Children are invited to “rock and roll” into summer at Polk County Public Libraries, as the 2018 summer reading program, “Libraries Rock,” is now in full swing.

Summer programs for children (up to rising fifth-graders) are on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. at Columbus Library, and include an instrument “petting zoo,” animals with Chimney Rock State Park, cartooning with local artist Steve Barr, and a hula-hoop jam on the lawn of Stearns Park.

Weekly teen programs are on Thursdays at 2 p.m. at Columbus Library. Rising sixth to 12th-graders can hang out with friends and participate in fun activities such as crafts, movie matinees, a “Hamilton” party and an escape room.

PCPL’s annual Teen Lock-In is scheduled for Friday, July 27. For the fifth year in a row, teens will take over the library after hours.

There will be 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.

There are also programs for kids and teens at Saluda Library on Mondays at 2 p.m. Upcoming events include science with KidSenses Children’s Museum, folk musician Sonia Brooks, a self-defense workshop for teens and geology with Hands On! Children’s Museum.

To earn prizes this summer, register and pick up a challenge card at Saluda Library or Columbus Library.

Adults can participate in summer reading as well. There are separate challenge cards for adults, where participants can enter to win gift cards by reading and completing other fun challenges.

There are also programs for adults all summer long, including craft classes, Cookbook Club, team trivia night and weekly movie musical matinees.

For more information, people may visit polklibrary.org.

– Submitted by Jen Pace Dickenson