yes @ THE LIBRARY

BOOKS.

They are one of my favorite things. I’ve always loved books, even in this modern fast-paced world. As much as I love social media and all things digital, I still prefer to slow down with a book in hand.

We moved to Raleigh 18 years ago after living in Australia for a few years, bringing along a new baby girl and settling down in North Raleigh. As we got to know our new city and started making friends, I connected with other preschool moms and we found that going to Wake County Public Libraries was a wonderful way to spend our mornings or afternoons. We would check out all kinds of exciting books and go to the storytime events at several of the nearby branches. The girls would run around, pick out all the books that they wanted, and we would literally check out huge stacks of colorful, interesting books that caught their eye. They loved it!

*Wake County Public Libraries offers baby, toddler, preschool and family storytime sessions at many local branches, just check their schedule online for times!

As time went by, several of our favorite library locations transformed. With stunning renovations done to the existing buildings, the library spaces became much more inviting, modern and light. I would often plan to stop at a branch nearby while working or running errands, seeking books of all kinds — parenting advice, travel guides and quick cooking meals for the family. The libraries have always had such great up-to-date resources and I continued to check out stacks of books, this time for myself. When we made some plans to travel to Italy with the family one summer, I reserved the latest Rick Steves book, a proven valuable resource!

Over the years the library near us became a great place for the girls to research school projects, stock up on the latest Junie B. Jones or meet up with a chemistry tutor. I love the convenient drive-thru drop-offs and the fact that I can specify where to pick up my requested books, or drop off books at any convenient branch

Now the girls are in college (or headed there soon) and I find myself dropping by for my own purposes, browsing the aisles for what’s new and interesting. You will likely find me in the cookbook, social media/tech and how to organize (spark joy!) sections.

Leesville Community Library

Cameron Village Library

North Regional Branch

The story of my life is at the library.

The library is such a valuable, amazing + FREE resource to all of us here in Wake County and, if you aren’t taking advantage of what it has to offer, I would encourage you to go. Whether you have children or not, whether you’re young or old, there's definitely something for everyone. Did you make new year’s resolutions or start new hobbies or goals? Don't let them slip! Go grab some motivation with the latest books on fitness, health, diet, gardens, cooking, remodeling and more.

Get inspired and go to your local library! #YesAtTheLibrary

North Regional Branch

How do you get your library card? It's super easy!
If you live or own property in Wake County, there is no charge for a library card. A Wake County Public Libraries card allows you to check out materials from any of their 20+ libraries, use library computers, and access electronic resources and downloadable books. Just pop by any location with a photo ID and proof of your address!

Cameron Village Library

Too busy to pick books to read?
Let a librarian do it for you! If you are 16 or older, fill out the brief form online, and they will prepare a bag of three books for you to pick up at a regional library.

Are you part of a book club or wanting to start one?
Wake County Public Libraries have book club kits you can check out for your meetings!

Got a Harry Potter fan?
We LOVE all things Harry Potter! The libraries offer programs for teens in grades 6-10. This month there will be a battle of the fans where teens arrive ready to represent their favorite series — Harry Potter or Percy Jackson and the Olympians — in a trivia contest based on the books. Winning team gets the prize!

Books with Brian.
Children in grades K-5 and their families are invited to join the library for literacy activities. Children can come practice their reading skills with hands on games and activities to reinforce literacy skills with certified therapy dogs from the local organization See Spot Read. Readers of all levels welcome.

Book Donations
Finally, one of my favorite events of the year is the annual book sale. You can donate used books to the library and if they don't get circulated into the collections, they will go to the book sale to raise money for new books. The 2019 WCPL Annual Book Sale is scheduled for May 2-5, 2019, and will be held at Exposition Center at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.

Cameron Village Library

North Regional Branch

Leesville Community Library

CurEat Raleigh Scavenger Hunt!

Discover Raleigh through a scavenger hunt style event
to benefit the
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle

Are you familiar with CurEat? If not, it’s super easy to download the app and start discovering the best in local independent dining. You can start discovering all the new places by checking out CurEaters and create restaurant lists to share with friends and family. Bookmarking the places you’d like to eat on your travels is another great way to use the app. CurEat is based right here in Raleigh.

RALEIGH SCAVENGER HUNT FOR A GOOD CAUSE + A GREAT PRIZE!
This is such a FUN event happening in Raleigh, March 30th! The CurEat Raleigh Scavenger Hunt, will send thirteen teams (4 people on each team) running around Raleigh competing to solve riddles that will lead them to the After-Party at Transfer Co. Food Hall.

SIGN MY TEAM UP NOW!
Each team is tasked with raising $1500 for the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle Agriculture Education Program.
The goal is to raise $30,000.

The team to solve all the riddles first wins...a 3 day, 2 night trip to NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE!

Barista Parlor - Germantown - NASHVILLE

To sign up to compete you need 4 people/$100 each person, per team. That $100 includes:

• Each team member gets automatic entry into the awesome after-party at Transfer Co. Food Hall. 
• You will get a treat at each spot.
• $100 goes toward your team's fundraising goal, which means each team starts out at $400. 
• Proceeds go to Inter-Faith Food Shuttle Agriculture Education Program. 

Can't do the Scavenger Hunt? Grab a ticket to the After-Party at Transfer Co. Food Hall. Tickets are on sale to the public now.  $65 advance/$75 door. Includes:

• BBQ from Sam Jones
• Sides from Longleaf Swine BBQ
• Two drink tickets
• Live music from Raleigh/Nashville artist James Davy and Raleigh singer/songwriter Zach Wiley
• Stem Ciders tasting
• Cocktail from Copper & Kings

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Hey Raleigh, we just spent the weekend in Nashville! It's an amazing city for foodies and music fans! Here are a few highlights from this past weekend! Check out more awesome Nashville food + drink favorites on my RWU Nashville Favs CurEat list!

Milk & Honey in the Gulch

Barista Parlor - Germantown

Slim + Husky's - historic North Nashville

Grimey's Records

Henrietta Red - Germantown

We saw Dawes at the Ryman this weekend!

High Class Hillbilly 

Butchertown Hall - Germantown

Jefferson Street Murals

Kille Brew Coffee - Gulch

Bearded Iris Brewing

The Grilled Cheeserie Food Truck at the 3 Year Birthday Celebration this weekend!

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O-Ku Raleigh at the Dillon Now Offers Lunch

O-Ku Raleigh is open at The Dillon in downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District and as of this week, is officially serving lunch along with dinner.

We were excited to try O-Ku for lunch last Friday. It was our first time there and it was amazing. We ordered Sashimi and Maki for our experienced sushi eaters and for the novice (like myself), I ordered the Bento Box. The Bento Box is served with miso soup and I chose the Dillon Shrimp option that came with steamed rice, california roll and the shrimp with sweet chili sauce and crushed peanut. Plenty of food for lunch. We had a house salad that came with shaved cabbage, cherry tomato, cucumber, mixed greens and a carrot-ginger dressing. The sashimi included a generous chef's choice of eight fresh, delicious pieces of fish. The Sake-Ikura dish had a nice spicy aioli sauce over fresh salmon, avocado, ikura, lemon and crispy onion for a nice crunch.

The Raleigh Warehouse district has so much to see and do and is still in the process of several new businesses opening soon (including Weaver Street Market across the street). O-Ku is a great restaurant option while out and about in the area or for celebrating a special occasion. O-Ku is gorgeous and spacious with a nice bar for drinks. We are looking forward to getting back for another meal soon.

"O-Ku Sushi Raleigh celebrates authentic Asian cuisine with a southern approach, providing a dining experience that focuses on unique ingredients and sophisticated presentations. From petite plates to sushi specialties to contemporary robata-style dishes, executive chef Richard Fong showcases the freshest fish from the world’s finest markets in areas such as Norway, Scotland, Hawaii and New Zealand, as well as local sustainable sources.

*Along with lunch and dinner, O-Ku offers half price sushi rolls for happy hour 5-7pm, Mon, Wed + Fri

HOUSE SALAD

MISO SOUP

SASHIMI

SAKE-IKURA

CALIFORNIA ROLL

DILLON SHRIMP + SEAWEED SALAD

HOURS
Lunch Hours: Monday through Friday: 11am - 2pm.
Dinner Hours: Sunday through Wednesday: 5-10pm | Thursday through Saturday: 5-11pm

LOCATION:
At the Dillon, 411 W Hargett Street Raleigh, NC 27603