Summer Reading for kids, teens and adults starts Monday, June 11.

People may pick up their challenge cards at their local library branch, and mark each box when they complete a challenge. For every five challenges completed through Aug. 19, readers will earn a chance to win one of the libraries’ grand prizes.

Summer Reading 2018 is sponsored by Friends of the Polk County Public Libraries, Green River Adventures, Local Government Federal Credit Union, Wilderness Cove Tubing, Larkin’s Carolina Grill, Green River BBQ, and The Purple Onion.

The kick-off will be a “Celebrate the 50s Sock Hop” on Tuesday, June 12, from 5-7 p.m. at Columbus Library. Guests may come dressed in poodle skirts and leather jackets for a ‘50s costume contest, root beer floats, Twister, hopscotch, limbo, vinyl record crafts, a Jell-O recipe potluck, and more.

Blue Ridge Dance Lab will teach ‘50s dance lessons from 5:30-6 p.m. At 6 p.m., Elvis will arrive in his blue suede shoes and perform a special concert.

Children’s Programs

Family Fun Storytime

Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., Columbus Library

Kids ages 0-5 can enjoy books, songs and a craft each week.

Paws to Read

Fridays at 10 a.m. starting June 15, Saluda Library

Children may meet Baileyboo the Labrador Retriever therapy dog. Baileyboo loves to hear kids read and will be available on Friday mornings all summer, so children can practice their reading while school is out.

Hoop Jam

Monday, June 18, at 2 p.m., Saluda School Gym

Children may meet at the Saluda School gym to explore hoop dancing with Melanie MacNeil from Asheville Hoops. There will be tunes and hoops for all to use at this event, which promotes movement, creativity and dance.

Drumming Workshop

Monday, June 20, at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Columbus Library

Children may learn how to play drums with music teacher Linda Powell.

Hands On presents “Geology Rocks”

Monday, June 27, at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Columbus Library

Children may learn how to identify rocks and minerals, and discover what treasures can be found nearby.

Teen Programs

Teen programs are for rising sixth through 12th graders only.

Saluda Teen Advisory Group

First Wednesdays at 4 p.m., Saluda Library

Teens may join S.T.A.G. and have a say in what the library offers for young adults. Members will be able to offer suggestions for future teen programs, materials and spaces.  The final meeting for the school year is on Wednesday, June 6.

Guitar Hero Tournament

Thursday, June 21, at 2 p.m., Columbus Library

Teens may challenge other teens in a Guitar Hero tournament. Winner gets bragging rights for the rest of the summer and a trophy. Participants may also make guitar picks out of Shrinky Dink materials.

Fiesta Dips

Monday, June 25, at 2 p.m., Saluda Library

Teens may learn how to make guacamole and salsa during this workshop, followed by a tasting of their creations.

Hairspray & Pop Art

Thursday, June 28, at 2 p.m., Columbus Library

Teens may create unique works of pop art while watching the 2007 version of the film, where teenager Tracy Turnblad teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration after landing a spot on a local TV dance show.

Adult Programs

Computer Basics Class

First and third Mondays at 10 a.m., Columbus Library

People meet in the Community Room to learn new computer skills. Laptops will be provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own device. The library will teach Instagram on June 4 and Libby/ebooks on June 18.

Tuesday Morning Book Club

First Tuesdays at 10 a.m., Columbus Library

In June, the library will discuss News of the World by Paulette Jiles. Contact Reva at rbwilliams6@windstream.net or 828-894-5483 for more info.

Adult Craft Class

First Fridays at 4 p.m., Columbus Library

Second Mondays at 2 p.m., Saluda Library

This month, guests may get creative with pebble art. All materials will be provided for the event. Space is limited; registration suggested. People may sign up with Amelia at 828-894-8721, ext. 226, or ahill@polklibrary.org.

Cookbook Club

Third Thursdays at noon, Columbus Library

Each month, guests will be challenged to create a themed dish to share with friends at a potluck lunch. People should bring a copy of the recipe. June’s theme is Mediterranean. Participants are asked to bring a Greek, Turkish, or Italian dish.

Team Trivia

Third Fridays at 6 p.m., Tryon Coffeehouse Co-op

People may play by themselves or with a team of family and friends. Any number of people may be on a team, but all team members must share the prize if they win. Gift cards are awarded to the top three teams.

Friends of the Library Book Club

Fourth Wednesdays at 2 p.m., Columbus Library

Contact Bob at bncovert@att.net or 828-919-6904 for more info.

Pushing the Limits Book Club

Fourth Fridays at 4 p.m., Columbus Library

In June, the group will discuss “Seabiscuit” by Laura Hillenbrand. Contact Amelia at ahill@polklibrary.org or 828-894-8721, ext. 226, for more info.

All Ages Programs

Foothills Chess Club

Mondays at 12:30 p.m., Columbus Library

Guests may learn the basics of chess and then challenge themselves by playing with someone new.

Musical Matinees

Fridays at 1 p.m., Columbus Library

The library will sever free popcorn with each showing.

June 1: “Greatest Showman”

June 8: “Sweeney Todd”

June 15: “Chicago”

June 22: “Annie”

June 29: “La La Land”

Chainsaw Art Carving Demo

Wednesday, June 13, at 10 a.m., Saluda Library

Richard and Wendy Withrow with Raw Art will show guests how they create art by carving wood with a chainsaw. The live demonstration will take place in the library parking lot.

Bullet Journaling

Alternating Tuesdays starting June 19 at 2 p.m., Tryon Coffeehouse Co-op

Teens and adults are encouraged to BYOJ (Bring Your Own Journal); all other supplies will be provided.

Kalimba Performance

Tuesday, June 19 at 6 p.m., Columbus Library

Kevin Spears will present a concert featuring modern kalimba music along with other unusual musical instruments as well as a lecture on the history of the kalimba and how it has influenced music around the world from jazz to Latin to Afro-Cuban. Spears will also bring several antique and artistic kalimbas from his private collection, including one previously owned by Alex Haley, the world-famous author of “Roots.”

Musical Matinee: “The Music Man”

Tuesday, June 26, at 2 p.m., Saluda Library

Free popcorn will be served with the showing.

– Submitted by Polk County Public Libraries