Catawba County News

This Week At Your Library [Dec07-Dec14]

Published: December 04, 2019

MAIN IN NEWTON
828.465.8665

CHILDREN / TEENS / FAMILIES
Tiny to Two: Ready to Learn Storytime
Mondays at 10 am (no storytime Dec. 23 or 30)
A sweet, 20-minute storytime featuring rhymes, bounces, sensory play, and singing. Playtime follows. Ideal for newborns to age 2, but all are welcome.

Preschool: Ready to Learn Storytime
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 am (no storytime Dec. 25 or 26 or Jan. 1 or 2)
Songs, sensory play, crafts, and stories designed to prepare your preschooler to learn. Ideal for children 3-5, but all are welcome.

PAWS to Read
Tuesdays, December 10 and 17 at 6:15 pm
Children are invited to read to one of our trained therapy dogs. Call for an appointment.

Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 7 at 11 am
Join the Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts for an interactive experience that shows how stories – including this one about a young girl and a nutcracker brought to life – are told through dance. An activity tied to the ballet will follow. Open to all ages and families.

Christmas Crafternoon
Monday, December 9 from 4-6 pm
Drop in to make holiday-themed crafts using materials provided by the library.

Family Film: Elf
Friday, December 13 at 4 pm
After discovering he's human, Buddy, who was raised as an elf at the North Pole, decides to travel to New York City to locate his real father. Rated PG.

ADULTS / CAREER / TECH
Zumba
Mondays at 6 pm
Kick off your week with this dance/movement activity that’s too much fun to call exercise. Appropriate for every skill and ability level and open to ages 14+ (parental signature required for teens under 18).

Tai Chi
Thursdays at 6 pm (no class Dec. 26)
This graceful martial art has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety while increasing flexibility and balance. Suitable for all fitness levels, open to ages 14 and up (parental signature required for teens under 18).

Healthcare Insurance Marketplace Assistance
Appointments available December 2-13
Signing up for health insurance can be a daunting experience, but the insurance-trained assisters from Catawba Family Care are here to help! Bring your pay stubs from last month if possible, as well as the social security numbers of any dependents. Make an individual appointment by calling 828.624.0538.

English as a Second Language Classes
Mondays, December 9 at 5:30 pm (beginner) and 6:30 pm (conversation/intermediate)
Through instruction and conversation, class participants will gain confidence and skills in speaking, reading, and comprehension. Registration required.

New to Medicare Seminar
Monday, December 9 at 10 am
Are you, a friend, or a loved one about to turn 65? Everyone becoming eligible for Medicare needs to get accurate information about coverage options they must make as they approach age 65. Attention to these issues can help avoid serious and costly problems later. Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselors, trained by the NC Dept. of Insurance, will lead the information session and answer questions. A Social Security rep may also be present. Please call the Council on Aging at 828.328.2269 to reserve a seat.

Friends of the Catawba County Library Meeting
Monday, December 9 at 11 am
Help the library fulfill its mission by planning and participating in efforts to raise funds and increase access. Meets each second Monday.

Meet Libby
Monday, December 9 at 11 am
Libby is a free, user-friendly way to find 1000s of ebooks and audiobooks on the NC Digital Library. Learn how to download the app, sign in, and download a title or two. Bring your own tablet or phone so we can help set it up and have you ready to go by the time you leave.

Downton Abbey Film and Christmas Tea
Tuesday, December 10 at 2:30 pm
Join us to watch the 2019 instant classic film of Downton Abbey while we enjoy a British-themed Christmas tea. Learn about the traditions of afternoon tea for those upstairs and down. R.S.V.P. required.

Winter Flower Arranging
Tuesday, December 10 at 5:30 pm
Experienced florist Va Herr will explain and demonstrate the art of making a beautiful winter flower arrangement, including concepts of structure, spacing, and color. One lucky attendee will go home with the floral arrangement created during the session.

Community Listening Sessions: What's Your Dream for the Library?
Tuesday, December 10 and Thursday, December 12 at 6 pm
Help us create and implement a vision for how the Catawba County Library can better serve our community in the future. Share your ideas for improving our spaces, programs, and other resources!

UnBook Club for Non-Joiners
Wednesday, December 11 at 4 pm
Finally, a book club for people who don't want to read what everyone else is reading, don't want to make a commitment each month, and who definitely want food and drink options. Come to this meeting to tell others about the books you've been reading and possibly get reading suggestions from others. Meets the second Wednesday of each month at Blue Moon Tavern in downtown Newton.

Meditation Group
Friday, December 13 at 11 am
Meditation is the intentional practice of cultivating mindfulness. It’s shown to reduce stress, lessen anxiety, lengthen attention span, increase imagination and creativity, reduce chronic pain, and increase patience. This is a chance to experience meditation and learn tips and tricks to help you cultivate mindfulness through the holidays and beyond.

Southern Pens Book Club
Saturday, December 14 at 10 am
This month's read is My Year with Eleanor: A Memoir by Noelle Hancock. January's selection will be The Alice Network by Kate Quinn.

Advanced Gardener Series
The 2019 classes are complete. Please refer to our January 2020 newsletter for details about the new season.

CLAREMONT
828.466.6817

CHILDREN / TEENS / FAMILIES
Claremont Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7 at 3 pm
Make sure to check out the Library to Go in the Claremont Christmas Parade!

STEAM Stations: Candy Cane Coding
Thursday, December 12 at 4 pm
Kids will learn coding basics by crafting their name into a festive candy cane using binary coding principals, pipe cleaners, and beads. For ages 5 and up. No experience necessary.

ADULTS / CAREER / TECH
Upcoming! Books Between Friends Book Club
Tuesday, January 28 at 6 pm
Join us in January, when we'll host a BYOB (bring your own book) session and encourage attendees to speak briefly about a book they've enjoyed during the past year. The book club meets in alternating months.

CONOVER
828.466.5108

CHILDREN / TEENS / FAMILIES
Tiny to Two: Ready to Learn Storytime
Wednesdays at 10 am (no storytime Dec. 25 or Jan. 1)
A sweet, 20-minute storytime featuring rhymes, bounces, sensory play, and singing. Playtime follows. Ideal for newborns to age 2, but all are welcome.

Preschool: Ready to Learn Storytime
Fridays at 10 am (no storytime Dec. 27)
Songs, sensory play, crafts, and stories designed to prepare your preschooler to learn. Ideal for children 3-5, but all are welcome.

Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 7 at noon
Join the Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts for an interactive experience that shows how stories – including this one about a young girl and a nutcracker brought to life – are told through dance. An activity tied to the ballet will follow. Open to all ages and families.

Craftsman Collaborative: Christmas Origami
Tuesday, December 10 at 6 pm
Share a love of crafting, art, ideas, and talent in the Craftsman Collaborative series. Each month, we'll feature a new artisan to talk about his or her work and walk us through creating our own versions. In December, we'll be making origami Christmas boxes during the family-friendly program. Registration required.

ADULTS / CAREER / TECH
Cypress Resumé
Friday, December 13 at 4 pm
Do you need to make a new resumé or update your existing one? Using Cypress Resumé, participants will learn to create a professional resumé in three easy steps using software from NC LIVE.

Murder Mystery Party: Who Killed Santa?
Saturday, December 14 at 11 am
Prepare to be immersed in a dramatic spectacle involving blackmail, backstabbing, and murder! Follow the clues and discover who killed Santa – before it’s too late! Open to teens and adults. Registration required.

MAIDEN
828.428.2712

CHILDREN / TEENS / FAMILIES
Preschool: Ready to Learn Storytime
Thursdays at 10 am (no storytime Dec. 26)
Songs, sensory play, crafts, and stories designed to prepare your preschooler to learn. Ideal for children 3-5, but all are welcome.

Holiday Photo Shoot
Saturday, December 7 during regular library hours
Is it time for holiday photos? We think so! Join us for this come-as-you-can, self-service photo shoot. We’ll provide the backdrop – you bring the family, a camera or phone, and take your own pictures. Available during operating hours except during storytime on December 5.

The Polar Express STEAM and Movie
Saturday, December 14 at 11 am
Join us for a showing of The Polar Express while we make our own electric train and track using magnets and batteries. Refreshments provided.

ADULTS / CAREER / TECH
Advanced Gardener Series
The 2019 classes are complete. Please refer to our January 2020 newsletter for details about the new season.

SHERRILLS FORD-TERRELL
828.466.6827

CHILDREN / TEENS / FAMILIES
Preschool: Ready to Learn Storytime
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 am (no storytime Dec. 25 or 26 or Jan. 1)
Songs, sensory play, crafts, and stories designed to prepare your preschooler to learn. Ideal for children 3-5, but all are welcome.

Tiny to Two: Ready to Learn Storytime
Fridays at 10 am (no storytime Dec. 27)
A sweet, 20-minute storytime featuring rhymes, bounces, sensory play, and singing. Playtime follows. Ideal for newborns to age 2, but all are welcome.

Canvas Creations
Monday, December 9 at 5 pm
Teens, join us to paint a winter-themed canvas. Worried about your artistic abilities? Don’t be! Samples and traceable artwork will be offered, and supplies and snacks will be provided – just bring your imagination. Open to 6th graders and up. Registration required.

ADULTS / CAREER / TECH
Credit and Money Management Workshop
Tuesday, December 10 at 5:30 pm
Join us to learn about establishing or increasing your credit score, creating a budget, reading a credit report, and correcting errors that may negatively affect your credit rating. This workshop is presented in partnership with Operation HOPE and First Horizon Bank by Rita Purvis, financial well-being coach.

Community Listening Session: What's Your Dream for the Library?
Wednesday, December 11 at 4 pm
Help us create and implement a vision for how the Catawba County Library can better serve our community in the future. Share your ideas for improving our spaces, programs, and other resources!

SOUTHWEST
828.466.6818

CHILDREN / TEENS / FAMILIES
Merry Monday Movies
Mondays at 5:30 pm
Enjoy classic holiday movies for the whole family every Monday night in December.

• December 9 – The Santa Clause (PG)
• December 16 – The Polar Express (G)
• December 23 – It’s A Wonderful Life (PG)

Preschool: Ready to Learn Storytime
Wednesdays at 10 am and Thursdays at 11 am (no storytime Dec. 25 or 26 or Jan. 1)
Songs, sensory play, crafts, and stories designed to prepare your preschooler to learn. Ideal for children 3-5, but all are welcome.

Festive Fridays
Fridays during regular library hours
Patrons are invited to create easy make-and-take holiday crafts every Friday in December.

Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 7 at 10 am
Join the Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts for an interactive experience that shows how stories – including this one about a young girl and a nutcracker brought to life – are told through dance. An activity tied to the ballet will follow. Open to all ages and families.

Paws to Read with Mini
Tuesday, December 10 from 4-6 pm
Elementary-aged children are invited to read to Mini, a certified therapy dog. Please sign up for a 15-minute session. Grades K and up.

ADULTS / CAREER / TECH
Mountain View Book Buzz
Tuesday, December 10 at 6 pm
Join us this month for an engaging discussion of The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd.

ST. STEPHENS
828.466.6821

CHILDREN / TEENS / FAMILIES
Preschool: Ready to Learn Storytime
Wednesdays & Thursdays at 10 am; Tuesday evenings at 6 pm (no storytime Dec. 24, 25, or 26 or Jan. 1)
Songs, sensory play, crafts, and stories designed to prepare your preschooler to learn. Ideal for children 3-5, but all are welcome.

Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 7 at 1 pm
Join the Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts for an interactive experience that shows how stories – including this one about a young girl and a nutcracker brought to life – are told through dance. An activity tied to the ballet will follow. Open to all ages and families.

Santa Visits the Library
Thursday, December 12 at 10:30 am (immediately after storytime)
Santa Claus will come dressed in red with a hearty “ho-ho-ho” to sit with children and listen to their Christmas requests. Parents will be able to snap a photo of their child with Santa. All are welcome to come by and visit.

Teen Holiday Celebration
Saturday, December 14 at 4 pm
Teens are invited to enjoy refreshments, make a candy cane craft and dance to festive holiday music at our holiday celebration hosted by the St. Stephens Teen Advisory Board. Come and bring a friend!

ADULTS / CAREER / TECH
English as a Second Language Classes
Saturdays, December 7, 14, and 21 at 9 am
Through instruction and conversation, participants will gain confidence and skills in speaking, reading and comprehension. For details, call the library at 828.466.6821 or Centro Latino at 828.330.0477.

Community Listening Session: What's Your Dream for the Library?
Monday, December 9 at 5:30 pm
Help us create and implement a vision for how the Catawba County Library can better serve our community in the future. Share your ideas for improving our spaces, programs, and other resources!

St. Stephens Book Club for Adults
Monday, December 9 at 6:30 pm
Our newly formed book club is looking for members interested in reading a variety of materials. This month, members should read a book set during the holidays and be prepared to share the story. Bring a friend!

LIBRARY TO GO

Claremont Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7 at 3 pm
Check out the Library to Go in the Claremont Christmas Parade!

SYSTEMWIDE

Census 2020
The framers of the US Constitution chose population as the basis for sharing political power, not wealth and not land. Getting an accurate count of the county's population affects our taxes, congressional representation, and funding for hospitals, schools, and roads. Interested in taking a more active role? Visit www.2020census.gov/jobs to find out about part-time or full-time temporary positions in our area.

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR'S CLOSURES

All library branches will be closed Tuesday, December 24 through Thursday, December 26 for the Christmas holiday. They will also close at 5 pm on Tuesday, December 31 and remain closed on Wednesday, January 1 for the New Year's holiday. Enjoy a safe, merry, and relaxing holiday with your families and friends!