Children's Programs and Events

  • Upcoming
    Programs

  • Winter
    Reading

  • 1000 Books
    Before Kindergarten

  • Morganton
    Storytimes

  • Valdese
    Storytimes

  • C.B. Hildebrand
    Storytimes

Upcoming Programs

YS February Calendar

Click on the image to download the February Kids' Program Calendar.



STRETCHING WITH STORIES YOGA STORYTIME Come to the library and Stretch your body and mind with Ms. Chesley on Thursday, February 16 at 4:00pm. Don't forget to bring a mat! Please join us for a new mini series this winter ! EAch month January through March, we will have a stretching with stories Yoga Storytime for children in grades K-5th. During the program, we will read a story, do a few simple yoga poses, and make a small related craft. This month we will learn winter themed yoga poses, and make a clay snowman sculpture to take home CALL THE YOUTH SERVICES DESK AT THE MORGANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY TO SIGN UP. (828) 764-9274. SPACE IS LIMITED.
Click to download the Stretching with Stories Flyer!



FEBRUARY 11 @ 3PM MORGANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY This month's painting will feature a cute Owl Always Love You painting! All materials provided. Program is for children in grades K-5th, and will be held in the Meeting Room downstairs. Call the Youth Services Desk at (828) 764-9274 to sign up for the program. Space is limited.
Click to download the Paintbox Flyer!



Read to a Dog Join the Morganton Public Library at Burke County Animal Services 425 Kirksey Drive, Morganton 4-5 pm 4th Thursday of every month January 26 February 23 March 23 Why read to a dog? Reading to a dog gives children extra practice and oral skills. Children feel comfortable because dogs don’t judge if a word is mispronounced. If a child feels nervous when reading aloud, dogs can calm them down that can reduce stress and anxiety. Children can gain confidence, self-esteem and it’s fun! Registration is requested, but drop-ins are welcome. Call 828-764-9274 to sign up. BURKE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES

Download the Read to a Dog Flyer



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Looking for Accelerated Reader Point Information? How about research for a school project? Or even an online storytime video?

Check out theKids' Online Tools Image
Kids' Online Tools

Kids Winter Reading Challenge

January 1st through February 28th

This year's challenge is a BINGO Board! Challenge can be completed on ReadSquared or on paper. Already in ReadSquared? All summer participants have already been enrolled in the Winter Reading Challenge - just start checking off your activities! Prefer paper? Print a copy from the website (beginning January 1st) or pick up a copy at any of our three branches on January 3rd or later. Take the Challenge Today!

For more information, see the "Winter Reading" Tab, or download the Kids Winter Reading Program Flyer. Game Board Available on ReadSquared or paper. Download the Winter Reading Game Board




Patrol Zoom Every 3rd Monday BCPLS.ORG Pre-registration is required for this storytime. For more information, please visit our website, stop by or call the library at 828-764-9283. Featuring: Community Resource Officer Sgt. Eddie Marlowe Monday, February 20 @3:30 pm 828-764-9283 CB Hildebrand Public Library
Click to download the Zoom Patrol Flyer!




Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead Family Night @ the Valdese Public Library Magformers, Legos, Play-Doh, Marble Run, KEVA Planks, craft and more! Invite your friends to play, create and have a blast. Open to 5th grade and under Free and open to the public For more info, call 828-874-2421 Tuesday, February 7th 5:30-7pm
Click to download the Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead Family Night Flyer!




Comfy clothes, yummy snacks and kids learning to cross stitch. Children 2nd -5th grade with an adult @ the Valdese Public Library Saturday, February 25th @ 1100::0000--1111::3300aam Supplies & materials provided for child & adult. Pre-registration required, call 828-874-2421 to register. Cozy Morning snacks provided Kids & Adult Cross Stitch Edition
Click to download the Cozy Morning Cross Stitch Flyer!



NCSLMA Elementary Battle of the Books

2022-2023 Book List

Note: All books are available through the Burke County Public Library, and most of them are available as eBooks through Overdrive.

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Internet Safety

A collection of resources to help you and your family safely work and play on the Internet.

Valentine Craft Night Monday, February 13 @ 6:00pm Calling All Kids! Sign up for a special Valentine craft. Ages 12 and under. Supplies are limited. Call and sign up today! C.B. Hildebrand Public Library (828) 764-9283 101-B Main Avenue West Hildebran, NC 28637
Click to download the Valentine Craft Night Flyer!


Preschool Discovery Lab encourages children to follow their curiosity. Children will explore, create, tinker and learn while using Duplos and other building materials. Morganton Public Library For children 1-5 No Registration Required. February 18 March 18 10 -11am Preschool Discovery Lab
Click to download the Discovery Lab Flyer!


C.B. Hildebrand Public Library Kids Cooking Club Via Zoom Wednesday, February 22 @ 3:30 pm Chocolate Mug Cakes Pre-registration Required.
Click to download the Kids Cooking Club Flyer!


Why is play important? Children learn through play. Playing together strengthens the relationship between you and your child. Play also supports social development by helping children interact with others, learning to share and get along. Morganton Public Library provides an open safe space for children and their parents/caregivers to play. Morganton Public Library Play Group Every Monday at 11am Birth - 3 yrs old No registration required.
Click to download the Playgroup Flyer!



EcoExplore. See it. Snap it. Share it.

Ornithology Season

Hi Kids! It's Ornithology season! Stop by your local library, and grab the Ornithology hand outs for the ecoEXPLORE program. Don't forget that we have prizes available at the library too! Do you know what the state bird is? Join ecoEXPLORE, and become a citizen scientist today!

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.

Game Board Available on ReadSquared or paper. Download the Winter Reading Game Board

Challenge runs throughout January & February Challenge can be completed on ReadSquared or on paper Already in ReadSquared? All summer participants have already been enrolled in the Winter Reading Challenge - just start checking off your activities! Prefer paper? Pick up a copy at any of our three branches on January 2nd or later. Take the Challenge Today! 2023 Kids Winter Reading Challenge This year's challenge is a BINGO Board! https://bcpls.readsquared.com

Download the Kids Winter Reading Program Flyer | Download the Winter Reading Game Board

1000 Books Before Kindergarten Advertisement banner

1000 Books Before Kindergarten, Read it and Reap

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 the 1000 Books Website.

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. If you prefer, you may call the library and we will come to your car to pick up reading logs and deliver a prize.

Download the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Informational Flyer

Morganton Public Library Storytimes

Baby Bookworms | Terrific Tots
Pre-School Pals | Library Explorers | Cool Kids Club

Library Directions

Registration is required for all storytimes, sign up today by stopping by your library!


Read to a Dog Join the Morganton Public Library at Burke County Animal Services 425 Kirksey Drive, Morganton 4-5 pm 4th Thursday of every month January 26 February 23 March 23 Why read to a dog? Reading to a dog gives children extra practice and oral skills. Children feel comfortable because dogs don’t judge if a word is mispronounced. If a child feels nervous when reading aloud, dogs can calm them down that can reduce stress and anxiety. Children can gain confidence, self-esteem and it’s fun! Registration is requested, but drop-ins are welcome. Call 828-764-9274 to sign up. BURKE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES

Download the Read to a Dog Flyer



MORGANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY SATURDAY, FEB. 4TH GAMES AND ACTIVITIES COLLABORATIVE POSTER SCAVENGER HUNT BRING YOUR CHILD IN ANYTIME FROM 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM FOR FUN! ALL CHILDREN VISITING FEB 4TH WILL RECEIVE A FREE BOOK WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

Download the Take Your Child To The Library Day Flyer



Why is play important? Children learn through play. Playing together strengthens the relationship between you and your child. Play also supports social development by helping children interact with others, learning to share and get along. Morganton Public Library provides an open safe space for children and their parents/caregivers to play. Morganton Public Library Play Group Every Monday at 11am Birth - 3 yrs old No registration required.
Click to download the Playgroup Flyer!




Baby Bookworms

A storytime for children birth-23 months.
Mondays at 10:30am


Baby Bookworms Morganton Public Library Mondays 10:30am Pre-registration is required. Please call 828-764-9274 or come by the library to sign-up. Baby Bookworms is a first time library experience for our youngest patrons. Children birth through 23 months will enjoy library time complete with rhymes, songs, movement activities, a short story, and a hands on craft or art activity. August/September For more information on these and other library programs, visit our library website at www.bcpls.org, call or visit the library today. Morganton Public Library 828-764-9274 204 S. King St. Morganton, NC 28655 February February 6: Roar, Dinosaur, Roar February 13: Be My Valentine! February 20: Wheels on the Bus February 27: Curious George
Click to download the Baby Bookworms Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.



Terrific Tots

A storytime for children 2 year-olds.
Tuesdays at 10:30am.

Space is limited. Pre-Registration is required. Call 828-764-9274 or stop by the library to sign up.


Terrific Tots February Storytimes Join us in person at the Morganton Public Library Tuesdays at 10:30am for stories, flannelboard activities, songs, crafts, and much more! 2/7/23 Outer Space Storytime Learn about the solar system. Make a straw rocket that will blast off into space! Build an easy constellation snack to eat. 2/14/23 Valentine's Day Today we will read stories about love and friendship. Make a cute I Love You to Pieces valentine to give to your favorite friend or grown up. This storytime is for children 2 years of age. Call the Youth Services Desk at the Morganton Public Library to register. (828) 764-9274. 2/21/23 Dental Health Learn how to keep our teeth and smiles healthy today. Practice brushing and flossing on our large teeth model. 2/28/23 Nursery Rhymes/Rhyming Time It's rhyming time! Today we will read a few of the traditional nursery rhymes, and a few other fun stories that rhyme. Make an Itsy Bitsy Spider, a Cow Jumping Over the Moon, and put Humpty Dumpty back together again!
Click to download the Terrific Tots Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.



Preschool Pals

A storytime for children 3-5 years-old.
Thursdays at 10:30am

Space is limited. Pre-Registration is required.
Call 764-9274 or stop by the library to sign up.


For more information on these and other library programs, visit our library website at www.bcpls.org, call or visit the library today. Morganton Public Library 828-764-9274 204 S. King St. Morganton, NC 28655 Preschool Pals Storytime Morganton Public Library Thursday at 10:30am For 3-5 year olds. Pre-registration is required. Please call 828-764-9274 to register. Storytime introduces preschoolers and toddlers to the joy of reading. It focuses on early literacy skills and includes stories, fingerplays, songs and crafts. February February 2: Groundhog Day February 9: Happy Valentine’s Day! February 16: Brush your Teeth February 23: Cooking up Good Stories
Click to download the Preschool Pals Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.

FEBRUARY 11 @ 3PM MORGANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY This month's painting will feature a cute Owl Always Love You painting! All materials provided. Program is for children in grades K-5th, and will be held in the Meeting Room downstairs. Call the Youth Services Desk at (828) 764-9274 to sign up for the program. Space is limited.
Click to download the Paintbox Flyer!


STRETCHING WITH STORIES YOGA STORYTIME Come to the library and Stretch your body and mind with Ms. Chesley on Thursday, February 16 at 4:00pm. Don't forget to bring a mat! Please join us for a new mini series this winter ! EAch month January through March, we will have a stretching with stories Yoga Storytime for children in grades K-5th. During the program, we will read a story, do a few simple yoga poses, and make a small related craft. This month we will learn winter themed yoga poses, and make a clay snowman sculpture to take home CALL THE YOUTH SERVICES DESK AT THE MORGANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY TO SIGN UP. (828) 764-9274. SPACE IS LIMITED.
Click to download the Stretching with Stories Flyer!



Preschool Discovery Lab encourages children to follow their curiosity. Children will explore, create, tinker and learn while using Duplos and other building materials. Morganton Public Library For children 1-5 No Registration Required. February 18 March 18 10 -11am Preschool Discovery Lab
Click to download the Discovery Lab Flyer!


Winter Coloring Contest Morganton Public Library January 1-30 Pick up a coloring sheet at the Children’s Desk and, bring it back by January 27. Coloring sheets will be on display until the end of January. Judging will be January 31. A prize will be awarded for each group: 1-5 years old Kindergarten—5th grade For more information on these and other library programs, visit our library website at www.bcpls.org, call or visit the library today. Morganton Public Library 828-764-9274 204 S. King St. Morganton, NC 28655
Click to download the Coloring Contest Flyer!




Library Explorers

Library Explorers is designed for children in grades K-2, and is held on Tuesdays at 4pm. Club times may vary depending on activities planned. Pre-Registration is required.


Library Explorers February Storytimes Feb.7 @ 4pm Today, we are having an early Valentine's celebration! Listen to fun Valentine's stories, and make a Hot Air Balloon Valentine craft to give to your favorite friend or grown up. Candy may be involved today as well! . This storytime is for children in grades K-2nd. Call the Youth Services Desk at the Morganton Public Library to register. (828) 764-9274. Feb. 28 @ 4pm It's a Mardi Gras celebration! Learn about the holiday, and join us for games, beads, crafts,music, and food. Dress up in your favorite costume, or wear anything purple, green and yellow. Feb. 21@ 4pm February is also Dental Health month! Today we will talk about how to keep our smiles and teeth healthy. Learn about the different parts of a tooth, and perform a science experiment to see what plaque does to our teeth. Feb. 14 @ 4pm Did you know that February is Library Lover's month? Listen to stories about libraries and little free libraries, and make a Storytelling Cube to take home. Why do you love the library?
Click to download the Library Explorers Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.



Cool Kids Club

Cool Kids Club is designed for children in grades 3-5.
Mondays at 3:30pm



Art Projects STEAM Activities Games And More! Cool Kids Club is for students in 3rd-5th grades and incorporates the following kinds of activities: COOL KIDS @ MPL & VPL Valdese Public Library Tuesdays @ 3:30 pm 828-874-2421 Morganton Public Library Mondays @ 3:30 pm 828-764-9274 **Pre-registration is required.
Click to download the Cool Kids Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.

Come by the library to register now for Storytimes!.

Valdese Public Library Storytimes

Baby Bookworms | Terrific Tots | Pre-School Pals
Library Explorers | Cool Kids

Library Directions

Pre-registration is required for all storytimes


Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead Family Night @ the Valdese Public Library Magformers, Legos, Play-Doh, Marble Run, KEVA Planks, craft and more! Invite your friends to play, create and have a blast. Open to 5th grade and under Free and open to the public For more info, call 828-874-2421 Tuesday, February 7th 5:30-7pm
Click to download the Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead Family Night Flyer!



Baby Bookworms

For Those 24 months and younger
Thursdays at 10am


Baby Bookworms @ The Valdese Public Library This storytime will introduce your baby to new sights, sounds, interactions and activities through books, music & play. Join today! Birth-23months Thursday 10:00am Valdese Public Library Pre-Registration is required. 828-874-2421 February Themes: Shapes & Elephants Monthly Color: Pink Monthly Song: I Love You, You Love Me
Click to download the Baby Bookworms Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.




Terrific Tots Storytime

For Those 2-3 Years Old
Mondays at 10am


TERRIFIC TOTS With ADVENTURES A storytime for 2-3year olds. Meeting Monday 10:00-11:00am at the Valdese Public Library. February: 2/6- Polar Bears 2/13- Valentine's Day 2/20- Shapes 2/27- Numbers Pre-Registration required. Call 828-874-2421 to sign-up or stop by the Valdese Public Library.
Click to download the Terrific Tots Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.



PreSchool Pals

For Those 4-5 Years Old
Wednesdays at 10am

Preschool Pals A story time for kids 4-5 years old. Meeting on Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00 am at the Valdese Public Library. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required for all events. Call 828-874-2421 or stop by the library. February 1: Ground Hog Day February 8: Valentine’s Day February 15: Polar Bears February 22: Penguins For more information on these and other library programs, visit our library website at www.bcpls.org, call, or visit the library today. Valdese Public Library - 828-874-2421 213 St. Germain Ave SE Valdese NC 28690
Click to download the Preschool Pals Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.


Comfy clothes, yummy snacks and kids learning to cross stitch. Children 2nd -5th grade with an adult @ the Valdese Public Library Saturday, February 25th @ 1100::0000--1111::3300aam Supplies & materials provided for child & adult. Pre-registration required, call 828-874-2421 to register. Cozy Morning snacks provided Kids & Adult Cross Stitch Edition
Click to download the Cozy Morning Cross Stitch Flyer!




Library Explorers

For those in grades K-2
Mondays at 3:30pm


LIBRARY Explorers K-2nd grade ONLY. We meet at the Valdese Public Library every Monday at 3:30. Pre-Registration required. 828-874-2421. F E B R U A R Y L I B R A R Y E X P L O R E R S 2/6- Folk Stories - Today we will read Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens, then head to the kitchen to cook! 2/13- Valentines Day - Today's book- Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane deGroat, then we will have a party and play Bingo! 2/20-Tall Tales - Let's read Why Epossumondas Has No Hair On His Tail by Coleen Salley after that, we will make our own tall tale Mad Lib. 2/27- Fractured Fairy Tales - Our story for today, Bigfoot Cinderella by Tony Johnston. Then let's make a dragon craft! February's Special Programs: ~ F u l l S T E A M A h e a d F e b . 7 t h @ 5 : 3 0 p m ~ C o z y M o r n i n g C r o s s S t i t c h F e b . 2 5 t h @ 1 0 a m
Click to download the Library Explorers Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.



Cool Kids Club

For Those in grades 3-5
Tuesdays at 3:30pm


Art Projects STEAM Activities Games And More! Cool Kids Club is for students in 3rd-5th grades and incorporates the following kinds of activities: COOL KIDS @ MPL & VPL Valdese Public Library Tuesdays @ 3:30 pm 828-874-2421 Morganton Public Library Mondays @ 3:30 pm 828-764-9274 **Pre-registration is required.
Click to download the Cool Kids Flyer!

Call or come by the library to register now for Storytimes!

C.B. Hildebrand Public Library Storytimes

Baby Bookworms | Terrific Tots
Pre-School Pals | Library Explorers | Cool Kids

Library Directions

Pre-registration is required for all weekly storytimes, and other programs as noted.


Patrol Zoom Every 3rd Monday BCPLS.ORG Pre-registration is required for this storytime. For more information, please visit our website, stop by or call the library at 828-764-9283. Featuring: Community Resource Officer Sgt. Eddie Marlowe Monday, February 20 @3:30 pm 828-764-9283 CB Hildebrand Public Library
Click to download the Zoom Patrol Flyer!



Baby Bookworms and Terrific Tots Storytime

For Those 2 Years Old and Under
Wednesdays at 10:45am


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. CB HILDEBRAND PUBLIC LIBRARY Call 828-764-9283 to register. Each week, Terrific Tots will meet on Wednesdays at 10:45am. Age 2yr olds. Come join the fun! bcpls.org February 1: Sensory Day February 8: Let's Stay Healthy February 15: Valentines Day February 22: Polar Bears Baby Bookworms & Terrific Tots

Click to download the Baby Bookworms and Terrific Tots Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.



PreSchool Pals

For Those 3-5 Years Old
Tuesdays at 10:45am


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. Call 828-764-9283 to register. Come join the fun! Each week, Preschool Pals will meet on Tuesdays at 10:45am. Age 3, 4 and 5yr olds. Preschool Pals CB HILDEBRAND PUBLIC LIBRARY bcpls.org Feb.7 Let's Stay Healthy Feb. 14 Valentine's Day Feb. 21 Polar Bears Feb. 28 Color Your World
Click to download the Preschool Pals Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.

Valentine Craft Night Monday, February 13 @ 6:00pm Calling All Kids! Sign up for a special Valentine craft. Ages 12 and under. Supplies are limited. Call and sign up today! C.B. Hildebrand Public Library (828) 764-9283 101-B Main Avenue West Hildebran, NC 28637
Click to download the Valentine Craft Night Flyer!



C.B. Hildebrand Public Library Kids Cooking Club Via Zoom Wednesday, February 22 @ 3:30 pm Chocolate Mug Cakes Pre-registration Required.
Click to download the Kids Cooking Club Flyer!



Library Explorers

For those in grades K-2
Thursdays at 3:30pm


Library Explorers Grades K-2 meeting on Thursdays from 3:30 pm—4:30 pm. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required for all events. February 2: Ground Hog Day February 9: Valentine’s Day February 16: Artic Animals February 23: Winter STEM For more information on these and other library programs, visit visit our library website at www.bcpls.org, call or visit the library today. C.B.Hildebrand Public Library - 828-764-9283 101 B Main Avenue West Hildebran, NC 28637
Click to download the Library Explorers Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.



Cool Kids Club

For those in grades 3-5
Tuesdays at 3:30pm


Cool Kids Grades 3–5 Meeting on Tuesdays from 3:30 pm—4:30 pm. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required for all events. February 7: Lego Day February 14: Valentine’s Day February 21: Snow Day February 28: Winter STEM For more information on these and other library programs, visit our library website at www.bcpls.org, call or visit the library today. C.B.Hildebrand Public Library - 828-764-9283 101-B Main Avenue West Hilde-bran, NC 28637
Click to download the Cool Kids Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.

Come by the library to register for Storytimes!.

Contact the library at 764-9283 for registration details.