By Wendy Campbell
Rowan Public Library

The Rowan Public Library invests in children’s literacy with library programs, outreach services and access to resources for caregivers. Moreover, the library actively promotes development of the early literacy skills needed for kindergarten readiness. In response to needs for reading support by caregivers and community partners, RPL provides the following services to support academic success for Rowan County children.

The Stories-To-Go (STG) and Books To Grow (BTG) programs are outreach services for preschool age children and preschool centers that promote kindergarten readiness. Due to an increase in STG participation, the STG bookmobile now serves 99 classrooms on a five-week rotation system. This rotation helps to ensure that teachers, caregivers and children in preschools and childcare centers have access to library services such as library staff led storytimes, books for checkout and classroom resources at their locations.

The BTG program consists of a librarian led biweekly storytime at each N.C. Pre-K classroom located in Rowan-Salisbury Schools where children participate in read aloud early literacy games, and a show and tell component. Also, children participate in a weekly lending library by taking home developmentally appropriate books weekly to promote reading at home.

At the library, kindergarten readiness is promoted through programs, services and by expanding digital learning platforms. Weekly programs for every age are free and open to the public at each Rowan Public Library location. Families also have access to print and online materials for education and support. Library staff can assist caregiver questions and share resources in the library and in the community to support reading, test preparation and special concerns for caregivers seeking extra help for specific educational needs.

Recently, the library expanded online resources that support kindergarten readiness and reading success. The library is excited to announce home access to the very popular ABC Mouse, a digital education program for young learners. Many parents are aware of the free access to ABC Mouse available at the library. The program helps preschoolers gain pre-reading skills and helps kindergarten through second grade readers of all abilities gain skills for reading proficiency. To access this personalized learning program, visit online at https://www.abcmouse.com/blho-check-out.

Other online resources include eBooks and eAudiobooks for borrowing through NC Kids Digital Library. The electronic collections were recently organized by interest level. N.C. Kids Digital Library provides collections centered on pre-K through fourth grade and N.C. Kids Level Up focuses on older readers 4th grade and up. To download an item, go to RPL’s website and choose the Digital Materials and Resources tab. On this page, click the link N.C. Digital Library and choose to access either N.C. Kids Digital Library or N.C. Kids Level Up collections. Another great digital resource for young readers is TumbleBook Library. TumbleBook Library can be accessed from the Digital Materials and Resources tab on RPL’s website.

Lastly, the library provides a monthly schedule of all weekly and special events at all branches for all ages. Anyone interested may pick up a monthly calendar at their nearest RPL branch or visit RPL’s website at www.RowanPublicLibrary.org. For more information about early literacy, digital resources for children, or upcoming programs, call 980-432-8670, visit the website (www.RowanPublicLibrary.org), or stop by your nearest RPL branch during operating hours.

Wendy Campbell is youth services supervisor at Rowan Public Library.