By Sydney Smith Hamrick

As the days heat up and students become extra eager for a break, Rowan Public Library is getting a jump-start on summer fun at all four of its branch locations. While regular storytimes and special Big Show performances don’t begin until the first week of June, there are plenty of opportunities for library visitors of all ages to gear up for Summer Reading in May. This year’s Summer Reading theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” and RPL is starting strong by giving library customers an opportunity to adventure into outer space…from inside the library facilities!
Each week in May, the StarLab Mobile Planetarium will be available for people to visit during library hours. Experience the magic and wonder of the night sky inside your most convenient RPL branch. The StarLab will visit each RPL branch on the following weeks:

RPL South (China Grove): May 6-11
RPL East (Rockwell): May 13-18
RPL West (Cleveland): May 20-24
RPL Headquarters (Salisbury): May 28-June 1
*Note: All RPL branches will be closed Saturday, May 25, and Monday, May 27, for Memorial Day Weekend. Normal hours will resume Tuesday, May 28.
While visitors can experience the StarLab anytime during regular library business hours, there are special storytimes and programs planned especially for children and teenagers.
Family Storytime — Stars with the StarLab
Children are invited to enjoy a star-themed storytime. Afterward, they can step into the StarLab mobile planetarium to see and learn all about stars in the night sky. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver (age 16+).
Wednesday, May 8, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at RPL South (China Grove)
Monday, May 13, 6 p.m. at RPL East (Rockwell)
Monday, May 20, 4 p.m. at RPL West (Cleveland)
Tuesday, May 28, 6:30 p.m. at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury)
Thursday, May 30, 11 a.m. at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury)
These storytimes are suitable for children of all ages and their families.
StarLab for Teens
Teens ages 11-17 are invited to be surrounded by stars in the StarLab and learn more about stars and other objects in the night sky.
All programs begin at 4 pm:

Thursday, May 9, at RPL South (China Grove)
Thursday, May 16, at RPL East (Rockwell)
Thursday, May 23, at RPL West (Cleveland)
Thursday, May 30, at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury)
To learn more about the StarLab, family storytimes or teen programs, call 980-432-8670. To learn more about all Summer Reading programming opportunities for all ages, go to bit.ly/RPLSRP.