Children's Programs and Resources

Weekly Storytimes

Weekly storytimes are offered for ages birth through 5th grade at all three of our libraries. Click HERE for more information. Pre-registration is required for these programs. Call the library or stop by to sign up.

Morganton Public Library
828-764-9274

Baby Bookworms (birth-24 months)
Mondays at 10:30am

Terrific Tots (2 year olds)
Tuesdays at 10:30am

Preschool Pals (3-5 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
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
828-764-9283

Baby Bookworms and 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

Click HERE for more information on each storytime, and the monthly storytime flyers.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is simple, free, and the rewards are priceless! This program promotes reading to newborns, infants and toddlers. As a parent or caregiver, you are the first education provider your child has during the first five years. Read a book, any book, to your child with the goal of reading 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and giving them the best start towards success.

We’re here to help you on your journey of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. Stop by or call any of the libraries for more information or to get started. Take up the challenge and check out 1000booksbeforekindergarten.org

How to Participate:
The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, exciting and free way to start your child on the path to success! Any child, ages birth to before kindergarten can participate. Register at any Burke County Public Library location. You will be given program materials when you sign-up, or you can download the reading logs from our website or track using READSquared.

Track your reading:
Write down each book on the reading log. Every book counts. Even if your child wants to hear the same books over and over. Don’t forget to count the books your child hears in storytime, daycare, or even with a friend or family member, as long as the child listens to the entire book.
Each time you read 100 books, bring your reading log to the library to receive a milestone sticker and choose a prize from the treasure chest.

Elementary Battle of the Books Booklist

Download the 2024-2025 Booklist

Note: All books are available through the library in print, and many are available as eBooks through NC Kids Digital Library, one of our two Overdrive collections.

Registration Link. Supplies Limited; Must register by March 14.

EcoExplore. See it. Snap it. Share it.

BotanySeason with EcoExplore

Botany Field Season is March and April!

Like science? Turn into a Citizen Scientist (with a chance to earn some great prizes) with EcoExplore!

ecoEXPLORE (Experiences Promoting Learning Outdoors for Research and Education) is an incentive-based citizen science program for children in grades K-8. Developed by The North Carolina Arboretum, this innovative program combines science exploration with kid-friendly technology to foster a fun learning environment for children while encouraging them to explore the outdoors and participate in citizen science. More information on the program can be found at ExoExplore.net.

A list of resources for Homework Help and Research aimed at our school-aged patrons (younger resources at the top, aging to high school and beyond as you scroll down the list).