Summer is in full swing at Polk County Public Libraries! The 2017 Summer Reading Program kicked off on Saturday, June 17 with the second annual Mutt Strut 5k at Polk County Middle School. Over 60 competitors braved the heat to run or walk 3.1 miles with their family dog or an adoptable dog from Foothills Humane Society.

Programs for children (up to rising 5th graders) are on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. at the Columbus Library and include a turtle program with Team ECCO Ocean Center and a folk music shindig with Sonia Brooks, the “Moozic Lady.”

Teen programs are on Tuesdays in Columbus and alternating Mondays in Saluda at 2 p.m. Rising 6th to 12th graders can enjoy hanging out with friends and participating in fun activities such as video game tournaments, crafts, and robotics. PCPL’s Teen Lock-In is scheduled for Friday, July 5! Fun at the library after hours for the 4th year in a row! Join us for food, a photo scavenger hunt, Minute to Win It challenges, games, and crafts. Teens must register in advance and have a signed permission slip from a parent.

To earn prizes this summer, pick up a challenge card at the Saluda Library or Columbus Library. Thanks to our sponsors Friends of the Polk County Public Library, Sidestreet Pizza & Pasta, Saluda Outfitters, Chimney Rock State Park, The Gorge Zip Line, Hands On Children’s Museum, Wildflour Bakery, Tryon Theatre, Openroad Coffee, PRO Physical Therapy, and Wilderness Cove Tubing.

New this year is Summer Reading for adults! We have a separate challenge card for adults where you can enter to win gift cards by reading and completing other fun challenges. There are also programs for adults all summer long, including computer classes, bullet journaling, Cookbook Club, team trivia night, and coloring.

To learn more, visit www.polklibrary.org.

Submitted by Jen Pace Dickenson