Storytimes near POLK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Columbus Library

Jennifer Armstrong is a local singer, storyteller, piper, and poet. In this lively and participatory program, we will enjoy songs and stories set to the fiddle and banjo! A free ticket is required for admission to this event. Get a ticket at the Columbus Library front desk no more than 60 minutes before the event. Entry is not guaranteed. Seating limitations are set by the fire marshal. No groups please!

Saluda Library

Saluda Library

Join us for books, songs, and a craft or activity! Storytime is designed for ages 2-5. The 4th week of the month will be “A Sprinkle of Spanish” storytime.

Saluda Library

The mountains of North and South Carolina are rich in bird diversity. Every spring we see an influx of migratory birds, none more spectacular than the wood warblers. These jewels of the avian world are known for their bright plumage, beautiful songs, and interesting behavior. Presenter Kevin Burke will review most of the breeding warbler species in our area and give a photographic tour of “our” warblers. Presenter Kevin Burke and his wife Jennie own and operate Carolina Nature Tours, based in Hendersonville. They offer guided walks, hikes, and day trips throughout western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. Register with Conserving Carolina here. Email Pam Torlina at pam@conservingcarolina.org with any questions.

Columbus Library

Blaze your own trail! Get trail ready as we hear from Chimney Rock State Park ranger David Schafer on outdoor preparedness, hiking essentials, and how to thrive in the great outdoors. Camp WannaRead: A Summer Camp For Grown-Ups For adults ages 18 only! Become a camp legend... For each Camp WannaRead program you attend, you’ll receive one custom pin you can use to deck out your camp tote bag. Collect at least five pins by attending five Camp WannaRead programs to choose your reward! Choose between cozy bookish socks, a Libraries are Life tote bag, or a ceramic PCPL branded mug.

Columbus Library

This program, led by Partnership for Children of the Foothills, is for parents of children from birth to five years old. Come share the challenges and successes of parenting with other parents just like you, while gaining and sharing useful information and tips on how to strengthen your family. Experienced child care teachers provide on-site age appropriate activities, supervision, and fun (including the weekly library storytime when in session) for children up to five years of age, while parents and guardians are busy in group discussion and activities. Healthy snacks are also provided. Enjoy the support of a network of new friends, while accessing resources that you and your family can use! For more information, email polkcop@pfcfoothills.org.

Columbus Library

Join us for books, songs, and a craft or activity! Storytime is designed for ages 2-5. The 4th week of the month will be “A Sprinkle of Spanish” storytime.

Columbus Library

Join us on the third Thursday of the month for a potluck lunch! Bring a dish related to the theme and a copy of your recipe to share. July 16: Colonial America Cuisine (a dish that would have been served in colonial times - to celebrate America 250!) August 20: When Life Gives You Lemons (a dish featuring lemons) September 17: Bookish Bites (a dish made from a recipe found in a book) October 15: Oktoberfest (German cuisine) November 19: Root to Table (a dish featuring a root vegetable) December 17: Cookie Exchange

Offsite

*This event is at the Saluda Elementary School Auditorium. This comedy magic show includes a refreshing mix of storytelling, lively audience participation, and surprises for everyone! The Magic of Reading will help kids discover that reading is fun and exciting.

Saluda Library

Join us for books, songs, and a craft or activity! Storytime is designed for ages 2-5. The 4th week of the month will be “A Sprinkle of Spanish” storytime.

Saluda Library

Sign up for a 15 minute reading session with therapy dog Fiona! Paws For Reading is an interactive program aimed at encouraging children to read aloud in a safe and positive environment without criticism or correction of mistakes. As educators and parents know, reading is the most fundamental skill students need to learn to be successful not only in school, but in life. Research has proven that reading aloud in a safe and positive environment helps students develop better reading skills, better self-esteem, and a better attitude toward learning. Every therapy dog team has extensive obedience training, is certified with Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and has completed a reading workshop to ensure an excellent experience for each child. The therapy dogs will be led by their handlers during the reading session. The parent will help the child select a book that will build confidence in a child who may be having difficulties with reading. The dog will lie on the floor with the child sitting with them, then the child will read to the dog and may pet and talk with the dogs during their session. The parent/guardian is required to be in the room observing the session with their child. Parental permission is required prior to a child's participation in the program due to possible pet allergies, fear of dogs, etc. If you would like for your child to be a part of this reading activity, you will need to complete and sign a waiver at Saluda Library prior to the appointment. This program is a partnership with Canine Therapy Partners-WNC (Member of Alliance of Therapy Dogs). Email jdickenson@polklibrary.org with any questions.

Columbus Library

Craft your way through the 80s and 90s! Try your hand at shrinky dinks, sand art, friendship bracelets, and bedazzling. Camp WannaRead: A Summer Camp For Grown-Ups For adults ages 18 only! Become a camp legend... For each Camp WannaRead program you attend, you’ll receive one custom pin you can use to deck out your camp tote bag. Collect at least five pins by attending five Camp WannaRead programs to choose your reward! Choose between cozy bookish socks, a Libraries are Life tote bag, or a ceramic PCPL branded mug.

Columbus Library

This program, led by Partnership for Children of the Foothills, is for parents of children from birth to five years old. Come share the challenges and successes of parenting with other parents just like you, while gaining and sharing useful information and tips on how to strengthen your family. Experienced child care teachers provide on-site age appropriate activities, supervision, and fun (including the weekly library storytime when in session) for children up to five years of age, while parents and guardians are busy in group discussion and activities. Healthy snacks are also provided. Enjoy the support of a network of new friends, while accessing resources that you and your family can use! For more information, email polkcop@pfcfoothills.org.

Columbus Library

Join us for a special storytime with children's book author and illustrator Alice Feagan, who is a Polk County native! She will share her newest book, The Lost Board, about a young girl who learns that sometimes letting go is part of the journey when her family’s surfboard creates memories with a new rider. The first ten families at the event will receive a free copy of the book. Alice will be available to sign and personalize books after storytime. Storytime is designed for ages 2-5.

Saluda Library

Play To Learn is a free, hands-on early learning program designed to help young children learn, grow, and get ready for kindergarten--all through the power of play. Each session includes fun, developmentally appropriate activities led by a community facilitator. Children will explore, create, and play while parents and caregivers learn simple ways to support learning at home. Families also have the chance to connect with other parents and caregivers in a welcoming, supportive space. Play To Learn helps children build early skills through creative play, early learning activities, social interaction, parent/caregiver connection, and kindergarten readiness. Learn more here.

Columbus Library

Join local artist Samantha Bell as she guides us in painting a wolf howling at the moon! This program has limited space and requires registration. Email jdickenson@polklibrary.org with any questions. Teen summer programs are for rising 6th-12th graders only! Please note that adults other than library staff and presenters are not permitted to stay in the meeting room during teen programs.

Columbus Library

This fun, high-energy, inspiring journey through traditional West African culture combines stories, songs, and dances. A free ticket is required for admission to this event. Get a ticket at the Columbus Library front desk no more than 60 minutes before the event. Entry is not guaranteed. Seating limitations are set by the fire marshal. No groups please!

Saluda Library

Join us for books, songs, and a craft or activity! Storytime is designed for ages 2-5. The 4th week of the month will be “A Sprinkle of Spanish” storytime.

Columbus Library

Ever wanted to chill with a capybara or lounge with a lemur? Now’s your chance! We’ll wrap up summer in style with the Wildlife Geeks and their exotic rescue animals. Camp WannaRead: A Summer Camp For Grown-Ups For adults ages 18 only! Become a camp legend... For each Camp WannaRead program you attend, you’ll receive one custom pin you can use to deck out your camp tote bag. Collect at least five pins by attending five Camp WannaRead programs to choose your reward! Choose between cozy bookish socks, a Libraries are Life tote bag, or a ceramic PCPL branded mug.

Columbus Library

This program, led by Partnership for Children of the Foothills, is for parents of children from birth to five years old. Come share the challenges and successes of parenting with other parents just like you, while gaining and sharing useful information and tips on how to strengthen your family. Experienced child care teachers provide on-site age appropriate activities, supervision, and fun (including the weekly library storytime when in session) for children up to five years of age, while parents and guardians are busy in group discussion and activities. Healthy snacks are also provided. Enjoy the support of a network of new friends, while accessing resources that you and your family can use! For more information, email polkcop@pfcfoothills.org.

Columbus Library

Join us for books, songs, and a craft or activity! Storytime is designed for ages 2-5. The 4th week of the month will be “A Sprinkle of Spanish” storytime.

Offsite

*This event is at the Saluda Elementary School Auditorium. Creepy crawling creatures! Explore the amazing world of arthropods and reptiles, and meet several animal ambassadors.

Saluda Library

Sign up for a 15 minute reading session with therapy dog Fiona! Paws For Reading is an interactive program aimed at encouraging children to read aloud in a safe and positive environment without criticism or correction of mistakes. As educators and parents know, reading is the most fundamental skill students need to learn to be successful not only in school, but in life. Research has proven that reading aloud in a safe and positive environment helps students develop better reading skills, better self-esteem, and a better attitude toward learning. Every therapy dog team has extensive obedience training, is certified with Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and has completed a reading workshop to ensure an excellent experience for each child. The therapy dogs will be led by their handlers during the reading session. The parent will help the child select a book that will build confidence in a child who may be having difficulties with reading. The dog will lie on the floor with the child sitting with them, then the child will read to the dog and may pet and talk with the dogs during their session. The parent/guardian is required to be in the room observing the session with their child. Parental permission is required prior to a child's participation in the program due to possible pet allergies, fear of dogs, etc. If you would like for your child to be a part of this reading activity, you will need to complete and sign a waiver at Saluda Library prior to the appointment. This program is a partnership with Canine Therapy Partners-WNC (Member of Alliance of Therapy Dogs). Email jdickenson@polklibrary.org with any questions.

Columbus Library

This program, led by Partnership for Children of the Foothills, is for parents of children from birth to five years old. Come share the challenges and successes of parenting with other parents just like you, while gaining and sharing useful information and tips on how to strengthen your family. Experienced child care teachers provide on-site age appropriate activities, supervision, and fun (including the weekly library storytime when in session) for children up to five years of age, while parents and guardians are busy in group discussion and activities. Healthy snacks are also provided. Enjoy the support of a network of new friends, while accessing resources that you and your family can use! For more information, email polkcop@pfcfoothills.org.

Columbus Library

This program, led by Partnership for Children of the Foothills, is for parents of children from birth to five years old. Come share the challenges and successes of parenting with other parents just like you, while gaining and sharing useful information and tips on how to strengthen your family. Experienced child care teachers provide on-site age appropriate activities, supervision, and fun (including the weekly library storytime when in session) for children up to five years of age, while parents and guardians are busy in group discussion and activities. Healthy snacks are also provided. Enjoy the support of a network of new friends, while accessing resources that you and your family can use! For more information, email polkcop@pfcfoothills.org.

Saluda Library

Sign up for a 15 minute reading session with therapy dog Fiona! Paws For Reading is an interactive program aimed at encouraging children to read aloud in a safe and positive environment without criticism or correction of mistakes. As educators and parents know, reading is the most fundamental skill students need to learn to be successful not only in school, but in life. Research has proven that reading aloud in a safe and positive environment helps students develop better reading skills, better self-esteem, and a better attitude toward learning. Every therapy dog team has extensive obedience training, is certified with Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and has completed a reading workshop to ensure an excellent experience for each child. The therapy dogs will be led by their handlers during the reading session. The parent will help the child select a book that will build confidence in a child who may be having difficulties with reading. The dog will lie on the floor with the child sitting with them, then the child will read to the dog and may pet and talk with the dogs during their session. The parent/guardian is required to be in the room observing the session with their child. Parental permission is required prior to a child's participation in the program due to possible pet allergies, fear of dogs, etc. If you would like for your child to be a part of this reading activity, you will need to complete and sign a waiver at Saluda Library prior to the appointment. This program is a partnership with Canine Therapy Partners-WNC (Member of Alliance of Therapy Dogs). Email jdickenson@polklibrary.org with any questions.

Columbus Library

This program, led by Partnership for Children of the Foothills, is for parents of children from birth to five years old. Come share the challenges and successes of parenting with other parents just like you, while gaining and sharing useful information and tips on how to strengthen your family. Experienced child care teachers provide on-site age appropriate activities, supervision, and fun (including the weekly library storytime when in session) for children up to five years of age, while parents and guardians are busy in group discussion and activities. Healthy snacks are also provided. Enjoy the support of a network of new friends, while accessing resources that you and your family can use! For more information, email polkcop@pfcfoothills.org.

Columbus Library

Join us on the third Thursday of the month for a potluck lunch! Bring a dish related to the theme and a copy of your recipe to share. July 16: Colonial America Cuisine (a dish that would have been served in colonial times - to celebrate America 250!) August 20: When Life Gives You Lemons (a dish featuring lemons) September 17: Bookish Bites (a dish made from a recipe found in a book) October 15: Oktoberfest (German cuisine) November 19: Root to Table (a dish featuring a root vegetable) December 17: Cookie Exchange

Offsite

Even As We Breathe is the first novel published by an enrolled citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee. The book was a finalist for the Weatherford Award, winner of the 2021 Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award, and named one of NPR’s Best Books of 2020. Registration is required to attend this event. *This event is at Sunyydale, 516 S Trade St, Tryon, NC, 28782. The first 50 attendees who register and arrive at the event will receive a free copy of Even As We Breathe. Join us for a discussion of Even As We Breathe on Tuesday, October 6th at 4pm at Columbus Library. This event is part of our Community Read Series sponsored by the Lillian E. and Earl A. Bettinger Charitable Fund at the Polk County Community Foundation.

Columbus Library

This program, led by Partnership for Children of the Foothills, is for parents of children from birth to five years old. Come share the challenges and successes of parenting with other parents just like you, while gaining and sharing useful information and tips on how to strengthen your family. Experienced child care teachers provide on-site age appropriate activities, supervision, and fun (including the weekly library storytime when in session) for children up to five years of age, while parents and guardians are busy in group discussion and activities. Healthy snacks are also provided. Enjoy the support of a network of new friends, while accessing resources that you and your family can use! For more information, email polkcop@pfcfoothills.org.