for their favorite mural design.

The poll opens this Friday, April 4, during the Statewide Star Party and will determine the artwork that will adorn the Magnolia Ernest Recreation Center pool building. The mural will celebrate the history and legacy of Soul City, a pioneering planned community founded in the 1970s with a vision of Black empowerment and economic opportunity.

Residents can cast their votes online via the Warren County Government Facebook page or website, as well as in person at the Statewide Star Party on April 4 or at the Warren County Memorial Library. Voting will close on April 14, with the winning design announced via Facebook Live on April 17.

The mural is part of artist Max Dowdle’s Legacy NC project, an initiative aiming to create public murals in all 100 North Carolina counties. Each mural highlights local history and unsung heroes, weaving a visual narrative that connects communities across the state. The two designs up for consideration were developed through collaboration between Dowdle, a committee of Soul City residents and community leaders, and members of the Warren County arts community.

Beyond selecting the design, residents will have the unique opportunity to contribute to the mural’s creation. Community members are invited to take part in the painting process, further embedding local pride and participation into the project.

The Warren County Facebook page and website will soon have details on how to sign up for the painting experience.

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The public is invited to learn more about Sledge Institute’s innovative approach to education, including project-based learning, place-based education, global education, competency-based education, post-secondary readiness, and all-inclusive wellness for every student. The info session will take on Tuesday, January 21, from 5:30pm-6:30pm at the Warren County Memorial Library in Warrenton, NC.

Parents and prospective students will have an opportunity to meet the team, ask questions, and explore how the Sledge Institute can support your child’s success. Families will also be able to apply on-site for the 2025-2026 academic year.

For more information about the Sledge Institute, visit their website at SledgeInstitute.org.

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The Warren County Memorial Library will host the “Oasis Spaces: North Carolina Green Book Project, 1933-1966” exhibit through January 31st. The exhibit is made possible through a partnership with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources as part of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission.

The exhibit reflects the Heritage Commission’s research about “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” which identified business that in essence served as “oasis spaces” for African American travelers during the time of segregation. The book was both a travel guide and a tool of resistance designed to confront the realities of racial discrimination in the United States and beyond. It listed over 300 North Carolina businesses including restaurants, hotels, tourist homes, nightclubs and beauty salons.

“We are pleased to present this exhibit for the community to explore a part of history that has been overlooked,” said Library Director Christy Bondy.

Oasis Spaces: North Carolina Green Book Project / Submitted photo

The library has several programs planned that accompany the exhibit including film screenings, and a virtual visit with author, Calvin Ramsey.

The Green Book Project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The Warren County Memorial Library is located at 119 S. Front St., Warrenton, NC.

For more information about the Green Book project, visit www.wcmlibrary.org.

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Warren County Parks and Recreation is offering a Holiday Kids Crafts program for ages 5-12. This program will be held at the Warren County Memorial Library on Tuesdays from December 6th to December 20th from 6:00pm to 6:45pm.

This program will provide instruction and all supplies to make 2-3 crafts per week. Registration is being accepted through December 1st.

The fee is $5 per child for the three-week session. Limited space is available.

Registration can be completed:
Online at warrencountync.com/345/Parks-Recreation
Monday through Friday 8:30am-5pm at the Parks and Recreation Office 113 Wilcox Street, Warrenton, NC 27589

For more information or register, please visit the county website or call the office at 252-257-2272.

Parks and Recreation encourages volunteers for this and other programs.

Please submit volunteer application and background check online at www.warrencountync.com/345/Parks-Recreation.

Image Credit: yellowsarah

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A partnership between Warren County Memorial Library, Warren County Schools, and the North Carolina Symphony will bring a morning of music and fun to Warren County students and families. Interested parties can stop by the library on Wednesday, August 10th at 10:00am.

This 30-minute program will feature NC Symphony bass trombonist Matthew Neff reading a book about music, talking about his instrument and how other instruments make their sounds – plus more surprises!

The North Carolina Symphony’s Music Discovery program, funded by PNC Grow Up Great and the Warren County Community Foundation, is geared for preschool and elementary-age children and their families.

Matthew Neff has been the bass trombonist with the North Carolina Symphony since January 2020. Prior to joining the Symphony, he was a member of the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., performing bass trombone in the Commodores jazz ensemble, brass quintet, and ceremonial band. During his years in Washington, he had an extensive freelance career and performed with symphonies across the Mid-Atlantic States. An advocate for music education, Neff has conducted master classes and clinics throughout the country and served as Adjunct Professor of Trombone at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, all while maintaining an active private low brass studio in his home. Neff is enjoying his new home in Raleigh with his wife, Tricia, and two of their four daughters.

For more information about this event and upcoming programs at the Warren County Memorial Library, visit wcmlibrary.org for event details and additional services offered.

All library programs are open and free to the public.

Call the library for more information at 252-257-4990.

The Warren County Memorial Library is located at 119 S. Front Street, Warrenton NC 27589.

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