Catawba County News
This Week @ Your Library December 14-21
Published: December 12, 2025
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
Ready to Learn Storytime: Tiny to Two
This sweet, simple, 20-minute story time features rhymes, bounces, sensory play, and singing for our youngest learners. Playtime follows.
Mondays at 10 am
Main Library in Newton
Fridays at 10 am
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Sensory-Friendly: Ready to Learn Storytime
Tuesdays at 10 am
Main Library in Newton
Join us for a fun, sensory-friendly storytime for neurodivergent children and their siblings! Enjoy songs, sensory play, crafts, and stories designed for a small group of 10, creating a calm, welcoming space. Afterward, stay for free play to encourage socialization & motor skills. To register, please visit the library or call 828-465-8665.
Programs for children, ages 0-5!
Pre-K STEAM
Tuesday, December 16 at 1 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Children and their grownups are invited to explore interactive play stations to build confidence in learning.
Stories with Santa/Cuentos con Santa
Thursday, December 18 at 5:30 pm
Main Library in Newton
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Join us for a bilingual holiday story, crafts, and a special visit with the big man himself! Fun for the whole family. Holiday pjs encouraged.
Programs for children, ages 6-11!
Paws to Read
Tuesday, December 16 by appointment
St. Stephens Branch Library
Read with a certified therapy dog. To schedule an appointment, please call 828-466-6821.
Festive Films Friday
Friday, December 19 from 10 am - 5 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Cozy up with a cup of cocoa and a couple of cookies while watching a variety of holiday-themed movies.
Perler Bead Club
Friday, December 19 at 4 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Make designs using small beads that are fused together with heat.
Polar Express Day
Saturday, December 20 at 10 am
St. Stephens Branch Library
Join us for a magical journey as we read the book: The Polar Express, watch the movie, and enjoy a special snack. Pajamas welcome - don’t forget your holiday spirit and imagination!
Programs for teens, ages 12-18!
Mochi Making Class
Tuesday, December 16 at 6 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Learn how to make this delicious Japanese treat from scratch! Join us for a fun, hands-on session where you’ll mix, shape, and taste your own mochi creations. All supplies provided—just bring your appetite and creativity! To register, please call 828-466-6821.
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.
NC Works
Wednesdays from 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Work one-on-one with an NC Works representative who can help you find work, improve your skills, and connect you to other resources to make a good impression on employers.
Mindful Movement
Wednesdays & Fridays at 3 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Low impact exercise and gentle stretching for adults of all ages.
Coffee & Technology for Veterans
Monday, December 15 at 9 am
Main Library in Newton
Veterans are welcome to drop in for free coffee & donuts, connecting with fellow vets, and friendly tech help. No appointment needed.
Shelf-Care Book Club
Monday, December 15 at 6 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Treat yourself to the best kind of self-care: a good book! This month, our Book Club is diving into The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter. It’s a festive mystery full of twists, turns, and holiday spirit. Grab your cocoa, put on your detective hat, and join the fun!
Mountain View Book Club
Monday, December 15 at 6 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Join us for a cozy evening of conversation as we discuss Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. This heartfelt novel is about family, secrets, and the bonds that shape our lives. Everyone is welcome, whether you’ve read the book, are partway through, or just want to listen and join the discussion.
Holiday Cards with Canva
Tuesday, December 16 at 10:30 am
Long View Town Hall
2404 1st Ave SW, Hickory
Join our Digital Navigators in Long View to learn how to design your holiday cards using Canva!
Kwanzaa Celebration
Tuesday, December 16 from 2 - 6 pm
Main Library in Newton
All are welcome to a fun and educational Kwanzaa event featuring storyteller Julian Gooding!
2 pm: Community Arts & Crafts
3 pm: Food Way Lecture and Demo
4 pm: Kwanzaa History Segment
5 pm: Kwanzaa Storytelling
Bookish Brick Art
Tuesday, December 16 at 5:30 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Our gardens might be slumbering for the season, but bookish art never sleeps! Join us as we transform a brick into your very favorite book. To register, please call 828-466-6827.
Silent Book Club
Tuesday, December 16 at 6 pm
Conover Branch Library
Take a break from the holiday hustle and settle in for a cozy evening at the library. Bring your current read or a book from our collection, curl up with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee while listening to calming live holiday music.
Happy 250th Birthday, Jane Austen!
Make an Austen-Era Reticule (Purse)
Wednesday, December 17 at 11 am
Main Library in Newton
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the 250th birthday of one of the world’s most beloved authors must be in want of a rightful celebration. We do endeavor to prove ourselves worthy of the tasks set before us, and hereby cordially invite all Janeites near and far to join us to make an Austen-era reticule (purse), period costumes welcome: To register, please call 828-465-8665.
Deck the Cupcakes DIY
Thursday, December 18 at 3 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Festive cupcake decorating is in session! Learn how to create festive designs using two types of frosting that capture the holiday season. To register, please call 828-466-6818.
Newton Book Club
Thursday, December 18 at 5 pm
Carpe Crustum in Downtown Newton
Selecting a diverse range of works and authors, join us to talk about December’s selection, Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe. Get ahead with January’s pick, Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay.
Steeped in Mindfulness
Friday, December 19 at 11 am
Mountain Creek Park
Join us for a cozy tea tasting to slow down and connect with others before heading out on a mindfulness nature walk. Finding simple ways to nourish body, mind, and community.
Visit with the Library to Go - out in the community!
Long View Visit
Monday, December 15 from 9 am to 12:30 pm
Long View Town Hall
2404 1st Ave SW, Hickory
Join us for library card sign-ups, check-out materials, programs for adults, and storytimes for families.
