Children’s Programs – Burke County Public Library

May 2026 Program Calendar for Kids- clicking the image will open a pdf file of this calendar.

Upcoming Programs for Kids

Programs for children from birth through fifth grade. Programs that require pre-registration are marked as such. To register, or for more information, please call or visit your library.

Click Here for Weekly Storytime Information

Click Here for Summer Reading Program Info

Flyer for Elephant Scavenger Hunt with logos, instructions, an illustrated suitcase, and cartoon elephant. Transcribed Text: Live Well @ your library Burke County Public Library Inspire -> Shine -> Go -- Elephant Scavenger Hunt Riddle: Why didn’t the elephant pack a suitcase? Look for the 15 elephants hiding around the Children's Room at the Morganton Public Library and collect their clues. Fill in the letters on the worksheet to answer the mystery question. Bring your completed worksheet to the Youth Services Desk for a prize! The scavenger hunt runs through the month of May and may be completed one time. THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY BURKE COUNTY

Flyer for "Frog & Toad Story Hour" on Tuesday, May 19, at Morganton Public Library with activities like games and crafts. Transcribed Text: Frog & Toad Story Hour TUESDAY, MAY 19 4:00 PM TO 5:00 PM MORGANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Celebrate friendship this month with the classic Frog & Toad stories by the author Arnold Lobel. Games, crafts, and cookie decorating will follow the stories. For children ages 4 to 8 years old. Call the Youth Services Circulation Desk @ (828) 764-9274 to register. THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY BURKE COUNTY

Flyer for "Adopt-a-Unicorn Storytime" at Morganton Public Library, May 30, 2026, featuring unicorn illustrations and event details. Transcribed Text: Live Well @ Your Library Burke County Public Library Adopt-a-Unicorn Storytime Saturday May 30, 2026 10:30am Morganton Public Library Program is for children ages 2 to 7 years old. Call the Youth Services Circulation Desk @ (828) 764-9274 to register. The Library Foundation of Burke County Unicorn stories & games Unicorn crafts Adopt-a-unicorn stuffie to take home Everyone receives a unicorn headband to wear! BurkeCounty

Promotional poster for "Brain Teaser Bonanza" at CB Hildebrand Public Library on May 20, 2026, featuring a blue head silhouette with puzzle pieces and event details against a blue-orange gradient background. Transcribed Text: Live Well @ your library Burke County Public Library BRAIN TEASER BONANZA CB Hildebrand Public Library May 20, 2026 Are you ready to take on an adventure like no other? Drop in during the hours of 10:00 am - 11:30 am for a dive into the world of puzzle mazes to sharpen your reasoning skills. An adventure awaits—are you ready to take on the challenge? BURKE COUNTY ALL ABOUT ADVANCING THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY All Ages.

Children’s Summer Reading Program 2026. Registration begins May 19 for reading/tracking at bcpls.readsquared.com and for programs via phone or in person)!

Unearth a Story: Children's Summer Reading Program 2026 Brochure of Events. Click to Download a pdf of the brochure.

Children's June 2026 Calendar of Programs. Click on Image to download a pdf of the calendar.

Children's July 2026 Calendar of Programs. Click on Image to download a pdf of the calendar.

Kick off to Summer: June 4 2026 from 5-8pm on the Burke County Courthouse Square. Click to download the PDF

Summer Reading Program 2026 for Kids

Programs for children from birth through fifth grade. Programs that require pre-registration are marked as such. Registration will begin May 19 (reading/tracking at bcpls.readsquared.com and for programs via phone or in person). To register, or for more information, please call or visit your library.

Click Here for Weekly Storytime Information

Invitation for a Dino Tea Party with dinosaur and tea imagery. Transcribed Text: You're Invited... DINO TEA PARTY! June 6th from 3-4 PM @ MPL. Wear formal or dino attire for dinosaur themed stories, games, and tea party snacks! For those aged 6 and under! Registration is required. Please call 828-764-9214 or stop by the library to register!

Flyer for Summer Paintbox Classes at The Morganton Public Library with dates and painting themes. Transcribed Text: Live Well @ your library Burke County Public Library Imagine · Create · Collaborate Summer Paintbox Classes @ The Morganton Public Library THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY JUNE 17 @ 4PM JUNE 20 @ 3PM BABY DRAGON PAINTING JULY 15 @ 4PM JULY 18 @ 3PM CARTOON DINOSAUR PAINTING PAINTBOX CLASSES ARE DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN IN GRADES K-5TH. CALL THE YOUTH SERVICES CIRCULATION DESK @ (828) 764-9274 TO REGISTER. UNEARTH A STORYTM BURKE COUNTY FRIENDS of the Burke County Public Library

Flyer for "Diary of a Worm" event presented by KidSenses with cartoon worms and event details. Transcribed Text: Diary of a Worm Presented by KidSenses June 19th from 3–4 PM at MPL Registration required. For those in 2nd grade and under. Discover the wonderful world of Doreen Cronin’s “Diary of a Worm” in an exciting way! We will read the story, interact with REAL worms, and create a polymer worm to take home. Live Well: Eat Your Fruits & Veggies Every Day THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY BURKE COUNTY KidSenses: Children’s Interactive Museum The Factory! A Place to Meet Play Create

Promotional flyer with the text "Unearth a New Hobby!" and icons of a ukulele, origami crane, and magician's hat, set on a soil-like background. Transcribed Text: Unearth a New Hobby! June 26th at MPL Drop in Anytime from 2-4 Explore, experience, and "unearth" a passion you never knew you had! For those in K-5th grade. Registration is not required, but supplies will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. BURKE COUNTY THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION Live well @ your library Burke County Public Library, NC

Flyer for a fossil event at C. B. Hildebrand Public Library on July 9 at 3:30 pm, featuring fossils and retired micropaleontologist Rhonda Roederer. Transcribed Text: C. B. Hildebrand Public Library Thursday, July 9 @ 3:30 pm Family Friendly Fossil Fun Travel through billions of years of history as we explore the fascinating world of fossils! What were the first forms of life on Earth? From ancient sea creatures to towering dinosaurs and woolly mammoths, learn how living things left their mark in stone. Every fossil has a secret waiting to be discovered - come unearth the story of the past! EXAMINE REAL FOSSILS UP CLOSE AND HANDS-ON! DISCOVER HOW LIVING THINGS LEFT THEIR MARK IN STONE AND UNEARTH A STORY! Rhonda Roederer is a retired micropaleontologist who spent over 40 years working in the oil industry of the Gulf of Mexico. C.B. Hildebrand Public Library 101 B Main Ave W Hildebran, NC 28637 828-764-9283 (Logos of supporting organizations)

Flyer for Family Fun Friday: Dinosaur Adventures at C B Hildebrand Public Library, featuring dinosaur imagery. Transcribed Text: Family Fun Friday July 10 DINOSAUR ADVENTURES C B Hildebrand Public Library Feel free to stop by anytime between 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM to be part of the fun! Parents can also take some time to connect and interact with each other while children are playing together. All ages welcome. No Registration required. For more information, call 828-764-9283. Friends of the Burke County Public Library Live well @ your library. The Library Foundation of Burke County

Colorful poster for a children's event at CB Hildebrand Public Library, featuring geometric designs and event details. Transcribed Text: Live well @ your library Burke County Public Library Enriching your life and building our community Bring your children to unleash their creativity and let their imaginations run wild! Feel free to drop by anytime between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM for children to participate in hands-on activities designed especially for them. Meanwhile, parents can unwind and connect with one another during this exciting gathering. Monday, July 13 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Tinker To Learn Monday And More Burke County The Library Foundation of Burke County All ages welcome. Call 828-764-9283 or come by the library for more information. CB Hildebrand Public Library

Flyer for "ART-SPERIENCE" at Long View Recreation Center with colorful designs and event details. Transcribed Text: Join us for an ART-SPERIENCE! at the Long View Recreation Center 3107 2nd Ave NW, Hickory, NC 28601 • DRAWING • LIVE MUSIC • COMEDY • & A UNICYCLE PERFORMANCE • JUGGLING CB Hildebrand Public Library and the Town of Long View invite you to a unique experience featuring Do Art Productions involving art, music, and stunts. MONDAY, JULY 20TH at 5:30PM THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY FRIENDS of the Burke County Public Library BURKE COUNTY

Flyer for Family Fun Friday event at C B Hildebrand Public Library on June 12. Transcribed Text: Family Fun Friday Feel free to stop by anytime between 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM to be part of the fun! Children will have the opportunity to play while forming new friendships. Parents can unwind and engage with one another while their children are safely occupied in the library area. June 12 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM C B Hildebrand Public Library All ages welcome. No registration required. For more information, call 828-764-9283. Burke County The Library Foundation of Burke County Live Well @ your library Friends of the Burke County Public Library

Flyer for "Tinker To Learn Monday" at C B Hildebrand Public Library, promoting educational activities on June 15. Transcribed Text: Tinker To Learn Monday THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY C B Hildebrand Public Library Monday, June 15 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm All Ages. Join Us for a Day of Imagination and Fun! Come in from the heat! Drop in between 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm for children to tinker and build with Magna-tiles while making new friends with engaging, hands-on activities tailored just for them. Parents can also take some time to connect and interact with each other. Contact Us 101B Main Ave W, Hildebran NC 28637 828-764-9283 www.bcpls.org BURKECOUNTY Live Well @ your library

Advertisement for "Dino Weaving" event at a library, featuring cartoon dinosaurs and event details. Transcribed Text: C.B. Hildebrand Public Library Dino Weaving Ages 12 and under Wednesday, June 17, @ 3:30pm Pre-registration is required. C.B. Hildebrand Public Library 101 B Main Ave W Hildebran, NC 28637 (828) 764-9283 Logos for The Library Foundation of Burke County, Live Well, and Friends of the Burke County Public Library.

Promotional poster for the "Critter Keeper" event featuring a tarantula, event details, and a man with a lizard on his shoulder. Scheduled for June 18 at 2:30 PM. Transcribed Text: IF YOU’RE BRAVE ENOUGH FOR THESE CREEPY, CRAWLY CREATURES… YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT! CRITTER KEEPER CB Hildebrand Public Library has partnered with the Town of Long View to present this exciting event. • Location: Long View Recreation Center 3107 2nd Ave NW, Hickory, NC 28601 • No registration required. • Open to all ages. For more information, please call 828-764-9283. Please note: This program will feature live animals, which may include, but are not limited to, snakes, lizards, amphibians, and arthropods. JUNE 18, 2:30 PM

Poster for Pioneer Crafts & Games Day at Morganton Public Library with event details, logos, and pioneer-themed illustrations. Transcribed Text: Live Well @ your library. Burke County Public Library. Inspiring a life-long commitment to healthy well-being. PIONEER CRAFTS & GAMES DAY The Library Foundation of Burke County Friends of the Burke County Public Library 250 Happy Birthday America 1776–2026 Tuesday, June 30 Morganton Public Library Drop-In Event 3:30–5:00pm Stop by and make a few pioneer crafts and play fun pioneer games. Dress in pioneer clothing if you would like. This program ties in with America's 250th celebration. Meet a special guest dressed in authentic pioneer clothing. FREE PROGRAM CHILDREN OF ALL AGES ARE WELCOME. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. BURKE COUNTY

Flyer for the Exploring Joara Berry Site Tour on July 1 at 10:30 AM, featuring event details and logos of supporting organizations. Transcribed Text: Live Well @ your library Burke County Public Library Play • Engage • Write • Collaborate EXPLORING JOARA BERRY SITE TOUR Wednesday, July 1 10:30 AM Berry Site 1701–1981 Henderson Mill Road Morganton, NC 28655 THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY Unearth the forgotten past and take a tour of this historical archaeological site. These Native American settlements were visited by de Soto and Pardo, whose forts are national and international treasures. Joara EXPLORING JOARA FOUNDATION Call the C.B. Hildebrand Library @ (828) 764-9283 or the Youth Services Desk @ the Morganton Public Library (828) 764-9274 to register. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. BURKE COUNTY FRIENDS of the Burke County Public Library

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

A cartoon green dinosaur with a blue backpack and magnifying glass next to the text "Scavenger Hunts and I-Spy-Tank." Transcribed Text: Scavenger Hunts and I-Spy-Tank UNEARTH A STORY

Promotional flyer for a Dino Riddle Scavenger Hunt featuring cartoon dinosaurs and event details. Transcribed Text: Live Well @ your Library Burke County Public Library. Your journey to a healthier lifestyle. DINO RIDDLE SCAVENGER HUNT THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY Riddle: What do you call a dinosaur that fell asleep? Find photos of 10 dinosaurs hiding around The Children’s Room at the Morganton Public Library. Complete the worksheet, and turn in to the Youth Services Circulation desk for a prize. Scavenger hunt may be completed once during the month of June. The scavenger hunt is for children of all ages. FRIENDS of the Burke County Public Library BURKE COUNTY

A cartoon blue dinosaur peeks out from jungle foliage with promotional text for a library scavenger hunt. Transcribed Text: C.B. Hildebrand Public Library June Scavenger Hunt Dinosaurs UNEARTH A STORY™

A dinosaur made of colorful books with text "Valdese Public Library June I-Spy-Tank Dino Boom!" Transcribed Text: UNEARTH A STORY™ Valdese Public Library June I-Spy-Tank Dino Boom! © CSLP

Colorful poster for "The Great Dino Scavenger Hunt" featuring cartoon dinosaurs and library logos. Transcribed Text: THE GREAT DINO SCAVENGER HUNT! Find the different types of dinosaurs hiding around the Children’s Room. Mark them off as you find them on the worksheet. Turn in the completed worksheet to the Youth Services Circulation desk for a prize. The scavenger hunt may be completed once during the month of July and is for children of all ages.

Library scavenger hunt banner with a book, tools, a dinosaur, and a crystal. Transcribed Text: C.B. Hildebrand Public Library July Scavenger Hunt Gemstones UNEARTH A STORY™

Illustration of children digging in dirt, with an open book, fossil, and cartoon dinosaur promoting "Dig It!" at the Valdese Public Library. Transcribed Text: Valdese Public Library June I-Spy-Tank Dig It! UNEARTH A STORY

Flyer for a gemstone mining event at C.B. Hildebrand Public Library on July 17. Transcribed Text: C.B. Hildebrand Public Library Friday, July 17 @ 3:00 pm Friday, July 17 @ 4:00 pm Registration is required. Limited space. Ages 12 and under. Investigate the fascinating world of rocks, gems, and minerals! Students will mine for treasures in our portable running water sluice, then use identification and sorting techniques to examine and classify what they find. Students can take home their treasures! C.B. Hildebrand Public Library 101 B Main Ave W Hildebran, NC 28637 828-764-9483

Flyer for a Prehistoric Fossil Cookies event at C.B. Hildebrand Public Library on July 22 at 3:30pm via Zoom. Transcribed Text: C.B. Hildebrand Public Library Prehistoric Fossil Cookies Wednesday, July 22 @ 3:30pm Via Zoom Pre-registration is required. Ages 12 and under. C.B. Hildebrand Public Library 101 B Main Ave W Hildebran, NC 28637 (828) 764-9283

Weekly Storytimes for Kids

Join us for weekly storytimes that utilize books and activities to engage, entertain, and teach.

Each storytime requires pre-registration (and spaces are limited). Call or visit your library for more information, or to register.

This session of storytimes ends May 16. Registration for Summer Reading Program Storytimes begins May 19, and those storytimes begin the week of June 8.

C.B. Hildebrand Public Library Storytimes

All storytimes require pre-registration and have limited space. Call the C.B. Hildebrand Public Library at 828-764-9283 to register or for more information.

Flyer for C.B. Hildebrand Public Library summer events and reading registration. Transcribed Text: C.B. Hildebrand Public Library Library Explorers (K—2nd Grade) May 7: Mother’s Day May 14: Game Day Celebration UNEARTH A STORY™ Summer Reading Registration Starts May 19! See you this summer! C.B. Hildebrand Public Library - 828-764-9283 101-B Main Avenue West Hildebran, NC 28637 [Logos: Friends of Burke County Public Library, Live Well Burke, The Library Foundation of Burke County, Burke County]

Flyer for C.B. Hildebrand Public Library events and summer reading registration with decorative floral border. Transcribed Text: C.B. Hildebrand Public Library Cool Kids (3rd—5th Grade) May 5: Cinco De Mayo May 12: Game Day Celebration UNEARTH A STORY™ Summer Reading Registration Starts May 19! See you this summer! C.B.Hildebrand Public Library - 828-764-9283 101-B Main Avenue West Hildebran, NC 28637

CB Hildebrand Public Library Weekly Storytimes (require pre-registration):

Baby Bookworms & Terrific Tots – Thursdays at 10:45am for those birth-2 years old.
Preschool Pals – Tuesdays at 10:45am for those 3-5 years old.
Family Storytime – Wednesdays at 10:45am for all ages.
Library Explorers – Thursdays at 3:30pm for those in K-2nd grade.
Cool Kids – Tuesdays at 3:30pm for those in 3rd-5th grade.

Morganton Public Library Storytimes

All storytimes require pre-registration and have limited space. Call the Morganton Public Library at 828-764-9264 to register or for more information.

Poster for May Preschool Pals Themes at Morganton Public Library with colorful text and illustrations of a castle and dinosaurs. Transcribed Text: Live Well @ your library Burke County Public Library Expanding a Vision to Achieve Wellness MAY THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY Preschool Pals Themes May 7 @10:30am Join us for a “Fairytale Fun Storytime!” Magical stories, crafts, sensory activities, and a STEM building activity! May 14 @10:30am Help us make dinosaur decorations for the Summer Reading Program! Your dinosaur will be on display in the Children’s Room this summer! The Preschool Pals group is designed for children 4 and 5 years of age and meets on Thursdays at 10:30am at the Morganton Public Library. Call the Youth Services Desk @ (828) 764-9274 to register. BURKE COUNTY

Library poster for May events including Cinco de Mayo storytime and dinosaur decoration creation. Transcribed Text: Live well @ your library Burke County Public Library “Empowering people, enabling lifelong learning, and expanding minds.” The Library Foundation of Burke County MAY Library Explorers Themes MAY 5 @ 4PM CINCO DE MAYO STORYTIME TACO STORIES, “FESTIVE” CRAFTS, AND A SNACK! MAY 12 @ 4PM HELP US MAKE DECORATIONS FOR OUR SUMMER READING PROGRAM. WE WILL BE CREATING A SMALL DINOSAUR WORLD COMPLETE WITH DINO FIGURINES AND MORE! The Library Explorers group is designed for children in grades K-2nd, and meets on Tuesdays at 4pm at the Morganton Public Library. Please call the Youth Services Circulation Desk at (828) 764-9274 to register. BURKE COUNTY

Flyer for Cool Kids Club at Morganton and Valdese Libraries in April and May with colorful design and event details. Transcribed Text: Cool Kids @ MPL & VPL APRIL & MAY Cool Kids Club is for students in 3rd-5th grades. Join us for art projects, STEAM activities, games & more! April 6/7: Escape Room Puzzles April 13/14: Seed Mosaics April 20/21: Earth Day April 27/28: STEAM Day May 4/5: Spring Paintings May 11/12: Cooking Day **Pre-registration is required. Summer registration opens on May 19! Morganton Public Library Mondays @ 3:30pm 828-764-9274 Valdese Public Library Tuesdays @ 3:30 pm 828-874-2421 THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY Live well @ your library Burke County Public Library InspirationBooksCelebration BURKE COUNTY

Morganton Public Library Weekly Storytimes (require pre-registration):

Baby Bookworms – Mondays at 10:30am for those birth-24 months old.
Terrific Tots – Tuesdays at 10:30am for those 2-3 years old.
Preschool Pals – Thursdays at 10:30am for those 4-5 years old.
Library Explorers – Tuesdays at 4pm for those in K-2nd grade.
Cool Kids – Mondays at 3:30pm for those in 3rd-5th grade.

Valdese Public Library Storytimes

All storytimes require pre-registration and have limited space. Call the Valdese Public Library at 828-874-2421 to register or for more information.

Promotional flyer for Baby Bookworms at Valdese Public Library, featuring event details, illustrations of a sun, a turtle, and frogs. Transcribed Text: Baby Bookworms @ The Valdese Public Library Baby Bookworms storytime has a mixture of books, songs, colors, rhymes & discovery activities. Join the fun as we help your baby begin a lifelong love of learning and curiosity. Storytime Openers ~Color-Green ~Song- Good Morning ~Nursery Rhyme- Down By The Bay & 5 Little Speckled Frogs A storytime for birth-24mo. Thursdays 10:00-10:30am Pre-Registration required. Call 828-874-2421 / stop by to register. Registration for Summer Reading Program begins May 19th * May Themes: Frogs & Turtles

Flyer with colorful illustrations of bugs and details about children's story time events at Valdese Public Library. Transcribed Text: Preschool Pals A story time for kids 4-5 years old. Meeting on Wednesday from 10:00—11:00 am. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required for all events. May 6: Mother’s Day May 13: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs UNEARTH A STORY Summer Reading Registration begins May 19! See you this summer! Valdese Public Library 828-874-2421 213 St. Germain Ave Valdese, NC 28690

Promotional graphic for Library Explorers at Valdese Public Library featuring forest animals and program details. Transcribed Text: Library Explorers @ the Valdese Public Library K-2nd grade ONLY. We meet Mondays at 3:30. Pre-Registration required. 828-874-2421. May: -By The Stream- Freshwater Ecosystem -In the Forest- Forest Ecosystem Registration for Summer Reading Program begins May 19th * Friends of the Burke County Public Library THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY Live Well @ your library Burke County Public Library & Live Well Catawba BURKE COUNTY

Valdese Public Library Weekly Storytimes (require pre-registration):

Baby Bookworms – Thursdays at 10am for those birth-24 months old.
Terrific Tots – Mondays at 10am for those 2-3 years old.
Preschool Pals – Wednesdays at 10am for those 4-5 years old.
Library Explorers – Mondays at 3:30pm for those in K-2nd grade.
Cool Kids – Tuesdays at 3:30pm for those in 3rd-5th grade.