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.

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
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!

*THIS PROGRAM IS NOW FULLY BOOKED AND ON A WAITLIST*

Kombucha Brewing
Wednesday, Jan 21 @ 5pm
Columbus Library

Join Lindsey Edwards from Polk County's Cooperative Extension as we learn how to make kombucha! If your New Year's resolution is better health, this delicious, probiotic-packed drink is the perfect place to begin. Each participant will leave with a SCOBY (fermentation starter) to brew their own kombucha at home. This program is for adults only. Registration is required and space is limited. Email Allie at asnyder@polklibrary.org by January 16th to register.

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

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!

Cooking Up Stories
4th Tuesdays @ 4pm
Saluda Library

This 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.

Jan 27: Gazpacho for Nacho
READ: about a boy named Nacho who likes to eat only one thing
MAKE: cold tomato & cucumber soup

Feb 24: Pickle Words
READ: a book of poetry that takes you on a global tour of pickled foods
MAKE: quick dill pickles

March 24: When We Gather
READ: about a Cherokee family's spring tradition of wild onion dinners
MAKE: eggs & wild onions

April 28: Foodie Faces
READ: a book of emotions made out of everything from bananas to pita bread
MAKE: your own foodie face

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.

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!