Catawba County News
This Week @ Your Library September 20-27
Published: September 18, 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.
Car Seat Safety Storytime
Monday, September 21 at 10 am
Friday, September 25 at 10 am
Main Library in Newton
Learn about how to keep car travel safe and fun for your little one with Melanie Sigmon from Catawba County EMS. We will conclude with car seat checks to make sure you’re travelling in safety AND style!
Programs for kids, ages 6-11!
No-Mess Tie-Dye Totes
Tuesday, September 22 at 4 pm
Maiden Branch Library
Design and dye a colorful tote bag using Sharpies and rubbing alcohol (totes provided). Feel like dyeing a different item? No problem: make sure anything you bring to tie dye is 100% cotton!
STEAM: Circuit Bugs
Thursday, September 24 at 4 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Learn about basic electricity and circuitry to create a cute light-up bug. Ages 8 and up. To register, please call 828-466-6827.
American Sign Language for Beginners
Thursday, September 24 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.
Owl Pellet Dissection
Friday, September 25 at 2 pm
Main Library in Newton
Get a front row seat to the food chain as we take apart owl pellets to see what’s inside! Owls swallow their food whole and cough up the leftover bones, so you’re sure to find something fascinating!
Programs for teens!
Teen Gaming Program
Tuesday, September 22 at 6:30 pm
Conover Branch Library
Join us for an epic Mario Kart showdown, snacks, and plenty of friendly competition!
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.
Mountain View Book Club
Monday, September 21 at 6 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Come join our book discussion for The Last Carolina Girl by Meagan Church. Whether you’ve finished the book or are still reading, everyone is welcome.
Shelf Care Book Club
Monday, September 21 at 6 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Treat yourself to the best kind of self-care: a good book! Join us for a discussion of the book The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston. Join us on the Book Club app at: https://bit.ly/STSTBC26. New readers are always welcome!
Sourdough Part 1: Starter
Tuesday, September 22 at 5:30 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Explore the exciting world of Sourdough! In this session we’ll discover tips and tricks to keeping your starter happy and alive plus easy recipes. Bring a clean jar so you can take some starter home! To register, please call 828-466-6827.
Books between Friends Book Club
Tuesday, September 22 at 6 pm
Claremont Branch Library
This group will be discussing the Cristina Baker Kline new book, The Foursome.
This historical novel is based on the true story of two sisters in nineteenth-century North Carolina—Kline’s own distant relatives—who married world-famous conjoined twins from Siam.
Lincoln-Catawba Songwriters Alliance
Tuesday, September 22 at 6 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Join our music round robin, where songwriters, musicians, singers, and music lovers come together to share their talents and enjoy an evening of live music. Everyone is welcome.
Catawba County Genealogical Society
Tuesday, September 22 at 6:30 pm
Main Library in Newton, Rhodes Room
Learn about new local history and genealogy materials available for research during this month's meeting.
Quilling Project Days
Wednesday, September 23 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 want to deliver it in person. Beginner friendly!
Calling All Caregivers: Documents, Please!
Thursday, September 24 at 5:30 pm
Main Library in Newton
Advanced care documents can serve a critical function and often at times when we have no other way of communicating our wishes to our loved ones. Legal documents regarding medical interventions, finances, guardianship, etc., provide guidance and assurance for caregivers and their families. Local Attorney Molly Simpson Gross of Patrick, Harper & Dixon will explain the essentials of advanced care planning documents, like Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney and others. You’ll leave with everything you need to complete these forms and secure some peace of mind.
Using AI
Friday, September 25 at 2 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Explore creative and professional uses and discover what to watch out for when using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Garden Volunteer Days
Saturday, September 26 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.
Repair, Reinvent & Re-wear Session 2 - Patchwork
Saturday, September 26 at 1 pm
Main Library in Newton
Give your favorite clothes a second life! In the second session of our four-part Visible Mending series, you'll learn the fundamentals of repairing worn and damaged clothing while turning mends into creative design features. We'll cover basic hand-sewing techniques, simple fixes, and essential tools to help you confidently begin your visible mending journey. Bring a garment in need of repair or practice on provided materials.
Visit with the Library to Go - out in the community!
Public Health Farmers Market
Thursday, September 24 from 10 am - 1 pm
Catawba County Public Health
3070 11th Ave Dr SE, Hickory, NC 28602
Join the fun! Discover great books, get creative with hands-on activities and crafts, and explore library resources for every age.
