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.

Special storytimes:

Aug. 23: Stuffed Animal Sleepover

Children may drop off stuffed animals off by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22, and they will enjoy a sleepover at the library. Come back the next morning for breakfast, storytime and a photo slideshow of all the animals’ adventures.

Aug. 30: Tea Party

Children may dress in their finest attire for a special “high tea” storytime.

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.

Hands On presents “Geology Rocks”

2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 6, Saluda Library

Children may investigate the world beneath their feet by learning how to identify rocks and minerals, and discover what treasures can be found nearby.

Hoop Jam

11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 8, Stearns Park

Children may meet at Stearns Park in Columbus to explore hoop dancing with Melanie MacNeil from Asheville Hoops. There will be jammin’ tunes and hoops for all to use at this event, which promotes movement and dance. Rain location is Stearns Gym.

Teen Programs

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

‘High School Musical 2’ and locker magnets

2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 2, Columbus Library

Teens may sing along with Troy and Gabriela during the 2007 sequel, while making magnets for their lockers out of perler beads.

Empire Records Escape Room

2 p.m. at Thursday, Aug. 9, Columbus Library

Teens are asked to help rising rock star Seth find his song! He is supposed to debut the song live on “The Tonight Show,” but someone has stolen his work. Teens will have one hour to work together to find the song and meet Seth at the show before it starts.

Back to School Party

4 p.m. at Monday, Aug. 27, Saluda Library

Teens will celebrate the new school year with games, crafts and food in the teen space.

Adult Programs

Tuesday Morning Book Club

10 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month, Columbus Library

“Commonwealth” by Ann Patchett will be discussed this month. People may contact Reva at rbwilliams6@windstream.net or 828-894-5483 for more info.

Craft Class

4 p.m. the first Friday of the month, Columbus Library

2 p.m. the second Monday of the month, Columbus Library

All materials are provided. Space is limited; registration is suggested. People may sign up with Amelia at 828-894-8721, ext 226, or ahill@polklibrary.org. In August, the group will make rock garden markers.

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. August’s theme is brunch.

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.

All Ages Programs

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

Aug. 10: “Bye Bye Birdie”

Aug. 17: “Dreamgirls”

Aug. 24: “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”

Aug. 31: “Moulin Rouge”

Bullet Journaling

2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, Tryon Coffeehouse Co-op

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

Musical Matinee: “Grease”

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

Free popcorn will be served to guests.

Intro to Entomology 

11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, Columbus Library

Scientists need guests’ help in studying animals everywhere, including their own backyard! Attendees will learn all about local creepy crawly friends, go on a short-guided insect walk and find out how to earn their entomology field badge and a free pass to Monarch Butterfly Day at the North Carolina Arboretum. Intended for 5 to 13-year-old children, but all are welcome to attend.

Mario Kart Tournament

6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, Columbus Library

Anyone can compete, but only one champion will go home with a trophy.

– Submitted by Polk County Public Libraries