Explore the Outdoors

Hickory Public Library invites patrons to explore the outdoors. The library has great opportunities and partnerships that can help you see what our community has to offer. Go on a hike, learn about first aid, rock climbing, birds and even native plants. To learn about more about the following programs, visit the library's online calendar at https://www.hickorync.gov/calendar/events/category/library. All library programs are free and open to the public. Patrick Beaver Memorial Library is located at 375 3rd Street NE on the SALT Block. 

Hickory Hikers (Registration Required) 

Saturday | September 9 | 9 a.m.

September’s adventure is in the Linville Gorge Wilderness. Hickory Hikers is open to all ages and experience levels but children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Transportation to Linville Gorge will be provided from Highland Recreation Center but you must register with Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism. Space is limited. 

Explore the Outdoors:  Trail & Hiking First Aid  (Registration Required) 

Tuesday | September 12 | 6 p.m. | Patrick Beaver Memorial Library 

Hiking season is approaching, so come learn about trail safety. This class will cover topics like tick bites, hypothermia, and dehydration. Eileen Conway is an experienced hiker and holds a Wilderness First Aid certification from SOLO. This is the second class in a three-part series 

Explore the Outdoors:  Intro to Rock Climbing (Registration Required) 

Tuesday | September 19 | 6 p.m. | Patrick Beaver Memorial Library 

Learn the basics of indoor and outdoor climbing, the gear you’ll need, rock climbing lingo, and where to climb locally. Eileen Conway is an experienced climber and worked as an American Mountain Guides Association certified single pitch instructor. This is the final class in a three-part series. 

Wild Bird Walk & Talk  (Registration Required) 

Saturday | September 16 | 9 a.m.

Meet at Glenn Hilton Park Shelter #1 where Wild Birds Unlimited will teach about bird identification and bird feeding. Bring your binoculars for a walk through the park to see what birds you can identify.  Register and learn more with Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism. 

Native Perennials & Fall Planting Talk + Plant Swap  (Registration Required) 

Saturday  | Sept. 16 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Patrick Beaver Memorial Library 

NC Cooperative Extension Agent April Vigardt will lead an informative session on native perennials and fall planting. To participate in the plant swap, bring healthy, pest-free plants, starts, and/or seeds to share.