Spring is here!

Swing into the library sometime soon and find exciting programs for all ages that celebrate the new season.

Children’s programs

Missed the ecoEXPLORE kickoff last week? Fear not!

You can sign up online anytime at www.ecoexplore.net. Kids in kindergarten through eighth grade can join this program, hosted by the North Carolina Arboretum and share wildlife observations to earn points, badges,and prizes.

Columbus Library is both a HotSpot (earn an extra point when you take a photo here) and a GetSpot (cash in your points for prizes here). Also, the Arboretum will be back in May to present a program on herpetology.

Programs for elementary school aged children are at Saluda Library on Mondays and Columbus Library on Wednesdays. Coming up in April, we have Art in the Park on April 4, during spring break — meet at Stearns Park in Columbus for outdoor art activities.

Garden Gate Rabbit Park will visit Columbus Library on April 18. Hop into spring with this educational program featuring live rabbits! Enjoy storytelling, learning about different breeds, and interaction with a variety of bunnies.

In Saluda, we will make fairy gardens on April 9. The library will provide soil and other materials but please bring your own container and any special items you would like to add.

Celebrate Earth day at Saluda Library on April 23. We will make crafts from recycled materials, make bird seed ornaments, and plant seeds to take home and grow.

Teen programs

The teens in Saluda are enjoying their new teen space that opened in February. Swing by and check it out if you haven’t yet.

They are also hosting a poetry contest in April to coincide with National Poetry Month. Submit an original work by April 10. Prizes will be awarded on April 17.

Programs for middle and high school students are at Columbus Library on Thursday afternoons. April activities include making apple pie bites, unicorn bath bombs and perler bead headphone holders.

Adult programs

Our 2018 Oscar Film Series has been a huge success, so we are continuing it in April with “Coco” (winner of the Best Animated Film award), “The Post,” and “Phantom Thread.” Catch them on Fridays at 1 p.m.

Learn “Crayoligraphy” in April’s adult craft class. We will teach simple hand lettering skills using Crayola markers to get you started on the basics of calligraphy. Craft classes are held on first Fridays at Columbus Library, and second Mondays at Saluda Library.

We have a special event happening on April 18 to kick off Money Smart Week. Jenny Martin, Southern Savers blogger and expert couponer, will share her tricks on how to stretch a dollar.

I hope to see you at one of our upcoming spring events! If you have a suggestion for a program or would like to collaborate with the library, share your proposal at polklibrary.org/partners. We are dedicated to providing programs and services that align with our strategic goals and community interests.

We are inspired by your ideas, and we want you to be involved.

Jen Pace Dickenson is the Youth Services Librarian for Polk County Public Libraries. For information about the library’s resources, programs, and other services, visit www.polklibrary.org or call 828-894-8721.