Catawba County News
This Week @ Your Library July 26-August 2
Published: July 25, 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!
Cookie Excavation
Monday, July 27 at 5 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Learn about the tools used by archaeologists while carefully excavating chocolate chips from a cookie while using an excavation grid.
The Catawba County Museum of History: America 250
Monday, July 27 at 6 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Ever wondered what our country was like 250 years ago? Find out in this hands-on exploration of American history!
Volcanoes
Wednesday, July 29 at 10 am
Conover Branch Library
Learn all about volcanoes and what makes eruptions happen. Participants will get to see and touch real volcanic rocks!
Catawba County Parks: Salamander Search
Wednesday, July 29 at 1 pm
Bakers Mountain Park
Look for and learn how to catch salamanders with a Catawba County Park Ranger!
Family Friendly Fossil Fun!
Wednesday, July 29 at 3 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Travel through billions of years of history as we explore the fascinating world of fossils! From ancient sea creatures to towering dinosaurs and woolly mammoths, learn how living things left their marks in stone.
Dragons 101
Thursday, July 30 at 3 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Get ready to learn official dragon training!! Enjoy the featured film How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. Snacks will be provided.
Dino-Art with the HMA
Friday, July 31 at 10 am
Conover Branch Library
Enjoy a fun dinosaur-themed art program with the HMA! Explore your creativity by making a dino-inspired craft. To register, please call 828-466-5108.
Programs for teens!
Coasting through Memories
Tuesday, July 28 at 2 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Turn your favorite photos and magazine clippings into one-of-a-kind treasures at our DIY Memory Coasters Party! We’ll provide the tiles and the glue—you just bring the memories (and maybe a little creativity) to craft a custom coaster that’s almost too pretty to put a drink on it.
Eye Love Dinosaurs
Tuesday, July 28 at 5 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Select from a framed, hand-sculpted dinosaur (or dragon) eye. Whether you choose to paint with bold colors, flashy details, or a fierce fiery look to make your dinosaur eye, you’ll go home with a truly unique art piece.
Teen After-Hours Lock-In
Friday, July 31 from 6:30 – 8 pm
Main Library in Newton
Hang out at the library after closing time to enjoy games, snacks, and activities just for our teen patrons! To register, please call 828-465-8665.
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.
Mindful Movement
Wednesdays & Fridays at 3 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Low impact exercise and gentle stretching for adults of all ages.
Trivia Night: Ancient Egypt
Monday, July 27 at 6 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Journey back to the banks of the Nile for a night of myths, monuments, and mystery! From the engineering marvels of the Giza Plateau to the hidden secrets of the Valley of the Kings, put your knowledge of pharaohs, gods, and hieroglyphs to the ultimate test. Do not worry if you are feeling a little rusty; we promise not to entomb the losers (probably).
Books Between Friends Book Club
Tuesday, July 28 at 6 pm
Claremont Branch Library
We will be discussing Tayari Jones’ Kin, a novel about mothers and daughters, friendship and sisterhood, and the complexities of being a woman in the American South. Newcomers are welcome!
Preserving Your Family Story: Ancestor Pendants
Tuesday, July 28 at 6 pm
Main Library in Newton
Honor your ancestors by creating a pendant with their likeness. Using scanned photos, we’ll use a simple image transfer process to put an accurately sized image in a glass covered, stainless steel pendant, suitable for a necklace or bracelet. You choose the photo – all other supplies provided. To register, please call 828-465-8665.
Catawba County Genealogical Society
Tuesday, July 28 at 6:30 pm
Main Library in Newton
Check out new local history and genealogy materials available for research. All are welcome.
Gentle Flow Yoga
Friday, July 31 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.
Repair, Reinvent & Re-wear: Session 1 - Basics
Saturday, August 1 at 1 pm
Main Library in Newton
Give your favorite clothes a second life! In the first session of our four-part visible mending series, you'll learn the fundamentals of repairing worn and damaged clothing while turning mends into creative design features. We'll cover basic hand-sewing techniques, simple fixes, and essential tools to help you confidently begin your visible mending journey. Bring a garment in need of repair or practice on provided materials.
Adult Board Game Afternoon
Saturday, August 1 at 3 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Learn how to play fun games while meeting new people. This month we will be featuring the classic dice game Yahtzee. Light refreshments provided.
Visit with the Library to Go - out in the community!
Herman Sipe Lunch & Library
Wednesday, July 29 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.
Public Health Farmers Market
Thursday, July 30 from 10 am - 1 pm
3070 11th Ave. Dr. SE, Hickory
We’ll be bringing the party to the farmers market with music, crafts, and books for all ages.
Back To School Bash
Saturday, August 1 from 9 am - 12 noon
Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds
1 American Legion Ave, Newton
Launch into the new school year with the library - discover cool homework resources, boost your reading skills, and try hands-on activities for all ages! Free backpacks provided by local churches and organizations!
