Catawba County News
This Week @ Your Library September 13-20
Published: September 12, 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.
Grandparent Tea Party
Tuesday, September 15 at 10 am
Main Library in Newton
Dress to the nines and practice your fanciest manners for our special grandparent tea party! Bring a grandparent (or other special grown-up in your life!) for a toddler-friendly high tea sure to delight attendees young and old!
Tales in the Garden/Cuentos en el Huerto: Sweet Potato Fun
Thursday, September 17 at 5:30 pm
Main Library in Newton
Join us in the community garden for bilingual stories, crafts and learning fun for the whole family. Explore the sweet potato with our special guests from the Cooperative Extension, then move inside to make smoothies!
Programs for kids, ages 6-11!
PAWS to Read
Tuesday, September 15
Conover Branch Library
By appointment
Encourage your young reader through reading with a certified therapy dog. To schedule an appointment, please call 828-466-5108.
Homeschool STEAM – Lava Lamps
Thursday, September 17 at 2 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Calling all homeschool scientists! Get ready for a hands-on STEAM adventure as we create colorful lava lamps while exploring the science behind them. Through this fun experiment, participants will discover the concepts of matter, density, and volume and see how these properties work together to create the mesmerizing motion inside a lava lamp. It's the perfect blend of creativity and science!
American Sign Language for Beginners
Thursday, September 17 at 4:30 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Families are invited to explore beginner sign language together! This interactive class for children ages 5 and older and their grownups will cover basic signs and simple communication in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Programs for teens!
Teen Lit Lounge
Monday, September 14 at 5 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Join fellow story lovers for book talk in a relaxed and welcoming library setting. From romance to horror to modern Indigenous stories, Teen Lit Lounge will read a wide range of genres each school year. Snacks provided. This month, bring your favorite book to talk about with others.
Karting and Kraft Sodas
Monday, September 14 at 6 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Start your engines and get ready for a Mario Kart tournament on our Nintendo Switch Consoles! Overheated from dodging banana peels and blue shells? Put your rivalries on ice and refuel with a Mario-themed craft soda! To register, please call 828-466-6827.
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.
Stitch & Social
Tuesdays at 6 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Knit. Crochet. Chat. Repeat. Bring your yarn, hooks, needles and your latest project. Make new friends while making something beautiful!
Mindful Movement
Wednesdays & Fridays at 3 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Low impact exercise and gentle stretching for adults of all ages.
Yoga
Fridays at 11 am
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
A certified yoga instructor will lead us through an all-levels friendly yoga class. You are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or towel as well as a small blanket.
Get Vote Ready
Tuesday, September 15 from 12 - 8 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Did you know that failure to update your address on your voter registration is the number one reason for registered voters being unable to cast a ballot? Take advantage of National Voter Registration Day to register for the first time, update your existing registration, check your registration for correctness and find out your precinct location. If you need a photo ID, bring your documents with you and get a FREE Voter ID on the spot. Do any of these activities at the library today and get an I’m Vote Ready! sticker.
Chair Yoga
Wednesday, September 16 at 11:30 am
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
A certified yoga instructor will lead us through a beginner-friendly, gentle flow chair yoga class. Chair yoga allows you to perform yoga poses while seated or using a chair for balance.
Career Center
Wednesday, September 16 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. Want to get your resume on Indeed or LinkedIn? This is your perfect opportunity! Reserve a 30-minute appointment by calling the library or drop in as you are able.
Integrating Canva into Your Business
Thursday, September 17 at 12 pm
Online via Zoom
Join us as we discuss using Canva to promote and create for your business. This is a collaboration with the CVCC Small Business Center. To register, please visit tinyurl.com/cclssbc
Picture Perfect Coasters – Digital Literacy
Thursday, September 17 at 3 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Turn your favorite memories into custom photo coasters using Princh, our easy mobile printing service. Bring your photos to life with a fun, personalized project that's perfect for your home or as a gift!
Needle Felting
Thursday, September 17 at 4 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Explore the textile art of needle felting as we create a small fall figurine. Finger protectors will be available for participants to use. To register, please call 828-466-6827.
Newton Book Club
Thursday, September 17 at 5 pm
Carpe Crustum in Downtown Newton
Enjoy a fun conversation about The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs with a treat from Carpe Crustum.
Foundation Directory Online Workshop
Friday, September 18 from 12 - 1:30 pm
Main Library in Newton
Accessing grant funding opportunities for nonprofits is a critical aspect of successfully operating the organization and fulfilling your mission to help your community. The Library offers access to the Candid/FDO recently revamped grants database, but it’s helpful to know a few tips and tricks so that you can make the most of your time searching for possible funders. This workshop is open to any employee or volunteer of any existing nonprofit. To register, please call 828-465-8665.
Visit with the Library to Go - out in the community!
Long View Visit
Wednesday, September 16 from 9:15 - 11:30 am
Long View Recreation Center
3107 2nd Ave. NW, Hickory, NC 28601
You’re invited to a relaxing and joyful Seniors Morning Out - a perfect way for connecting, creating, and having fun! Enjoy bingo, books, and unwind with a gentle craft activity as we paint beautiful watercolor postcards together.
Catawba Valley Pride Festival
Saturday, September 19 from 10 am - 3 pm
Catawba Farms
1670 Southwest Blvd, Newton
Celebrate community with us and discover inclusive books for all ages, explore LGBTQ+ resources and reading lists, and sign up for your free library card. Stop by to browse, ask questions, make crafts, and learn more about everything your library offers to support and celebrate the community.
