Public Library Hosts Summer Learning Programs In July And August For Children And Families

Hickory – Hickory Public Library branches continue to offer great events all summer long throughout July and August. We will continue to host a variety of opportunities for crafts, learning, and play throughout the summer. We have just some of the highlights below and to learn more about programs for teens and adults please visit hickorync.gov/library.

Ridegview Branch –

The Fun Factory
Tuesday | July 11 | 11 a.m.
This interactive program from Sigmon Theatrical reminds us that when we work together, anything is possible! Young readers will help an incredible factory come to life as gears turn, games unfold, and toilet paper goes flying through the air! Stick around after the performance for an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet with characters from the show!

STEAM Explorers
Wednesday | July 19 | 2 p.m.
Calling all STEAMers! Join local non-profit organization Let Me STEAM for summer fun while exploring the world of recycling through science, technology, engineering, art, and math. For children in Grades K-5.

Tinker Tales: The Great Outdoors
Friday | July 21 | 11 a.m.
Bring your family and friends to the library to hear new stories and explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) through hands-on tinkering in this story time meant for all ages. This month we’ll celebrate the great outdoors with stories and activities that are sure to make you a happy camper.

Kidding Around the Kitchen: Brownies – Registration Required
Wednesday | July 26 |  2 p.m.
Local bakery HomeSliced will walk kids and their adult through a fun ‘how-to’ cooking class. Kids will learn some baking basics while making yummy, vegan brownies.

Fidgets & Fuzzy Friends
Monday | July 24 | 2 p.m.
Be kind to your mind. Learn a little about your brain, explore your emotions, and create some fidgets. Sew a fuzzy monster friend, design a squishy fidget, and more in this sensory-friendly program for ages 7 and up.

Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts Books to Broadway Presents SpongeBob
Saturday | July 29 | 11:30 a.m.
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and became the hottest star on Broadway? Why it’s SpongeBob SquarePants! Join us in Bikini Bottom as we read silly SpongeBob stories, learn the Bikini Bottom Boogie, and explore different character voices!

All Together Create: DIY Animal Soap Carving – Registration Required
Saturday | July 29 | 3 p.m.
Catawba Valley Wood Carvers teach caregiver and children the art of soap carving. This program is for youth ages 7-12. A caregiver is asked to stay in program and participate in carving. Please register for your child only and do not include caregiver as attending.

Taiko Drumming
Tuesday | Aug 1 | 11 a.m.
Feel the thunder of Japanese Taiko drums as sensei Ron Collins from Tampa Taiko performs in a style of a martial artist. Sensei Collins will share with you how he made these drums and explore the history and traditions of this ancient art form!

Tinker Tales: Outer Space
Friday | August 4 | 11 a.m.
Bring your family and friends to the library to hear new stories and explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) through hands-on tinkering in this story time meant for all ages. This month we’ll blastoff to space and have fun exploring stars, rockets and more through stories and activities!

Patrick Beaver Memorial

Down to Earth Aerials
Saturday | July 1 | 11 a.m.
This exciting outdoor aerial acrobatics performance using special rigging and silks will entertain and inspire kids of all ages. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy the show! In event of rain, this performance will be held at Ridgeview Recreation Center, located at 121 7th Ave SW, Hickory, NC 28602, next to Ridgeview Branch Library.

Criss Cross Mango Sauce
Wed | July 5 | 10 a.m.
Let’s sing, dance, and tell stories All Together with Criss Cross Mango Sauce in this super fun bilingual (English/Spanish) storytime full of live music and more!

Tiny Tech: Tech + Art
Saturday | July 8 | 10-11:30 a.m.
This month is a mashup of technology and art! Use 3D printed stamps to create a beautiful card, learn the basics of color theory, design scribble bots, and more!

The Wizard Experience
Saturday | July 15 | 11 a.m.
Wingardium leviosa! Let your imaginations take flight with this fully interactive wizarding adventure! Help make objects appear, disappear, and transfigure. This immersive theatrical program features live actors, magical illusions, and lots of audience participation.

All Together STEAM: Moon Landing – Registration Required
Thursday | July 20 | 2 p.m.
Celebrate the anniversary of the very first moon landing by the crew of Apollo 11. Upcycle materials to engineer a moon landing craft of your own and see if you can safely land your astronauts on the moon.

Catawba Science Center Field Trip – Registration Required
Thursday | July 20 | 5-7 p.m.
Enjoy a science whirlwind of fun! Watch Oasis in Space in the Millholland Planetarium and embark on a startling and beautiful voyage through our galaxy and solar system in search of water-a key ingredient for life on Earth.

All Together Martial Arts – Registration Required
Saturday | July 22 | 11-12 p.m.
Kids age 7-11 learn from Hickory Academy of Martial Arts a lesson on self-defense, leadership, and teamwork. Participants must sign a waiver.

Critter Keeper
Tuesday | July 25 | 6 p.m.
We are bringing the jungle to the library. Welcome Critter Keeper, an animal show for those not faint at heart, offering a unique look at insects, reptiles, and, if we are lucky, a Python named Mr. Julius Squeezer.

Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts Books to Broadway Presents SpongeBob
Saturday | July 29 | 10am
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and became the hottest star on Broadway? Why it’s SpongeBob SquarePants! Join us in Bikini Bottom as we read silly SpongeBob stories, learn the Bikini Bottom Boogie and explore different character voices!

Taiko Drumming
Tuesday | Aug 1 | 6 p.m.
Feel the thunder of Japanese Taiko drums as sensei Ron Collins from Tampa Taiko performs in a style of a martial artist. Sensei Collins will share with you how he made these drums and explore the history and traditions of this ancient art form!

Tiny Tech: Robots
Saturday | August 12 | 10-11:30 a.m.
Learn all about robots! Some featured favorites include the Ozobots, Bee Bots, and Dash and Dot robots. Learn how to code these different bots to change colors, follow paths, or even make silly sounds!

Random Fandom: Retro Gaming – Registration Required
Monday | August 21 | 5-6:30 p.m.
Experience a blast from the past with Retro Gaming. Play games like Mario Kart, Donkey Kong, Zelda, and more on retro consoles, use Makey-Makeys to play online games, create fun pixel art, and more! This program is recommended for everyone ages 7 and up.

Visit our online calendar at https://www.hickorync.gov/calendar/events/category/library to learn even more about these and other programs. Patrick Beaver Memorial Library is located at 375 3rd Street NE on the SALT Block. Ridgeview Branch Library is located at 706 1st St SW, Hickory, Nc 28602.

All library programs are free and open to the public.