March 2026

Saluda Storytime
03/10/2026 , 10:30 AM at PCPL Saluda

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!

The Backyard Chorus
03/10/2026 , 2:00 PM at PCPL Saluda

The Backyard Chorus
Tuesday, March 10 @ 2pm
Saluda Library

Learn about the most common singing insects, with special reference to those in NC, and discuss the function and mechanisms of sound production for crickets, katydids, and cicadas. We will share species-specific songs that help you identify them and learn how the chorus in your backyard changes during the year.

Presenter Tim Forrest is an Emeritus Professor of Biology at UNC-Asheville and has been studying and teaching about insect biology and behavior for over 40 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.

Circle of Parents
03/11/2026 , 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
03/11/2026 , 10:30 AM at PCPL Columbus

Columbus 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!

Teen Scene
03/11/2026 , 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.

FULLY BOOKED Kids Science: Balloon Blasters
03/12/2026 , 4:00 PM at PCPL Columbus

Balloon Blasters: Build & Race Your Own Airships
Thursday, March 12 @ 4pm
Columbus Library

In this fast-paced, hands-on STEM adventure for kids in grades K-5, presented by Zaniac Learning, kids will design, build, and test their very own balloon-powered airships! As they race their creations down a track, they'll discover how air pressure, propulsion, friction, and aerodynamics combine to create motion. Through playful experimentation and friendly competition, participants will develop creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills all while watching physics come to life. 

This program is now fully booked and on a waitlist. Registration is required and space is limited. Email jdickenson@polklibrary.org to sign up.

Thanks to the Friends of the Polk County Public Libraries for sponsoring this program!

Paws For Reading
03/17/2026 , 4:15 PM at PCPL Saluda

Paws For Reading
1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 4:15-5:45pm
Saluda Library

Sign up for a 15-minute reading session with a therapy dog!

This interactive reading program is aimed at encouraging kids to read aloud in a safe and positive environment. Sign up here! All participants must sign a waiver. Call 828-722-5218 or email ahill@polklibrary.org for more information.

Circle of Parents
03/18/2026 , 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.

Animals of Appalachia
03/18/2026 , 3:30 PM at PCPL Columbus

Chimney Rock State Park presents Animals of Appalachia
Wednesday, March 18 @ 3:30pm
Columbus Library

Get up close with animal ambassadors while learning about the wildlife that roams our region! This program is designed for kids and their families, but all ages are welcome.

Cookbook Club
03/19/2026 , 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

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