Rowan Public Library

It’s officially time for Summer Reading! This annual event is a free, fun way for the whole family to have an adventurous summer. Rowan Public Library has a variety of programs and events for all ages to enjoy. From storytimes and Big Show performances for children to crafts and events for teens and adults, Summer Reading has something for everyone. For details, stop by your nearest RPL branch, go to  bit.ly/RPLSRP, or call 980-432-8670.

To kick off RPL’s Summer Reading 2024 Big Show Series, the Shepherd Shakespeare Company will present “Hamlet and the Pirates.” Children and families are invited to attend this brand new, never-before-heard tale of Hamlet’s adventures amongst the pirates of the North Sea! Performances will be held at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury) on Monday, June 3, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., and on Tuesday, June 4, at 2 p.m.; RPL South (China Grove) on Tuesday, June 4, at 10:30 a.m.; RPL East (Rockwell) on Wednesday, June 5, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; and RPL West (Cleveland) on Thursday, June 6, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Shepherd Shakespeare Company was founded by a husband-and-wife team who share a love of theatre and performing for audiences of all ages. Both Chester and Katy Shepherd are experienced theater artists and educators. They have acted, directed and taught all across the country and have worked extensively with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte. With a strong passion for children and education, they bring their love of Shakespeare to as many people and places as possible. For more information about this Shakespeare duo, visit their website at https://www.shepherdshakespeare.com/.

The Big Show Series is designed for rising 1st through 5th graders, though all ages are welcome, and the programs last approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Each week, children can enter the weekly prize drawing by turning in a “Big Show Book Review” before the program begins. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. For more information about Big Show performances, contact Youth Services Supervisor Wendy Campbell at 704-216-8258 or Wendy.Campbell@rowancountync.gov or go to bit.ly/RPLSRP.

Summer Reading for Children also includes weekly storytimes that will run from June 3 through July 11. Each weekly storytime is designed for specific age groups, though all are welcome.

“Books and Babies” (Infants to 12 months) is an interactive, 25-minute program designed for infants up to one year old and their caregivers. “Books and Babies” will be held each week at 9:30 a.m. on Mondays at RPL West (Cleveland), on Tuesdays at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury), on Wednesdays at RPL South (China Grove), and on Thursdays at RPL East (Rockwell).

“Toddler Time” (Infants to 35 months) is a 20-25-minute program designed for children from infants to 35 months old and their caregivers. “Toddler Time” will be held each week at 10 a.m. on Mondays at RPL West (Cleveland), on Tuesdays at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury), on Wednesdays at RPL South (China Grove), and on Thursdays at RPL East (Rockwell).

“Spectacular Storytime” (preschool to 1^st grade) is an interactive 30-45-minute program designed for children ages 3 to 6 years old and their caregivers. “Spectacular Storytime” will be held on Mondays at RPL West (Cleveland) at 10:30 a.m.; Tuesdays at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury) at 10:30 a.m. and noon; Wednesdays at RPL South (China Grove) at 10:30 a.m.; and Thursdays at RPL East (Rockwell) at 10:30 a.m.

On Saturday, June 8, at 2 p.m., children are invited to enjoy a special storytime at RPL South (China Grove). “Chill Out! With Ice Cream Storytime” is a family storytime where children will learn about the science behind making ice cream and have the opportunity to try making their own. To discuss nondairy options, call 704-216-7727.

Summer Reading Children’s programs may be held outdoors as weather permits. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite lawn chairs, picnic blankets, or mats. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. For more information about RPL’s Summer Reading for Children, contact Youth Services Supervisor Wendy Campbell at 704-216-8258 or Wendy.Campbell@rowancountync.gov or go to bit.ly/RPLSRP.

Summer Reading for Teens is for ages 11-17 and features weekly programs where teens can make fun crafts, meet peers and learn about related resources. This week, teens are invited to create unique, handmade Treasure Maps using a variety of tools and supplies. Teen programs are hosted at 3 p.m. on Mondays at RPL South (China Grove), Tuesdays at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury), Wednesdays at RPL West (Cleveland), and Thursdays at RPL East (Rockwell). For more information, contact Young Adult Librarian Amanda Brill at 704-216-8268 or Amanda.Brill@rowancountync.gov or go to bit.ly/RPLSRP.

Summer Reading for Adults is for ages 18 and up. This week, adult programming includes a Virtual Author Talk with Matt Shindell. On Monday, June 3, at 2 p.m., you’re invited to come learn alongside Matt Shindell, National Air and Space Museum curator, as he introduces viewers to historical figures across eras and around the world. Shindell is a historian of science with a background in science studies. He is the author of “For the Love of Mars: A Human History of the Red Planet” and “The Life and Science of Harold C. Urey.” This free virtual program is open to the public and can be viewed online at bit.ly/RPLVirtualAuthorTalks. Rowan Public Library’s Virtual Author Talk series is part of the Library Speakers Consortium. Registration is optional and library card numbers are not required. To learn more about RPL’s Virtual Author Talks, call 704-216-8243.

Rowan Public Library’s Summer Reading programs and events are sponsored by the Friends of Rowan Public Library. For information about the Friends of RPL, go to www.friendsofrpl.org. To learn more about RPL’s Summer Reading 2024, stop by your nearest RPL location, visit online at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org, or call 980-432-8670. For assistance with ADA accommodations, call 704-216-8240.