Scavenger hunts and I Spy tank highlight children's library activities

Have you been able to check out our scavenger hunts and I Spy tank this month?

At the C.B. Hildebrand Public Library, find all the polar bears in the children’s area to solve the riddle.

At the Morganton Public Library, “How does a penguin build a popsicle house?” is the question that kids will find all of the hidden penguins to answer. Turn in your completed sheets at the circulation desk for a prize.

The scavenger hunts are for children of all ages. One prize per child per month.

Also check out the “Winter Wonderland” I Spy tank this month at the Valdese Public Library. The I Spy tank is for children in 5th grade and under.

The Critter Keeper is back in Burke County today! Join the C.B. Hildebrand Public Library at 11 a.m. today.

There is a reason that Randy Miller and all of his critters are so popular around here; be sure to join us today to see the surprises he brings out for us this time. This program is open to all ages and does not require pre-registration.

Are you smarter than a librarian? Find out on Friday, Jan. 23, by visiting the Morganton Public Library at 4: p.m. Study up on your favorite children’s books for a chance to test your knowledge and to win a bookish prize.

This program is open to families, and all ages are welcome. No pre-registration is required.

On Saturday, Jan. 24, the Valdese Public Library will have a new Touch-A-Tale Story Adventure for children in kindergarten and below.

This month’s adventure is to experience the story of “The Mitten,” by Jan Brett, in specially curated stations that bring the story to life through sight, touch, and sound. Drop in between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. No pre-registration is required.

Libraries Closed

All locations of the Burke County Public Library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Senior Tech

Digital Literacy for Seniors Drop-In sessions, offered by the Western Piedmont Council of Governments Planning and Transportation department, are available at the Morganton Public Library from 9:30 a.m. until noon Tuesday, Jan. 27.

These sessions are one-on-one meetings with our Digital Navigator. Pre-registration is required.

If you would like individual help with smartphones and tablets, laptops, apps on your devices, online bill pay, making online appointments, online shopping, and more, please stop by the Adult Services circulation desk or call 828-764-9261 to schedule your 30-minute appointment. These sessions are free of charge.

Adult Programming

The Valdese Plot Hounds Book Discussion Group will meet Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m. at the Valdese Public Library. This month is a free read. Registration is not required to attend.

The Valdese Public Library is hosting Card Making with Elsie B on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 5:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required to attend.

Needlework in the Morning will meet Friday, Jan. 23, at 10 a.m. at the Morganton Public Library. No registration is required.

All programs are adults only unless otherwise stated. For more information, call Danielle at 828-764-9269, or email danielle.townsend@burkenc.org.

Young Adult Programming

It’s a quick but fun week of games for teens. Join us Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 6 p.m. at the Valdese Public Library for a game night featuring board, card, Nintendo Switch, and Meta Quest VR games.

Wrapping up the week of games will be the Minute to Win It Challenge at the Morganton Public Library on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 4 p.m. where teens will compete in mini-challenges to win a prize.

Don’t forget that the YAS Winter Reading Challenge is ongoing through Jan. 31. Teens who are interested in participating in the “Survivor” -themed Winter Reading Challenge Finale Day must pre-register on or before Thursday, Jan. 29.

For more information or to pre-register for any YAS program, contact Lizzie at 828-764-9273 or by email at lizzie.whisnant@burkenc.org.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are needed at the Morganton Public Library to assist with landscape maintenance.

We need some folks to help us keep our landscaped areas free of weeds and debris. If you would like to help call Library Director Jim Wilson at 764-9276 or email at jwilson@bcpls.org.

eBooks @ your library

More than 6,000 Burke County Public Library users have registered to use the library’s digital collection available through the e-iNC consortium and NC Kids Digital Library.

This digital collection includes eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming video available to Burke County Public Library cardholders. Apps are available for download for a variety of devices including Kindle, iPhone, and Android phones.

Go to http://omc.overdrive.com to see the apps. To access the collection and download items go to http://e-inc.lib.overdrive.com and follow the instructions to set up an account.

You will need to know your library card number and your PIN. Please contact the library if you need any assistance.

Find Us on the Web

Go to www.bcpls.org for a list of programs and events. Unless noted otherwise, all library programs are free. Some programs have pre-registration and age requirements.

Most Wanted List

Donations of new or gently used copies of any of the best-selling titles are most appreciated. To date, the library has received 1,127 of these most wanted books.

Current New York Times Best Sellers and NC Cardinal Consortium Holds

• “The Housemaid” by Freida McFadden – 158 holds
• “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans – 1226 holds
• “Heated Rivalry” by Rachel Reid – 46 holds
• “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi – 922 holds
• “The Widow” by John Grisham – 887 holds
• “The Long Game” by Rachel Reid – 10 holds
• “In Your Dreams” by Sarah Adams – 30 holds
• “Dungeon Crawler Carl” by Matt Dinniman – 42 holds
• “The Housemaid’s Secret” by Freida McFadden – 69 holds
• “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir – 61 holds