Rowan Public Library

Summer Reading adventures continue at Rowan Public Library (RPL) this week. There will be plenty of storytimes for children, such as Books & Babies (0-12 months), Toddler Time (infants to 35 months) and Spectacular Storytime (preschool-first grade). Contact your local branch or go to www.rowanpubliclibrary.org for days and times these events are offered.

The Big Show series this week features Talewise. Talewise’s crew returns to mesmerize audiences with the magic of stories and the wonders of science with their STEM show “Science Heroes: Adventures of the Lost Treasures.” Performances will be held at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury) on Monday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., and on Tuesday, June 25, at 2 p.m.; RPL South (China Grove) on Tuesday, June 25, at 10:30 a.m.; RPL East (Rockwell) on Wednesday, June 26, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; and RPL West (Cleveland) on Thursday, June 27, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. To learn more about Talewise, go to https://www.talewise.com/.

The “Big Show Series” is designed for rising first through fifth graders, though all ages are welcome, and programs last approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Children can enter the weekly prize drawing by turning in a “Big Show Book Review” before the program begins. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. For more information about RPL’s Big Show Series, call 704-216-8234.

All ages are encouraged to participate in several system-wide activities. “Your Adventure Starts Here: Digital Scavenger Hunt” is an activity that takes place at all four library branches. Put your detective skills to the test by uncovering and scanning QR codes and answering questions by submitting digital pictures of your answer(s). All completed hunts are automatically entered to win a prize. Winners will be announced on Aug. 2. While you are visiting each library branch, get your Pizza Passport stamped for a chance to win a pizza party! These passports can be picked up at any branch or a copy can be found in the back of the summer reading tabloid. Once all four stamps are collected, fill in contact information and return the completed passport to any RPL location by July 27 for a chance to win.

Another fun system-wide activity is the “Where Have You Been?” community travel maps that are located at each library branch. Bring photos from your travels to add to the maps and put a sticker to show where you have been. While you’re at the library, pick up a travel book or two to investigate options for your next adventure. Finally, “Moments in Time: Time Capsule Take Away Kits” are available at each library branch. Pick up a kit that includes supplies to create a time capsule. Design the time capsule to fill with important tokens to commemorate special events, family memories, or the joys of summer. Kits are available while supplies last.

This week’s teen program is at RPL Headquarters in Salisbury on Tuesday, June 25, from 6-8 p.m. Teens are invited to come play a tabletop roleplaying game where you slay dragons and find treasure. All materials are provided, and no experience necessary. Join in on this fantasy adventure.

Adults have plenty of things to do this week at the library. For instance, RPL West in Cleveland is offering a Pinterest Club program: “Adventure Fund Jars” on Monday, June 24, at 6 p.m. Come decorate a money-saving jar for further adventures and travels. Supplies will be provided. Register at bit.ly/AdventureFundJarsatRPL. Book Bites Book Club is a hybrid book club for adults 18+ that meets the last Tuesday of the month both in-person and online via Zoom. It is a book club that offers community for book lovers to meet and share experiences, joys, sorrows and insights as well as books. Light snacks are available for those attending in-person, and you may bring a snack to share (that is the “Bites” part of Book Bites). This month’s book selection is “Out of Africa” by Isak Dinesen. Discussion of this book will take place on Tuesday, June 25, at 6 pm. In July, the Book Bites Book Club will be exploring emotional maps with “Atlas of the Heart” by Brené Brown. Please contact Paulette.Stiles@rowancountync.gov to borrow a copy of the book or for Zoom information. One more adult offering this week is the Monday, June 24, virtual release of the latest installment of RPL’s Podcast series: Come Gather ‘Round Good People. Episode 11: “A Regretful Adventure” examines a folk song from the Bahamas about an ocean-going adventure. First known as “Hoist the John B. Sails,” the song would later enter popular culture as a Beach Boys hit song. Stream this episode and others at bit.ly/RPLSoundCloud.

Get ready for another busy week at Rowan Public Library. We hope you join us for all the exciting adventures and activities this week will bring.