Newton, NC – To expand its popular Summer Learning programs beyond the library’s walls, the Catawba County Library is partnering with the Corner Table Soup Kitchen to offer opportunities for education and enrichment.

The Library To Go mobile branch will be visiting two locations throughout the summer, setting up resources and services for people to discover as they enjoy a free, healthy meal.

The Herman Sipe Lunch & Learn Station meets at 205 Herman Sipe Road in Conover, NC, near Oakgrove Mobile Home Park. Guests are invited to power up their brains and their bodies at the event, which is open to the public. Lunch will be served from noon till 1pm, and the Library to Go will be available from 11:30am till 1:30pm. The next Lunch & Learn programs are Wednesdays, July 10 and 24, and August 7 and 21.

The Corner Table Story Time meets at 122 North Main Avenue in Newton, NC at the Corner Table Soup Kitchen. The Library to Go will be parked behind the building, and guests can enjoy a story time program at 11am before lunch is served. The library will also be available throughout the lunch hour for people who would like to explore its services. This free program is open to the public. The Corner Table Story Time takes place on Tuesday, July 9 and Tuesday, August 13.

The Library and the Corner Table have also been collaborating with a dedicated community member who coordinates Read Out Conover, a private program in the Majestic Park/Southwest part of town. She works with students in her neighborhood who may not have the opportunity to attend paid summer camps. While school is out, she ensures that they have good meals and keeps them engaged through reading activities, STEAM programs, craft sessions, and life skills, such as cooking.

The Corner Table provides meals to people affected by hunger in the local area. It serves lunch from 11:30am till 12:30pm on weekdays and sends food home with students on a weekly basis through its backpack program. It also distributes frozen meals to people throughout the community. For details, visit www.thecornertable.org.

19For more information about Summer Learning, the Library to Go, or the Catawba County Libraries, visit www.catawbacountync.gov/library, call 828.465.8664, email [email protected], or visit them on Facebook.