Children’s Programs

Family Fun Storytime

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

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

Paws to Read

10 a.m. on Fridays, 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.

Kids Summer Reading

2 p.m. on Mondays, Saluda Library

July 16: KidSenses presents “Super Sonic Light Speed”

Children are invited to go on a super-sonic adventure, where they will discover how light and sound work through several demonstrations.

July 23: Rock Out with Sonia Brooks

Children may sing and tap out the rhythm during this hands-on musical experience with a folk musician.

Kids Summer Reading

11 a.m. on Wednesdays, Columbus Library

July 18: Instrument Petting Zoo

Local musicians will bring their most prized possessions — their instruments — for children to learn about and experiment with during this interactive workshop.

July 25: Chimney Rock presents “Whooo’s That I Hear?”

Children will learn what sounds nocturnal animals make, as well as learn about and meet amphibians, opossums and owls with a park ranger.

Teen Programs

These programs are for rising sixth through 12th-graders only

National Teen Lock-In

7 p.m. Friday, July 27, Columbus Library

Teens will take over the library after hours for the fifth year in a row. Participants will enjoy food, games and crafts, and will compete with library teens all over the country in various games and activities. Teen must have a signed permission slip and register by Wednesday, July 25, at 828-894-8721, ext. 227, or jdickenson@polklibrary.org to attend.

Teen Summer Reading

2 p.m. on Mondays, Saluda Library

July 30: Self-Defense Workshop

Teens will learn basic self-defense techniques designed to improve their awareness, personal safety, and self-confidence.

Teen Summer Reading

2 p.m. on Thursday, Columbus Library

July 12: Across the Universe & Tie-Dye

Teens may bring their own shirt to tie-dye and listen as the music of The Beatles, which forms the backdrop to this movie about a romance between an upper-class American girl and a poor British artist.

July 19: Hamilton Party

Teens will learn all about Alexander Hamilton. People may play trivia, watch videos of the stage production and make sheet music art to celebrate one of America’s Founding Fathers in hip-hop style.

Adult Programs

‘80s Murder Mystery Party

6 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, Columbus Library

Polly Abdool is hosting a totally tubular album release party for her friend, Debbie Gribson, at a posh VIP Beverly Hills club. Debbie Gribson is a top international pop idol who is releasing her new album, “Eclectic Youth.” The guest list is stock full of big name celebrity guests who will undoubtedly hit the scene in outrageous ’80s fashion. Guests are asked to come in character to figure out whodunit in this murder mystery event. Space is limited and registration is required. People are asked to sign up by Friday, July 20, at 828-894-8721, ext. 227, or jdickenson@polklibrary.org.

Computer Basics Class

10 a.m. Monday, July 16, Columbus Library

Guests will meet in the Community Room to learn new all about e-books! Laptops will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own device.

Cookbook Club

Noon on the third Thursday of the month, Columbus Library

Each month, guests will be challenged to create a themed dish to share with friends at a potluck lunch. July’s theme is meatless, so people are asked to bring a vegetarian dish, using tofu or another meat substitute.

Team Trivia

6 p.m. on the third Friday of the month, 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

2 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month, Columbus Library

People may contact Bob at bncovert@att.net or 828-919-6904 for more info.

Pushing the Limits Book Club

4 p.m. on the fourth Friday of the month, Columbus Library

In July, the club will discuss “In the Country We Love” by Diane Guerrero. People may contact ahill@polklibrary.org or 828-894-8721, ext. 226, for more info.

All Ages Programs

Mineral and Lapidary Museum

10 a.m. Monday, July 30, Saluda Library

The Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County will teach guests all about different types of rocks and fossils during this hands-on experience.

Foothills Chess Club

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

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

Musical Matinees

1 p.m. on Fridays, Columbus Library

July 13: “Pitch Perfect”

July 20: “Mamma Mia!”

July 27: “West Side Story”

Bullet Journaling

2 p.m. Tuesday, July 17 and July 31, Tryon Coffeehouse Co-op

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

Musical Matinee: “School of Rock”

2 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, Saluda Library

Free popcorn will be served to guests.

– Submitted by Polk County Public Libraries