Rowan Public Library

Rowan Public Library’s Summer Reading program is moving right along with lots of fun and exciting opportunities to attend programs and win prizes. With only a few weeks left, the last day to register to win prizes is quickly approaching. All ages receive a free book when they register for Summer Reading. The last day to register is Saturday, July 6, but there is still time to register and track those reading hours. For more information about tracking reading hours, how to win prizes, and a complete schedule of upcoming events, go to bit.ly/RPLSRP or swing by your nearest RPL location.

Summer Reading for Children includes weekly storytimes that run through July 11. “Books and Babies” (infants to 12 months) will be held at 9:30 a.m. at each branch: RPL West (Cleveland) on Monday, July 1; RPL Headquarters (Salisbury) on Tuesday, July 2; RPL South (China Grove) on Wednesday, July 3. “Toddler Time” (infants to 35 months) will be held at 10 a.m. at each branch: RPL West (Cleveland) on Monday, July 1; RPL Headquarters (Salisbury) on Tuesday, July 2; RPL South (China Grove) on Wednesday, July 3. “Spectacular Storytime” (preschool to first grade) will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 1, at RPL West (Cleveland); 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury); and 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3 at RPL South (China Grove). No programs will be held on Thursday, July 4. To learn more, call 980-432-8670.

This week, as part of the “Big Show Series,” RPL will host Rowan County Soil & Water Conservation District’s Kelli Isenhour as she teaches about the plants and animals that children might encounter on the trail, in parks or even in the backyard. Programs will be held at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury) on Monday, July 1, at 11 a.m. and noon; RPL South (China Grove) on Tuesday, July 2, at 11 a.m.; and RPL East (Rockwell) on Wednesday, July 3, at 11 a.m. and noon. No programs will be held on Thursday, July 4. Children can enter the weekly prize drawing by turning in a “Big Show Book Review” before the program begins. To learn more, call 704-216-8234.

On Saturday, July 6, at 11 a.m., children and families are invited to RPL South (China Grove) for a Ladybug Release. Come listen to stories about this amazing garden insect and help RPL staff release 3,000 ladybugs into the wild. This event is suitable for all ages. To learn more, call 704-216-7727.

During the month of July, each RPL branch will take turns hosting a National Geographic Giant Map of North Carolina on loan from the State Library of N.C. This oversized vinyl floor map is designed to encourage geographic learning and map reading skills while educating youth participants about our state. To learn more about locations and times for this special learning opportunity, call 980-432-8670.

For all children’s programs and events, 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.

Summer Reading for Teens is for ages 11-17. On Tuesday, July 2, at 11 a.m., teens from all RPL branches are invited to meet Young Adult Librarian Amanda Brill at Dan Nicholas Park for “Dangers of the Wild with Rowan Wild.” Teens will learn more about the differences between poisonous and venomous plants and animals that are native to North Carolina. Registration is required at bit.ly/RPLWildDangers2024. This program will begin and end at Rowan Wild Nature Center in Dan Nicholas Park, located at 6800 Bringle Ferry Road in Salisbury. Participants and their parents/guardians are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from Rowan Wild. For more information, call 704-216-8268 or email Amanda.Brill@rowancountync.gov.

Teens ages 16 and up and adults are invited to learn about rock sharing with “Painted Rocks” at RPL West (Cleveland) on Monday, July 1 at 6 p.m. Participants will paint rocks to keep for themselves or send on adventures in the community and learn about a painted rock sharing app. All supplies will be provided, and light refreshments served. To learn more or to register, visit bit.ly/RPL-PaintedRocks or contact Paul.Birkhead@rowancountync.gov or call 704-216-7737.

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, go to www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or call 980-432-8670. For assistance with ADA accommodations, call 704-216-8240.