May 2026

Saluda Library Closed
05/16/2026 , 12:00 AM at PCPL Saluda

Saluda Storytime
05/19/2026 , 10:30 AM at PCPL Saluda

Spring 2026 Storytime Session
March 31 – May 27
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!

Reptile & Amphibian Encounters
05/19/2026 , 4:00 PM at PCPL Saluda

Reptile & Amphibian Encounters
Tuesday, May 19 @ 4pm
Saluda Library

Join us for an educational program with the North Carolina Arboretum to learn all about the many different herptiles (reptiles and amphibians) that call Western North Carolina their home! Ever wondered why some snakes smell stinky when they're upset? Or what the difference is between a frog and a toad? We'll answer all of our biggest questions about herptiles, check out some artifacts, and even meet a reptile or amphibian up close! Come ready to hear about the ecoEXPLORE program, find out what distinguishes herptiles from other animals, where they live, what they eat, how they breathe, plus much more! This program is designed for ages 5-13.

Circle of Parents
05/20/2026 , 9:30 AM at PCPL Columbus

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.

Columbus Storytime
05/20/2026 , 10:30 AM at PCPL Columbus

Spring 2026 Storytime Session
March 31 – May 27
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!

Teen Scene
05/20/2026 , 3:30 PM at PCPL Columbus

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

March 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 make string art.

March 25: Anime Afternoon
Food and activities from your favorite fandoms! Email jdickenson@polklibrary.org by March 19th to register.

April 8: 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 buttons.

April 22: Earth Day Celebration
Celebrate our planet with an afternoon of eco-friendly fun!

May 6: 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 perler bead creations.

May 20: Culinary Challenge
Combine random food items into a creative dish! All supplies provided. Email jdickenson@polklibrary.org by May 14th to register.

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
05/21/2026 , 12:00 PM at PCPL Columbus

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

Julie Arrington Artist Reception
05/23/2026 , 10:00 AM at PCPL Saluda

Julie Arrington Artist Reception
Saturday, May 23, 10am-12pm
Saluda Library

Julie Arrington has called Saluda home for over 40 years. Inspired by her love of nature and gardening, Julie uses natural flora in her one-of-a-kind creations. Rustic wood, dried mushrooms, mosses, and recycled rusty tin are just a few of the supplies used to create her unique birdhouses, fairy dwellings, dried floral wreaths, and pine knot angels. Special orders can be created by request. View her artwork at Saluda Library May 18-June 27 or at this special reception with the artist where light refreshments will be served.

Libraries Closed
05/25/2026 , 12:00 AM at PCPL Columbus

Saluda Storytime
05/26/2026 , 10:30 AM at PCPL Saluda

Spring 2026 Storytime Session
March 31 – May 27
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!

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