By Laurel Reisen
Rowan Public Library
Rowan Public Library has some great, quick reads, perfect for mothers and daughters and just in time for Motherís Day.
The first title is ěThe Goodbye Quiltî by Susan Wiggs. Linda is a quilter and owner of a local fabric store. When her daughter, Molly, earns a scholarship to a prestigious college on the East Coast, a mother/daughter road trip is in order. As Molly drives, Linda quilts squares, reflects on her life and wonders in amazement at the capable young woman her daughter has become.
ěChocolate Chip Cookie Murderî by Joanne Fluke is the first in the Hannah Swenson Murder Mystery series. Her well-meaning mother is trying to marry her off, but Hannah is busy managing The Cookie Jar, a popular bakery in Minnesota. Unfortunately, a dead body ends up behind her store, a surefire killer to any business. Hannah intends to solve the murder and keep her business afloat. The Hannah Swenson Murder Mystery series also includes fabulously yummy recipes in each book.
In ěThe Particular Sadness of Lemon Cakeî by Aimee Bender, Rose Edelstein discovers an unwanted talent, days before she turns 9 years old. She can actually taste the cookís emotions in any prepared food. She can feel the sadness in the foods her mother prepares. If she eats a piece of toast made by her older brother she feels his teenage angst. The feelings are so palpable she is driven to eating prepared food in order to avoid the tangible feelings that grip her. ěThe Particular Sadness of Lemon Cakeî is a story entwined in a family of special gifts and secrets.
In ěGeorgia Bottomsî by Mark Childress, the title character is a modern day Scarlett OíHara from a small town in Alabama. Her genteel life is a balancing act of keeping up appearances, taking care of her mother and entertaining six suitors. Her life is about to get more chaotic when her most recent lover decides to confess to the entire church congregation. Not willing to upset the delicate balance, Georgia launches a distraction. Hilarity mixed with very serious topics ensue throughout the book.
Fiction titles are a great window to family relationships. Stop by Rowan Public Library for these titles and others that offer a glimpse into family life and mother/daughter dynamics.
Computer classes: Classes are free. Sessions are approximately 90 minutes. Class size is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Dates and times at all locations are subject to change without notice.
Headquarters ó Monday, 7 p.m., Internet Basics.
South ó April 28, 11 a.m., Introduction to Gmail
Childrenís Storytime: Now through April 29, weekly story time. For more information, call 704-216-8234.
Headquarters ó Toddler Time (18-35-month-olds), Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Baby Time (6-23-month-olds), Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Preschool Time (3-5-year-olds), Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.; Noodlehead (4-8 years), Thursdays, 4 p.m.
South ó Noodlehead, Mondays, 4 p.m.; Baby Time, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Preschool Time, Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m.; Toddler Time, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
East ó Preschool Time, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Toddler Time, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Baby Time, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Chris Hartley, author of ěStonemanís Raid 1865î: Headquarters, Tuesday, 7 p.m., Stanback Auditorium. Rowan citizens will be able to relive the past when Chris Hartley shares his book, ěStonemanís Raid 1865î at RPL. Copies of Hartleyís book will be available for purchase. The program is free and open to the public. A reception and book signing will follow the program.
An interview with Hartley, whose book includes information about the raid in Rowan County, is available at www.salisburypost.com by searching for ěChris Hartley.î He came to Salisbury last October to sign his book, which was a bestseller locally for weeks, and continues to sell well.
Book chats for children: South only; Thursday, 4:15 p.m. ěGranny Torrelli Makes Soupî by Sharon Creech; grades three and four. Children in grades two through five (different grade each month) are invited to participate in ěBook Chatsî at RPLís South Rowan Regional Library in China Grove. Registration is required and space is limited. Please call 704-216-7728 for more information.
Book Bites Club: South only; April 26, 6:30 p.m., ěA Reliable Wifeî by Robert Goolrick. Book discussion groups for both adults and children will meet the last Tuesday of each month. The group is open to the public; anyone is free to join at any time. There is a discussion of the book, as well as light refreshments at each meeting. For more information please call 704-216-8229.
JRís Adventure Club: Headquarters, April 30, 11 a.m. The club will choose a project to build, and have books from the library and recommended websites that go along with the project. The club is open to all school age children. Light refreshments will be served. Call 704-216-8234 to learn more.
Teen program: Enjoy board games and video games.
East ó Monday, 5:30-7 p.m.
Headquarters óTuesday, 5:30-7 p.m.
South ó April 26, 5:30-7 p.m.
Holiday closing: All library locations will be closed April 22-24 for Easter.
Displays: Headquarters ó Lee Street Theatre and National Library Month; South ó watercolors by Caroline Marshall; East ó Ann Furr 4-H.
Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.