Rowan Public Library

Have you stopped by your Rowan Public Library branch lately? If so, you’ve probably noticed how busy things are. And that most everyone coming out the door has a big smile on their face. Summer Reading 2024 is in full swing at RPL! This year’s theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library” and is that ever true. Staff hopes you continue to join them for a summer full of reading, learning and having fun together.

This week’s Big Show Series features Down to Earth Aerials. Children and families are invited to learn about the history of the circus and the benefits of acrobatic movement during this high-flying performance. Down to Earth Aerials offers some of the finest and unique aerial performers from around the world, who combine remarkable strength, extreme flexibility and creativity. For more information about Down to Earth Aerials, visit their website at downtoearthaerials.com. Performances will be held at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury) on Monday, June 10, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., and on Tuesday, June 11, at 2 p.m.; RPL South (China Grove) on Tuesday, June 11, at 10:30 a.m.; RPL East (Rockwell) on Wednesday, June 12, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; and RPL West (Cleveland) on Thursday, June 13, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Big Show Series is designed for rising first through fifth graders, though all ages are welcome. 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. To learn more, call 980-432-8670.

Children’s programs this week also include plenty of storytimes and scavenger hunts. There is something for children of all ages. “Books & Babies” (0-12 months) 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) 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-1^st grade) 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.

Teens are never left out of summer fun at Rowan Public Library. This week’s teen program is “Painting with Nature.” Teens will learn about natural pigments and create beautiful works of art using paint from natural materials. Teen programs are held each week 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).

Adults have plenty of programs to enjoy this week at the library, as well. RPL East (Rockwell) is offering a program on Tuesday, June 11 at 3:30 p.m. “New Pet Owners 101 & Adoptable Animal Meet-and-Greet” will be hosted by Animal Enforcement Officer Eric Williams and Sasha Rabon of Rowan County Animal Services. This program will cover new pet owner topics such as the adoption process, vaccinations, and acclimating an animal into your home. After a Q&A session, participants will meet some adoptable animals available at the Rowan County Animal Shelter. Also on Tuesday, June 11, come to RPL South (China Grove) at 6 p.m. to learn about rock sharing. Paint rocks to keep or send out on an adventure using a free rock sharing app that will be shown. All supplies provided. Space is limited! Please register for this event at bit.ly/RPL-PaintedRocks. To wrap up the week, adults are invited to stop by RPL Headquarters (Salisbury) on Saturday, June 15 at 1 p.m. for “Recipe Swap: Street Food Adventures” where participants will swap recipes and sample street food-style dishes. Registration is required, with a limit of one recipe per participant. To be included in the swap, a copy of your recipe must be submitted by Wednesday, June 12. To register, submit a recipe, or learn more, contact Lyndsey at 704-216-8248 or Lyndsey.Maloney@rowancountync.gov.

Not all library events happen at the library or even during our regular operating hours. If you’re familiar with the Libby app, you already know you can check out eBooks and eAudio Books 24/7. You can also attend free virtual author talks from the comfort of your own home. On Thursday, June 13, at 8 p.m., join the Virtual Author Talk with Freida McFadden, bestselling author of psychological thrillers and the queen of twists. McFadden will be discussing the next installment of her mega-bestselling series, “The Housemaid.” If you are unable to watch the talk live, you can view a recorded version later. To see a full list of author talks, register to participate in an upcoming talk, or access recordings of previous ones, visit bit.ly/RPLVirtualAuthorTalks. These virtual author talks have been made available thanks to Friends of RPL and is part of the Library Speakers Consortium.

Get ready for a busy week at Rowan Public Library. If you haven’t registered for summer reading yet, there’s still time! Once registered, you’ll be eligible for prizes and you can set reading goals, track your progress, and log hours so you’ll be in the running for some nice prizes at the end of summer. 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, visit 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, please call 704-216-8240.