By Stephanie Reister

Rowan Public Library

A few months ago, I personally experienced what a library can mean to someone going through a challenging time.

I moved with my husband to Rowan County from Wisconsin without knowing anyone here. But I did know that one of the first places I had to visit was my local library. I was happy to find that sense of familiarity that comes when entering this communal space.

I have worked in libraries for 13 years and I’ve understood that my workplaces could be havens to patrons for various reasons. I gained a new perspective when the tables were turned for me.

I was the patron looking for a place that could bond me to my new home. I found it at Rowan Public Library. South Rowan Regional is my local library and I’m proud to say I became its children’s librarian. My visits as a patron confirmed that I wanted to work here.

The staff is quick to greet people as they come in the door. You see that they know the regular patrons well and are welcoming to new ones. They keep an eye out for anyone needing help.

I think one of the greatest qualities about a library is the social aspect. You may come into the library wanting to be around other people, but doing your own thing. You may attend a program to interact with others. You may bring a child for storytime to discover the first rules of socialization, basics of reading and love of learning.

The South branch has another special feature – its beautiful location. You can enjoy nature through its many windows, on the porch, and its own short walking trail. To get away from unpacking, I spent some time here just reading the paper and looking out the windows. You can have a mindful moment, be around others, and check out a good book all in one place.

Speaking of nature, we have some terrific events coming up that celebrate the great outdoors. South branch will be hosting the “Stars, STEAM, & Fun Party” on Friday, April 20, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. We will be stargazing, learning some of the science and apps about space, and doing STEAM activities for a galaxy of fun! This program is part of the 2018 Statewide Star Party, sponsored by the NC Science Festival.

There are also two Photowalks scheduled: Saturday, April 21, 10:30 a.m. to noon at Dan Nicholas Park and Tuesday, April 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Lake Corriher Wilderness Area. Take the opportunity to share your love of nature and photography with other enthusiasts.

The South branch has meant a lot to me in my transition here to Rowan County. But remember that all of Rowan Public Library’s branches are wonderful social centers with talented staff. There are a lot of things happening on the front lines and behind the scenes to make our three libraries the go-to places in the county.

Adulting 101: When you’re a kid, you think the grown ups have it all figured out, but now you’re almost a grown up and you have no idea what you’re doing. This program that will teach you how to become a functioning adult without having to call your parents for help. March’s program will focus on finance; April’s program on food. Headquarters, East, April 9, 6:30 p.m.

Teen Board: Want to be part of a Teen Advisory Board and make decisions about upcoming teen library programs? Or just want to play some board games? Now you can do both. Headquarters, April 24, 4:30 p.m.

Murder Mystery Night: There’s been a murder at the library! Search the crime scene for clues, interview all the suspects, and be the first to find out who the culprit is. The murderer could be anyone — including you! Headquarters, April 17, 4:30; East, April 16, 6:3- p.m.; South, April 18, 6 p.m.

Teen Makerspace Night: A teens-only open house. Learn about the technology in the makerspace, and try hands-on activities. Part of the NC Science Festival. Headquarters, April 10, 4:30 p.m.

Makerspace open house: Headquarters, April 9, 6 p.m. Ever wanted to be an inventor? Do you want to put circuits together and see how they work? If so, then join us in the RPL makerspace as we learn about Little Bits Kits, with a special presentation and demonstration from education majors at Catawba College.

Saturday Cinema: April 14, 10:30 a.m. South Rowan Regional will show “A Ballerina’s Tale: The Incredible Rise of Misty Copeland.” Copeland, the first African American principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre and author of “Ballerina Body,” is the honorary chair of National Library Week. The documentary is not rated and has an 84 minute runtime.

Classic Cinema Series: April 13, 2 p.m. East. The 1958 Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific.”  This film is not rated and has a 157 minute runtime. While the series is part of Adult Outreach Services and is designed for retired individuals, this free event is open to the public and all ages are welcome. For more details, call 704-216-7842.

History for Kids: April 14, 11 a.m. This special children’s program commemorates the 100^th anniversary of World War I. Children can learn about the Great War through special hands-on crafts and activities, and families can also view the World War I traveling exhibit on loan from the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Recommended for children 7-11 years old, though all are welcome.

NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources Traveling Exhibit: North Carolina in World War I (HQ). In honor of the centennial of World War I, this traveling exhibit contains panels with information on both the soldiers abroad and the home front here in North Carolina. It shares information on the various military installations in the state, discusses U-boat activity off the coast, and seeks to put the war in context. View the exhibit in headquarters’ lobby, during business hours through May 20.

Lego Saturday: East, South, April 14, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Legos available for creative free play. For children only.

Chapter Chats: Weekly book club for teens 14-17, primarily for participants with developmental or intellectual disabilities, though all are welcome. Mondays, 5 p.m. at East Branch, Rockwell. Contact Tammie Foster at 704-216-7842. April 9.

Displays: Headquarters, Sexual Assault Awareness Month presented by Rowan Crisis Council and Robotics – Found Art presented by John Michael Deal; East, the Process of Making Honey presented by Lee Williams; South, through April 15 — Family Crisis Center presented by Isela Trujillo, April 16-30: Celebrating the Wonders of Space presented by RPL staff.

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.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors: 7 to 9 years old. Children can practice reading skills in a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere. Canine listeners provided by Therapy Dogs International. Headquarters, selected Tuesdays, 4 p.m. Call 704-216-8234 for details. East, selected Mondays, 3:30 p.m., Call 704-216-7842 for details.

Baby Time: Birth-23 months. Highly interactive 30-minute program for children and their adult caregivers. Headquarters, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.; East, Mondays, 10 a.m.; South, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.

Toddler Time: 18 to 35 months. Highly interactive 30-minute program for children and their adult caregivers. Headquarters, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; East, Mondays, 11 a.m.; South, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.

Preschoolers: 3-5 years. Highly interactive 30-minute program for children and their adult caregivers. Headquarters, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.; East, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.; South, Mondays, 10 a.m.

Noodlehead Storytime: Pre-K to fifth grade. Interactive storytime. Headquarters, Thursday, 4 p.m.; East, Tuesdays 3:30 p.m.; South Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.

Art programs: Pre-K to fifth grade. Learn art terms, techniques and work on art projects; 30-45 minutes. Art in the Afternoon, headquarters, Thursdays, 4:30 p.m.; Bethany’s Brushes, East, Tuesdays, 4 p.m.; Canvas Kids, South, Wednesdays, 4 p.m.