Mouse Saves Christmas
Monday, December 22 @ 2pm
Columbus Library

On Christmas Eve, one tiny hero with a big heart sets out to save the day—and the whole holiday season! Mouse Saves Christmas is an interactive stage adventure brought to life with breathtaking puppetry, toe-tapping music, and a cast of professional performers that will leave all ages laughing and cheering! Step into a magical world where friendship, bravery, and a sprinkle of holiday mischief take center stage. It's a holiday celebration for the entire family, mouse-sized and magic-packed! This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Polk County Public Libraries.

Stranger Things Cookie Decorating Class
Tuesday, December 30 @ 4:30pm
Saluda Library

Get ready for the Stranger Things finale in the sweetest way possible! Teens and adults will learn how to turn plain cookies into Hawkins-worthy creations in this beginner-friendly decorating class taught by Joyful Llama Cookie Company. Space is limited and registration is required – email jdickenson@polklibrary.org to sign up. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Polk County Public Libraries.

Circle of Parents
Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30am
Columbus Library

This program, led by Partnership for Children of the Foothills, is for parents of children from birth to five years old. Come share the challenges and successes of parenting with other parents just like you, while gaining and sharing useful information and tips on how to strengthen your family. Experienced child care teachers provide on-site age appropriate activities, supervision, and fun (including the weekly library storytime when in session) for children up to five years of age, while parents and guardians are busy in group discussion and activities. Healthy snacks are also provided. Enjoy the support of a network of new friends, while accessing resources that you and your family can use! For more information, email polkcop@pfcfoothills.org.

Noon Year's Eve Party
Wednesday, December 31 @ 11:30am
Columbus Library

Kids and their families are invited to ring in 2026 a few hours early. Join us for New Year's crafts and activities, and a balloon drop at 12pm sharp! This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Polk County Public Libraries.

Teen Dungeons & Dragons: Krampus Katastrophe
Wednesday, December 31
12:30-5pm
Columbus Library

6th-12th graders are invited to join us for a level three Dungeons & Dragons one-shot game!

Deep in the north snowflakes fall, the sky darkens, and festive cheer has turned to quiet. Your group has been tasked with solving this wintery mystery and bringing joy and warmth back to the land. How you manage that is up to you and your group, but if the residents here are to brave the bleak winter, they will need your help.

Registration is required and space is limited – email Jen at jdickenson@polklibrary.org to sign up.

Dungeons & Dragons is the world's most popular tabletop roleplaying game. It is a cooperative, storytelling game where you and other players take on the roles of different characters within a story. As you play, your character will make friends and enemies, fight monsters, discover loot, and complete quests. Playing D&D provides numerous benefits, including fostering social skills, promoting creativity, and enhancing problem-solving abilities.

Please note that adults other than library staff and presenters are not permitted to stay in the meeting room during teen programs.

Pick up a free Tiny Art Show kit at the front desk starting January 2nd, create a mini masterpiece, and drop it off at the library by January 31st.

You can use other paints/mixed media if you like, but designs must be on a 4×4 canvas (provided by the library). Write your name and the title on the back. One per artist, please!

The 2026 Tiny Art Show will be on display in February. Please pick your painting back up the week of March 2nd. Paintings not picked up by March 14th will be discarded.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Polk County Public Libraries.

Cryptogram Word Puzzles
Monday, Jan 5 @ 2pm
Columbus Library

Kick off the new year with a challenge and stretch your brain solving cryptograms! Cryptogram word puzzles are similar to card games and crosswords. Completing challenges like these help to keep the mind sharp, teach perseverance, and provide considerable satisfaction when solving the puzzles. Learn tips and tricks to solving your own puzzles at this interactive class.

Circle of Parents
Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30am
Columbus Library

This program, led by Partnership for Children of the Foothills, is for parents of children from birth to five years old. Come share the challenges and successes of parenting with other parents just like you, while gaining and sharing useful information and tips on how to strengthen your family. Experienced child care teachers provide on-site age appropriate activities, supervision, and fun (including the weekly library storytime when in session) for children up to five years of age, while parents and guardians are busy in group discussion and activities. Healthy snacks are also provided. Enjoy the support of a network of new friends, while accessing resources that you and your family can use! For more information, email polkcop@pfcfoothills.org.