By Wendy Campbell
Rowan Public Library

Registration events begin on May 22 for the Rowan Public Library’s 2024 summer reading program, Adventure Begins at Your Library. County residents and visitors are invited to participate in the activities and/or register for summer reading at any one of the scheduled kickoff events. Anyone unable to attend an event may also register at any RPL location during regular library hours of operation or online at http://rowanpubliclibrary.readsquared.com/. Beginning on May 23, registered participants may start recording reading hours, winning badges, incentives, and raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes.

Each RPL branch will hold special summer reading kick off events where participants can register for summer reading and enjoy games and activities. On May 22 from noon to 3 p.m., adventurers of all ages are invited to RPL West (Cleveland) for Adventure Starts at RPL West, a pre-summer party of yard games and skill tests, feats of strength and knowledge, and mapping out summer adventure plans.

On May 22 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., RPL East (Rockwell) invites adventurers of all ages to An Adventure to Asia and the Pacific Islands. This event will center on the rich cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Participants can register for summer reading and enjoy crafts, games and more.

On May 23 from noon to 3 p.m., all ages are invited to RPL South (China Grove) to kick off summer reading with Adventure Starts at RPL South! Adventurers are invited to this pre-summer party to visit some of the greatest landmarks in the world from the comfort of the local library. Join RPL South for storytimes, crafts, information about summer programming and more.

RPL Headquarters (Salisbury) will hold a Summer Reading Kickoff on June 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with special adventure activities scheduled for all ages. At 11 a.m., families are invited to the RPL HQ children’s room for storytime and games. At noon, adults are invited to participate in Camping 101 to learn about basic camping, building campfires, safety and leaving only footprints behind. At 1 p.m., children ages 9-12 are invited to Rowan Wild Survival Training featuring a discussion and demonstration of survival skills presented by Rowan Wild Nature Center of the Rowan County Parks and Recreation Department.

A responsible caregiver (age 16+) must accompany children ages 8 and under. For a complete list of Summer Reading programs, events and upcoming summer fun activities at the library, go to www.RowanPublicLibrary.org or visit your nearest RPL branch. For more information, call 980-432-8670.

Wendy Campbell is youth services supervisor at the Rowan Public Library.