By Melissa J. Oleen

Rowan Public Library

When the zombie apocalypse begins, I want my friend Ansley in my group. Ansley is comfortable navigating in the woods, can hunt and fish with the best of them and better yet, can field dress a deer.

These are skills you need when you are directly responsible for your own survival, but even if armageddon does not happen during our lifetime, these skills also build confidence, character and resourcefulness. Ansley was taught these skills from a young age by a father who also happens to be a wildlife officer.

But for those of you who do not have a Daryl Dixon to assist you with hunting and navigating outdoors, might I offer up some new titles in the Children’s Collection at the library? Open Season is a series by PowerKids Press best suited for children aged 9-13 years. Titles in the series include “Bow Hunting,” “Hunting with Shotguns,” “Hunting with Rifles,” “Hunting Gear,” “Know Your Quarry” and “Hunting Laws and Safety.”

First and foremost, all of the Open Season books emphasize safety and responsible, ethical hunting. The author, Annie Wendt Hemstock, stresses finding out what the hunting laws are in your state and county and the types of training and licenses hunters must have.

If you think duck stamps are only for envelopes or a subplot in the movie “Fargo,” this series is for you. The books have good photos, colorful graphics and feature hunters of all ages, male and female.

“Bow Hunting,” “Hunting with Shotguns” and “Hunting with Rifles” discuss the different kinds and parts of bows, shotguns and rifles. Each title discusses when and why hunters will select one type of firearm or bow over another and which are best for young adults.

“Hunting Gear” discusses the equipment hunters may use, including lures, scents and decoys and the importance of picking the right clothes to wear based on when and where you will be hunting.

“Know Your Quarry” introduces the types of game that are hunted: big and small mammals, waterfowl and birds. The book explains why knowing the habitats for each species will help you determine where to look for them. Spoor, the signs animals leave behind, is explained as is how spoor allows you to track your quarry.

PowerPress has developed an online list of websites related to the subject matter of each title. At the end of each book, a website with related Internet links is listed. The folks at PowerPress keep these links updated. For example, the website in “Hunting Laws and Safety” will connect you to sites where up-to-date information for each state’s hunting and fishing licenses, permits, applications, hunter education and classes, law and regulations can be located.

You will learn that a duck stamp is the federal license required to hunt migratory waterfowl.  Ninety-eight cents of every dollar generated by the sale of Federal Duck Stamps goes directly to buy or lease wetland habitat for protection in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

When you are ready to go hunting, the Open Season series recommends you take a map. “Hunting on the Map,” by Alix Wood, is a great way to introduce map skills to children within the context of hunting. This fun book has activities and puzzles that teach readers about following tracks, mapping the land, habitat maps, scale, longitude, latitude and what belongs on a map. It is part of the series Fun with Map Skills. Other books in the series teach maps in the context of the military and pirates.

Hunters and non-hunters alike will find that the information presented in these volumes provides a good foundation for the sport and the skills and equipment involved. These books are great discussion starters and an excellent way to begin talking about hunting and firearms with your children.

Computer classes: If you’re new to computers or 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, April 23, 9:30 a.m. To register, call Paul Birkhead 704-216-8242.

Headquarters, Getting to Know Your iPad, April 21,  7 p.m. Registration required. Discussion of 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 register, call Paul Birkhead at 704-216-8242.

Explorer Club: Headquarters, April 25, 11 a.m. Investigate different genres through activities based on books from the collection. Programs for children in third-fifth grade last one hour. This month’s theme will be “Every Hero has a Story-Life Before the Avengers!” Be part of the prequel to Summer Reading and jump-start your imagination with heroes from around the world. Come dressed as a superhero you create or your own personal favorite. For more information call 704-216-8234.

Smart Pedaling workshop: South branch, China Grove, April 27, 5:45 p.m. Visit different stations set up by local experts to understand bicycle types, basic fitting, rules of the road, quick maintenance, bike-friendly trails and road routes and more. Led by David Freeze and Skinny Wheels. Part of the 2015 Learn.Act.Grow.Series. Register online or call 704-216-7734 to ensure your spot.

Teen Poetry Slam: Headquarters, April 28, 5:30-7 p.m. April is National Poetry Month and the library invites teens to submit and perform their favorites for a chance to win special prizes.All middle and high school students are eligible. Rules and entry information available online or at any library location or call 704-216-8229.

Book Bites Club: April 28, 6:30 p.m., “Falling Together,“ by Marisa de los Santos. 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 704-216-7734.

Displays: Headquarters, 411; South, stained glass by Betty Corriher and Sandra Collins; East, Kim Davis.

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 — 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.