Burke County Public Library

Library Calendar Link

Library Programs

Click on the calendar images to open a PDF download of the calendar. All programs are open to the public and most are offered at no cost thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Library and the Library Foundation. Programs that require pre-registration are marked as such.

Need additional details or have questions? Visit the program pages (listed below), or visit or call your library!

Adult Programs Link
Young Adult Programs Link
Children's Program Link

August 2026

Click on the calendar image to download a pdf of this month’s program calendar. For more information, visit the individual program pages (listed above) or call or visit your library.

August 2026 Programs for Adults at the Burke County Public Library. This calendar layout features yellows and oranges with a sunflower theme, and information about programs offered at the library for adults. Any programs marked as needing registration can be preregistered by calling or visiting your library (828-764-9261, 828-874-2421, or 828-764-9283). Friday, August 7: Needlework in the Morning from 10am to Noon at the Valdese Public Library. No registration is required. Saturday, August 8: Beneath the Dirt - unearthing history, preserving legacy: The community led restoration of Rock Hill AME Church Cemetery. 1pm at the Morganton Public Library. No registration is required. Wednesday, August 12: Partner's Educational Lunch Series: Addressing Anxiety and Depression in Older Adults: Part 2 - Coping Skills. 12-1pm at the Morganton Public Library. No registration required. Bring your lunch. CEUs available. Wednesday, August 12: Digital Literacy for Seniors: Virtual Museum Tours. 2-3pm at the Morganton Public Library. Presented by Western Piedmont Council of Governments. No registration is required. Thursday, August 13: Crochet Cafe - 6pm at the Valdese Public Library. A Needlework program for Young Adults and Adults. No registration required. Friday, August 14: Happily Ever Afters Anonymous Book Club. 4pm at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library. Program open to Adults and Teens. This month's title: Dog Ladies by Julie Titterington. No registration required. Tuesday, August 18: Plot Hounds Book Discussion - 10am at the Valdese Public Library. This month's title: The Women by Kristin Hannah. No registration required. Saturday, August 22: Book Signing with Jim Owens - Author of Vein Mountain: The Search for Gold. 11am at the Morganton Public Library. No registration required. Tuesday, August 25: Digital Drop In (presented by Western Piedmont Council of Governments). Pre-register for a 30 minute one on one session with a Digital Navigator. Between 9:30am and Noon at the Morganton Public Library. Wednesday, August 26: Oxymorons, a New Adult Book Club. 6pm at the Morganton Public Library. Program open to Adults and Older Teens. This month's title: Every Day by David Levithan. No registration required. Friday, August 28: Needlework in the Morning from 10am to Noon at the Morganton Public Library. No registration is required. Saturday, August 29: Play Music on the Porch Day. 2-4pm at the Morganton Public Library. Open to all ages; no registration is required. Music provided by Arizona Bay. The Library is online at www dot bcpls dot org, on Facebook at bcpls, and on Instagram at bcplsnc. Email or call with questions: programs at bcpls dot org. 828-764-9269. What is Needlework in the Morning? A way to meet with fellow knitters, crocheters, and anyone who enjoys needlework! Share ideas, experience, and hone skills. Bring your own materials. Open to all ages and skill levels. Meets on Friday mornings (check the calendar for each month’s dates and locations!), no registration required. What is Crochet Cafe? A chance to have a cup of coffee or tea with friends who share a love of crochet (or other needlework). Bring your own materials. Open to Adults and Teens. Meets one Thursday evening a month at the Valdese Public Library, no registration required. Download the Libby (by Overdrive) App on your phone or tablet for eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines - all at the tip of your finger! Join us each week on Facebook and in the News Herald and The Paper for pictures and history from the local area. Both Throwback Thursday and Picture Burke are featured. Brought to you by the North Carolina Room. Programs are supported by Burke County, The Library Foundation of Burke County, the Friends of the Burke County Public Library, and additional community partners as noted on this calendar.
August 2026 Programs for Kids at the Burke County Public Library. This calendar layout features yellows and oranges with a sunflower theme, and information about programs offered at the library for kids birth through fifth grade. Any programs marked as needing registration can be pre-registered by calling or visiting your library (828-764-9274, 828-874-2421, or 828-764-9283). Monthly Scavenger Hunts at the Morganton Public Library and C.B Hildebrand Public Library and I Spy Tank at the Valdese Public Library. Have you joined the fun yet? Visit each of our libraries for a fun, self guided experience. For kids. One prize per child (per site, per month) when offered. This month's themes: Morganton Public Library: Sharks. C.B. Hildebrand Public Library: Sea Shells. Valdese Public Library: All About School "I Spy" Tank. Please note that Storytimes begin August 17 (registration begins August 4). Monday, August 3: Science Heroes: Digging It. 2pm at the Long View Recreation Center and 5pm at the Morganton Public Library. No registration is required; program is open to all ages. Join us for one of the two opportunities to see this Interactive STEAM show. Unearth your curiosity as we dig into the incredible science that is around us. Thursday, August 6: Mermazing Storytime. 10:30 at the Collett Street Rec Center (Morganton). Meet in the community room for mermaid stories and songs featuring Christa Strauss (UpBeat Music Therapy), followed by water activities & games. No registration is required. For all ages. Saturday, August 8: Paintbox. 3pm at the Morganton Public Library. This program requires preregistration and is open to children in kindergarten through fifth grade. This month's project: Butterfly Garden Painting. Saturday, August 8: NC Watercolor. 9am-4pm at the Valdese Public Library. Come by during the Waldensian Festival and beat the heat while you create a beautiful watercolor negative impression art piece in the shape of our beautiful state. For kids fifth grade and under. No registration required. Tuesday, August 11: Greek Cuisine Night for Kids. 5:30-7pm at the Valdese Public Library. Delicious Gyros and a yummy yogurt sweet treat. This program requires pre-registration and is for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. Wednesday, August 12: Weaving Wonders. 3:30pm at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library. This program requires preregistration and is open to kids ages 5 to 12. This month's project: Fish Weaving. Friday, August 14: Mommy and Me Crafts. 10:30 at the Morganton Public Library. A craft program for children ages 3 and under and their caregivers. Coffee will be provided for caregivers. This program requires pre-registration. Friday, August 21: Great Southeast Pollinator Census. 10-11am at the Morganton Public Library. A brief how-to session followed by time in the field counting. In partnership with Morganton Parks and Recreation and Burke County Beekeepers. No registration is required. For all ages. Wednesday, August 26: Cooking Club. 3:30pm via Zoom (register at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library). This program requires preregistration and is open to kids in third through fifth grade. This month's recipe: No Bake Cookies. Weekly Storytimes Pre-registration is required for all weekly storytimes. Call the library or stop by to sign up. Morganton Public Library Weekly Storytimes (828-764-9274) Baby Bookworms (birth-24 months) - Mondays at 10:30am Terrific Tots (2-3 year olds) - Tuesdays at 10:30am Preschool Pals (4-5 year olds) - Thursdays at 10:30am Library Explorers (K-2nd graders) - Tuesdays at 4:00pm Cool Kids Club (3rd-5th graders) - Mondays at 3:30pm Valdese Public Library Weekly Storytimes (828-874-2421) Baby Bookworms (birth-24 months) - Thursdays at 10:00am Terrific Tots (2-3 year olds) - Mondays at 10:00am Preschool Pals (4-5 year olds) - Wednesdays at 10:00am Library Explorers (K-2nd graders) - Mondays at 3:30pm Cool Kids Club (3rd-5th graders) - Tuesdays at 3:30pm C.B Hildebrand Public Library Weekly Storytimes (828-764-9283) Baby Bookworms & Terrific Tots (birth-2 year olds) - Thursdays at 10:45am Preschool Pals (3-5 year olds) - Tuesdays at 10:45am Family Storytime (all ages) - Wednesdays at 10:45am Library Explorers (K-2nd graders) - Thursdays at 3:30pm Cool Kids Club (3rd-5th graders) - Tuesdays at 3:30pm The Library is online at www dot bcpls dot org, on Facebook at bcpls, and on Instagram at bcplsnc. Email or call with questions programs at bcpls dot org. Programs are supported by Burke County, The Library Foundation of Burke County, the Friends of the Burke County Public Library, and additional community partners as noted on this calendar.
August 2026 Programs for Teens at the Burke County Public Library. This calendar layout features yellows and oranges with a sunflower theme, and information about programs offered at the library for Middle and High Schoolers. Any programs marked as needing registration can be pre-registered by calling 828-764-9273 or emailing lizzie.whisnant@burkenc.org Young Adult Services Programs are limited to middle and high school students only unless otherwise noted. Monday, August 3: YAAB AMA Night. 6pm at the C.B. Hildebrand Public Library. Tuesday, August 4: Game Night. 6pm at the Valdese Public Library. No registration required. Thursday, August 6: STEAM Crafternoon: DIY Paper Torches. 4pm at the Morganton Public Library. Pre-registration is required. Monday, August 10: DIY Swirled Suncatchers and LED Hanging Fairy Lights. 6pm at the C.B. Hildebrand Public Library. Pre-registration is required. Tuesday, August 11: D and D at the library. 4:30pm online via Discord. Pre-registration is required. Thursday, August 13: Crochet Cafe - 6pm at the Valdese Public Library. A Needlework program for Young Adults and Adults. No registration required. Friday, August 14: Happily Ever Afters Anonymous Book Club. 4pm at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library. Program open to Adults and Teens. This month's title: Dog Ladies by Julie Titterington. No registration required. Monday, August 17: Murder Mystery Party. 6pm at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library. No registration required. Tuesday, August 18: Movie and Make it night - Lego Edition. 5:30pm at the Valdese Public Library. No registration required. Tuesday, August 20: Game Night. 6pm at the Morganton Public Library. No registration required. Monday, August 24: D and D at the library. 4:30pm at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library. Pre-registration is required. Wednesday, August 26: Oxymorons, a New Adult Book Club. 6pm at the Morganton Public Library. Program open to Adults and Older Teens. This month's title: Every Day by David Levithan. No registration required. Friday, August 28: Mario Kart Club. 4pm at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library. No registration required. The Library is online at www dot bcpls dot org, on Facebook at bcpls, and on Instagram at bcplsnc. Email or call with questions: 828-764-9273 or lizzie dot whisnant at burke NC dot org Programs are supported by Burke County, The Library Foundation of Burke County, the Friends of the Burke County Public Library, and additional community partners as noted on this calendar.

September 2026

Click on the calendar image to download a pdf of this month’s program calendar. For more information, visit the individual program pages (listed above) or call or visit your library.

September 2026 Programs for Adults at the Burke County Public Library. This calendar layout features browns and oranges with an apple theme, and information about programs offered at the library for adults. Any programs marked as needing registration can be preregistered for by calling or visiting your library (828-764-9261, 828-874-2421, or 828-764-9283). Tuesday, September 1: Savory Spice Club Pick up. Pre-registration required. Participants will receive a call when pick-up is available at preferred library. Thursday, September 3: Savory Spice Chop Shop. 5:30pm at the Valdese Public Library. Pre-registration is required, but you do not need to be registered for the Savory Spice Club to attend. Friday, September 4: Needlework in the Morning from 10am to Noon at the Valdese Public Library. No registration is required. Monday, September 7: Libraries closed for Labor Day. Wednesday, September 9: Partner's Educational Lunch Series: Medication Safety - Coping Skills. 12-1pm at the Morganton Public Library. No registration required. Bring your lunch. CEUs available. Wednesday, September 9: Digital Literacy for Seniors: Cloud Storage. 2-3pm at the Morganton Public Library. Presented by Western Piedmont Council of Governments. No registration is required. Friday, September 11: Happily Ever Afters Anonymous Book Club. 4pm at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library. Program open to Adults and Teens. This month's title: Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich. No registration required. Monday, September 14: Bibliomaniacs Subscription Boxes available! Bibliomaniacs is a free monthly subscription box for Adult Book lovers. Boxes include a library book and fun items relating to the theme. Boxes available Monday, September 14, on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Available at all sites. Tuesday, September 15: Plot Hounds Book Discussion - 10am at the Valdese Public Library. This month's title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. No registration required. Friday, September 18: Friends of the Library's Fall Book Sale at the Collett Street Recreation Center (downstairs). Member's Only Preview sale from 4:30-7pm (you can join at the door!) Saturday, September 19: Friends of the Library's Fall Book Sale at the Collett Street Recreation Center (downstairs). 9am-12:30pm. Cash or check only. Pleae bring bags/boxes for your purchases. Bag sale will be from 1-3pm. Fill a brown bag for just $10! Monday, September 21: Paint in the Evening - 5:30pm at the C.B. Hildebrand Public Library. Pre-registration is required. Tuesday, September 22: Digital Drop In (presented by Western Piedmont Council of Governments). Pre-register for a 30 minute one on one session with a Digital Navigator. Between 9:30am and Noon at the Morganton Public Library. Wednesday, September 23: Oxymorons, a New Adult Book Club. 6pm at the Morganton Public Library. Program open to Adults and Older Teens. This month's title: The Creek the Crone and the Cro by Leah Weiss. No registration required. Thursday, September 24: Crochet Cafe - 6pm at the Valdese Public Library. A Needlework program for Young Adults and Adults. No registration required. Friday, September 25: Needlework in the Morning from 10am to Noon at the Morganton Public Library. No registration is required. Saturday, September 26: Cherokee Baskets Exhibit at Blowing Rock Art and History Museum. Leave from MPL at 10am, return by 5pm. Pre-registration is required. Transportation is provided and space is limited. Monday, September 28: Mixed Media Monday - 6pm at the Morganton Public Library. Pre-registration is required. Wednesday, September 30: Join us as we welcome the manager of the Crossnore Heritage Orchard and learn about Heritage Apples. 6pm at the Morganton Public Library. No registration required. The Library is online at www dot bcpls dot org, on Facebook at bcpls, and on Instagram at bcplsnc. Email or call with questions: programs at bcpls dot org. 828-764-9269. Join us each week on Facebook and in the News Herald and The Paper for pictures and history from the local area. Both Throwback Thursday and Picture Burke are featured. Brought to you by the North Carolina Room. Programs are supported by Burke County, The Library Foundation of Burke County, the Friends of the Burke County Public Library, and additional community partners as noted on this calendar.
September 2026 Programs for Kids at the Burke County Public Library. This calendar layout features This calendar layout features browns and oranges, and information about programs offered at the library for kids birth through fifth grade. Any programs marked as needing registration can be pre-registered by calling or visiting your library (828-764-9274, 828-874-2421, or 828-764-9283). Monthly Scavenger Hunts at the Morganton Public Library and C.B Hildebrand Public Library and I Spy Tank at the Valdese Public Library. Have you joined the fun yet? Visit each of our libraries for a fun, self guided experience. For kids. One prize per child (per site, per month) when offered. This month's themes: Morganton Public Library: Runaway Book Hunt. C.B. Hildebrand Public Library: Sunflowers. Valdese Public Library: All FALL down "I Spy" Tank. Friday, Septemeber 4: Family Fun Friday. 10-11:30am at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library. No registration required. Saturday, Septemeber 5: Jump Around and Move with Stretch and Grow of the Foothills. 10am-11am at the Valdese Public Library. For kids three years old through fifth grade. No registration required. Monday, September 7: Libraries closed for Labor Day. Tuesday, September 8: Sigmon Theatrical presents: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. 5pm at the Valdese Public Library. For kids in Kindergarten through fifth grade. No registration required. Wednesday, September 9: Weaving Wonders. 3:30pm at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library. This program requires preregistration and is open to kids ages 5 to 12. This month's project: Small Woven Basket. Saturday, September 19: Pancakes and Pjs. 10-11:30am at the Valdese Public Library. Program for Pre-K friends. Pre-registration is required. Saturday, September 19: Paintbox. 3pm at the Morganton Public Library. This program requires preregistration and is open to children in kindergarten through fifth grade. This month's project: Maple Leaf Floating in Water Painting. 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. Get started today! Call or come by any library to sign up and get your reading logs, or join us online (using READSquared) - info at bcpls dot org slash kids. This year’s completion celebration will be on Saturday, September 19, at VPL. Program by invitation only. See library staff for more information. Wednesday, September 23: Cooking Club. 3:30pm via Zoom (register at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library). This program requires preregistration and is open to kids in third through fifth grade. This month's recipe: Apple Crostata. Saturday, September 26: Cerealously Good Time. 10am at the Morganton Public Library. Cereal taste-testing, crafts, and classic Saturday morning cartoons! No registration required. For all ages while supplies last. EcoExplore: It’s Arachnology Season! Become a Citizen Scientist and join ecoExplore! More information on the program can be found at EcoExplore dot net, or visit your library for information and bi-monthly worksheets. Weekly Storytimes Pre-registration is required for all weekly storytimes. Call the library or stop by to sign up. Morganton Public Library Weekly Storytimes (828-764-9274) Baby Bookworms (birth-24 months) - Mondays at 10:30am Terrific Tots (2-3 year olds) - Tuesdays at 10:30am Preschool Pals (4-5 year olds) - Thursdays at 10:30am Library Explorers (K-2nd graders) - Tuesdays at 4:00pm Cool Kids Club (3rd-5th graders) - Mondays at 3:30pm Valdese Public Library Weekly Storytimes (828-874-2421) Baby Bookworms (birth-24 months) - Thursdays at 10:00am Terrific Tots (2-3 year olds) - Mondays at 10:00am Preschool Pals (4-5 year olds) - Wednesdays at 10:00am Library Explorers (K-2nd graders) - Mondays at 3:30pm Cool Kids Club (3rd-5th graders) - Tuesdays at 3:30pm C.B Hildebrand Public Library Weekly Storytimes (828-764-9283) Baby Bookworms & Terrific Tots (birth-2 year olds) - Thursdays at 10:45am Preschool Pals (3-5 year olds) - Tuesdays at 10:45am Family Storytime (all ages) - Wednesdays at 10:45am Library Explorers (K-2nd graders) - Thursdays at 3:30pm Cool Kids Club (3rd-5th graders) - Tuesdays at 3:30pm The Library is online at www dot bcpls dot org, on Facebook at bcpls, and on Instagram at bcplsnc. Email or call with questions programs at bcpls dot org. Programs are supported by Burke County, The Library Foundation of Burke County, the Friends of the Burke County Public Library, and additional community partners as noted on this calendar.
September 2026 Programs for Teens at the Burke County Public Library. This calendar layout features This calendar layout features browns and oranges, and information about programs offered at the library for Middle and High Schoolers. Any programs marked as needing registration can be pre-registered by calling 828-764-9273 or emailing lizzie.whisnant@burkenc.org Young Adult Services Programs are limited to middle and high school students only unless otherwise noted. Wednesday, September 2: Homeschool Libratory. 11am at the C.B. Hildebrand Public Library. Join us for this new program. Once a month at each Burke County Public Library location, homeschooled middle and high school students can head to the library for a program designed just for them! No registration required. Monday, September 7: Libraries closed for Labor Day. Tuesday, September 8: Homeschool Libratory. 11am at the Valdese Public Library. Join us for this new program. Once a month at each Burke County Public Library location, homeschooled middle and high school students can head to the library for a program designed just for them! No registration required. Tuesday, September 8: D and D at the library. 4:30pm online via Discord. Pre-registration is required. Thursday, September 10: STEAM Crafternoon: DIY Nature Webs. 4pm at the Morganton Public Library. Pre-registration is required. Friday, September 11: Happily Ever Afters Anonymous Book Club. 4pm at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library. Program open to Adults and Teens. This month's title: Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich. No registration required. Monday, September 14: Nowhere to Wear Party. 6pm at the C.B. Hildebrand Public Library. No registration required. Tuesday, September 15: DIY Morse Code Bracelets. 6pm at the Valdese Public Library. Pre-registration is required. Wednesday, September 16: Homeschool Libratory. 11am at the Morganton Public Library. Join us for this new program. Once a month at each Burke County Public Library location, homeschooled middle and high school students can head to the library for a program designed just for them! No registration required. Thursday, September 17: Game Night. 4pm at the Morganton Public Library. No registration required. Monday, September 21: D and D at the library. 4:30pm at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library. Pre-registration is required. Tuesday, September 22: Game Night. 6pm at the Valdese Public Library. No registration required. Wednesday, September 23: Oxymorons, a New Adult Book Club. 6pm at the Morganton Public Library. Program open to Adults and Older Teens. This month's title: The Creek the Crone and the Cro by Leah Weiss. No registration required. Thursday, September 24: Back to Preschool Crafternoon - 4pm at the Morganton Public Library. No registration required. Thursday, September 24: Crochet Cafe - 6pm at the Valdese Public Library. A Needlework program for Young Adults and Adults. No registration required. Saturday, September 26: YAS Free Play Game Day. 2:30pm at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library. No registration required. Monday, September 28: Game Night. 6pm at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library. No registration required. Tuesday, September 29: DIY Sock Pumpkins. 6pm at the Valdese Public Library. Pre-registration is required. The Library is online at www dot bcpls dot org, on Facebook at bcpls, and on Instagram at bcplsnc. Email or call with questions: 828-764-9273 or lizzie dot whisnant at burke NC dot org Programs are supported by Burke County, The Library Foundation of Burke County, the Friends of the Burke County Public Library, and additional community partners as noted on this calendar.
Online Resources available through your library. September is Library Card Sign-up Month! A Library Card Hits all the right notes. Grab your card and open up all these (and more)! NC Cardinal Library Catalog: We are a member of the NC Cardinal Consortium, which gives you an additional 7 milllion items to borrow and share. Our catalog is available online at burke.nccardinal.org Overdrive (eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines): We have three eMedia collections. NC Kids Digital (preK-4th), NC Kids Level Up (4th-8th), and e-iNC (for all ages and includes the newest releases). Information at bcpls.org/ebooks. NC LIVE: NC LIVE is North Carolina's statewide library cooperative. Testing help, research for school, language learning, and more available at nclive.org. Wowbrary (the newest stuff at your library): Sign up for a weekly email newsletter highlighting all our newest stuff at the library. Visit bcpls.org/newbooks for the link and more information. Do you have your password? Stop by or give us a call to check it, set it up, or change it. This password (& your library card) helps you log in to our online catalog, NC LIVE, and our eMedia collections! The Library is online at www.bcpls.org, on Facebook at bcpls, and on Instagram at bcplsnc Programs supported by Burke County, The Library Foundation of Burke County, the Friends of the Burke County Public Library, and additional community partners as noted on this calendar.