By Amy Notarius

Rowan Public Library

Have you ever made your own greeting cards, paper flowers or scrapbook? Wait until you see the variety of projects and designs in “Paper Craft,” a brand new book now available at Rowan Public Library from the editors at DK Publishing.

The authors begin with a description of basic equipment and a look at different types of paper. For each project they include a list of the materials you will need and templates you can use.

Each project is photographed step-by-step so that you can follow along with the instructions. Try creating a pop-up bouquet greeting card, so colorful and fun to give. Or make your own designer envelopes and gift boxes.

Most projects involve a combination of tracing, cutting and folding. There’s also a section on quilling, the coiling and shaping of narrow strips of paper to create a design. Although it can be intimidating at first, according to the notes, practice and patience are all that’s required to learn this particular technique. Here they use it to make greeting cards and even earrings.

Don’t miss this beautifully photographed, fun book of projects great for gift giving or home decorations. Check out Paper Craft at Rowan Public Library today.

Computer basics class: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 9:30-11 a.m. at headquarters., 201 W. Fisher St. If you’re new to computers or have never felt comfortable with them, this is the class for you. They’ll go over the very basics of computers, from discussing computer components to how programs are opened and closed. Class on second floor of library. Also

iPad basics: Tuesday, Jan. 26, 7-8 p.m., headquarters. Become a confident iPad user in this free class. Discuss components, navigation and the use of apps. Requirements: Pre-registration; bring your own iPad; iPad needs to be charged and have an updated iOS (operating system); bring a current, valid Apple ID. Free sign-up at:  https://appleid.apple.com/. Space is limited; call Paul Birkhead at 704-216-8242 to reserve a spot. Class on second floor of library.

Learn.Act.Grow.: Got Plans? Monday, Jan. 25, 6-7 p.m., headquarters. Free. Learn about documents such as living wills and other important papers that families should have during a time of need.  Eldercare expert Don Timmons will answer questions and help participants complete forms on-site. Notaries will be available. Register online or by calling 704-216-7734 to ensure your spot. This workshop kicks off the 2016 Learn.Act.Grow. series.

Book Bites Book Club: South (China Grove), Tuesday, Jan. 26, 6-7 p.m. Free, open to the public. We discuss a different book each month and serve refreshments loosely related to the theme. “I Capture the Castle” by Dodie Smith. Need a copy? Call 704-216-7841.

Reading with Ringling: Through Jan. 31. Children ages 2-12 may register at any library location to read and report on five books to receive a voucher for a ticket to the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus Jan. 27-31, at Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte. For information and program rules, call 704-216-8234 or visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.

Blacklight party (for teens): Create your own blacklight using your smart phone or tablet, your own blacklight painting and glow-in-the dark slime. Please bring your own smart phone and tablet if you have one. Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m., headquarters; Jan. 26, East.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors: Children 7 to 9 years old (first to third grade) can reserve a 15-minute session to read aloud to a therapy dog. Headquarters, Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m., Jan. 19, Oliver. East, Mondays, 3:30 p.m., Feb. 1, 15 and 29, Oliver.

Legos free play: Legos help children’s reasoning and problem-solving skills. The library’s Lego collection will be available for free play, or you can bring your own, Saturdays at 10 a.m.  Jan. 23 at headquarters.

Weekly events for children, Feb. 1-April 30:

Baby Time — Simple stories and songs for 6-23 month-olds with parent or caregiver. Program 30 minutes. 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, Tuesdays 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 of all ages to enjoy listening to silly books and tales together; 30 minutes. Headquarters, Thursdays, 4 p.m.; South, Mondays, 4 p.m.

Art programs — Art activities and instruction based on various themes and media and vary by branch.  Appropriate for preK through fifth grade.  Lasts 30-45 min. 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.

Chapter Chats Book Club: A weekly book club for teens ages 14-17 primarily for participants with developmental or intellectual disabilities, but all are welcome. East, Tuesdays, 4 p.m.

Displays: Headquarters, West Rowan High School student art; South, South Rowan High School student art; East, “4-H Club..

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.