Catawba County News
This Week @ Your Library May 3-10
Published: May 01, 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 0-5!
Pre-K STEAM
Friday, May 8 at 10 am
Maiden Branch Library
Saturday, May 9 at 10 am
Claremont Branch Library
Children and their grownups are invited to explore interactive play stations to build confidence in learning.
Programs for children, ages 6-11!
American Sign Language for Beginners
Monday, May 4 at 6:30 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Families are invited to explore beginner sign language together! This interactive class for children ages 5 and older and their grownups will cover basic signs and simple communication in a welcoming, supportive environment.
PAWS to Read
Tuesday, May 5
St. Stephens Branch Library
by appointment
Encourage your young reader through reading with a certified therapy dog. To schedule an appointment, please call 828-466-6821.
Homeschool Hangout
Thursday, May 7 at 11 am
Conover Branch Library
Are you a homeschooling family or group? Meet other homeschoolers, and enjoy an activity and coloring pages!
Mother’s Day Craft: Glass Magnet
Thursday, May 7 at 4:30 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Design and assemble decorative magnets using colorful images and glass gems, perfect for gifting or keeping as a special reminder of someone you love.
Programs for teens!
Citizen Science: Frass Fall
Wednesdays, May 6 & 13 at 4:30 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library
Help the University of North Carolina collect information about arthropods by building and setting Frass Fall Traps. This program has two sessions (building traps and collecting data) so be sure to register for both by calling 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.
A Matter of Balance
Fridays at 8:30 am
Catawba County Council on Aging
400 17th St SW, Hickory
Concerns about falling often restrict activities for older adults. But this award-winning, eight-week program is designed to help older adults manage and address concerns and increase their activity level, all of which leads to feeling better! You’ll learn what you need to know to reduce your risk of falling and increase your strength and balance. This class is for adults aged 60+ or with a condition that increases the risk of falls. Please call 828-328-2269 to register.
The Career Blueprint
Monday, May 4 at 6 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Stop searching and start building with O-net Interest Profiler, an online personalized roadmap. This program analyzes your unique interests to match your personality with high-growth careers that actually fit your “vibe”. Transition from “just a job” to a master plan for your professional future in minutes.
Business Basics: Admin & Bookkeeping Essentials
Tuesday, May 5 at 12 noon
Main Library in Newton
The last of our six-part series is for anyone who is contemplating starting an arts-related business, or who has already started one and realized you don’t quite have the business-side covered. To register, please call 828-465-8665.
Spring Cleaning: The Big Shred-Down
Wednesday, May 6 from 9 am to 11 am
Southwest Branch Library
Join the community for The Great Paper Purge, where we’re helping you lose the “paper weight” this spring. Whether it’s an old tax return or a love letter from an ex you’d rather forget, bring your limit of 2 boxes down and watch your clutter vanish into thin air (well, thin strips). It’s fast, it’s secure, and it’s arguably more therapeutic than a spa day.
Chair Yoga
Wednesday, May 6 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.
Library Catalog Tips and Tricks
Thursday, May 7 at 4 pm
Main Library in Newton
Did you know you can renew your library books from the comfort of home? How about placing books on hold to pick up at any location? Learn all about the library’s catalog and your account during this session.
K-POP Catawba!
Thursday, May 7 at 6 pm
Main Library in Newton
Catawba County's only continuing K-pop fan gathering! Share your favorite songs, videos, and artist biases and play K-pop trivia. Explore the world's most exciting musical genre!
Visit with the Library to Go - out in the community!
Spring into Summer at Taft Broome Park
Thursday, May 7 from 5 - 7 pm
115 7th Avenue SW, Hickory
Sponsored by the City of Hickory and Catawba County Partnership for Children, learn about and connect to activities and services families may need during the summer months.
Foothills Folk Art Festival
Saturday, May 9 from 10 am - 4 pm
Downtown Newton
Find us during this fun, family event to create a community art project!
