Polk County Public Libraries is starting a new early literacy program for ages 0-5 this month, “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten.”

Reading to children is one of the most powerful ways to boost their brain power. Children may register at the library, track their reading and earn prizes.

Children’s Programs

Rising Readers Storytime

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

Kids 3 to 5 years old can enjoy books, songs and a craft or activity each week.

Family Fun Storytime

10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, Saluda Library

Kids ages 0 to 5 years old can enjoy books, songs and a craft each week.

Baby Bookworms Storytime

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

Kids ages 0 to 2 can enjoy books, songs and sensory playtime each week.

Family Dance Party

11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, Columbus Library

Polk County Parks & Recreation will be at the library to lead a family dance party on the fourth Tuesday of the month after Rising Readers.

Elementary Explorers

4 p.m. Mondays, Saluda Library

4 p.m. Tuesdays, Columbus Library

For kids in grades K-5 and their families.

September 2018 Theme: Games

Saluda Library

Sept 10: BINGO

Children who mark off five numbers in a row may win a prize or book.

Sept 17: Board Games

Play a classic such as Monopoly and Sorry, or try a modern game like Kingdomino or Codenames.

Sept 24: Puzzle Race

Get in teams and see who can finish their puzzle the fastest.

Columbus Library

Sept 11: Board Games

Play the classics such as Monopoly and Sorry or try a new game like Kingdomino or Codenames.

Sept 18: BINGO

Children who mark off five numbers in a row may win a prize or book.

Sept 25: Life-Size Candy Land

Stroll down the rainbow path and try to be the first one to reach King Kandy’s Castle and win.

Teen Programs

These programs are for 6th through 12th graders only.

Bob Ross Painting Party

4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, Saluda Library

4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, Columbus Library

Learn how to paint beautiful landscapes in the style of painter Bob Ross. Teens will paint along with his video as he makes happy little trees. All materials will be provided. People may sign up by emailing jdickenson@polklibrary.org or by calling 828-894-8721, ext. 284.

Adult Programs

History of Horses in Polk County

6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, Columbus Library

Ever wonder who had the first horses in Polk County? People may hear Gerald Pack, a professional horseman who grew up in the Tryon area, share more about the area’s history of horses. Pack has participated in hunting and showing horses, worked with some of the greatest horsemen of his generation and witnessed the formation of the first U.S. equestrian team.

Film Fridays

1 p.m. Fridays, Columbus Library

Free popcorn at each showing.

Sept 14: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor? “

This documentary paints a portrait of the life and work of children’s entertainer Fred Rogers, star of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” A former minister, Mister Rogers communicated themes of empathy and acceptance. Rated PG-13.

Sept 21: “Overboard”

When a spoiled heir wakes up with amnesia, a struggling single mother pretends to be his wife to get payback for him unjustly firing her. Rated PG-13

Sept 28: “A Wrinkle In Time”

Based on the novel by Madeleine L’Engle, Meg meets three supernatural beings who transport her through the universe to rescue her father, who mysteriously disappeared and is being held captive by an evil force. Rated PG

Craft Class

2 p.m. Monday, Saluda Library

People may celebrate the World Equestrian Games with their own funky horse painting. This class will be taught by local artist Kristen Mode, owner of Kaleidoscope Studios in Tryon. All materials will be provided, including an 8-by-10-inch canvas. Those who would like another size canvas may bring their own. Each program is limited to 15 attendees, so advanced registration is strongly encouraged. To sign up, people may call 828-894-8721, ext. 283, or email ahill@polklibrary.org.

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. September’s theme is Garlic Galore.

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

“King’s Mountain” by Sharyn McCrumb will be discussed this month. People may email bncovert@att.net or call 828-919-6904 for more info.

All Ages Programs

Chess Club

12:30 p.m. Mondays, Columbus Library

4 p.m. Thursdays, Saluda Library

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

– Submitted by Polk County Public Libraries