Check out the latest book in the Stearns Park StoryWalk®, Stretch by Doreen Cronin and Scott Menchin!

Can you stretch to the ceiling? Can you stretch to the floor? You can stretch with a whisper, you can stretch with a roar! The energetic pooch in this book gives new meaning to the yoga pose downward facing dog. Read along with this story to stretch your body and imagination!

The StoryWalk® begins at the playground and continues counter-clockwise on the path around the park. Stretch will be there to read from January 12 through the end of February.

Snakes of Polk and Henderson Counties
Tuesday, Jan 13 @ 2pm
Saluda Library

Learn about the 18 non-venomous and two venomous species of snakes that inhabit Polk and Henderson Counties. This includes some aspects of their life history, reproduction, dealing with problem snakes, the danger of venomous snake bites and treating such bites for both humans and pets. Presenter Alan Cameron has been a volunteer with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission for 20 years. Register for the program here.

The Saluda Library Speaker Series is held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 44 West Main Street, Saluda, NC. This program series is made possible thanks to Polk County Public Libraries' partnership with Conserving Carolina. Contact Pam Torlina at pam@conservingcarolina.org with questions or for more information.

Cathy Love Artist Reception
Tuesday, January 13, 3-5pm
Saluda Library

Enjoy light refreshments while viewing and listening to Cathy discuss her displayed artwork. Cathy took up painting in the latter years of her corporate career in an effort to achieve a better work/life balance. Painting became a passion and now she combines her love of animals and painting with her travels. Whether glamping at Wyldstay in Fountain Inn to spend time with Hairy Coos, or photographing regal cows with their stunning mountainous backdrop in Switzerland, she has a camera at the ready for her next subject. Oils are her medium of preference. She did something a little different with them in this show. Inspired by an Italian exhibition where the artist painted sculptures on velvet tapestry, she brought that concept home. Now the subjects are cows on gorgeous green velvet upholstery fabric! Cathy and her husband, Mike, split time between Columba, S.C. and their home on Lake Sheila. Cathy refers to it as her "happy place" where she enjoys photographing and painting the many birds at their feeders. You may have actually seen Cathy on the side of 176 photographing Saluda's Oreo cow, or playing with the goats at Carl Sandburg's after a morning hike. She loves animals, and her artwork on display at the library shows it.

Yogi Bears
Tuesday, Jan 13 @ 3:30pm
Columbus Library

Join Allie for a fun, themed session of kids' yoga! Through song, mindfulness, and movement, we will stretch our bodies and calm our minds. Please wear comfy clothes to move in – yoga mats will be provided. Recommended for ages 5-9. January's theme will be Snowga. Registration is required and space is limited. Email Allie at asnyder@polklibrary.org to reserve your spot.

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.

Teen Scene
Alternating Wednesdays, 3:30-5pm
Columbus Library
6th-12th graders only!

Jan 14: Hang Out
Relax with your friends, play video and board games, and eat snacks. We will also have an international snack taste test and make vision boards.

Jan 28: Anime Afternoon
Food and fun with your favorite fandoms! Email jdickenson@polklibrary.org by Jan 22 to register.

Feb 11: Hang Out
Relax with your friends, play video and board games, and eat snacks. We will also have an international snack taste test and Valentine's Day activities.

Feb 25: Super Smash Bros Tournament
Compete with your friends on the Nintendo Switch! A trophy will be awarded to the winner, but we're all here to have fun.

Teen Scene is sponsored by the Friends of the Polk County Public Libraries!

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

Cookbook Club
3rd Thursdays @ 12pm
Columbus Library

Each month, try your hand at a new recipe! Bring a dish related to our theme and a copy of your recipe to share at a potluck lunch.

January 15: Culinary Bucket List (a dish from a country on your travel bucket list)
February 19: Appalachian Eats
March 19: Tea Party
April 16: Brunch
May 21: Childhood Classics
June 18: BYO Board

Saluda Storytime
Winter 2026 Storytime Session
Jan 20 – March 11
Tuesdays @ 10:30am, Saluda Library
Wednesdays @ 10:30am, Columbus Library

Join us for books, songs, and a craft or activity! Storytime is designed for ages 2-5. The 4th week of the month are "A Sprinkle of Spanish" storytimes. Partnership for Children of the Foothills also hold their free Circle of Parents program in the Columbus Library meeting room from 9-11am on Wednesdays!

Birding for Kids
Tuesday, Jan 20 @ 4pm
Columbus Library

Join us for an educational program with the North Carolina Arboretum to learn all about birds, and the many different types that call Western North Carolina their home! Ever wondered why some birds migrate and some don't? Or why some birds are bright colors while others blend in? At this program we'll answer these and all of our biggest bird questions. We'll also venture out on a bird walk (weather permitting), where we'll learn how to use binoculars, search for evidence of birds, and learn some bird calls. Come ready to hear about the ecoEXPLORE program, our area's many different types of birds, what they eat, where they live, plus much more! This program is for kids ages 5-13.

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