Catawba County News
This Week @ Your Library August 2-9
Published: July 31, 2026
We've got storytimes!
Ready to Learn Storytime: Preschool
Preschool story time with reading
readiness. Join us for songs, sensory play, crafts, and stories designed to prepare your preschooler to learn.
Wednesdays at 10 am
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
St. Stephens Branch Library
Main Library in Newton
Wednesdays at 11 am
Southwest Branch Library
Thursdays at 10 am
Maiden Branch Library
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Southwest Branch Library
St. Stephens Branch Library
Fridays at 10 am
Main Library in Newton
Ready to Learn Storytime: Tiny to Two
Mondays at 10 am
Main Library in Newton
Fridays at 10 am
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
This sweet, simple, 20-minute story time features rhymes, bounces, sensory play, and singing for our youngest learners. Playtime follows.
Programs for children, ages 6-11!
SUMMER LEARNING FINALE PARTIES
Celebrate the end of summer, turn in your reading logs, and pick up your prizes!
Tuesday, August 4 at 2 pm
Maiden Branch Library
Tuesday, August 4 at 2 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Thursday, August 6 at 2 pm
Claremont Branch Library
Thursday, August 6 at 3 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Friday, August 7 from 3 - 5 pm
Conover Branch Library
Friday, August 7 at 4 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Saturday, August 8 from 10 am - 12 pm
Main Library in Newton
Paws to Read
Tuesday, August 4
by appointment
St. Stephens Branch Library
Read with a certified therapy dog. To schedule an appointment, please call 828-466-6821.
Programs for teens!
DIY No Sew Plushies
Thursday, August 6 at 3 pm
Main Library in Newton
Learn to make your own custom stuffed animals with no sewing required!
Programs for adults!
Zumba Mondays!
Mondays at 6 pm
Main Library in Newton
Enjoy a dance and movement class that’s too much fun to call exercise.
Gentle Flow Yoga
Fridays at 11 am
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
A certified yoga instructor will lead us through a beginner-friendly, gentle flow yoga class. You are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or towel as well as a small blanket.
Mindful Movement
Wednesdays & Fridays at 3 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Low impact exercise and gentle stretching for adults of all ages.
Chair Yoga
Wednesday, August 5 at 11:30 am
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
A certified yoga instructor will lead us through a beginner-friendly, gentle flow chair yoga class. Chair yoga allows you to perform yoga poses while seated or using a chair for balance.
Career Center
Wednesday, August 5 from 1 - 4 pm
Main Library in Newton
A Goodwill career specialist will be available to provide one-on-one assistance with your job-related needs. Want to get your resume on Indeed or LinkedIn? This is your perfect opportunity! Reserve a 30-minute appointment by calling the library or drop in as you are able. To register, please call 828-465-8665.
‘80s Bingo Trivia
Thursday, August 6 at 6 pm
Main Library in Newton
Bust out your legwarmers and get amped for this tubular trivia Bingo game. Bring your home slice and test your knowledge of 80s pop culture trivia – everything from clutch tunes to the original shark jumper. Teams are encouraged, but super smartypants are welcome to fly solo. Have fun, win prizes, be rad!
Artificial Intelligence August
Fridays, August 7, 14, & 21 at 2 pm
Main Library in Newton
AI is everywhere and is not just an app you chat with. In this first of a three-part series, participants will learn how we, knowingly or not, use AI every day and the different types of AI systems.
August 7: Types of AI
AI is everywhere and is not just an app you chat with. In this first of a three-part series, participants will learn how we, knowingly or not, use AI every day and the different types of AI systems.
August 14: AI Prompt Slam
Asking AI for answers is easy, right? If you’re not getting the responses you hoped for, it may be your prompt! Participants will gain prompt engineering skills and then test what they learned in a prompt competition.
August 21: Concerns and Safety
As we wrap up AI August, the final session will cover safety concerns, environmental impacts, and how to potentially turn off AI settings on your devices.
Qi Gong
Saturday, August 8 at 9:30 am
Main Library in Newton
Involving gentle movements, controlled breath patterns, and focused attention, Qi Gong can be practiced seated or otherwise – a great practice for those new to movement.
Quilling Project Days
Saturday, August 8 at 3 pm
Wednesdays, August 12 & 26 at 6 pm
Main Library in Newton
Drop in to work on a holiday-themed quilling project for which we’ll be making tight coils, loose coils, teardrops and scrolls. By November (or sooner) we’ll assemble our quilled shapes into a Christmas tree or an ornament to create a hand-crafted holiday card so beautiful you’ll definitely want to deliver it in person.
Garden Volunteer Days
Saturdays, August 8 & 22 from 9 - 11 am
Main Library in Newton
We're seeking enthusiastic volunteers to assist with tasks such as weeding, mulching, and planting in the community garden. Whether you're a gardening expert or just starting out, all ages and experience levels are welcome.
Visit with the Library to Go - out in the community!
Herman Sipe Lunch & Library
Wednesday, August 5 from 11:30 am - 1 pm
115 Herman Sipe Rd, Conover
Enjoy a meal provided by The Corner Table Community Kitchen, check out some books, and participate in free hands-on activities.
