Catawba County News
This Week @ Your Library January 11-18
Published: January 09, 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
Saturday, January 17 at 10 am
St. Stephens Branch Library
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.
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.
Mindful Musical Storytime
Wednesday, January 14 at 10 am
St. Stephens Branch Library
Preschool Storytime with reading readiness. Join us for songs, yoga, and stories designed to prepare your preschooler to learn.
Programs for children, ages 0-5!
Pre-K STEAM
Wednesday, January 14 at 10:30 am
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Children and their grownups are invited to explore interactive play stations to build confidence in learning.
Programs for children, ages 6-11!
PAWS to Read
Tuesday, January 13 by appointment
St. Stephens Branch Library
Encourage your young reader through reading with a certified therapy dog. To schedule an appointment, please call 828-466-6821.
Family Literacy Night: Decodable Books
Tuesday, January 13 at 4:30 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Parents and caregivers are invited to join us for a family literacy night where we learn all about decodable books with Angela Lawrence, Executive Director of the Patrick Beaver Learning Resource Center. Decodable books are carefully crafted stories that match the phonics skills your child is learning in school or at home. They act as a bridge between learning the alphabet and reading real stories. Learn tips and get resources for reading with your children and ask questions.
Programs for teens, ages 12-18!
Book Club Internacional
Monday, January 12 at 5 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Explore the world with other teens through authors born outside of the US. January’s book is Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko. Light refreshments provided.
Teen Open Studio
Thursday, January 15 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Main Library in Newton
Whatever your creative outlet – writing, art, or something else entirely – we know you’ll enjoy this opportunity to create in a laid-back, welcoming studio atmosphere.
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.
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.
Digital Resolutions
Fridays at 11 am
Main Library in Newton
Join us on Fridays to make your digital resolutions easier to keep. Each week, we’ll explore a new topic to help you stay organized, efficient, and confident online.
January 16: Digital Declutter - Clean Up Your Devices for a Fresh Start
Mystery Mavens
Tuesday, January 13 at 6:30 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
The Mystery Mavens book club welcomes new members and is open to the public, even if you haven’t read the book. Join us for a lively discussion on Nightshade by Michael Connelly.
Needle Felting
Thursday, January 15 at 4:30
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Explore the textile art of needle felting as we create a penguin. Finger protectors will be available for participants to use. To register, please call 828-466-6827.
Newton Book Club
Thursday, January 15 at 5 pm
Carpe Crustum in Downtown Newton
Selecting a diverse range of works and authors, join us to talk about January’s pick, Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay. Get ahead with February’s selection, The Husbands by Holly Gramazio.
Get Organized in the New Year
Thursday, January 15 at 6 pm
Main Library in Newton
Are you looking for the right tools to help you make and keep those New Years Resolutions? Look no further! Your digital navigators are here to share some of their favorite online resources for planning and organization.
