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!

Download the full Program flier.

Kick off to Summer: June 4 2026 from 5-8pm on the Burke County Courthouse Square. Click to download the PDF
Poster for "Mega Game Night" at C.B. Hildebrand Public Library, featuring colorful gaming motifs and event details. Transcribed Text: GAME ON! @ your library MEGA Game Night Join the teens as we kick off a summer of gaming at the library will an evening of oversized and life-sized games! Monday, June 8 @ 6pm C.B. Hildebrand Public Library Open to all ages! 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.
Poster for a botany class event at Morganton Public Library on June 13, featuring a plant illustration and registration details. Transcribed Text: BOTANY CLASS: FAUX SHADE GARDEN PLANT Saturday, June 13 2pm Morganton Public Library Choose from two different botanic examples to create a unique plant species. Pre-registration is required. Secrets and Shadows @ your library THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION of BURKE COUNTY FRIENDS of the Burke County Public Library BURKE COUNTY Live Well @ your library -Adults only -Limited space Call 828-764-9260, or any Burke County Public Library location to register.
DIY clay gargoyle event flyer with a purple background, cartoon gargoyle, and library logos. Transcribed Text: DIY CLAY GARGOYLE Monday, June 15 5:30pm C.B. Hildebrand Public Library We will use air-dry clay to create our own personal gargoyle. Choose cute or creepy. All supplies are included. Pre-registration is required. -Adults only -Limited space Call 828-764-9260, or any Burke County Public Library location to register.
Poster for a walking tour and history event at Lake James State Park meeting at Lake James Visitor’s Center on June 17 at 9:45 am. Transcribed Text: Walking Tour & History of Obeth Cemetery at Lake James State Park Wednesday, June 17 Meet at Lake James Visitor’s Center @ 9:45 am No registration Join us for a Ranger-Led walk to discover local history as we tour one of the historic cemeteries in the park, Obeth Cemetery. All ages are welcome to attend. Bottled water provided. North Carolina State Parks The Library Foundation of Burke County Friends of the Burke County Public Library Live Well @ your library BURKE COUNTY Secrets and Shadows @ your Library Call 828-764-9269 or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org for more information.
Advertisement for the SUAH African Dance Presentation on June 29 at C.B. Hildebrand Public Library, featuring a young dancer in vibrant attire. Transcribed Text: You're invited! SUAH AFRICAN DANCE PRESENTATION Join us on Monday, June 29 for a cultural experience like no other! Today you can enjoy an incredible dance presentation by NC's own SUAH African Dance Theater based out of Greensboro, NC. Monday, June 29 @ 3:30pm C.B. HILDEBRAND PUBLIC 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.
Promotional flyer for "The Oxymorons: A New Adult Book Club" at Morganton Public Library on June 24, featuring the book "A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping." Transcribed Text: The Oxymorons: A New Adult Book Club Featuring top trending titles for the almost to mostly adult readers. THIS MONTH'S PICK: A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna Wednesday, June 24 • 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! Coffee & snacks provided!
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 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.
Flyer for an Adult Field Trip to The Blowing Rock with event details. Transcribed Text: Adult Field Trip to The Blowing Rock Monday, June 8 9am-4pm (Leaving from and returning to parking lot at the Morganton Public Library.) Join us as we learn about the legends and myths that have been passed down for as long as Indigenous Peoples have inhabited the area. There will be a bit of walking on this trip, so plan accordingly. Pre-registration is required. There is no charge to participants for trip. -Lunch and souvenirs are not included. -Adults only -Limited space Call 828-764-9260, or any Burke County Public Library location to register. A U.S Geological survey says this gneiss in particular was formed 1,055 million years ago. Live well @ your library Burke County Public Library Programs & Services @ BCPL (White on C. Whitaker) Friends of the Burke County Public Library The Library Foundation of Burke County Burke County
Flyer for a dementia caregivers course by Partners, taking place on June 10 at Burke County Public Library. Transcribed Text: PARTNERS Improving Lives. Strengthening Communities. Dementia: Understanding Behavior Changes and Challenges People with dementia may experience many different behavioral changes as the disease progresses. This course for caregivers helps increase understanding of behaviors specific to dementia, why they may occur and how to cope. One Continuing Education Training Credit is available for attending this training. Save the Date! Wednesday, June 10 12:00 pm Burke County Public Library Partners’ Health Education and Aging Resource Team
Flyer for an Apothecary Class at the Valdese Public Library with illustrations of apothecary bottles, a mortar and pestle, spices, a purple banner, and a steaming tea cup. Transcribed Text: APOTHECARY CLASS Thursday, June 11 5:30pm Valdese Public Library Peruse properties of certain teas or choose by flavor alone, to blend your own special tea. Each participant will leave with several custom filled tea bags. Adults only Limited space Pre-registration is required Call 828-764-9260, or any Burke County Public Library location to register. Secrets and Shadows @ your library THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY FRIENDS of the Burke County Public Library BURKE COUNTY Live Well @ your library Burke County Public Library
Flyer for "DIY Dragonfly in a Bottle" event at Valdese Public Library, June 18, 5:30pm, featuring dragonfly illustrations and event details. Transcribed Text: DIY Dragonfly in a Bottle Thursday, June 18 5:30pm Valdese Public Library We will create a faux dragonfly specimen in a bottle. All supplies are included. Pre-registration is required. -Adults only -Limited space Secrets and Shadows @ your library Burke County The Library Foundation of Burke County Live Well @ your library - Burke County Public Library and NC Cooperative Extension Friends of the Burke County Public Library Call 828-764-9260, or any Burke County Public Library location to register.
Promotional flyer for the "Labyrinth Walk & History" event on June 23 at Grace Episcopal Church. Includes labyrinth and church seal images, sponsor logos, and a photo with a rainbow. Transcribed Text: Labyrinth Walk & History Tuesday, June 23 6pm Grace Episcopal Church Did you know that a labyrinth is an ancient symbol that dates back over 4,000 years? Come with us to learn some of the ways a labyrinth can be used. Pre-registration is required Adults only Secrets and Shadows @ your library THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY Live Well Burke County Public Library FRIENDS of the Burke County Public Library BURKE COUNTY Call 828-764-9269, or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org for more information
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
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 Liz Z Pardue's event at Morganton Public Library on June 10, with a purple background and event details. Transcribed Text: KEEP NC WEIRD North Carolina's Strangest People, Places, and Legends With Storyteller/Author LIZ Z PARDUE Wednesday, June 10 6pm Morganton Public Library An exploration of the best oddities, history, & lore in the Old North State Preserving Southern Lore One Story At A Time Authentic Voice & Deep Local Roots Check Liz out on Facebook or Instagram THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY This program is open to ages 8+ and is free to attend due to the generous support of The Library Foundation of Burke County. Secrets and Shadows @ your library FRIENDS BURKE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY Call 828-764-9269, or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org for more information.
Promotional poster for an event at Burke County Public Library about AI, scheduled for Wednesday, June 10th. Transcribed Text: EVERYDAY USES OF AI at the Burke County Public Library in Morganton WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH from 2pm - 3pm Everyone is talking about AI. Come to this class to be a part of the conversation! This lecture will show you the ways AI is already present in everyday tasks and how it is used in everything from voice assistants to customer service and healthcare. We’ll look at common applications of AI across multiple industries and discuss ways you too can take advantage of this influential technology. 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.
Flyer for a Crochet Cafe event at Valdese Public Library on June 18 at 6 pm. 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, June 18 @ 6pm Valdese Public Library For more information contact Danielle at danielle.townsend@burkenc.org.
Promotional graphic for "Happily Ever Afters Anonymous Book Club" at C.B. Hildebrand Public Library on June 19 at 4 pm. 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: A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop by Emma Bennet Friday, June 19 @ 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 Mixed Media Monday at Morganton Public Library on June 22, 6pm, requiring pre-registration. Transcribed Text: MIXED MEDIA MONDAY @ the Morganton Public Library *Mixed Media combines several different mediums. Monday, June 22, 6pm Tunnel/Portal Bookend Pre-registration is required Open to adults only. Limited availability Call 828-764-9269 or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org for more information or to register.
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).
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

June: Weyward by Emilia Hart

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

June: A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

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

June: A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop by Emma Bennet

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