SALISBURY – Looking for new-to-you books and DVDs at great prices? Well, you’re in luck: the Friends of Rowan Public Library’s annual book sale will take place Oct. 25 through 28 in Stanback Auditorium at RPL Headquarters, located at 201 W. Fisher St.

On Friday, members of Friends of RPL can take advantage of their preview night admission. From 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 25, Friends of RPL members can be the first to browse the sale’s selection. Memberships can be purchased or renewed at the door; a yearly individual membership is $10. To learn more about membership options, contact Cynthia Owen at 704-216-8240 or Cynthia.Owen@rowancountync.gov.

Saturday through Monday, the sale is open to the public with hours on Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 1  to 4 p.m., and on Monday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Payment options for memberships or items are cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

On Friday and Saturday, most items in the general sale are $2 and under. There is a limited selection of specialty items that are individually priced. On Sunday, all items in the general sale are half price, and general sale items can be purchased by the bag on Monday.

The book sale selection includes adult, young adult, and children’s fiction, as well as a wide variety of nonfiction titles. Titles will be in hardback or paperback and include regular and large print books. DVDs, audiobooks, and CDs will also be sold. The specialty selection includes books and other collectibles and items of note.

Funds raised from the annual Friends of RPL sale are used to support Rowan Public Library. For more information about the book sale, call 704-216-8240 or visit www.RowanPublicLibrary.org.

Bookmark Contest

It’s time for Rowan Public Library’s 2019 Children’s Bookmark Design Contest. Sponsored by the Friends of Rowan Public Library, this annual contest is open for children between the ages of 4 and 11. The contest opened Oct. 7 and closes Nov. 9.

Entry forms are available online or at any RPL location. Completed entries can be submitted at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury), RPL East (Rockwell), or RPL South (China Grove).

Last year, there were over 230 entries, with a variety of colorful and imaginative designs. “I’d love to see even more submissions this year,” said Hope Loman, RPL youth services supervisor. “And I encourage children to showcase their creativity and artistic skill – it’s always so much fun to see what they come up with.”

There are a few important stipulations: Entries must be done without any outside assistance; entries must be hand-drawn; and designs may not contain any trademarked characters.

First, second, and third-place prizes to three different categories: 4- to 6-year-olds, 7- to 9-year-olds, and 10 to 11-year-olds.

First place winners will receive a $25 cash prize, certificate, and have their bookmark professionally printed and distributed by RPL. Second place winners will receive a $15 cash prize and certificate. Third place winners will receive a $10 cash prize and certificate. Prizes will be awarded on Dec. 2, at a Winners Reception hosted by the Friends of RPL and held at RPL Headquarters.

For more information, contact your nearest branch, visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org, or call 704-216-8234.