Although the weather outside may be frightful, the Ashe County Public Library has a slew of programs that will cure the winter blues and provide some vital services free of charge this winter and spring.

With tax season slowly emerging, the library, along with a crew of dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers, are heading up a free tax assistance program for filing those pesky W-2 and 1099 forms.

Laurie Baumgardner, head of the library's Adult Services Program, said that the tax assistance program is open to those tax payers who earn less than $49,000 annually or have a simple return. This type of return would include those individuals who own a small business and can not fit their information on a Schedule C EZ form. Experienced volunteers will be available three days a week to assist locals in electronically filing for federal and state income taxes.

Last year, the program assisted in the completion of nearly 500 federal returns and is serving an average of 15-18 people per week this year alone. The library began receiving calls concerning the program the first week of January and that stream of callers has steadily increased as word of the service continues to spread, Baumgardner said.

Baumgardner explained that utilizing the free assistance could make a tremendous difference in savings this tax season.

"They saved me almost $200 last year alone," Baumgardner said.

The process for the assisted filing begins with the completion of a simple form that clues a preparer into any credits that a person may be eligible for. A qualified review person then reviews the form to ensure that no credits are missed in maximizing the potential for a good return. Baumgardner is urging all prospective participants to bring their W-2 forms from the last tax season so that preparers can know what to look for in terms of credits that a person could use.

In addition to any previous tax forms from last year, all participants should bring with them a picture identification, Social Security Card, and a child care provider number for those who qualify. Anyone who can not bring their SSC should have with them a tax payer identification number. Parents who plan on claiming children on this year's return should bring their child's proper documentation as well.

In order to receive federal and state returns via direct deposit, all participants should have their bank routing number available when they come to the second floor of the library for their appointment.

Volunteers provide tax assistance Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. until April 15.　Those who need assistance in filing this year should contact the ACPL at (336) 877-0100 to schedule an appointment to prevent a prolonged wait in receiving service.

Adult Winter Reading Program

As subsequent winter storms continue to leave many High Country residents homebound, ACPL officials are urging those with a touch of cabin fever to use this time to hone their analytical and reading skills before the warm air of spring diverts their interests to outdoor activities.

Summer reading programs provide ample time for grade school children to advance in their literary endeavors but adults are often left searching for time in their hectic schedules to fit in a quiet read.

"There's always a push for children who are reading, which is important for being successful, but sometimes people get the idea that when you leave school that's it, no more reading," Baumgardner said." But winter is the perfect time to curl up with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate."

Baumgardner explained that the library initiated the inaugural winter reading program to encourage and promote lifelong learning. Whenever participants complete a book, Baumgardner explained, they can fill out a form at the library and enter it for a chance to win a prize. Library officials will begin approaching local businesses, such as restaurants and "fun places to go," to see if they could offer gift certificates to their establishments through the reading program.

"We want to encourage people to read as well as to go out and enjoy time with their families," Baumgardner said.

Some adults may approach reading reluctantly and with trepidation but Baumgardner explained that through books, people can delve into worlds that open their minds to new interests and ideals.

"You can read about anything you want- you can read about Daniel Boone or Dolly Parton. You can read or listen to a book on CD, a computer or even a MP3 player," she said.

The winter reading program heats up next week with a story telling session by Randell Jones, sponsored by a grant from the N.C. Humanities Council, on Feb. 20 at 1:30 p.m. This month's activities wrap up with a special program on healthy eating and snacking habits by Rhonda Church of the Ashe County Cooperative Extension on Feb. 27 at 1:30 p.m. in the library auditorium. On March 9, Michelle Beitzel will visit the library to present a program on making medicinal herbal teas for the cold and flu season. Festivities continue at the library on March 13 at 1:30 p.m. with tales of an infamous pioneer, entitled "In the Foot Steps of Daniel Boone." A prize drawing for all those who submitted forms following the completion of a book will take place March 19.

For more information on the adult reading and the tax assistance program, please contact the ACPL at (336) 877-0100.