Catawba County News
This Week @ Your Library January 4-11
Published: January 02, 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.
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
Thursday, January 10 at 10 am
Main Library in Newton
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 6 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 6 at 6 pm
Conover 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.
Lego Club
Wednesday, January 7 at 10 am
Maiden Branch Library
Come for brick-snapping fun! We'll supply the Lego - you bring your imagination! Build, make and play as we explore our creativity through Lego. We will have free play and a Lego parachute building challenge.
Programs for teens, ages 12-18!
Tribute Treats & Cocoa
Monday, January 5 at 2 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Step into the arena (from the comfort of the library) and join us for a screening of The Hunger Games (PG-13). Build your own ultimate creation at our Hot Cocoa Bar, perfect for teens who love adventure, chocolate, and cozy hangouts. May the cocoa be ever in your flavor!
Teen Game Night
Friday, January 9 at 4 pm
Main Library in Newton
It’s game on for an awesome afternoon with our Nintendo Switch consoles and tabletop board games!
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 9: Calendar & Reminders Plan Your Year
Coffee and Tech for Vets
Monday, January 5 at 9 am
Main Library in Newton
Veterans are welcome to drop in for free coffee and friendly tech help. Bring any device, meet the team, and connect with fellow vets - no appointment needed.
Bullet Journaling 101
Monday, January 5 at 6 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Get organized your way! Learn the basics of bullet journaling—a flexible, creative system for tracking tasks, goals, and more. Perfect for beginners. Bring your own journal or use one of ours. All other supplies provided!
Scam Proof Your New Year
Tuesday, January 6 at 2 pm
Long View Town Hall
Stay connected, stay safe. Scam Proof Your New Year will show you how to spot scams, stop spam, and protect your identity in today’s digital world.
Techs-pert Help
Tuesday, January 6 at 2 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Did you get a new gadget this holiday season? Whether it’s a tablet, computer, phone, or something else, we’ve got you covered! Our library tech experts (techs-perts!) are here to help! We’ll provide one-on-one help to get you up and running.
Bob Ross Art Night
Tuesday, January 6 at 5:30pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Embodying the spirit of the late and great Bob Ross, join us as we have fun making art. To register, please call 828-466-6827.
Goal Setting for 2026
Tuesday, January 6 at 6 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Considering a New Year’s resolution? Learn the skills, tools, and mindsets that work to win in 2026.
Chair Yoga
Wednesday, January 7 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, January 7 from 1 - 4 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
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.
Adult Children of Aging Parents: VA Programs and Benefits
Thursday, January 8 at 5:30 pm
Main Library in Newton
This ACAP-Hickory/Foothills program is designed to inform participants about the federally funded Veterans Affairs programs and services to which their family members may have earned with their service in the Armed Forces. Such services may be associated with medical insurance coverage, financial assistance, or accessibility assistance. With their own eligibility criteria, distinct from other programs, this information is essential for caregivers to be informed advocates for their aging parents’ care.
Tie Dye Flannel
Saturday, January 10 at 1 pm
Main Library in Newton
Who says Tie Dye is only for T-shirts? Bring in the flannel item of your choice and we’ll show you the easiest way to do Tie Dye you’ve ever seen. Choose up to seven colors, team colors, or do an ombre of a single color.
