Local News

County Public Library launches Library of Things

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Wednesday, 10 December 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

In August of this year, the Cumberland County Public Library unveiled an exciting new resource for the community: the Library of Things. Designed to expand access beyond books and digital materials, this innovative program allows library cardholders to borrow a variety of practical and recreational items—from kitchen kits and games to tools and more—using the same library card they use for traditional materials.
The Library of Things reflects a growing national trend in libraries reimagining their role as community resource hubs. By offering nontraditional items for checkout, the Cumberland County Public Library is helping residents save money, try new hobbies, host gatherings, and complete projects without having to purchase costly equipment.
Who Can Borrow and How It Works
To participate, borrowers must hold a Cumberland County Public Library adult library card and maintain an account with less than $10 in fines. Each cardholder may borrow one “Thing” at a time, making access fair and available across the community.
Items in the Library of Things are checked out for a three-week loan period, and unlike books and other materials, renewals are not permitted. This policy helps ensure that high-demand items circulate efficiently among patrons.
Placing a Hold and Checking Out
Holds for Library of Things items are handled a bit differently than traditional materials. Items are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and online holds are not available. Patrons who wish to reserve an item may call their local library branch to request a hold for that same day only.
When picking up an item, borrowers must visit the Circulation Desk and speak directly with a staff member. Before checkout is finalized, patrons are required to sign a customer responsibility form and participate in a brief review of the item alongside staff. This includes:
• Verifying that all parts are present
• Confirming the item’s condition
• Understanding the item’s replacement value
This hands-on process establishes that both staff and patrons are confident about the item’s condition before it leaves the library.
Returning Items Safely
All Library of Things items must be returned to the same branch where they were borrowed. For safety and inventory purposes, items must be returned directly to the Circulation Desk—they should not be placed in the outdoor book return.
Upon return, staff members carefully inspect each item for missing parts or damage. If an item becomes unsafe or damaged during use, borrowers are instructed to stop using it immediately and notify library staff as soon as possible.
If an item is lost or not returned, the borrower will be charged the full replacement cost. In cases of damage, the borrower may be responsible for repair or replacement fees, depending on the extent of the damage.
What’s Available?
The Library of Things collection includes a wide range of items designed to support learning, creativity, entertainment, and everyday needs. Current offerings include kitchen kits, games, tools, and other useful equipment. Items are distributed across different Cumberland County Public Library branches, allowing patrons to explore what is available closest to them.
A full, up-to-date catalog of items and their branch locations is available through the library’s online system, making it easy for patrons to browse options before visiting or calling their local branch.
Access that online catalog here: https://tinyurl.com/3vt3vxnk. Additional information on how to check out items from the Library of Things can be found here: https://cumberland.lib.nc.libguides.com/LibraryOfThings.
“The main page is about the Library of Things in general, then there are tabs for Children, Teen, Adult, Experience Passes, and Memory kits with descriptions (and usually photos) of each kit. A search of “Library of Things” will bring up the collection items in our online catalog, again with photos, locations, and descriptions. The Ghost Hunting kit was so popular that we immediately purchased 2 additional kits!” said Pamela Kource, Senior Library Division Manager for Collection Development and Circulation.
Kource gave a sneak peek at some of the new items to come.
“We’re working on the new kits for this year. Here are some of the kits we’ll be adding for Adults: Water Bath Canning Kit, Metal Detecting Kit and a Mini Projector Kit.”
The launch of the Library of Things demonstrates Cumberland County Public Library’s ongoing commitment to equity, education, and community enrichment. By offering access to high-value items at no cost beyond standard library membership, the program helps reduce financial barriers and encourages hands-on learning and exploration for residents of all ages.
Whether someone wants to try out a new cooking skill, plan a game night, or tackle a home project, the Library of Things provides a convenient, budget-friendly solution—proving once again that today’s libraries are about much more than books.

Notable Chanukah traditions to celebrate this season

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Wednesday, 10 December 2025

Written by Staff Report

Each year on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev, which typically falls during the month of December, adherents of the Jewish faith celebrate the festival of Chanukah. Although Chanukah may not bear the same religious significance as other Jewish holidays, it is a well-known celebration.
Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees in 165 BC after its desecration by the Syrians. Although there was not enough oil left to light the Temple for even one night, lamps remained illuminated for eight straight days and nights. Thus, Chanukah is known as the Festival of Lights, which incorporates many unique traditions.
Lighting the menorah
Perhaps the most visible and important Chanukah tradition involves the menorah. While traditional Jewish menorahs have seven branches, the Chanukah menorah, known as the hanukkiah, actually has nine branches. There are eight candles and a ninth, which is called the shamash, is used to light the other eight. The menorah is lit each night after sundown.
Giving of gelt
Chanukah gelt is money given as presents during the festival. It is typically offered to children and sometimes to teachers. Other gifts have now largely replaced the coins once offered, and gelt is sometimes chocolate.
Playing dreidel
Greek-Syrians outlawed Jewish studies at one point, so the Jews spun dreidels to pretend they were only playing games. Really, they were engaged with their scripture. The tradition of spinning the dreidel endures as a Chanukah tradition.
Foods fried in oil
The miracle of the burning oil extends to the foods enjoyed during Chanukah. Many of the holiday foods are prepared in oil, including latkes (fried potatoes) and sufganiyot, which are fried, jelly-filled doughnuts. According to Town & Country magazine, millions of jelly doughnuts are consumed in Israel throughout Chanukah.
Serving brisket
An authentic Chanukah celebration often includes traditional dishes served in the spirit of celebration and gratitude. Brisket is frequently prepared for Chanukah dinners. Brisket was adopted because it was affordable and delicious. Jewish brisket is braised, and served with carrots, potatoes and other vegetables. Brisket may be served alongside another Chanukah dish, kugel, which is a casserole made from eggs and noodles
Making cookies
Although Christmas cookies may be ubiquitous this time of year, cookies often are part of Chanukah traditions as well. Some cookies are cut to look like dreidels or stars. Those who want to incorporate the miracle of oil into their baking can seek recipes that use oil in place of butter in the cookie batters, something that can make them dairy-free and also vegan.
Chanukah begins on Dec. 15, and will last through Dec. 22. It's a festive time to embrace many time-honored traditions.

UCW's guide to buying Christmas trees locally

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Wednesday, 10 December 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

As the holiday season settles over our community, families are once again piling into cars, bundling up in scarves and gloves, and heading out to local Christmas tree farms and nurseries in search of that perfect evergreen. These small, seasonal destinations offer more than just trees—they provide tradition, the scent of fresh pine, and the simple joy of selecting a Christmas centerpiece straight from the field.

Local Nurseries Selling Christmas Trees
Bell's Seed Store
230 East Russell St.
910-483-8400
https://www.bellsseedstore.com/
Bring the magic of the mountains home this Christmas with a beautiful, fresh Fraser fir from Bell's Seed Store! Sourced directly from North Carolina's pristine mountains, their trees are guaranteed to be full, healthy, and fragrant. Whether you're looking for a cozy tabletop tree or a grand statement piece over 10 feet tall, they have the perfect size to complement your holiday space. They meticulously care for each tree, keeping them perfectly hydrated from the moment they arrive until they find their new home, ensuring they stay fresh and vibrant throughout the season. Experience unparalleled convenience with special delivery service: simply call to select your desired size, view photos sent directly to your phone and complete your purchase over the phone. They'll then deliver your tree right to your doorstep for free, within specified zones. Beyond trees, discover their other festive collection of wreaths, garland, bows, Christmas flags, poinsettias, and other essential holiday decorations.

Pate's Farm Market
6411 Raeford Rd.
910-426-1575
https://patesfarmmarket.com/
At Pate's Farm Market, you'll find the perfect tree for your needs. They offer both beautifully pre-cut trees and live trees with intact roots, giving you the option to plant them in your yard for years to come. Explore the selection of Fraser firs, Blue spruce, and White pine, with approximately 400 trees available. Tree prices are determined by the type and size. To guarantee your favorite variety and size, they advise calling ahead or checking their Facebook page for real-time availability, as popular trees tend to sell out quickly.

Local Christmas Tree Farms
B&D Christmas Tree Farm
1206 Elliot Farm Rd.
910-482-4404
At B & D Christmas Tree Farm, experience the joy of selecting and cutting your own field-grown tree, or choose from their pre-cut options. They provide saws and twine for your cutting adventure. Choose from beautiful white pine, Virginia pine, leyland cypress, and cedar trees. Pre-cut Fraser firs are also typically available. Trees range in size from four to twelve feet, with choose-and-cut trees priced at approximately $10 per foot. Don't forget to browse their selection of wreaths and tree stands! The farm accepts cash and checks only.

Doby Christmas Tree Farm
150 Doby Rd., Cameron
910-308-5147
https://tinyurl.com/4yh77y9y
Discover your perfect Christmas tree with Doby Tree Farm's classic "choose and cut" experience. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you select from their beautiful field-grown trees. They'll equip you with saws and offer helpful services like machine shaking and net-bagging for a hassle-free outing. Their tree selection includes Virginia Pines, Leyland Cypress, White Pines, Red Cedars, Green Giants, Carolina Sapphires, and Blue Ice Cypress. They have a wonderful variety of sizes to suit every home, from slim profiles to generously wide trees. Please note that the selection of trees taller than nine feet is limited.

Griffin Evergreens
1823 Broadway Rd., Sanford
919-842-6306
At Griffin Evergreens, they offer the best of both worlds: the authentic "choose and cut" experience straight from their local farm, and a curated selection of premium pre-cut trees sourced from the majestic North Carolina mountains. Discover the unparalleled beauty of Fraser firs, hand-selected from a dedicated family farm nestled near Crossnore, N.C. This esteemed collaboration has spanned generations, covering nearly fifty years. Immerse yourself in the joy of selecting your own tree from the farm, featuring popular varieties that thrive in Eastern North Carolina, such as Leyland Cypress, White Pine and Green Giant. Add a touch of festive charm with their exquisite, handmade wreaths.

Blue Ridge Tree Farm at Dirtbag Ales
Til December 21
Dirtbag Ales, 5435 Corporation Dr., Hope Mills
https://tinyurl.com/423xsjuy
Head out to Dirtbag Ales between now and Dec. 21 to pick up a locally grown North Carolina tree from Blue Ridge Tree Farm. Hours to purchase are Tuesday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will also have tabletop sized tress and garland. Get the full service treatment with their trim and carry service.

Lovegren Family named 2025 Fort Bragg Family of the Year

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Wednesday, 10 December 2025

Written by Jason Ragucci, Fort Bragg Garrison PAO

Fort Bragg celebrated its strongest supporters—the families—during the annual Family of the Year Ceremony, hosted by Army Community Service on Dec. 2. The event honored seven nominees from across the 82nd Airborne Division, recognizing their dedication, resilience, and service alongside their Soldiers.
The evening began with a welcome from ACS representative, Mrs. Melanie Tucker, who served as emcee. The 82nd Airborne Division All American Chorus performed the National Anthem, followed by an invocation from garrison Chaplain (Col.) Jay Outen.
Lt. Gen. Greg Anderson, Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, delivered remarks praising Army families as “the heart of readiness.” He emphasized that the strength of the Army depends not only on Soldiers but also on the families who stand behind them.
Seven families were nominated this year:
• 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Staff Sgt. Kevin Blackadar and Family.
• 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade, Sgt. Johnathan Lovegren and Family
• 82nd Airborne Division Artillery, 1st Sgt. David Parra and Family
• 82nd Airborne Division Artillery, Staff Sgt. Joshua
Prewitt and Family
• 82nd Airborne Division Artillery, 1st Sgt. Wesley Turner and Family
• 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Capt. Brian Stecker and Family
• 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Chaplain (Capt.) Kairui Zhang and Family
From these nominees, five were chosen as finalists. Finally, in front of Soldiers, leaders, and community members, the 2025 Fort Bragg Family of the Year was announced: Sgt. Johnathan Lovegren, his wife Amanda, and their children Athena and Ares.
The Lovegren family was honored for their commitment to the Army community and their support of one another. Applause filled the Main Post Chapel as the unit representative accepted the award, representing the spirit of service and family that makes Fort Bragg strong. The winning family couldn’t make it to the ceremony due to an out-of-state emergency.
This year’s ceremony reminded everyone that behind every Soldier is a family whose courage and dedication deserve to be celebrated.

(Photo: The 82nd Airborne Division All American Chorus performs at the Family of the Year event at the Main Post Chapel on Dec. 2. Photos courtesy of Fort Bragg ACS Volunteer Services' Facebook Page)