By Amanda Bosch

Rowan Public Library

I’m taking an online course this semester and our professor has been asking us to contribute to online discussions with comments that are based on scholarly or trade articles.

I am one of the few librarians in the course and knew I could find articles using databases at Rowan Public Library but many other students enrolled in the course from a variety of states and countries had no idea where to begin their hunt for articles they could use in their comments.

I knew the first place to begin with is the public library. Rowan Public Library has an array of online resources via NCLIVE, a statewide consortium that provides database resources via the state to public libraries and colleges and universities.

Many of my peers enrolled in the course simply used Google to conduct their searches and when it came to high quality resources, they were unable to find many resources and wasted a lot of time checking out websites that had paid to be a top hit for the Google term they were searching.

By using the resources that Rowan Public Library provides via NCLIVE, I was able to target my search and find articles from high quality sources that specifically met my needs.

How did I find these resources? I didn’t even have to leave my living room, which is where the majority of my research and class projects were completed! From the library homepage, I clicked Services and Support where I selected the NCLIVE link.

From there I was able to choose the topic I was studying and link to an interface where I could search by keyword to find articles for my class. Since I was using the site from home, I did have to input my library card number and PIN to access the databases I had selected.

The amount of information that was immediately accessible was mind-boggling. Sorted alphabetically, I could select from databases for any topic I could imagine. And all for free – unlocked with the simplicity of a library card.

Earth Day Scavenger Hunt: Headquarters, through March 30. Learn about the planet we live on and how we can take care of it.  Children who finish the scavenger hunt will be entered into a raffle contest for a prize. For more information, call 704-216-8234.

Dragon Training: East, through March 30. Toothless and his friends have flown off on an adventure. Help Hiccup find them before he goes to the hidden world. Find them all and be entered into a raffle contest for a literary-themed prize. Also, enjoy a “How to Train Your Dragon” movie marathon on March 11. For more information, contact Tammie at 704-216-7842.

Night at the Library: East, March 18-20. Ever wonder what happens at East Branch at night? Does Pete the Cat sing loud and proud? Does the Cat in the Hat run amok? “Night at the Library” exposes the escapades that occur when patrons aren’t around. Families are invited to leave a favorite stuffed animal to experience this overnight adventure. One animal per family; 20 slots are available. Registration is required.

Drop off your favorite stuffed animal March 18-19 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Pick up your animal friend on Wednesday, March 20, between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Participants will receive their free pictures and souvenirs at a Special PJ Storytime on Saturday, March 23, at 10:30 am. Call 704-216-7842 to register or for more information. This free storytime is open to the public.

PJ Storytime: Headquarters, March 18, 6:30 p.m. Put on your pajamas, grab a blanket, your favorite stuffed animal, and join us for a special evening storytime. Recommended for children 3-11 years old, though all children are welcome. Questions? Call 704-216-8234.

Lego Saturday: March 23, 10 a.m.-noon. Legos are available for creative free play. This program is for children. Questions? Call 704-216-8234.

Teen Breakerspace: March 19, headquarters, 4-5:30 p.m.; March 20, South, 4-5:30 p.m.; March 21, East, 4-5 p.m. Using simple tools, take apart old things to see how they work, then build your own new technology. Questions? Call 704-216-8258.

Chapter Chats: East, March 19, 5:15-6 p.m. Weekly book club for teens 14-17, intended primarily for participants with developmental or intellectual disabilities, though all are welcome. For more details, contact Tammie at 704-216-7842.

Makerspace DIY: 3D printing, headquarters, March 21, 3:30-5 p.m. Learn how to make a design using 3D modeling software. Participants will use Tinkercad to design a 3D model and have the opportunity to print their creation during open sessions. Sessions are available for people of all ages. Please register online, by phone at 704-216-8242, or by emailing Amber.Covington@rowancountync.gov.

Lunch at the Library: East, March 22, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a clean, Wi-Fi-accessible, peaceful place to eat lunch. The East Branch meeting room will be open. Lunch not provided, but tables, chairs and ambiance supplied. While in the library, check out upcoming programs and free resources. For more details, call 704-216-7840.

Caregiver Series Session 3: Advanced topics. South, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m. This four-part series is designed with the caregiver in mind, discussing needs and roles and providing information to help ensure a healthy balance for the well-being of caregivers and their loved ones.

At this session, a guest panel of elder care professionals will offer information and insight related to behavioral changes, normal aging vs. life-threatening issues, and issues related to hospitalizations/medicines. Registration required; contact Paulette at 704-216-7731 to reserve your seat.

Veterans’ Resource Fair: Headquarters, March 22, 1-4 p.m. Are you a veteran? Or know and love one? If so, then this event is for you. Representatives from the W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center, local veterans’ groups, nonprofit agencies, employment services, and more will provide free information for veterans and their loved ones. Attorney Greg McIntyre will present information on obtaining veteran’s benefits and disability. Questions? Contact Abby at 704-216-8248.

Genealogy Workshop: Headquarters, March 16, 10 a.m. This workshop, co-hosted by the Genealogical Society of Rowan County and the Edith M. Clark History Room of RPL, is free and open to the public. The workshop will concentrate on software that is available to organize data, vital records, photos and other important documentation. Registration encouraged. Call Gretchen at 704-216-8253.

Displays: Headquarters, Rowan Doll Society, Community Care Clinic, North Carolina Railroad Maps; East, painted glassware by Amanda Kepley; South, history of agriculture and farms by Paulette Stiles.

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.