Children's Programs and Events

  • Upcoming
    Programs

  • 1000 Books
    Before Kindergarten

  • Morganton
    Storytimes

  • Valdese
    Storytimes

  • C.B. Hildebrand
    Storytimes

Upcoming Programs

YS March Calendar

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



STRETCHING WITH STORIES YOGA STORYTIME Come to the library and Stretch your body and mind with Ms. Chesley on Thursday, March 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!



Watercolor Wonders MARCH 25, 2023@3PM Join us for our first Watercolor Wonders Class! This month our projects are Rainbow Unicorns Watercolor Painting with Markers Sun & Moon Watercolor Program is for children in grades K-5th . Call the Morganton Public Library Youth Services Desk at (828) 764-9274 to sign up for the program.
Click to download the Watercolor Wonders 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



Join the CB Hildebrand Public Library for a Spring Sing featuring the EBHS Chamber singers and concert choir Monday, March 27th at 6pm
Click to download the Spring Sing Flyer!



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

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Kids' Online Tools


FEATURING: COMMUNITY RESOURCE OFFICER, SGT. EDDIE MARLOWE. ZOOM PATROL C B H i l d e b r a n d P u b l i c L i b r a r y Pre-registration is required for this storytime. For more information please visit our website, stop by or call the library at 828-764-9283. Monday, March 20 @3:30 pm Join us for an hour of riddles, laughs and more. fun for all!
Click to download the Zoom Patrol Flyer!




Photography for KIDS -15 Participants Only - - Registration Required - - You Must Bring Your Own Camera- -Adult Must Attend With Child- Sat. March 11th @ 10:30am-12pm Lighting, Composition, Depth and Movement... Let's learn how to take better pictures! This program is for kids 2nd-5th grade. @ The Valdese Public Library For more info, or to register call 828-874-2421
Click to download the Photography for Kids Flyer!




Take a virtual rock tour around America Excavate your own rocks Learn how to classify them into families Science Family Night @ the Valdese Public Library Open to 5th grade and under. For more info, call 828-874-2421 Tuesday, March 28th @ 5:30 Let's get down and dirty with geology!
Click to download the Science Family Night 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.


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, March 22 @ 3:30 pm Walking Banana Pudding 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.

Botany Season

Hi Kids! It's Botany season! Stop by your local library, and grab the Botany hand outs for the ecoEXPLORE program. Don't forget that we have prizes available at the library too! What will you plant during this season? 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.

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



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 March March 6: Bugs March 13: St. Patrick’s Day March 20: Spring is Here! March 27: Rainbows
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.


3/21/23 Kites & Balloons Let's fly Up, Up and Away today! Stories about kites, and balloons. Make a simple kite to fly on the windy days! 3/14/23 The Color Green & Rainbows Today we will read stories about the color green, and rainbows. How many things can you think of that are green? Terrific Tots March Storytimes Join us in person at the Morganton Public Library Tuesdays at 10:30am for stories, flannelboard activities, songs, crafts, and much more! 3/7/23 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Today we will practice learning our the alphabet. Make a cute Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Palm Tree craft to take home. This storytime is for children 2 years of age. Call the Youth Services Desk at the Morganton Public Library to register. (828) 764-9274. 3/28/23 Weather/Lions & Lambs Will this month of March go out like a Lion or a Lamb? Learn all about weather, and make a lion and a lamb craft to take home.
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. March March 2: In Like a Lion March 9: A Mo Willems Storytime March 16: Happy St. Patrick’s Day! March 23: Welcome March 30: Out like a Lamb
Click to download the Preschool Pals Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.

Watercolor Wonders MARCH 25, 2023@3PM Join us for our first Watercolor Wonders Class! This month our projects are Rainbow Unicorns Watercolor Painting with Markers Sun & Moon Watercolor Program is for children in grades K-5th . Call the Morganton Public Library Youth Services Desk at (828) 764-9274 to sign up for the program.
Click to download the Watercolor Wonders Flyer!


STRETCHING WITH STORIES YOGA STORYTIME Come to the library and Stretch your body and mind with Ms. Chesley on Thursday, March 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!



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 March Storytimes March 7 @ 4pm Today, we are having an Happy Holi celebration. Learn about the holiday of Holi, and make lots of colorful projects to take home. This storytime is for children in grades K-2nd. Call the Youth Services Desk at the Morganton Public Library to register. (828) 764-9274. March 28 @ 4pm Do you remember the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar? Let's read it again, and also learn about nutrition. March is National Nutrition month. Make a healthy snack to enjoy after the stories. March 21 @ 4pm It's a STEM storytime! Listen to STEM related stories, and try out many STEM experiments. March 14 @ 4pm Happy Pi/Pie Day! Listen to stories all about pi/pie, and taste a few samples of different pies! Yummy!
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


Photography for KIDS -15 Participants Only - - Registration Required - - You Must Bring Your Own Camera- -Adult Must Attend With Child- Sat. March 11th @ 10:30am-12pm Lighting, Composition, Depth and Movement... Let's learn how to take better pictures! This program is for kids 2nd-5th grade. @ The Valdese Public Library For more info, or to register call 828-874-2421
Click to download the Photography for Kids Flyer!



Baby Bookworms

For Those 24 months and younger
Thursdays at 10am


@ The Valdese Public Library Birth-23months Thursday 10:00am Valdese Public Library Pre-Registration is required. Baby Bookworms To register, call The Valdese Public Library @ 828-874-2421 Monthly Color: Green Monthly Song: The Wind Is Blowing This storytime will introduce your baby to new sights, sounds, interactions and activities through books, music & play. Join today! March Themes: Ladybugs, Dirt, Butterflies & Flowers
Click to download the Baby Bookworms Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.




Terrific Tots Storytime

For Those 2-3 Years Old
Mondays at 10am


3/6- Dr. Seuss Day! 3/13- Leprechauns 3/20- Tactile & Digging Day 3/27- Special Guest Musician ~ Sharon Clark Call 828-874-2421 to sign-up or stop by the Valdese Public Library. TERRIFIC TOTS With ADVENTURES March: A storytime for 2-3year olds. Meeting Monday 10:00-11:00am at the Valdese Public Library. Pre-Registration required.
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. The month of March will feature stories, songs, rhymes, and activities that focus on kites, birds, rainbows, and spring. 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.


Take a virtual rock tour around America Excavate your own rocks Learn how to classify them into families Science Family Night @ the Valdese Public Library Open to 5th grade and under. For more info, call 828-874-2421 Tuesday, March 28th @ 5:30 Let's get down and dirty with geology!
Click to download the Science Family Night 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. M A R C H L I B R A R Y E X P L O R E R S March's Special Programs: 3/6- Bug Day - Let's talk about BUGS! We will read Hey Little Ant by Hannah Hoose and Phillip Hoose, we're making 3 different bug crafts! 3/13- St Patrick's Day - Watch out for the Leprechauns! Let's read How To Catch A Leprechaun by Adam Wallace, then we will turn ourselves into leprechauns and make a rainbow mobile! 3/20-Growing Day - Let's read Sunflower House by Eve Bunting then, its time to get planting! 3/27- Sports Day! - No need to pick your favorite sport because were sampling many! Weather permitting, we will go outside and play a few sports. ~ P h o t o g r a p h y f o r K i d s M a r c h 1 1 t h @ 1 0 : 3 0 p m ~ S c i e n c e F a m i l y N i g h t R O C K S ! M a r c h 2 8 t h @ 5 : 3 0 P 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


Cool Kids Club is for students in 3rd-5th grades and incorporates the following kinds of activities: Art Projects STEAM Activities Games And More! 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.


FEATURING: COMMUNITY RESOURCE OFFICER, SGT. EDDIE MARLOWE. ZOOM PATROL C B H i l d e b r a n d P u b l i c L i b r a r y Pre-registration is required for this storytime. For more information please visit our website, stop by or call the library at 828-764-9283. Monday, March 20 @3:30 pm Join us for an hour of riddles, laughs and more. fun for all!
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 March 1: Color Your World March 8: Rain, Rain, Go Away March 15: Rainbows March 22: Let's Welcome Spring March 29: How Does Your Garden Grow 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 March 7: Rain, Rain, Go Away March 14: Rainbows March 21: Let's Welcome Spring March 28: How Does Your Garden Grow
Click to download the Preschool Pals Flyer!

Pre-registration is required.

Join the CB Hildebrand Public Library for a Spring Sing featuring the EBHS Chamber singers and concert choir Monday, March 27th at 6pm
Click to download the Spring Sing Flyer!



C.B. Hildebrand Public Library Kids Cooking Club Via Zoom Wednesday, March 22 @ 3:30 pm Walking Banana Pudding 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. Join us for lots of fun! The month of March will feature Dr. Seuss, St. Patrick’s Day, kites, bird houses, and spring stories and crafts. 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. Join us for lots of fun! The month of March will feature canvas paintings, St. Patrick’s Day, kites, bird houses, minute to win it games and spring crafts. 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.