Are you interested in learning a new language this year? Or maybe you need help with your science assignment? Two new resources are now available to Rowan Public Library users.
If you’d like to study a new language, check out Powerspeak Languages. This web-based language learning program is ideal for students, business people, leisure travelers and others interested in learning a new language.
Users can choose from Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, German or English for Spanish speakers.
Powerspeak offers a variety of video, audio and activities to engage the user in a rich language learning experience. Learning activities include listening, matching words to pictures, flashcards and spoken practice. It’s a fun, proven and powerful way to gain proficiency and learn to communicate with confidence in a new language.
For students with science assignments or anyone wanting to learn more about current scientific research or topics, AccessScience is a useful tool. Based on the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, AccessScience provides students an up-to-date, easy-to-use gateway to scientific knowledge. AccessScience topics range from basic introductory material to extended article entries in key areas such as biology, earth and environmental sciences, chemistry, physics and beyond.
AccessScience features more than 9,000 articles and research updates and more than 16,000 color images, videos and animations that bring topics to life. Users can browse an alphabetical list of topics, enter keywords to search for a specific topic or browse biographies of nearly 3,000 well-known scientists. Advanced search options are also available.
To access these resources and many more, visit RPL’s website, www.rowanpubliclibrary.org, and click on “Find it Online” in the green box.
From languages to sciences, and everything in between, RPL makes it easy for you to discover new information, learn a new skill or get help with homework assignments. Most resources require a Rowan Public Library card and a four digit PIN. For assistance, see the reference staff at your nearest branch or give us a call at 704-216-8228.
Computer classes: No computer classes at any RPL locations in January. Classes will resume in February.
JR’s Adventure Club: Headquarters, Jan. 5, 11 a.m. Enjoy time building, exploring or discovering something new. Call 704-216-8234 to learn more.
Elder law focus of free seminars: Headquarters, Stanback Auditorium. Whether you are a senior, the child of one, or want to plan for your future, attorney Bob Mason has information you can use. No marketing and no fluff — just solid education in a multimedia format. On three Thursdays in January, Mason will present free seminars on subjects of interest. All seminars will be held at 3 p.m.
• Thursday — “How to Avoid an Elder Law Train Wreck.” Don’t know where to begin with planning? The essentials of wills and trusts, powers of attorney, health care advance directives, insurances, second marriages, and laying the groundwork for long-range planning.
• Jan. 17 — “How to Pay for Nursing Home Care without Losing your Shirt.” Probably one of the biggest concerns of most as they plan for the future. Mason will provide the straight facts based on his experience as a board certified specialist in elder law.
• Jan. 24 — “Make Sure Your VA Benefits Aren’t AWOL.” Find out about benefits for veterans (and widows or widowers of veterans) to help pay the costs of long-term care.
Bluegrass concert: Headquarters, Thursday, 7 p.m. RPL will host Bluegrass greats Clay Lunsford and Wayne Henderson. Lunsford is known as a guitar virtuoso and the founder of the N.C. Thumb and Finger Style Guitar Players Association. Henderson’s guitar playing has been enjoyed at Carnegie Hall and the White House.
Ringling Brothers clown: Headquarters, Jan. 15, 7 p.m., Stanback Auditorium. Stories and performance by a clown direct from Ringling Brothers. Fun for all ages. Free.
Teen game night: All 5:30-7 p.m. South, Jan. 22; East, Jan. 28; headquarters, Jan. 29. Board games, video games and more. Open to all middle and high school students. For more information call 704-216-8234.
Book Bites Club: South, Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m., “The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie” by Alan Bradley. Book discussion groups for both adults and children at South Rowan Regional Library 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, call 704-216-8229.
Closings: Jan. 21, all locations closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Displays for January: headquarters, Sidney Blackmer Collection; South, student art by SRHS art class.
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.