By Paul Birkhead
Rowan Public Library
Something I always enjoy at the dawn of a new year is learning who or what will be marking an anniversary during the next 12 months.
Did you know that 2011 marked the 100th year Rowan Public Library has been in existence? The library has celebrated all year with special programs and guest speakers at each location.
The year 2012 will see continued interest in all subjects concerning the American Civil War. Battles marking their 150th anniversary this year include those at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Fredericksburg and Antietam.
Rowan Public Library has an extensive collection of books and DVDs that discuss these events as well as others. Do you have an ancestor (or two) who fought in the Civil War? If so, youíll want to stop by the Edith M. Clark History Room on the third floor of the headquarters library in Salisbury. There youíll find thousands of books, microforms, manuscripts and other materials that can help you discover your own genealogical gems.
In the literary world, there are several anniversaries that ought to be remembered this year. Itís amazing to me that, even after all this time, the following works continue to be read (or watched in movie form) and loved by subsequent generations.
200 years ago (1812) ó ěSwiss Family Robinsonî by Johann David Wyss.
100 years ago (1912) ó ěRiders of the Purple Sageî by Zane Grey.
75 years ago (1937) ó ěOf Mice and Menî by John Steinbeck and ěThe Hobbitî by J.R.R. Tolkien.
50 years ago (1962) ó ěSomething Wicked This Way Comesî by Ray Bradbury.
25 years ago (1987) ó ěPatriot Gamesî by Tom Clancy and ěBelovedî by Toni Morrison.
As you can see, there are several literary milestones that youíll have a chance to celebrate with the library this year. Are there two or three titles on that list that youíve never read or has it been a long time ago? Stop by Rowan Public Library and check out our collection. Weíll be here to help you and are looking forward to our next 100 years serving Rowan County.
December library hours ó Dec. 26-27, all locations closed for Christmas holiday. Dec. 31-Jan. 2, all locations closed.
Displays: Headquarters, Kwanzaa by Eleanor Qadirah, Sacred Heart; South, Christmas theme by Lizbeth Murph; East, holiday by Mary Earnhardt.
Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.