Catawba County News
This Week @ Your Library August 3-10
Published: July 30, 2025
We've got storytimes!
Ready to Learn Storytime: Preschool
Preschool story time with reading
readiness. Join us for songs, sensory play, crafts, and stories designed to prepare your preschooler to learn.
Wednesdays at 10 am
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
St. Stephens Branch Library
Main Library in Newton
Wednesdays at 11 am
Southwest Branch Library
Thursdays at 10 am
Maiden Branch Library
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Southwest Branch Library
St. Stephens Branch Library
Fridays at 10 am
Main Library in Newton
Ready to Learn Storytime: Tiny to Two
Mondays at 10 am
Main Library in Newton
This sweet, simple, 20-minute story time features rhymes, bounces, sensory play, and singing for our youngest learners. Playtime follows.
Sensory-Friendly: Ready to Learn Storytime
Tuesdays at 10 am
Main Library in Newton
Join us for a fun, sensory-friendly storytime for neurodivergent children and their siblings! Enjoy songs, sensory play, crafts, and stories designed for a small group of 10, creating a calm, welcoming space. Afterward, stay for free play to encourage socialization & motor skills. To register, please visit the library or call 828-465-8665.
Pre-K STEAM
Tuesday, August 5 at 5:30 pm
Conover Branch Library
Friday, August 8 at 10 am
Maiden Branch Library
Children and their grownups are invited to explore interactive play stations to build confidence in learning.
Tales in the Garden: EcoExplore with Catawba County Parks
Thursday, August 7 at 5:30 pm
Main Library in Newton
Enjoy fun insect-themed, bilingual stories and meet our special guests from Catawba County Parks who will show participants EcoExplore, a program that encourages children to explore the outdoors and become community scientists. Afterward, head out to the garden to search for insects and see what you can discover.
Programs for children, ages 6-11!
Summer Learning Finale Parties
The end of summer learning is almost here and we're ready to celebrate all we've learned (and read) with finale parties at each location! Join us at your library for crafts, treats, and games. Make sure to bring your reading log to collect prizes and be entered in the grand prize drawings.
End of Summer Party
Tuesday, August 5 at 12 noon
Maiden Branch Library
Join us for a fun wrap-up party to celebrate the end of the Summer Learning Program! It's time to turn in your reading logs and treat yourself to a cool reward—ice cream and a visit from a special guest, the Maiden Fire Department!
Summer Learning Finale Party
Tuesday, August 5 at 1 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Treat yourself to a sweet reward –ice cream! Enjoy some cool treats and sensational stations.
Summer Learning Finale Party
Wednesday, August 6 at 3 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Enjoy rainbow ice cream, colorful activities, music and games as you turn in your final reading records!
End of Summer Learning Party
Thursday, August 7 at 2 pm
Claremont Branch Library
Join us for a creative afternoon filled with hands-on fun—featuring Shrinky Dinks! Perfect for all ages, you’ll design, shrink, and watch your art come to life before your eyes. Whether you’re a first-timer or a Shrinky Dink pro, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss this chance to wrap up the season with creativity, learning, and plenty of ice cream treats.
Summer Learning Finale: Tie Dye
Friday, August 8 at 3 pm
Conover Branch Library
Join us as we throw a tie-dye party to celebrate the end of Summer Learning. Bring your own plain, white, cotton t-shirt and we’ll supply the dye!
Summer Learning Wrap Up
Friday, August 8 at 4 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Celebrate the end of the Summer Learning Program with Bluey! Explore Bluey themed crafts and activities while enjoying delicious ice cream. Your completed Summer Learning Log is your ticket to enter.
Wrap-Up Celebration – Indoor Pool Party
Saturday, August 9 at 2 pm
Main Library in Newton
Bring your beach towels and pool floats to enjoy an indoor pool party full of crafts, games, and treats – no swimming pool required!
Messy Monday
Monday, August 4 at 2 pm
Main Library in Newton
You heard us right – you're encouraged to get messy during this hands-on, creative experience that’s sure to bring out your inner artist!
Nature’s Superpower - Camouflage and Color
Tuesday, August 5 at 2 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Learn about nature’s superpower- camouflage and color- with the Catawba County Parks.
Rocket Science for Kids
Wednesday, August 6 at 2 pm
Main Library in Newton
3... 2... 1... BLAST OFF! Join us as a trained physicist takes us through a thrilling demonstration of the basics of rockets!
Programs for adults!
Zumba Mondays!
Mondays at 6 pm
Main Library in Newton
Kick off your week with a burst of Zumba, a dance and movement class that’s too much fun to call exercise. It’s appropriate for every skill and ability level and open to anyone 14+ (parental signature required for teens under 18).
Smartphone Basics for Seniors
Fridays at 10 am
Main Library in Newton
Need help updating your phone's software, downloading apps, or adding events to your calendar? Join us each Friday in August as we cover a basic topic and have time for a short Q&A afterwards.
Gentle Flow Yoga
Fridays at 11 am
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
A certified yoga instructor will lead us through a beginner-friendly, gentle flow yoga class. You are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or towel as well as a small blanket.
Mindful Movement
Fridays at 3 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Low impact exercise and gentle stretching for all ages.
The Station Book Club
Wednesday, August 6 at 10 am
Conover Branch Library
All are welcome to join as we discuss One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle, followed by a book share and recommended reads.
Career Center
Wednesday, August 6 from 1 - 4 pm
Main Library in Newton
A Goodwill career specialist will be available to provide one-on-one assistance with your job-related needs. Reserve a 30-minute appointment by calling the library or drop in as you are able.
Garden Volunteer Days
Saturday, August 9 from 9 - 11 am
Main Library in Newton
We're seeking enthusiastic volunteers to assist with tasks such as weeding, mulching, and planting in the community garden. Whether you're a gardening expert or just starting out, all ages and experience levels are welcome.
DIY – Dried Flower Mason Jars
Saturday, August 9 at 2 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Create a beautiful keepsake using dried flowers and mason jars in this relaxing, hands-on craft session. All materials provided—just bring your creativity!
Visit with the Library to Go - out in the community!
Maiden Lunch and Library
Tuesday, August 5 at 11:30 am
101 Old Tavern Lane, Maiden
Receive a bagged lunch provided by The Corner Table Community Kitchen and participate in a storytime and craft.
Herman Sipe Lunch & Library
Wednesday, August 6 from 11:30 am - 1 pm
115 Herman Sipe Rd, Conover
Enjoy a meal provided by The Corner Table Community Kitchen, check out some books and participate in free hands-on activities.
Public Health Farmers Market
Thursday, August 7 from 10 am - 1 pm
3070 11th Ave. Dr. SE, Hickory
The Library To Go will be bringing the party to the farmers market with music, games, and books for all ages.
Valley Hills Mall Visit & Storytime
Friday, August 8 from 10 am - 1 pm
1960 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory
Join us in the Community Room on the lower level across from The Children’s Place for storytime at 10 am and outside by the van until 1 pm for checking out books!
