Home is where the heart is, and Southern Pines Public Library explores the heart of the community in this year’s programming theme, “Home Grown in Southern Pines.”

Starting in September, adult programs offered by the library will highlight topics such as local food, gardening and self-sufficiency — all tied to the arts, history and traditions that make the community unique.

The concept builds on the work of “Southern Pines Grows Great Readers,” the town-wide grade-level reading initiative that earned the Southern Pines the designation of All-America City.

A daylong open house on Monday, Sept. 10, will kick off everything. That is the date 17 years ago when the building at 170 West Connecticut Ave. was dedicated.

Festivities include story times with library staff and guest readers throughout the day for all ages to enjoy, as well as prizes, refreshments, displays and special activities.

“This year, Dedication Day will honor the community, whose support has allowed the library to grow and thrive throughout the years, and especially showcase our community partners in the ‘Campaign for Grade-Level Reading,’” says director Lynn Thompson. “Visitors can learn about the many home-grown services these organizations provide and the parts they are playing to grow great readers for the future.”

In keeping with the “Home Grown” theme, the first program in the library’s ongoing series “Explorations: A Forum for Adults” will be a local foods forum Sunday, Sept. 16, from 3 to 4 p.m. Attendees will find out about local food options, and meet local farmers and distributors. Refreshments will be served.

For avid readers, the library would like to help local book clubs grow so it will be hosting a Book Club Bash Monday, Sept. 17, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This event is open to anyone in an adult book club or interested in joining one.

“Check out the library’s new Book Club Kits, get resources for starting a book club, and enjoy refreshments and trivia games,” says the program organizer, reference librarian Missy Miller.

“Don’t forget that September is also library card sign-up month,” says Kelley Loftis, assistant director for technical services. “Start out the school year right with the best school supply — a library card!”

There are many free programs for families to engage with the library for good “Home Grown” fun that encourages love of reading.

Preschool storytime for infants and toddlers (ages birth through 5 years) will be held Wednesdays, Sept. 5, 12 and 26.

“Come from 3:30 to 4 p.m. for stories, songs and fun — and then stay for playtime!” says preschool specialist Saerica Hamilton.

The whole family can enjoy the Sunday afternoon movie on Sept. 9, at 2:30 p.m. The library will present a Dr. Seuss classic book-turned-movie with an environmental theme, telling the story of a young boy who ventures outside of his city only to encounter an unreasonable forest creature. Free refreshments will be served.

“Licensing guidelines prevent us from listing the title of the movie in the media, so call the library at (910) 692-8235 for more information,” says Thompson.

Later in the month, other programs will continue the “Home Grown” theme while celebrating the spirit of fun and learning.

On Sept. 11 there is a Pirate Day Prep Kit creation party for Pizza with Pizzazz, the program series for middle school students. From 5 to 6 p.m., participants will put together “Home Grown Pirate Kits” for young buccaneers, so they can overtake the town on Sept. 18 for “International Talk Like a Pirate Day.”

Preregistration is not required; all sixth- through eighth-grade students are invited. Pizza will be served.

Also for adults, “The Oldies and Goodies” film series presents a 1935 adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays. This romantic comedy starring James Cagney and Mickey Rooney will be presented on Thursday, Sept. 13, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

During September the library will also be recruiting for TAB, the Teen Advisory Board. This group of high school students helps to plan and run programs for teens and gives valuable input to library services for youth. Interested teens can pick up an application in person or find it on the Library website, or Facebook page.

“Participation in TAB is a great way to develop leadership skills and demonstrate community involvement for those college applications,” says Amanda Snyder, assistant director for public services.

The Southern Pines Public Library is located at 170 W. Connecticut Ave. The catalog and other information about the library are available at www.sppl.net.

Call (910) 692-8235 for information.