Burke County Public Library

Children's Programs
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 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
Event flyer for "Mermazing Stories" featuring a colorful mermaid tail, with details about stories, songs, and activities on August 6th at the Collett Street Recreation Center. Transcribed Text: MERMAZING STORIES WE WILL MEET IN THE COMMUNITY ROOM FOR MERMAID STORIES AND SONGS FEATURING CHRISTA STRAUSS FROM UPBEAT MUSIC THERAPY! STORYTIME WILL BE FOLLOWED BY FUN WATER ACTIVITIES AND GAMES! ALL AGES WELCOME AND NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. AUGUST 6TH AT 10:30 @ COLLETT STREET RECREATION CENTER 300 COLLETT ST, MORGANTON
Event poster for "What's Cookin' with Ms. Amber" at the Valdese Public Library for K-5th graders, featuring cartoon chefs promoting a Greek cuisine night on August 11th. Transcribed Text: What's Cookin' with Ms. Amber @ the Valdese Public Library K-5th Grade Come on KIDS ... we're going GREEK!! Greek Cuisine Night for Kids! - Join the Valdese Public Library for an evening of cooking...Greek style. We will make beautiful delicious Gyros and a yummy yogurt sweet treat. Tuesday, August 11th @ 5:30pm - 7pm Call 828-874-2421 to pre-register. Pre-registration required.
Flyer for the C.B. Hildebrand Public Library's "Fish Weaving" event for ages 12 and under on August 12 at 3:30pm, featuring aquatic graphics and library contact information. Transcribed Text: C.B. Hildebrand Public Library Fish Weaving Ages 12 and under Wednesday, August 12, @ 3:30pm Pre-registration is required. C.B. Hildebrand Public Library 828-764-9283 101 B Main Ave W Hildebran, NC 28637
Promotional poster for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census at Morganton Public Library on August 21, featuring event details and colorful illustrations of flowers and bees. Transcribed Text: GREAT SOUTHEAST Pollinator Census CENSUS AUGUST 21-22, 2026 Morganton Public Library Friday, Aug. 21 10-11 am Join Morganton Parks and Recreation and the Burke County Public Library to help capture a snapshot of pollinator activity in communities across North Carolina. A brief how-to session inside will be followed by time in the field counting pollinators. The Burke County Beekeepers will be present to answer all your questions about bees! Open to all ages. No registration required. Count pollinators in your community to help scientists study them!
Promotional poster for "Science Heroes: Digging It!" highlighting an event with fun science activities, experiments, and audience participation, scheduled for August 3, 2026 at Morganton Public Library and Long View Recreation Center. Transcribed Text: SCIENCE HEROES: DIGGING IT! Fun Science! Exciting Experiments! Audience Volunteers! There are two chances to participate in this exciting & interactive S.T.E.M. show! August 3, 2026 Morganton Public Library 5:00 pm Long View Recreation Center* 2:00 pm *Contact the CB Hildebrand Public Library with any questions about the 2:00 pm show.
A watercolor background with the outline of the state of North Carolina over it, advertising a water color craft day at the Valdese Public Library. Transcribed Text: Watercolor Day at the Valdese Public Library. Saturday, Aug 8th. Anytime between 9am-4pm. Come by the Valdese Public Library today and beat the Festival heat while you create a beautiful watercolor negative impression art piece... in the shape of North Carolina! Call 828-874-2421 for more info. 5th grade and under. No registration required.
Flyer for "Mommy and Me Crafts" event on August 14th at 10:30 AM, featuring illustrations of children, craft supplies, and playful text in pastel colors. Transcribed Text: Mommy and Me Crafts August 14th @ 10:30 MPL A creative, low-stakes craft program designed for children ages 3 and under and their caregivers to do together! Coffee will be provided for caregivers! Pre-registration is required. This program is welcome to any caregiver- not just moms!
Promotional flyer for a "Cooking Club" event at C.B. Hildebrand Public Library, featuring details for a no-bake cookies session for grades 3-5, with illustrations of cooking utensils. Transcribed Text: C.B. HILDEBRAND PUBLIC LIBRARY COOKING CLUB GRADES 3 - 5 NO BAKE COOKIES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 @ 3:30 PM PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. C.B. HILDEBRAND PUBLIC LIBRARY (828) 764-9283 101 B MAIN AVE W HILDEBRAN, NC 28637
Unearth a Story at your library!

SRP Programming may have wrapped up, but you can still track your reading through July 31 at bcpls.readsquared.com or on the FREE ReadSquared App!

Graphic for Family Fun Friday at CB Hildebrand Public Library, featuring five children playing joyfully on a grassy field. Event details include August 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, no registration required. Transcribed Text: CB HILDEBRAND PUBLIC LIBRARY Family Fun Friday August 7, 2026 10:00 am - 11:30 am All ages. Drop in and join the excitement! Family Fun Fridays are filled with laughter, the chance to make new friends, and exhilarating adventures designed specifically for kids. Parents can also connect and unwind during this enjoyable time. No registration is needed. Live well @ your library.
Colorful promotional image for a painting event at the Morganton Public Library, featuring butterflies and event details such as date, time, and age range. Transcribed Text: Live well @ your library Paintbox AUGUST 8 @ 3PM MORGANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY This month’s painting will feature a Butterfly Garden with pop-up butterflies! All materials are provided. The program is a guided canvas painting program and is designed for children in grades K-5th. Call the Youth Services Circulation Desk at (828) 764-9274 to register.
Promotional flyer for a Shark Riddle Scavenger Hunt at Burke County Public Library, featuring a large shark illustration and details about the event, including instructions and prizes. Transcribed Text: SHARK RIDDLE SCAVENGER HUNT Celebrate shark week the entire month of August! Stop by the Children’s Room at the Morganton Public Library and complete the shark riddle scavenger hunt! Find the photos of sharks 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 August and is for children of all ages.

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.

Summer Reading Program Storytimes run through July 24. Fall Storytimes will begin the week of August 17, with registration open August 4. Call or visit your library to sign up or for more information.

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.

Fall Storytimes will begin the week of August 17, with registration opening August 4. Call or visit your library to sign up or for more information.

Promotional image for "Baby Bookworms & Terrific Tots" storytime event at CB Hildebrand Public Library, featuring two children playing on a blanket with colorful design elements. Transcribed Text: BABY Bookworms & Terrific TOTS CB Hildebrand Public Library Please join us for a special storytime designed for our youngest library users. It's never too early to build pre-literacy skills. Nurture a love for books early by engaging children with new sights, sounds, sensory activities, interactive songs, and short stories. Thursdays 10:45 Birth to 2 years old BURKE COUNTY August 20 - Ten in the Bed August 27 - Bubble Day The Library Foundation of Burke County Live well @ your library
Promotional flyer for Family Storytime at CB Hildebrand Public Library, featuring colorful flowers and details about the event schedule and participation encouragement. Transcribed Text: Family Storytime CB HILDEBRAND PUBLIC LIBRARY Storytime programs are designed to stimulate young minds by introducing literature, music, and movement. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate to make a meaningful experience for their child. Each week, our Family Storytime will meet on Thursdays at 10:45 am. 8th grade and below. Call 828-764-9283, or come by to pre-register. August 18: Banana Split Day August 25: Let's All Laugh Live Well @ your library Burke County THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF BURKE COUNTY
Colorful flyer for "Library Explorers" program for K-2nd graders, featuring beach-themed graphics and details about upcoming events on August 20 and 27 at C.B. Hildebrand Public Library. Transcribed Text: Library Explorers Programming is designed for K-2nd grade. We meet on Thursday at 3:30 pm. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required for all events. August 20: Beach Blast August 27: Summer STEM C.B. Hildebrand Public Library 828-764-9283 101 B Main Ave W Hildebran, NC 28637
Colorful flyer for children's library events featuring beach-themed graphics and text about "Cool Kids" programming, including dates and contact information. Transcribed Text: Cool Kids Programming designed for 3rd - 5th grades. We meet on Tuesdays at 3:30 pm. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. August 18: Beach Blast August 25: Summer STEM C.B. Hildebrand Public Library 828-764-9283 101 B Main Ave W 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.

Fall Storytimes will begin the week of August 17, with registration opening August 4. Call or visit your library to sign up or for more information.

Colorful flyer for a children's reading program, "Baby Bookworms," at Morganton Public Library, featuring event details and fun illustrations of animals and fruits. Transcribed Text: BABY BOOKWORMS MORGANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY AUGUST 17TH SPLISH SPLASH! AUGUST 24TH PAJAMA PARTY! AUGUST 31ST I LOVE YOU "BERRY" MUCH! CHILDREN BIRTH- 23 MONTHS WILL ENJOY STORIES, SONGS, PLAYTIME, AND SOCIALIZATION WITH OTHER BABIES! MONDAYS @ 10:30 AM PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. PLEASE CALL (828) 764-9274 OR STOP BY THE LIBRARY TO SIGN UP!
Promotional flyer for "Terrific Tots" at Morganton Public Library, featuring beach and pet-themed events for toddlers, with date details and a registration notice. Transcribed Text: TERRIFIC TOTS MORGANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY August 18th Beach Day! August 25th Pets A Storytime for 2-3 year olds Tuesdays @ 10:30 am Pre-registration Required. Please call (828) 764-9274 or stop by the library to sign up.
Colorful flyer for "Preschool Pals" library programs featuring various events from August to September, including illustrations of a turtle, ice cream, and a tree. Transcribed Text: PRESCHOOL PALS AUGUST & SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS August 20 - Books Bugs & Hugs (Welcome to the Library Day) August 27 - Ice Cream Dream Storytime September 3 - Imagination Station (Process Art Day) September 10 - Stuffies Show & Tell (Bring your best stuffed animal to storytime) September 17 - Farmer’s Market Storytime September 24 - Fantastic Fall Storytime The Preschool Pals group is for children ages 4 and 5. The group meets at the Morganton Public Library on Thursdays at 10:30 AM. Please call the Youth Services Circulation Desk at (828) 764-9274 to register.
Flyer for "Library Explorers" programs at Burke County Public Library; features colorful illustrations, program dates, and activities for children K-2. Transcribed Text: LIBRARY EXPLORERS AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS August 18 - The Great Library Adventure August 25 - Here Comes the Sunflowers Storytime September 1 - Stories in Motion (Interactive Stories) September 8 - WNC Nature Center visits with an Arachnology program September 15 - It’s a Pirate Party September 22 - The Outdoor Art Adventure (Front Lawn of Morganton Library) September 29 - Squirrelly Storytime The Library Explorers group is designed for children in grades K-2. The group meets on Tuesdays at 4pm at the Morganton Public Library. Call the Youth Services Circulation Desk @ (828) 764-9274 to register.

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.

Fall Storytimes will begin the week of August 17, with registration opening August 4. Call or visit your library to sign up or for more information.

Colorful flyer for "Preschool Pals" program for children, featuring teddy bear, beach items, event dates, and library contact information. Transcribed Text: Preschool Pals Programming designed for 4-5 year olds. We meet on Wednesday at 10:00 am. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. August 19: Ocean Commotion August 26: Fish Tales Valdese Public Library 828-874-2421 213 ST. Germain Ave Valdese, NC 28690

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.