By Melissa J. Oleen

Rowan Public Library

In June, I learned that corneal abrasion equals no screens, no lights, no fun. If you have been through this experience, you know the pain. If you are a reader, you know the extra frustration of not being able to read for days on end. The perfect solution is Rowan Public Library’s eAudio collection accessed through the North Carolina Digital Library with your library card.

My favorite approach to access is to go to the North Carolina Digital Library via the library’s web page (www.rowanpubliclibrary.org) and click on All Collections under Featured Collections. Scroll down to and then click on Popular AudioBooks. The covers, titles and authors of audiobooks in the library’s collection will scroll out before you. Call 704-216-8243 and librarians can navigate you through these steps.

One step that can be confusing to those new to electronic materials is the Overdrive step. This is the software application that communicates between the collection, in this case NC Digital Library, and your electronic device of choice (smart phone, tablet, computer, etc.). By calling 704-216-8243 or visiting the information desk at any library location, librarians can assist you in navigating this one-time set-up.

eAudio titles in the library’s collection include many of the 2016 Audie Award Winners. The Audie is the Oscars of the audiobook world. It is awarded by the Audio Publishers Association and honors the best in audiobooks and spoken word entertainment in 29 categories across a variety of genres such as autobiography, humor, paranormal, romance, science fiction, business/personal development, young adult, literary fiction and inspirational faith-based fiction and non-fiction. Categories include Audiobook of the year (“Girl on the Train,” read by Clare Corbett), Best Female Narrator (“Wild Rover No More,” read by Katherin Kellgren), Best Male Narrator (“The English Spy,” read by George Guidall).

An easy, quick and fun way to listen to a sampling of Audie winners is accessible on the AudioFile website, AudioFileMagazine.com. Here you will find a brief description of all Audie finalists and winners along with reviews and free audio samplings. If you are new to the audiobook format, this is a great way to become familiar and find your preferences.

Many readers have discovered that genres they may have no interest in reading are enjoyed in the audio format. Others have discovered favorite readers and will listen to any title they read no matter the topic. You can identify the titles that will keep everyone interested on long road trips, lull you to sleep at night or help you pass the time while sitting in a darkened room as your cornea heals itself.

Summer reading: Children ages 3 to 5 to rising fifth-graders are invited to participate in On Your Mark, Get Set, READ!! Summer Reading Program at all branches. Programs run through July 28. Cleveland reading program Thursdays, 10 a.m., Cleveland Town Hall, for all age groups.

Reading programs for 1- and 2-year-olds have ended for the summer. Little Leaguers for 3-5 year-olds continues through July 28, as do the other programs for school-age children, teens and adults.

Olympic Readers: rising first- though fifth-graders, July 18-21, Grey Seal Puppets. July 25-28, Lee Street theatre.

Get in the Game … READ!: Open to rising sixth- through 12th-graders. All at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, headquarters; Wednesday, East; Thursday, South Regional; July 19-21 “There’s No ‘I’ in Team.” July 29, National Teen Lock-in, 6:30-10:30 p.m. Permission slip required.

Adult Summer Reading Program: Exercise Your Mind … READ! Program, July 25 at headquarters. Aug. 8, headquarters, Pass the Torch Trivia and Parade (end of Summer finale).

Summer movie series: Headquarters, Tuesdays, starting at 6:30 p.m. Free popcorn and lemonade served. July 19, “Iron Will,” PG. Based on an incredible true-life story. A brave young man is thrust into adulthood as he and his courageous team of sled dogs embark on a grueling and treacherous cross-country marathon. Together they race through the frozen wilderness carrying hopes of capturing the $10,000 grand prize that will save his family from financial ruin. Also July 20, South Rowan Regional, China Grove.

Book Bites Book Club: South (China Grove), Tuesday, July 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. “The Aviator’s Wife,” by Melanie Benjamin. Need a copy? Call 704-216-7731.

Displays: All three branches, lunch box collections and more.

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.