By April Everett
Rowan Public Library
If you’ve been to the library recently, you may have noticed flyers, posters or bulletin boards featuring “Hunger Games” and the numbers 411. Rowan County is participating in a community read program this fall which focuses on Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games.” The 411 (4 Districts, 1 Book, 1 Community) is more than just a community read – it’s a community experience. The libraries, parks departments, community colleges and many local businesses of Cabarrus, Rowan, Stanly and Union counties have partnered to make this fall one you won’t soon forget. Read it. Do it. Survive it.
Events at your library
Dystopian Film Series – Dystopian films, like “The Hunger Games,” are typically set in the future in a society where the government is corrupt or ineffectual. Join us at headquarters (Salisbury) for a dystopian film series:
Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., “Wall-E”(G)
Tuesday, Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m., “In Time” (PG-13)
Tuesday, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m., “I am Legend” (PG-13)
Admission is free, and popcorn and lemonade will be served at each showing.
Contests
Show off your creative side by participating in one or all of our “Hunger Games” contests:
Writing (adults and teens)
Short film (teens only)
Bookmark design (teens only)
Costume design (teens only)
Pick up entry forms at the library or online at 411communityread.wordpress.com. The deadline for these contests is Friday, Sept. 14. Winners will be announced at the final event on Oct. 13 at the Cabarrus Arena.
Speakers
Join us for a special lecture, “Language of Film: How we are Manipulated by Media,” by John Santa on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 6-7:30 p.m. at headquarters (Salisbury). This project is made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Teen Programs
Teens (grades 6-12) are invited to a special evening of “Hunger Games” crafts, book discussions, games and more.
Tuesday, Sept. 11, 5:30 p.m., South Rowan Regional (China Grove)
Monday, Sept. 24, 5:30 p.m., East Branch (Rockwell)
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 5:30 p.m., headquarters (Salisbury)
Book discussions
“The Hunger Games” is full of great topics for discussion including freedom, corruption and survival. A variety of programs have been planned focusing on different topics and/or different audiences:
Monday, Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m., Headquarters (Salisbury), regular book discussion
Tuesday, Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m., South Rowan Regional (China Grove), regular book discussion
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., South Rowan Regional (China Grove), “Catching Fire” book discussion.
Thursday, Oct. 4, 12:30 p.m., headquarters (Salisbury), brown-bag lunch discussion (bring your lunch; beverages and dessert will be provided)
And much more.
The programs highlighted above are just the events being held at the library. Additionally, there are survival training days, archery demonstrations, corn mazes and much more. For a complete list of programs, pick up a brochure at the library or visit 411communityread.wordpress.com.
Computer classes: Genealogy Online – Working with the Census Records; Sept. 17, 7 p.m.; South, Sept. 18, 1 p.m.; East (registration required for East Branch only, call Paul at 704-216-7841; Sept. 20, 9:30 a.m., headquarters.
Census records are one of the most valuable tools you can use while researching your family history. We’ll explore these online records available to you from Rowan Public Library. Classes are free. Sessions are approximately 90 minutes long. Class size is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Dates and times at all locations are subject to change without notice.
Children’s Storytime: Weekly Storytime is Sept. 10-Nov. 29. For more information, call 704-216-8234.
Headquarters – Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., Toddler Time (18- to 35-month-olds; Wednesdays, 11 a.m., Baby Time (6- to 23-month-olds); Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., Preschool Time (3- to 5-year-olds); 4 p.m., Noodlehead (4- to 8-year-olds).
South – Mondays, 4 p.m., Noodlehead (4- to 8-year-olds); Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., Baby Time (6-23 months); 1:30 p.m., Preschool Time (3-5 years); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Toddler Time (18-35 months).
East – Mondays, 9:30 a.m., Baby Time (6-23 months); Mondays, 11 a.m., Toddler Time (18-35 months); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Preschool Time (3-5 years).
JR’S Adventure Club: Headquarters, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. Enjoy time building, exploring or discovering something new. Call 704-216-8234 to learn more.
PAC Club at headquarters: Sept. 29, 11 a.m. Popular Activities and Crafts Club – Focusing on a different popular children’s book series each month. Call 704-216-8234 for more information.
Book Bites Club (South only): Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., “Catching Fire” by Suzanne Collins. Book discussion groups for both adults and children are being held at South Rowan Regional Library and will meet the last Tuesday of each month. The group is open to the public and anyone is free to join at any time. There is a discussion of the book, as well as light refreshments at each meeting. For more information please call 704-216-8229.
Teen program: All 5:30-7 p.m. South, Sept. 11; East, Sept. 24; headquarters, Sept. 25. Middle and high school students come join “The Hunger Games” event.
Library closings: Monday, all RPL locations closed for Labor Day. Regular hours resume Tuesday.
Displays for September: Headquarters, Art Gang and DAR; South, pottery by Sandra Collins; East, art by Coleen Walton.
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.