Burke County Public Library

Banner for the Adult Summer Reading Program 2020 with a purple background, featuring the text "Secrets and Shadows" and illustrations of a quill, key, and leather book. Transcribed Text: Secrets and Shadows @ your library Adult Summer Reading Program 2020
Adult Summer Reading Program 2026 Calendar of Programs. Click on Image to download a pdf of the calendar.

Upcoming Programs for Adults

Programs that require pre-registration are marked as such. To register, or for more information, please call or visit your library.

Adult Summer Reading Program 2026
Registration is open (for reading/tracking at bcpls.readsquared.com and for programs by phone or visiting your library). Start Tracking your reading June 4 on ReadSquared (or if you prefer paper, you can request a paper tracker at your library or download and print your own).

Download the full Program flier.

Promotional poster for a Modern Pop Art workshop with event details and logos. Transcribed Text: Modern POP! ART Experience & Hands-On Workshop with Michael Albert Monday, July 6 @ 6pm Morganton Public Library This program is open to adults and teens only. Pre-registration is required, space is limited. For more information, contact Lizzie at lizzie.whisnant@burkenc.org (teens) or Danielle at danielle.townsend@burkenc.org (adults).
Colorful flyer for a beginner stained glass workshop at Valdese Public Library on July 9, featuring event details and a stained-glass window graphic. Transcribed Text: Beginner Stained Glass Workshop Thursday, July 9 3:30 PM Valdese Public Library Join stained-glass artist, Dan Hoyle as he teaches us the basics of this beautiful craft. Please note this is a 3-4hr workshop Pre-registration is required Adults only Limited space For more information contact Danielle at 828-764-9269, or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org.
Promotional flyer for a "Mixed-Media Specimen Cards" event at C.B. Hildebrand Public Library, scheduled for July 14 at 1pm. Includes details about the event, themes, and contact information. Transcribed Text: Mixed-Media Specimen Cards Tuesday, July 14 1pm C.B. Hildebrand Public Library Create unique faux specimen cards using ephemera and recycled items. All supplies are provided. Secrets and Shadows @ your library Adults only Must pre-register. Live well @ your library For more information contact Danielle at 828-764-9269, or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org
Flyer for "Happily Ever Afters Anonymous Book Club" at Burke County Public Library. Transcribed Text: Happily Ever Afters Anonymous Book Club. We listen, and we don’t judge. Join us for a book club that’s just for people who want to talk about the “Happily Ever After”! Open to adults and teens. No pre-registration is required! This month's title is: The Coastal Book Club by Fiona Baker. Friday, July 17 @ 4pm C.B. Hildebrand Public Library. For more information contact Lizzie at 828-764-9273 or by email at lizzie.whisnant@burkenc.org.
Promotional poster for "The Oxymorons: A New Adult Book Club" with event details and book pick "The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon." Transcribed Text: The Oxymorons: A New Adult BOOK CLUB Featuring top trending titles for the almost to mostly adult readers. THIS MONTH'S PICK: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon Wednesday, July 22 • 6:00pm Morganton Public Library FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT LIZZIE OR DANIELLE AT 828-764-9260. This program is open to adults and teens ages 15 and up. No pre-registration is required to attend!
Promotional flyer for an adult field trip to Redbone Willy's ice cream shop, featuring event details, welcoming graphics, and a photo of the shop. Transcribed Text: ADULT FIELD TRIP TO REDBONE WILLY'S Saturday, July 25 Leave from the Morganton Public Library @ 10am. Join us as we explore a fun, local "secret". We will also try some of their many flavors of ice cream. Bottled water & scoop of ice cream provided. Pre-registration required Adults only Limited space Live well @ your library THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY FRIENDS OF BURKE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY For more information contact Danielle at 828-764-9269, or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org
Promotional flyer for a Dragonboat rowing demo at Lake James State Park on July 7, featuring details about the event and the Healing Dragons team of breast cancer survivors. Transcribed Text: DRAGONBOAT ROWING DEMO Tuesday, July 7 6pm LAKE JAMES STATE PARK PADDY’S CREEK BEACH AREA We have been granted special access to observe a rowing demo from The Healing Dragons of Lake James dragonboat team! The Healing Dragons are a group comprised of breast cancer survivors who have regained strength, mobility, hope, determination, and friendship through dragonboating. Transportation is not provided. Adults only. Secrets and Shadows your library BURKE COUNTY For more information contact Danielle at 828-764-9269, or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org.
Flyer for "The Wildlife Geeks" event, featuring animal educator presentation with animals like a capybara and a lemur. Transcribed Text: Live Well @ Your Library Burke County Public Library Libraries: Where the cool kids are The Wildlife Geeks Conservation Meets the Classroom Monday July 13 @ 5 PM R.O. Huffman Center Drexel, NC Meet an animal educator that will be presenting a mix of animals, amphibians, and reptiles. We may even get to meet a capybara and a lemur! The Library Foundation Town of Drexel, North Carolina Free Program! Fun for the whole family! Friends of the Burke County Public Library
Promotional flyer for a "Create a Mini Cabinet of Curiosities" event at Morganton Public Library on July 15, featuring a grid of natural items and event details. Transcribed Text: Create a Mini Cabinet of Curiosities Wednesday, July 15 2pm Morganton Public Library We will create a mini version of a Cabinet of Curiosities to display treasures from nature. All supplies are provided, however, you may bring items that you would like to include! Pre-registration is required. Adults only. For more information contact Danielle at 828-764-9269, or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org.
Event flyer for a DIY workshop on creating mini gothic windows at Morganton Public Library, featuring details about the event and logos of associated organizations. Transcribed Text: DIY Mini Wooden Gothic Window Monday, July 20 6pm Morganton Public Library We will begin with a laser cut wooden window and add items to create a stained-glass effect. All supplies are included. Pre-registration is required Adults only For more information contact Danielle at 828-764-9269, or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org.
Event flyer for a DIY badge-making workshop at Valdese Public Library, featuring colorful text and images of badges and books, with details on the event date, time, and registration. Transcribed Text: DIY Badge of Courage & Character Thursday, July 23 5:30pm Valdese Public Library Join us to create a badge out of felt to signify your inclusion in the (Not So) Secret Society (Of Book Lovers). All supplies are provided. Pre-registration is required. Adults only. For more information contact Danielle at 828-764-9269, or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org.
Flyer for a Digital Drop-In event at the Burke County Public Library on every 4th Tuesday from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. Transcribed Text: DIGITAL DROP-IN at the Burke County Public Library in Morganton EVERY 4TH TUESDAY from 9:30am - 12:00pm Our Digital Navigator will be available at the library to answer your questions about any of the following: Online Bill Pay and Appointment Scheduling Smartphones and Tablets Laptops Apps Online Shopping, and more! Schedule your 30 minute appointment today by calling the library or stopping by our Adult Services Circulation Desk! WPCOG Planning & Transportation Live Well at your library - NC Cardinal Supporting Aging in Place BURKE COUNTY
Flyer for a smartphone camera workshop at Burke County Public Library, detailing date, time, and event description. Transcribed Text: SMARTPHONE CAMERA USES BEYOND PHOTOGRAPHY PART 2 at the Burke County Public Library in Morganton WEDNESDAY, JULY 8TH from 2pm - 3pm Join us to learn about additional ways you can use your smartphone's camera beyond photography! We'll explore a variety of fun and useful features made possible by apps, such as scanning QR codes, translating text, measuring objects, and even using augmented reality. We'll also cover considerations for choosing apps and reviewing their privacy and data practices. For more information: shelly.smith@wpcog.org
Flyer for "Needlework in the Morning 2025-2026" with colorful yarn balls and knitting needles, detailing event times and locations. Transcribed Text: Needlework in the Morning 2025-2026 *1st Friday-Valdese Public Library *2nd Friday-Morganton Public Library *4th Friday-Morganton Public Library 10am-12pm Open to all ages and skill levels, Needlework in the Morning is a way to meet with fellow knitters, crocheters and anyone who enjoys needlework. Share ideas, experience and hone skills! Bring your own materials. For more information, please call 828-764-9269 or visit our website: bcpls.org *Schedule subject to change. Please check the library calendar for meeting dates.
Promotional image for a herbology and cooking class at Valdese Public Library, featuring botanical illustrations and event details including date, time, and registration notes. Transcribed Text: Herbology/Cooking Class Thursday, July 16 5:30pm Valdese Public Library Tonight we will prepare a dish using a member of the Nightshade family. Pre-registration is required. Adults only. Secrets and Shadows @ your library THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION of Burke County Live well @ your library FRIENDS of Burke County Public Library BURKE COUNTY For more information contact Danielle at 828-764-9269, or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org.
Promotional image for "Plot Hounds Book Discussion," featuring a cartoon dog with a book, event details on "The Echo of Old Books" by Barbara Davis, scheduled for July 21 at Valdese Public Library. Transcribed Text: Plot Hounds Book Discussion Secrets and Shadows @ your library THE ECHO OF OLD BOOKS BY BARBARA DAVIS Tuesday, July 21 10 AM Valdese Public Library FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 828-764-9269 OR EMAIL DANIELLE.TOWNSEND@BURKENC.ORG
Promotional flyer for Crochet Cafe event at Valdese Public Library. Transcribed Text: YA + ADULT SERVICES CROCHET CAFE LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE TO HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA WITH FRIENDS WHO SHARE YOUR LOVE OF CROCHET? JOIN US FOR OUR MONTHLY CROCHET CAFE! BRING YOUR WIP TO AN EVENING OF WARM DRINKS AND CHATTING WITH NEW FRIENDS. OPEN TO ADULTS AND TEENS! NO PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Thursday, July 23 @ 6pm Valdese Public Library For more information contact Danielle at danielle.townsend@burkenc.org.
Poster announcing "Family Game Day" at the C.B. Hildebrand Public Library with details on games and contact info. Transcribed Text: YAS SRP 2026 Family Game Day Wrap up YAS SRP 2026 with an afternoon of fun for the whole family! Saturday, July 25 @ 2:30pm C.B. Hildebrand Public Library 123 Anywhere St., Any City Today families can play: Board Games Card Games Video & VR Gaming Outdoor/Life-size games GAME ON! @ your library This program is free and open to all ages. For more information, contact Lizzie at 828-764-9273 or by email at lizzie.whisnant@burkenc.org. Live well @ your library Game On! @ your library Burke County The Library Foundation of Burke County Friends of the Burke County Public Library

Upcoming Book Lists for Book Discussion Groups:

Plot Hounds Book Discussion Group

Meets on a Tuesday morning at 10am at the Valdese Public Library

July: The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis

August: The Women by Kristin Hannah

September: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

October: Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack

November: Dead Man’s Curve by Pinkie Darro

December: The Names by Florence Knapp

Oxymorons Book Discussion Group

Meets on a Wednesday evening at 6pm at the Valdese Public Library

July: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

August: Everyday by David Levithan

Happily Ever Afters Anonymous Book Club

Meets on a Friday afternoon at 4pm at the C.B. Hildebrand Public Library

July: The Coastal Book Club by Fiona Baker

August: The Dog Ladies by Julie Tetherington

September: Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich

October: A Corpse Called Bob by Izzy Palmer

November: The Secret Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams

December: Christmas Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke