LIBRARY CORNER
Here is a list of what is happening at the McDowell County Public Library in June.
Saturday, June 6
All Ages
Old Fort Trails and Trains Festival, Old Fort Train Depot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate the rich history and heritage of our Blue Ridge Mountain community through the stories of railroads, trails, and connections that shaped the region. This festival highlights Old Fort's notable railroad history along with the natural beauty and traditions connected to Pisgah National Forest. Also catch us at the Rails and Rhythms Bluegrass Festival afterwards, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Monday, June 8
All ages Summer Reading Kick-Off at Marion library from noon to 3 p.m.
Join us as we officially kick off our 2026 Summer Reading Program with this year's exciting theme, Unearth a Story! This year's theme celebrates the joy of discovery and reminds us that every person, family, and community has stories waiting to be uncovered and shared through books, programs, local history, and imagination. Sign up for summer reading, enjoy activities for all ages, and don't miss a magical performance by BRad the Magician from 1-2 p.m. Bring the whole family and help us begin the summer with fun, laughter, and a little bit of magic!
Monday, June 8, through Friday, July 31
All Ages
Historical Downtown Marion Scavenger Hunt, Marion library
Explore historic buildings, hidden details, and fascinating pieces of local history as you walk through downtown Marion. Fill in your answers along the way and see how much you can unearth about our community's past. You can stop by the library to get a scavenger sheet or look on the McDowell County Public Library webpage. Visit the locations listed on the sheet and complete the scavenger hunt by following the clues and answering questions. Be sure to look carefully, some answers may be found on plaques, signs, or historic buildings. Once you've completed the hunt, return your answer sheet to the Marion Library. Everyone who completes the scavenger hunt will be entered to win a local history themed prize.Completing the "Expert Mode" questions will give you two prize entries. Happy hunting!
Tuesday, June 9
Tiny Tots Storytime & Craft for Tiny Tots, Marion library at 10:30 a.m.
Toddlers ages 2 and under are invited to enjoy stories, songs, movement activities, and action rhymes designed especially for little learners. Stay afterward for Crafts for Little Hands: Dinosaur Play for even more hands-on fun.
Adults
Craft & Create: Floating Terrariums, Marion Library at 4 p.m.
Adults are invited to design their own beautiful hanging terrarium while exploring creativity, storytelling, and the natural world. Participants may also add a miniature hobbit-style door to create a whimsical hidden world inside their terrarium. This program is for adults ages 18 and older, and all supplies will be provided.
Teens
Adventurers Wanted: Teen D & D Group, Old Fort branch from 5-7 p.m.
Continue the adventure with our weekly teen Dungeons & Dragons campaign! New players are always welcome as the group explores exciting quests, teamwork and creative storytelling together.
Adults
Crafts To Go, Marion library from 5-7 p.m.
Love our adult craft programs but can't always attend the afternoon sessions? Stop by the library to pick up a take-home craft kit filled with creative projects you can complete whenever it fits your schedule. Kits are available for adults ages 18 and older while supplies last.
Wednesday, June 10
Children
Old Fort Storytime, Old Fort Branch at 11 a.m.
Join us for stories, crafts, and fun in the welcoming atmosphere of the Old Fort Branch. Preschool-aged children will especially enjoy this program, but all ages are welcome.
Children
Old Fort Art Explorers: Pterosaur Gliders, Old Fort branch at 1 p.m.
Elementary-aged students will "dino-soar" into science and art as they explore how gliders interact with air and movement. This weekly program combines creativity, discovery, and hands-on learning through engaging art and science activities.
Children
Dino Explorers: Salt Dough Dinosaur Fossils, Marion library from 4-5 p.m.
Young explorers will discover the fascinating world of fossils while creating their very own salt dough dinosaur fossils to bake and preserve at home.
Thursday, June 11
Teens
DIY Bowtruckles, Marion library from 4-5 p.m.
Unearth a little magic this summer by creating your very own Bowtruckle inspired by Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them! Teens will use craft materials to build these tiny magical tree creatures while spending time with fellow fantasy and wizarding world fans.
Adults
Kitchen Anthotypes, Old Fort branch at 5 p.m.
Explore the fascinating anthotype process, an early form of photographic printing that uses plants, natural pigments, and sunlight to create beautiful botanical images.
Friday, June 12
Adults
Book Club, Marion library from 1-2 p.m.
Looking for thoughtful conversation and a great read? Join us as we discuss "The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife" by Anna Johnston. Share your thoughts, insights, and favorite moments while connecting with fellow readers in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
Saturday, June 13
All Ages
Family Day at the Beach Paddy's Creek, Lake James State Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Spend a fun and relaxing day at beautiful Lake James State Park as the Barefoot Baby Foundation and CULA host a beach day for the community. Families and friends are invited to enjoy a day filled with sunshine, connection, and outdoor fun. Activities for preschoolers fifth graders will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, there will be a free hot dog lunch, then the fun for teens will begin at 1 p.m.
All Ages
String Jam, Old Fort library at 1 p.m. Interested in learning a stringed instrument? Join us for a relaxed and beginner-friendly music session focused primarily on guitar. Participants with ukuleles, mandolins, or dulcimers are also welcome. Some instruments will be available to use, but feel free to bring your own.
Monday, June 15
Children
Movement Preschool Storytime & Craft for Little Hands, Marion library at 10:30 a.m.
Join Jordan Laney for an energetic preschool storytime that combines books, movement, and toddler-friendly yoga activities. Stay afterward for Crafts for Little Hands: a Dinosaur Shaped Craft for even more creative fun.
Teens
Minecraft Crafter's Choice, Marion library from 4-5 p.m.
Dig into creativity during this Minecraft-inspired craft day for teens! As part of our Unearth a Story summer reading theme, participants will explore themed crafts, build imaginative creations, and celebrate storytelling through creativity and design.
Tuesday, June 16
Children
Tiny Tots Storytime & Craft, Marion library at 10:30 a.m.
Toddlers ages 2 and under are invited to enjoy stories, songs, movement, and action rhymes designed just for them. Stay afterward for a fun Cupcake Liner Dinosaur craft activity.
Adults
Craft & Create: Walnut Scenes, Marion Library at 4 p.m.
Create something tiny, whimsical, and magical during this walnut diorama craft program. Participants will use walnut shells, moss, miniature mushrooms, and woodland decorations to design their own enchanting miniature worlds. All supplies provided for adults ages 18 and older.
Teens
Old Fort Teen Time: Ancient Amulets, Old Fort branch from 5-7 p.m.
Design and create your own mystical cabochon pendant during this imaginative craft program.
Whether your amulet is magical, mysterious, or cursed is entirely up to you!
Wednesday, June 17
Children
Old Fort Storytime, Old Fort Branch at 11 a.m.
Enjoy stories, crafts, and summer fun in the cozy atmosphere of the Old Fort branch. Preschool-aged children will especially enjoy this program, though all ages are welcome.
Children
Old Fort Art Explorers: Dino Prints, Old Fort branch at 1 p.m.
Learn about the collograph printmaking process, a creative art technique that uses common materials to make reproducible prints. Participants will create their own dinosaur-inspired artwork while exploring art and science together.
Children
Dino Explorers: Jean-Michel Basquiat, Marion library from 4-5 p.m.
Elementary-aged students will learn about Jean-Michel Basquiat, the influential Puerto Rican and Haitian American artist celebrated for his bold artistic style and cultural storytelling. Participants will create their own "Pez Dispenser" dinosaur artwork inspired by his energetic and expressive work.
Thursday, June 18
Adults
Podcast Club, Marion library at 1 p.m. Join us for our next
Podcast Club discussion featuring Matricide from the Small Town Dicks podcast. Listen at home beforehand, then gather with fellow participants to share thoughts, theories, and reactions in an engaging group discussion.
Teens
Adopt-A-Critter, Marion library from 4-5 p.m.
Create your own tiny critter using airdry clay, then design a cozy critter box to take home. Teens will enjoy combining creativity, imagination, and hands-on crafting in this adorable program.
Adults
Adult D&D, Old Fort Branch at 5 p.m.
Whether you are brand new to tabletop gaming or an experienced adventurer, join our Adult Dungeons & Dragons group for an evening of collaborative storytelling, strategy, and fun. New and returning players are all welcome.
Friday, June 19
Adults
Local History Club, Marion library at 3:30 p.m.
For Part 4 of our Exploring McDowell's Communities series, we will journey through the southern portion of McDowell County. Discover fascinating local history connected to Glenwood, Montford Cove, Brackettown, Dysartsville, and surrounding communities, including stories of gold rushes, Revolutionary War history and mountain heritage.
Saturday, June 20
All Ages String Jam, Old Fort library at 1 p.m.
Come enjoy a welcoming and low pressure music session focused on learning and practicing stringed instruments. Guitar is the primary focus, but participants with ukuleles, mandolins, and dulcimers are encouraged to join as well.
All Ages
Juneteenth Freedom Festival, West Marion Community Park from 4-8 p.m.
Celebrate Juneteenth with West Marion Inc.'s Fifth Annual Freedom Festival. This community event honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans while celebrating culture, history, unity and community through activities and events for all ages.
Monday, June 22
Children Bilingual Preschool Storytime, Marion library at 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy stories presented in both Spanish and English by Silvia Martin Del Campo Vargas from McDowell Tech. Children and families will experience language, storytelling, and culture together, followed by a fun greenhouse-themed craft activity.
Tuesday, June 23
Children
Tiny Tots Storytime & Craft for Tiny Tots, Marion library at 10:30 a.m.
Toddlers ages 2 and under are invited to enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities designed especially for little learners. Stay afterward for a playful dinosaur-themed craft activity.
All Ages
"Unearth a Story" at the Carson House, 1805 U.S. 70 West in Marion, from 1-3 p.m.
Everyone is invited to join us for a free community event.Come visit the bookmobile at this new stop, browse for books and stay to work on a craft project afterward.
Adults
Herbal Remedies Work-shop with Tennessee Sassenachs, Marion library at 4 p.m.
Join us for an informative and hands-on herbal wellness workshop! Participants will learn about traditional herbal remedies, discover the medicinal properties of common plant ingredients, and create a custom fire cider blend to take home. This engaging program is perfect for anyone interested in herbs, wellness, and natural remedies. This program will have limited seating, so please call us at 652-3858 to reserve your spot or visit our website https://mcdowellpubliclibrary.org and do it online. The deadline for registering will be until the list is full or June 19.
Teens
Adventurers Wanted: Teen D & D Group, Old Fort branch from 5-7 p.m.
Continue the adventure with our weekly Dungeons & Dragons campaign! Beginners and experienced players alike are welcome to join the group's ongoing Level 6 quests.
Wednesday, June 24
Children Dino Explorers: Perler Bead Dinosaurs, Marion library from 4-5 p.m.
Elementary-aged students will create colorful dinosaur designs using Perler beads while exploring creativity, patterns, and hands-on crafting.
Thursday, June 25
Teens
Aaron Douglas Landscapes, Marion library from 4-5 p.m.
Teens will learn about Aaron Douglas, a pioneering African American artist of the Harlem Renaissance known for documenting African American history and culture through visual art. Participants will create their own landscape artwork inspired by his bold and recognizable artistic style.
Friday, June 26
Adults
Intro to Genealogy, Marion library at 3 p.m.
Discover the exciting world of genealogy and family history research. This beginner-friendly program will introduce participants to helpful research strategies, online and library resources, organizational tools, and ways librarians can assist with tracing family connections and uncovering personal history.
Monday, June 29
Children
Preschool Storytime & Crafts for Little Hands, Marion library at 10:30 a.m.
Preschool-aged children are invited to enjoy stories presented by Desiree Magnant from The Partnership for Children of the Foothills. Stay afterward for Crafts for Little Hands: Firework Painting for a fun and colorful creative activity.
Tuesday, June 30
Children
Tiny Tots Storytime & Craft for Tiny Tots, Marion library at 10:30 a.m.
Toddlers ages 2 and under are invited to enjoy stories, songs, movement activities, and action rhymes followed by a playful Kid Blowers craft activity.
Adults
Propagation Plant Hanging, Marion library at 4 p.m.
Create something beautiful and green during this decorative plant hanger workshop! Participants will design plant hangers using wood slices that are perfect for displaying small propagations and plant cuttings. All supplies will be provided for adults ages 18 and older.
Teens
Bronze Age Bookbinding, Old Fort branch from 5-7 p.m.
Create and bind your own handmade journal, then weather it into an authentic-looking ancient artifact! This creative program is perfect for recording adventures, sketching dinosaurs, journaling or preserving imaginative ideas.
Adults
Crafts To Go, Marion library from 5-7 p.m.
Can't attend our afternoon craft programs? Stop by the library to pick up a take home craft kit filled with creative projects you can complete whenever it works best for your schedule. Kits are available for adults ages 18 and older while supplies last.
