All ages programs

Celebrate National Poetry Month with a Poetry Contest. Contact Cameron at clangford@polklibrary.org or (828) 749-2117 for more info.

Guidelines:

-Entries due by Tuesday, April 10.

-The poems should be placed in a sealed envelope and handed in to the front desk at the Saluda Library (or placed in the book drop if the library is closed).

-First and last name and a contact email or phone number should be written on the envelope.

-Personal/identifying information should not be included on the poems themselves to maintain anonymity.

-Winners will be chosen by the Saluda Teen Advisory Group; however, anyone may submit their original work.

-Submissions of up to three poems per person and of no more than 40 lines per poem.

-A decision will be made for the top three poems and authors contacted by Friday, April 13.

-The winners will be announced at a reception at Saluda Library on Tuesday, April 17, at 4 p.m.. Light refreshments will be available, and participants are encouraged to read their poems aloud at this event.

Do you know how to play chess? Players of all ages and experience ranges are invited to join the Foothills Chess Club on Mondays at 12:30 p.m. at Columbus Library. Learn the basics, and then challenge yourself by playing with someone new.

Children’s programs

Baby Bookworms

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

Babies and toddlers up to 24 months old will enjoy books, songs and playtime with special sensory toys.

Rising Readers

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

Children ages 2-5 will enjoy books, songs, and a special themed craft or activity.

Kids Programs

Preschoolers to fifth graders can enjoy free activities every week.

Mondays at 4 p.m., Saluda Library

April 9 – Fairy Gardens

Make your own fairy garden to take home. We will provide soil and other materials. Please bring your own container and any special items you would like to add.

April 16 – Science Shenanigans

You’re in for a thrill, as we conduct multiple science demonstrations that bring chemistry and physics alive with KidSenses.

April 23 – Earth Day Celebration

Celebrate Mother Earth. We will make crafts from recycled materials, make bird seed ornaments and plant seeds to take home and grow.

April 30 – Borax Crystals

Growing crystals is a fun, easy science experiment. Learn how to make them using Borax, water, and pipe cleaners.

Wednesdays at 4 p.m., Columbus Library

April 11 – Rainbow Sand Art Terrariums

Make your own spring terrarium to take home and display. We will provide colored sand and other materials. Please bring your own jar or container and any special items you would like to add.

April 18 – Garden Gate Rabbit Park

Hop into spring with this educational program featuring live rabbits. Enjoy storytelling, learning about different breeds and interaction with a variety of bunnies.

April 25 – “Paddington 2” Movie & Craft

Watch the newest “Paddington” movie on the big screen. We’ll also make a craft and enjoy popcorn.

Teen programs

Teen Scene

Thursdays at 4 p.m., Columbus Library

April 12 – Perler Bead Headphones

Do your headphones constantly get tangled in your backpack or pocket? Learn how to fix that with a techy trick.

April 19 – Nintendo Wii U

Play games on the Nintendo Wii U with your friends.

April 26 – Movie Matinee: “Thor Ragnarok”

Brush up on your Norse mythology with Thor, the god of thunder, in this action-packed adventure. Popcorn and drinks will be provided.

Saluda Teen Advisory Group

First Wednesdays a 4 p.m., Saluda Library

Join S.T.A.G. and have a say in what the library offers for teens! Members will be able to offer suggestions for future teen programs, materials, and spaces. The next meeting is on April 11 (second Wednesday of the month due to spring break).

Adult programs

Extreme Couponing

Wednesday, April 18 at 6 p.m., Columbus Library

Jenny Martin, author of SouthernSavers.com, will offer an in-depth look at everything you can do to save money. Attendees will learn how to cut their grocery and household purchases by 50 percent. Topics discussed will include gathering, organizing, and using coupons; grocery store policies and tips; and digital couponing.

Movie Matinee: “The Post”

Monday, April 23 at 1 p.m., Saluda Library

Nominated for Best Picture and Best Lead Actress Academy Awards

Rated PG-13

Academy Award Film Series

Fridays at 1 p.m., Columbus Library

Watch movies nominated for a 2018 Oscar on the big screen at the library! Free propcorn and drinks will be served.

April 20 – “The Post,” Nominated for Best Picture and Best Lead Actress, Rated PG-13

April 27 – “Phantom Thread,” Nominated for Best Picture, Best Lead Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Director, Rated R

Adult Craft Class

First Fridays at 4 p.m., Columbus Library

Second Mondays at 2 p.m., Saluda Library

This month, get creative with new writing techniques using Crayola markers. We will teach simple hand lettering skills to get you started on the basics of calligraphy. All materials will be provided. Space is limited; registration required. Sign up with Amelia at 828-894-8721, ext. 226, or ahill@polklibrary.org.

Computer Basics Class

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

Meet in the Community Room to learn new computer skills. Laptops will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own device. We will learn Facebook on April 16.

Tuesday Morning Book Club

First Tuesdays at 10 a.m., Columbus Library

“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck will be discussed on April 3. Contact Reva at rbwilliams6@windstream.net or 828-894-5483 for more info.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Wednesdays through April 11, Columbus Library

Call (828) 894-8721 x221 or stop by the Columbus Library to make an appointment.

Pushing the Limits of Tradition

Friday, April 13 at 4 p.m., Columbus Library

Read and discuss “Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team” by Steve Sheinkin. Need a copy of the book? Place a hold through the NC Cardinal catalog today!

Cookbook Club

Third Thursdays at noon, Columbus Library

Each month will challenge you to create a themed dish to share with friends at a potluck lunch. Be sure to bring a copy of the recipe, too. On April 19, bring soup, salad, or sandwiches to share for an alliterative lunch.

Team Trivia

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

Bring your friends for a night of trivia on April 20. Find the rainbow at this month’s ROYGBIV themed trivia. Each color of the rainbow will serve as a different category of questions. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams.

Color Me Happy

Fourth Mondays at 4 p.m., Columbus Library

Enjoy an evening of adult coloring. No artistic experience required. Bring your own art supplies or choose to use the library’s coloring pages and colored pencils on April 23.

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.