Green Riverkeeper with MountainTrue Update
Tues, Oct 14 @ 2pm
Saluda Library

Erica Shanks, Green Riverkeeper and Watershed Outreach Coordinator with MountainTrue, will present an update on the status of the Lower Green River after Hurricane Helene. You can expect to hear updates about the cleanup process, bank stabilization ideas and projects moving forward, volunteer opportunities, and what the future of the Green River looks like this season for recreation. You will also hear about water sampling efforts and how to get involved! 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.

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.

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.

July 17: Retro Recipes

August 21: Bookish Bites

September 18: Comfort Classics

October 16: Orange is the New Snack (Orange Food or Drink)

November 20: The Three Sisters (Recipes Featuring Corn, Beans, or Squash)

December 18: Cookie Exchange

Cooking Up Stories
3rd Tuesdays @ 4pm
Saluda Library

This new program for K-5th graders combines picture books with delicious dishes! Registration required as space is limited. Email jdickenson@polklibrary.org by the Thursday before each session to sign up. Sessions may be cancelled if not enough participants register.

Sept 16: Kalamata's Kitchen by Sarah Thomas
READ: a story about a girl and her stuffed alligator, who learn that food and memory have the power to make you feel comforted and brave
MAKE: South Indian dal

Oct 21: Pizza! A Slice of History by Greg Pizzoli
READ: the hilarious and mouth-watering history of pizza
MAKE: mini English muffin pizzas

Nov 18: Nacho's Nachos by Sandra Nickel
READ: the delicious true story of an inventive chef and the events that led to the creation of the world's favorite snack
MAKE: nachos

Dec 16: Carla and the Christmas Cornbread by Carla Hall
READ: a story about a girl who visits her grandparents' house for the holiday
MAKE: cornbread with cinnamon butter

Ghosts of the Blue Ridge
Tuesday, Oct 21 @ 5:30pm
Columbus Library

Join John Badger, founder of Haunts of Hendo, as we discover the world of ghost hunting and dive into the haunted lore of Western North Carolina. Get a glance at the tools of the trade and sit back for some spooky stories. This program is intended for adults.

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!

August 27: Cupcake Challenge
Think your decorating skills are sweet? Choose your favorite book and decorate a cupcake inspired by it — characters, covers, scenes, or themes — it's up to you! Email jdickenson@polklibrary.org by August 20 to sign up.

Sept 10: Hang Out & Rubber Ducky Decorating
Relax with your friends, play video and board games, and eat snacks. We will also have an international snack taste test and decorate rubber duckies with paint, glitter, accessories, and more. Whether you go cute, spooky, funny, or totally weird, your duck is yours to design!

Sept 24: Minute to Win It Mayhem
Can you beat the clock? Join us for a fast-paced frenzy of fun with wild one-minute challenges using everyday objects! Stack it, toss it, balance it — you'll only have 60 seconds to complete each task. Come ready for laughter and chaos!

Oct 8: Hang Out & Animal Masks
Relax with your friends, play video and board games, and eat snacks. We will also have an international snack taste test and create animal masks led by creative teen Dee Cullen. Email jdickenson@polklibrary.org by October 1 to sign up.

Oct 22: Glow-in-the-Dark Spooky Music BINGO
Get ready for a frightfully fun afternoon with a spooky twist! Jam out to eerie tunes and Halloween hits while playing glow-in-the-dark BINGO under blacklights. Listen for creepy classics and guess the songs to mark your card. Costumes encouraged, prizes awarded, and glowing fun guaranteed!

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

Spooky Trivia Night
Mon, Oct 27 @ 6pm
Saluda Mexican Grill

Just in time for Halloween, join us for a spine-tingling night of trivia filled with eerie questions, haunting fun, and a touch of fright. Gather your team—only the bravest minds will survive the challenge! Teams can have up to six players. There will be gift card prizes for 1st and 2nd place, and a consolation prize for last place.

Fall 2025 Storytime Session #2
Oct 28 – Dec 10
Tuesdays @ 10:30am, Saluda Library
Wednesdays @ 10:30am, Columbus Library

Join us for books, songs, and a fun craft or activity! The 4th week of the month will be "A Sprinkle of Spanish" storytimes. Storytime is designed for ages 2-5.