By Jennifer Nicholson

Rowan Public Library

This week is a little sad for me. I just finished planning my son’s third birthday party and I realized that my sweet, cute, adorable baby is not a newborn anymore.  He is growing up so fast! I am sure every parent knows just how I am feeling.  Looking back I can remember how I felt three years ago — an expecting first-time mother, full of hope and worry, and not knowing what to do. Babies do not come with manuals, but there are many resources available to help.

A couple of weeks ago you probably saw an article by Dara Cain reviewing many of the online resources that Rowan Public Library has for young children. Yet many do not know that the library also offers great resources for babies and first time moms, as well. The library offers programs and storytimes that are geared just for babies.  These interactive programs introduce babies into the world of music and stories, allowing babies to develop literacy and social skills. Likewise, these storytimes are a great outlet for moms, dads and caregivers, providing an opportunity to interact with the child and with other adults.  Storytimes are a reminder of those silly songs and stories you probably heard as a child. I cannot tell you how many times I sang “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” For more information, visit Rowanpubliclibrary.org, or see the list at the end of this piece.

The library also offers many great books, which almost seem as if there is a manual for babies. Many of these books offer wonderful, colorful pictures and tips; such as “Heading Home with Your Newborn,” by Laura Jana and “The Essential First Year,” by Penelope Leach; other books are go-to guides like the “Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby’s First Year and What to Expect the First Year,” by Heidi Murkoff.

One of the most terrifying and daunting challenges I experience, and I am sure that every parent worries about, is finding a great daycare or preschool.  Trusting someone else to take care of your most precious child is scary.  Many parents are unaware of the resources available to help find the perfect daycare or preschool.  The library offers book resources like, “How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child,” by Jenifer Wana. There are also online resources such as  http://ncchildcare.nc.gov.  This site, created by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services by the Division of Child Development and Early Education, allows parents to find and search for daycares and preschools by city or county. Parents can search for center-based childcare or family based childcare centers by star ratings and by child’s age.  This site provides parents with tips and questions to ask when visiting and looking at school, and offers a guide in choosing the best care.

Being a first time mom does not have to be scary.  The library is here to help by connecting moms through Storytime, or by checking out the books and online resources.  For more information or questions  visit the website or call 704- 216-8234.

Computer classes: If you’re new to computers – or if you’ve never felt comfortable – Computer Basics is for you. Classes are free. Sessions: 90 minutes. Class size limited and on a first come, first served basis. Dates and times subject to change without notice. Call 704-216-8242 for more information. Headquarters, Feb. 10, 7 p.m.; Feb. 26, 9:30 a.m. Headquarters , Getting to Know Your iPad,  Feb. 24,  7 p.m. Registration required. We’ll discuss components, navigation and use of apps. Must bring own iPad charged and have an updated iOS (operating system). Bring current, valid Apple ID. For more info or to registe,r call Paul Birkhead at 704-216-8242.

Annual chocolate festival for teens: 5:30-7 p.m., South, Feb. 10; headquarters, Feb. 17; East, Feb. 24. Free, open to middle and high school teens. Light refreshments. For more information call 704-216-8229.

Anime/Manga club meeting: Headquarters, Feb. 10, 4:30 p.m. Free, open to middle- and high-school teens interested in Anime, Manga and comic books. Hurley Room. Call 704-216-8229 for more information.

Adventure Club: Feb. 14, 11 a.m.:  Adventurous hands-on science based activities and projects for all ages. Theme is “Sugar Cube Science.” Can you build an arch, bridge or tower with them? Come test your skills. Call 704-216-8234 for more details.

Book Chats for Children: Book discussion group for children in grade two (different grade each month), South only, Feb. 19, 4:15 p.m. “Freckle Juice” by Judy Blume. Registration required; space limited. Call 704-216-7728 for more information.

“Learn App Grow” workshop: Feb. 23, 5:45 p.m. South Rowan Regional Library, 920 Kimball Road, China Grove. Free, open to public. Explore free apps that will inspire you to stay organized, get fit and eat healthier. Led by Tricia Stagger. For information call 704-216-7841.

Martha Bassett in concert: Headquarters, Stanback Auditorium, Feb. 24, 7 p.m. Special concert featuring Martha Bassett. Her musical inspiration moves effortlessly through swing, jazz, folk, country and rock. Admission free, all are welcome. Program starts at 7 pm; doors open at 6:30 pm. Show sponsored by Friends of Rowan Public Library.

Book Bites Club: Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m.,  “Night Circus,“ by Erin Morgenstern. Book discussion groups for adults and children at South Rowan Regional Library meet the last Tuesday of each month. Open and anyone is free to join at any time. There is a discussion of the book, as well as light refreshments. For more information, call 704-216-7841.

Celebrate Seuss: Feb. 28, 10:30 .m., East Branch, 110 Broad St., Rockwell. Children of all ages celebrate Dr. Seuss and his own “Day of all Days.” For if he’d never been born, well then what would we do? No Horton? No Lorax? No Thing One or Thing Two? That really just isn’t a world we can envision so come join us this day for a great celebration. Light refreshments. Call 704-216-7842 for more information.

Explorers Club: Headquarters, Feb. 28, 11 a.m. Investigate different genres through activities based on books from the collection. Programs for children in third-fifth grade, begin at 11 a.m. and last one hour. This month’s theme, “Kids Cook, Too!” Stir up your creativity as we learn basic kitchen skills. Wear your favorite kitchen attire, aprons optional. Call 704-216-8234 for more details.

Displays: Headquarters, altered books by West Rowan High School; South, student art by Corriher Lipe Middle School; East, photographs by Shane Tolliver.

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.

Children’s Storytime: Weekly events for children through April 30. For more information call 704-216-8234.

Baby Time — Simple stories and songs for 6-23 month-olds with parent or caregiver. Program about one hour. Headquarters, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.; East, Mondays,  10 a.m.

Toddler Time — Sharing books, singing songs and encouraging listening skills; 18-35 months old with parent or caregiver; 30 minutes. Headquarters, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; East, Mondays, 11 a.m.

Tiny Tumblers — Stories, musical scarves and instruments for ages 6-23 months with parent or caregiver. Same program offered twice a week;  30 minutes. South, Tuesday and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.

Preschool time — Encourages exploration of books and builds reading readiness skills for children 3-5 years old with parent or caregiver; 30 minutes. Headquarters, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.; East, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Noodle Head storytime — For children 4 years and up to enjoy listening to silly books and tales together; 30 minutes. Headquarters, Thursdays, 4 p.m.; South, Mondays, 4 p.m.

Art programs — Based on various themes and media. Activities vary by branch.  Children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.; 30-45 minutes. Headquarters, Art in the Afternoon, Thursdays, 4:30 p.m.; East, Emma’s Easel, Thursdays, 4 p.m.; South, Art with Char, Wednesdays, 4 p.m.