Burke County Public Library

Adult Programs
October 2026 Programs for Adults at the Burke County Public Library. This calendar layout features purples and oranges with a star and ghost 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). Friday, October 2: Needlework in the Morning from 10am to Noon at the Valdese Public Library. No registration is required. Monday, October 5: Autumn Collage - 5:30pm at the C.B. Hildebrand Public Library. Pre-registration is required. Tuesday, October 6: Savory Spice Club Pick up. Pre-registration required. Participants will receive a call when pick-up is available at preferred library. Wednesday, October 7: Traveling Exhibit kickoff, reception, and book signing with historian Michael C. Hardy. 6pm at the Morganton Public Library. No registration is required. Wednesday, October 7, through Friday, October 30: Traveling Exhibits - March to Kings Mountain and Forging a Nation. Available for viewing in the Kistler Wing of the Morganton Public Library any time the library is open. Did you know? Wednesday, October 7, 2026, is the 246th anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain? Thursday, October 8: 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, October 9: Needlework in the Morning from 10am to Noon at the Morganton Public Library. No registration is required. Monday, October 12: Tarheel Terrors with Storyteller Liz Pardue. 6pm at the Morganton Public Library. No registration is required. Monday, October 12: 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, October 12, on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Available at all sites. Wednesday, October 14: Partner's Educational Lunch Series: Depression and Stress Management for Caregivers. 12-1pm at the Morganton Public Library. No registration required. Bring your lunch. CEUs available. Saturday, October 17: Beginning Genealogy Workshop. 10am-Noon at the Morganton Public Library. Pre-registration is required (828 764 9266). Class taught by Burke County Genealogical Society member Phillip Heavner. Tuesday, October 20: Plot Hounds Book Discussion - 10am at the Valdese Public Library. This month's title: Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack. No registration required. Wednesday, October 21: Author Chat and book signing with local author Aaron Kohrs. 6pm at the Morganton Public Library. No registration required. Thursday, October 22: Crochet Cafe - 6pm at the Valdese Public Library. A Needlework program for Young Adults and Adults. No registration required. Friday, October 23: Needlework in the Morning from 10am to Noon at the Morganton Public Library. No registration is required. Friday, October 23: Happily Ever Afters Anonymous Book Club. 4pm at the C.B Hildebrand Public Library. Program open to Adults and Teens. This month's title: A Corpse Called Bob (Izzy Palmer Series) by Benedict Brown. No registration required. Monday, October 26: Mixed Media Monday - 6pm at the Morganton Public Library. Pre-registration is required. Tuesday, October 27: Cauldron Boil Me: A Romantasy Celebration! Fall Soups and Teas. 6pm at the Valdese Public Library. Pre-registration is required. Open to Adults and Teens. Wednesday, October 28: Oxymorons, a New Adult Book Club. 6pm at the Morganton Public Library. Program open to Adults and Older Teens. This month's title: My Friends by Fredrik Backman. No registration required. Thursday, October 29: Fall Card-Making Class. 5:30pm 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: 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.

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.

Event poster for “Forging a Nation: Our Role in the Revolution,” an America 250 exhibit opening and book signing featuring historian Michael C. Hardy on October 7 at Morganton Public Library. Transcribed Text: Forging a Nation: Our Role in the Revolution Join us in celebration of America 250 on the anniversary of the Revolutionary Battle of Kings Mountain as we kick off our new exhibits: Forging a Nation and March to Kings Mountain October 7 - 6:00 pm Morganton Public Library Exhibit Opening Reception & Book Signing Special guest author and award-winning historian, Michael C. Hardy will discuss his new book. Exhibits available until October 30. AMERICA 250 NC BURKE COUNTY Western North Carolina & Eastern Tennessee in the American Revolution MICHAEL C. HARDY BURKE COUNTY THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY Live Well your way
Promotional poster for two America 250 exhibits at the Morganton Public Library, featuring patriotic red, white, and blue graphics, a colonial soldier silhouette, exhibit descriptions, and dates October 7–30. Transcribed Text: Forging a Nation: Our Role in the Revolution Celebrate America 250 with two historic exhibits at the Morganton Public Library. Forging a Nation: The American Revolution and the Path to Independence Explore how North Carolina helped forge a new nation during one of the most transformative periods in history. Through maps, historical documents, and everyday objects, this exhibit reveals the state’s role in the struggle for independence, from early protests against British rule and the battles fought on Carolina soil to the drafting of the Constitution. Oct 7-30 March to Kings Mountain Explore the Overmountain Men's journey during the American Revolution. Men from Burke and surrounding areas gathered at Quaker Meadows just days before their decisive victory at the Battle of Kings Mountain. This exhibit takes a look at what compelled the local men to fight, the events of the battle, and long lasting impact of the Patriot victory. AMERICA 250 NC BURKE COUNTY BURKE COUNTY THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY Live well @ your library
Fall card-making event flyer for adults at Valdese Public Library on Thursday, October 29, at 5:30 p.m., with autumn leaves, pumpkins, and event details. Transcribed Text: Fall Card Making Thursday, October 29 5:30pm Valdese Public Library -Adults only -Must pre-register -Limited space All supplies are provided. THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY FRIENDS of the Burke County Public Library Live Well @ your library Burke County Public Library BURKE COUNTY Join us as we create our own fall-themed card, and as a bonus create one for the upcoming winter season, as well! Call 828-764-9269 or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org for more information.
Poster for a Plot Hounds book discussion featuring Catherine Mack’s Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies at Valdese Public Library on Tuesday, October 20, at 10 a.m. Transcribed Text: Plot Hounds Book Discussion Live well @ your library Burke County Public Library The Library Foundation of Burke County Friends of the Burke County Public Library BURKE COUNTY EVERY TIME I GO ON VACATION, SOMEONE DIES BY CATHERINE MACK Tuesday, October 20 10am Valdese Public Library For more information call 828-764-9269 or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org Book cover text: “[A] FIZZY SERIES DEBUT.” —The New York Times Book Review EVERY TIME I GO ON VACATION, SOMEONE DIES A Novel CATHERINE MACK USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Illustrated pink flyer for the “Happily Ever Afters Anonymous Book Club,” featuring reading characters and details for a meeting about A Corpse Called Bob on Friday, October 23, at 4 p.m. 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 Corpse Called Bob by Benedict Brown Friday, Oct. 23 @ 4pm C.B. Hildebrand Public Library For more information contact Lizzie at 828-764-9273 or by email at lizzie.whisnant@burkenc.org. live well @ your library Burke County Public Library BURKE COUNTY THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY FRIENDS of the Burke County Public Library
Flyer for an adult autumn collage event at C.B. Hildebrand Public Library on Monday, Oct. 5, at 5:30 p.m., featuring craft supplies, an autumn leaf, and a moth. Transcribed Text: Create an Autumn Collage Monday, Oct. 5 5:30pm C.B. Hildebrand Public Library Join us as we create a unique collage. BURKE COUNTY FRIENDS of the Burke County Public Library THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY Must pre-register Adults only Call 828-764-9269, or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org for more information. Live well @ your library Burke County Public Library Morganton • Valdese • C.B. Hildebrand
Flyer for “Beginning Genealogy,” an event about exploring family history, featuring an autumn tree, event details, and library organization logos. Transcribed Text: Beginning Genealogy Ancestors in the Attic Genealogy Series Exploring your family tree Phillip Heavner, from the Burke County Genealogical Society, will review and discuss basic tips and resources for beginning your family history journey. Saturday, Oct 17 10:00 am - 12 noon Morganton Public Library Meeting Room Free. Space is limited. Call 828-764-9266 to register or for more information Live well @ your library Burke County Public Library Morganton • Valdese • C.B. Hildebrand BURKE COUNTY THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY
Event flyer for an author chat and book signing with Aaron Kohrs at Morganton Public Library, featuring his portrait and book, Big Dreams Back Home. Transcribed Text: Author Chat and Book Signing with local author Aaron Kohrs Wednesday, Oct. 21 6pm Morganton Public Library Join the chat and stick around for the author to sign a copy of his book! No registration is required to attend. Call 828-764-9269, or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org for more information. Live well @ your library Burke County Public Library Morganton • Valdese • C.B. Hildebrand BIG DREAMS BACK HOME FINDING PURPOSE AND BUILDING COMMUNITY IN SMALL-TOWN AMERICA Aaron P. Kohrs Big Dreams Back Home The Library Foundation of Burke County FRIENDS of the Burke County Public Library BURKE COUNTY
Flyer for a YA and adult Crochet Cafe at Valdese Public Library on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m., featuring yarn, crochet hooks, and event details. 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, Oct. 22 @ 6pm Valdese Public Library For more information contact Danielle at danielle.townsend@burkenc.org. Live well Burke County Public Library BURKE COUNTY Friends of the Burke County Public Library THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY
Purple library event poster for “Cauldron, Boil Me! A Romantasy Celebration,” featuring a steaming cauldron, teacup, and details for an October 27 event at Valdese Public Library. Transcribed Text: YA + Adult Services invite you to CAULDRON, BOIL ME! A Romantasy Celebration You’re invited to celebrate the release of Sarah J. Maas’ new book, A Court of Splintered Harmony, with an evening of soups, teas, and fun! TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 @ 6PM VALDESE PUBLIC LIBRARY Open to adults and teens! No pre-registration is required. Food and activities are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. For more information contact Danielle (adults) at danielle.townsend@burkenc.org or Lizzie (teens) at lizzie.whisnant@burkenc.org. Live well @ your library Burke County Public Library BURKE COUNTY THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY FRIENDS of the Burke County Public Library
Promotional flyer for “Tar Heel Terrors,” a storytelling event with Liz Z Pardue on Monday, October 12, at 6 p.m. at Morganton Public Library, featuring a forest background and Pardue’s portrait. Transcribed Text: TAR HEEL TERRORS Monday, October 12 6pm Morganton Public Library This program is open to ages 8+ and is free to attend due to the generous support of The Library Foundation of Burke County. Tar Heel Terrors is a spine-tingling storytelling experience by Liz Z Pardue that explores North Carolina’s most chilling ghost stories, haunted legends, mysterious folklore, and eerie true tales. Perfect for fans of folklore, local history, and the paranormal, this entertaining program offers a hauntingly fun look at North Carolina’s spooky side. Liz Z Pardue is an award-winning storyteller, speaker, and writer with nearly 40 years of experience collecting and talking about North Carolina's lore - including her own. Through theatrical productions, speaking events, podcasts, and publications, she weaves together the kind of regional folklore and personal narratives best shared on front porches. Call 828-764-9269, or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org for more information. Live well @ your library Burke County Public Library Morganton • Valdese • C.B. Hildebrand THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY FRIENDS of the Burke County Public Library BURKE COUNTY
Needlework in the Morning

Needlework in the Morning is open to all ages and skill levels. Come 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.

Upcoming Meeting Dates and Locations:

Friday, October 2 – from 10am to Noon at the Valdese Public Library

Friday, October 9 – from 10am to Noon at the Morganton Public Library

Friday, October 23 – from 10am to Noon at the Morganton Public Library

Promotional image for the Burke County Public Library’s Spice Club event with details on registration, classes, and spices. Transcribed Text: Live Well @ your Library SPICE CLUB Registration for spice pick-up begins Saturday, August 1! Registration is good for September-April. Pick up a new spice & recipes to keep the first Tuesday of each month, then attend a cooking class the following Thursday to create a dish using the same spice. Registration for class portion is required each month. *Must pre-register *Adults only *Limited space *Class will be held at Valdese Public Library, while pick-up of spice will be at preferred library location. *Call 828-764-9269 for more information, or any Burke County Public Library location to register.
Promotional poster for “The Oxymorons: A New Adult Book Club,” featuring My Friends by Frederick Bachman, with event details for October 28 at Morganton Public Library. Transcribed Text: The Oxymorons: A New Adult BOOK CLUB Featuring top trending titles for the almost to mostly adult readers. THIS MONTH’S PICK: My Friends by Frederick Bachman Coffee & snacks provided! Wednesday, October 28 • 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! Live Well Burke County Friends of Burke County Public Library THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY BURKE COUNTY

Upcoming Book Lists for Book Discussion Groups:

Plothounds Book Discussion Group

Plot Hounds Book Discussion Group

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

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

October: My Friends by Fredrik Backman

November: Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

December: Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

Happily Ever Afters Anonymous Book Club

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

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