By Lyndsey Maloney
Rowan Public Library

In association with the N.C. Science Festival, Rowan Public Library is hosting a variety of special STEAM programs throughout April. There will be space and science-themed storytimes, craft programs, teen programs a book club and more.

Experience the 2024 N.C. Statewide Star Party “Sun and Moon” at RPL South in China Grove on Saturday, April 5, from 1-5 p.m. This science and space-based festival includes storytelling, STEAM activities, science games, sky-viewing, face-painting, raffle prizes and more. Participants can also learn more about the 2024 solar eclipse happening on April 8.

If you cannot make it to the Star Party, there are plenty more opportunities to celebrate your love of the stars and space. RPL West in Cleveland is hosting two Starry Night Storytimes hosted on April 2 and April 29; while RPL East, in Rockwell, will host a Starry Night Storytime on April 8. While all these storytimes are space themed, each will bring have a unique theme for children to explore.

Teens ages 11-17 are celebrating the N.C. Science festival with programs such as creating a felt spaceman, as well as creating their own edible Mars rovers. These programs are held at many of our RPL locations systemwide.

Don’t worry, adults can celebrate the N.C. Science Festival by participating in the April Book Bites bookclub, held at RPL HQ in Salisbury which is reading “Soul of an Octopus” by Sy Montgomery. This book club meets both virtually and in person on Tuesday, April 30, at 6 p.m.

Another fun option is the #PlantHeads Community Plant and Seed Swap at RPL East on Saturday, April 13, at 11 a.m. Registration is required for this event. To register or learn more, call 704-216-7838.

To learn about these specific events, and all the other N.C. Science Festival events being hosted at RPL, visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or call 980-432-8670. These programs are part of the 2024 NC Science Festival “State of Innovation” presented by RTI International and produced by Morehead Planetarium & Science Center. Visit ncsciencefestival.org to learn more about this month-long celebration.

Lyndsey Maloney is adult services supervisor at Rowan Public Library.