The Future Mountaineer Library at Appalachian State University’s Hickory Campus has officially opened its doors — and it’s already making a big impact. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Joey Lord, Instructional Coordinator of Hickory Education Programs and lecturer in the Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum, and her students from the CI 3556 course, the library now boasts a collection of over 1,000 new and gently used books, along with a generous supply of crayons, markers, and stickers to inspire young readers and artists alike.
What began as a class project to build a literacy center quickly turned into a community-wide initiative. Students from CI 3556 led the charge, but the response extended far beyond the classroom. Schools, classroom teachers, churches, and local supporters came together to fill donation boxes and fuel the vision of a vibrant space where children can fall in love with reading.
Now fully set up and open for use, the literacy center is already serving children across the Hickory area. It stands as a testament to the power of education and community collaboration — a place where young minds can grow and imaginations can soar.
And the journey isn’t over yet. Plans are already in place to continue collecting books and materials with the next offering of CI 3556 in Spring 2026, ensuring that the Future Mountaineer Library keeps growing right alongside the kids it serves.
The image is a collage of three photos. The top photo shows a group of people posing in front of a sign that reads "Future Mountaineers Library." The bottom left photo shows a small room with bookshelves filled with children's books, a table with chairs, and toys on the floor. The bottom right photo shows another part of the room with more bookshelves filled with books, and additional toys and decorations.
