Catawba County News
This Week @ Your Library August 9-16
Published: August 08, 2026
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
Fridays at 10 am
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
This sweet, simple, 20-minute story time features rhymes, bounces, sensory play, and singing for our youngest learners. Playtime follows.
Kindergarten Here We Come!
Monday, August 10 at 2 pm
Main Library in Newton
Calling all rising kindergartners and their caregivers! Join us for a special storytime just for you! We'll read stories, practice kindergarten-ready skills (like conquering those lunch trays!), and even have a special surprise for caregivers to help make that first day a little easier. This program is for rising kindergartners and their caregivers. To register, please call 828-465-8665.
Programs for children, ages 6-11!
Paws to Read
Tuesday, August 11 by appointment
St. Stephens Branch Library
Read with a certified therapy dog. To schedule an appointment, please call 828-466-6821.
Pokémon Club
Wednesday, August 12 at 4 pm
Main Library in Newton
Join us for the first official meeting of our new Pokémon club! Bring your favorite Pokémon card, toy, or other special goodie for show and tell!
Lego Club
Friday, August 14 at 10 am
Maiden Branch Library
Come for brick-snapping fun! We'll supply the Lego - you bring your imagination! Build, make and play as we explore our creativity through Lego. We will have free play and our monthly Lego challenge will be building sharks and other sea creatures.
Programs for teens!
College Cooking on a Budget
Tuesday, August 11 at 6 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Heading off to college? Learn how to prepare quick, affordable, and tasty meals using one of the most common dorm-room appliances—a microwave! Join us for practical tips, simple recipes, and budget-friendly cooking ideas that can help you save money while eating well. Whether you're a first-year student or returning to campus, this program will help you build confidence in the kitchen without breaking the bank. To register, please call 828-466-6821.
Programs for adults!
Zumba Mondays!
Mondays at 6 pm
Main Library in Newton
Enjoy a dance and movement class that’s too much fun to call exercise.
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
Wednesdays & Fridays at 3 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Low impact exercise and gentle stretching for adults of all ages.
Mystery Mavens
Tuesday, August 11 at 6:30 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
The Mystery Mavens book club welcomes new members and is open to the public, even if you haven’t read the book. Join us for a lively discussion on The Lake House by Kate Morton.
The Station Book Club
Wednesday, August 12 at 10 am
Conover Branch Library
All are welcome to join as we discuss Turtles All the Way Down by John Green. We will also do a book-share at the end with other recommended reads. This book club meets every other month.
Quilling Project Days
Saturday, August 8 at 3 pm
Wednesdays, August 12 & 26 at 6 pm
Main Library in Newton
Drop in to work on a holiday-themed quilling project for which we’ll be making tight coils, loose coils, teardrops and scrolls. By November (or sooner) we’ll assemble our quilled shapes into a Christmas tree or an ornament to create a hand-crafted holiday card so beautiful you’ll definitely want to deliver it in person.
Northstar Digital Literacy Training
Thursday, August 13 at 3 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Explore your computer skills and find areas to improve with the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment. This tool has fun online tests that help you get better at things like using email, surfing the internet, and using Windows, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and Excel. Get the skills you need to feel confident with technology in your daily life by checking out tests on topics such as social media, Telehealth, Supporting K-12 Distance Learning, and Career Search Skills.
Creative Outlet: Nature Sun Catchers
Thursday, August 13 at 6 pm
Main Library in Newton
Celebrate the beauty of nature by creating your own unique sun catcher using dried flowers, tea bags, and sticks. In this relaxing, hands-on workshop, you will transform simple natural and recycled materials into a colorful piece of art that catches the light beautifully. No experience is necessary, all materials provided. To register, please call 828-465-8665.
Artificial Intelligence August
Fridays, August 7, 14, & 21 at 2 pm
Main Library in Newton
AI is everywhere and is not just an app you chat with. In this first of a three-part series, participants will learn how we, knowingly or not, use AI every day and the different types of AI systems.
August 7: Types of AI
AI is everywhere and is not just an app you chat with. In this first of a three-part series, participants will learn how we, knowingly or not, use AI every day and the different types of AI systems.
August 14: AI Prompt Slam
Asking AI for answers is easy, right? If you’re not getting the responses you hoped for, it may be your prompt! Participants will gain prompt engineering skills and then test what they learned in a prompt competition.
August 21: Concerns and Safety
As we wrap up AI August, the final session will cover safety concerns, environmental impacts, and how to potentially turn off AI settings on your devices.
Visit with the Library to Go - out in the community!
Herman Sipe Lunch & Library
Wednesday, August 12 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.
