May 26, 2026: Spend your summer at the library

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 26, 2026 Spend your summer at the library COLUMBUS, N. C. , (May 26, 2026) There are lots of exciting things happening at Polk County Public Libraries this summer! Sign up for the 2026 Summer Learning Program starting June 8th at Columbus Library or Saluda Library. The learning incentive program runs for eight weeks, until August 2nd. Kids and teens can set and achieve two learning goals each week to earn brag tags, entries into the grand prize drawings, and donations to local organizations on your behalf. This year, we will be donating to Red Bell Run and Muddy Sneakers. Adults can complete challenges to earn a prize (socks, a tote bag, or a mug, while supplies last) and entries into the grand prize drawings. Visit polklibrary.org/slp2026 to learn more. Family programs will be on Thursdays at 2pm starting June 11th. These programs are held either at Columbus Library or Saluda Elementary School auditorium and cover a range of interests, including science, Shakespeare, dance, storytelling, magic, and animals! Teen programs will be on alternating Wednesdays starting June 10th. These all require registration, so visit polklibrary.libcal.com to sign up your rising 6th-12th grader for crazy chemistry, an America 250 celebration, cupcake decorating, or a painting workshop. This year, we’ve designed something super fun for adults: Camp WannaRead, a summer camp for grown-ups! These special programs exclusively for ages 18 and older will be on Tuesday evenings starting June 9th at Columbus Library and include crafts, an outdoor movie night, gourmet s’mores, outdoor preparedness, and live animals. Some events require registration, so go to polklibrary.org/campwannaread for more details. For each Camp WannaRead program you attend, you’ll receive a custom pin you can use to deck out your camp tote bag. Collect at least five pins by attending five Camp WannaRead programs to earn a prize. For more information, contact Jen Pace Dickenson, Youth Services Librarian, at jdickenson@polklibrary.org or (828) 894-8721 x284. Thanks to the Friends of the Polk County Public Libraries for sponsoring these programs! Polk County Public Libraries has two libraries, Columbus Library and Saluda Library, with books, movies, music, audiobooks, and downloadable ebooks and audiobooks available for checkout, as well as public computers and wireless internet access. PCPL also offers regularly scheduled programs for all ages. To learn more, visit www.polklibrary.org.