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Friends of RPL Bookshop Open Saturday, September 10Visit the Friends of Rowan Public Library's Second Saturday Bookshop on Saturday, September 10 for phenomenal deals on fiction, nonfiction, children's, and young adult titles. The Bookshop offers some specialty items, gift baskets, DVDs, books on CD, and more.
September's special deal is a 50% off sale on all items for sale in the bookshop that were formerly a part of RPL's circulating collection. Stop in between 10 am and 4 pm on September 10 for some great deals to get your fall reading started off right. To learn more about the Second Saturday Bookshop or the Friends of RPL, visit www.friendsofrpl.org or call 704-216-8240.
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Rowan Literacy Council to Host 'Scrabble Scramble'
The Rowan County Literacy Council and Trinity Oaks Senior Living Center are proud to present the return of Scrabble Scramble, a fun and competitive event designed to raise funds for the Rowan County Literacy Council. The 2022 Scrabble Scramble will be held September 29 from 6 to 9 pm at 728 Klumac Road.
The competition involves three rounds of team Scrabble. The prices to join are $30 per person (or $20 if you are an active Rowan County Literacy Council tutor), and $300 to sponsor an entire table with a maximum of six players.
The Friends of Rowan Public Library are sponsoring two team tables at the event. One team will consist of library staff, and the other is for teens. Any teens interested in playing on the library’s Teen Scrabble Team are encouraged to sign up by contacting Young Adult Librarian Amanda Brill at Amanda.Brill@rowancountync.gov.
During gameplay, contestants can enjoy hors d'oeuvres and desserts as well as great raffle items up for grabs. Prizes will be awarded to the top-scoring Scrabble team. To get tickets or learn more information about the Scrabble Scramble, visit rcliteracy.org or call 704-216-8266. |
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September Is Library Card Sign Up MonthEach year, the American Library Association recognizes September as Library Card Sign Up Month. Traditionally the time of year when students everywhere return to learning, September is the perfect time to get your mind set on reading, learning, and literacy. Library Card Sign Up Month is a campaign to encourage all members of the community to use one of their most accessible educational resources at their disposal — the public library!
Rowan Public Library will celebrate LCSUM 2022 with some fun activities and events for all ages.
At each RPL location, visitors can participate in The Big Bookshelf Community Art Project. Stop into your preferred RPL location during the month of September and decorate a paper book spine to add to your branch's "community bookshelf." At the end of the month, RPL will gather all the shelves to show off the wonderful reading recommendations gathered from around the Rowan community!
Patrons who check out items during the month of September will be entered into a raffle giveaway for some fun reading-themed goodies. There will be two raffles available: one for children, and another for adults and teens. Patrons are eligible to receive one raffle ticket per day in September whenever they check out an item from the library. |
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RPL East in Rockwell will celebrate Library Card Sign Up Month with a fun day-long program on Saturday, September 10. Join RPL East staff for a Blockbuster Weekend!
Stop in to RPL East on Saturday, September 10 between 9 am and 5 pm for a chance to check out DVDs from the branch's collection and recapture that throwback experience of selecting fun films to watch over the weekend from your favorite video store.
The first 20 individuals or families who sign up for a new library card or update the information on their existing card will receive a movie night goody bag. Goody bags are available while supplies last, but there are plenty of DVDs available for checkout! To learn more about this event, call 704-216-7841 for details.
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The popular 'Get Lit' trivia program series will also return during Library Card Sign Up Month. Sign up to play a family-friendly game of virtual trivia on Tuesday, September 20 at 7 pm and test your knowledge of books that were adapted for movies and television! Prizes will be awarded to the top trivia players. To register for Get Lit Virtual Trivia: From Page to Screen, visit bit.ly/RPL2022Trivia. To learn more, call Abby at 704-216-8248. |
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Update: Salisbury Post Morgue Preservation ProjectAs announced in May, Rowan Public Library’s Edith M. Clark History Room received a Robertson Family Foundation Grant for the Salisbury Post Morgue Preservation Project. The project is moving along with a new scanner and several faithful volunteers helping to scan the materials.
The library is now able to announce some grant-funded part-time temporary library associate positions available to help with this endeavor. Candidates for these temporary paid positions can apply through the Rowan County Job Opportunities portal, located here: rowancountync.gov/376/Job-Opportunities.
As additional equipment for the project is acquired, RPL hopes to have scanning stations at the branches as well as in the History Room. Multiple positions will be available for 8-16 hours per week until the grant funding is depleted. Volunteer positions are still available as well; folks interested in volunteer work opportunities can apply at bit.ly/RPLVolunteerApp.
The Friends Board of Directors recently approved the purchase of an Epson Expression Graphic Arts flatbed scanner. The scanner will be used to increase productivity and the number of volunteers and project staff that can simultaneously work on the project. Through the Friends of Rowan Public Library website, an online donation link, www.friendsofrpl.org/support-us, has been created. This link allows donors to specify their contribution be in support of this project. 100% of these donations will go directly towards the Salisbury Post Morgue Preservation Project to pay for temporary staff and additional scanners.
You can learn more about the Salisbury Post Morgue Preservation Project and see updates here: edithclark.omeka.net/spmpp. To learn more about the SPMPP, contact Gretchen Witt at 704-216-8232. |
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Standard Programming Returns for Teens and ChildrenStandard weekly programming for teens and children returns in September. Between September 1 and December 1, regular storytimes, Noodlehead Art classes, and teen programs will be held at each RPL location.
Baby & Toddler Storytime
RPL Headquarters (Salisbury) — Thursdays at 10 am
RPL East (Rockwell) — Tuesdays at 10 am
RPL South (China Grove) — Wednesdays at 10 am
RPL West (Cleveland) — Mondays at 10 am
Preschool Storytime
RPL Headquarters — Tuesdays at 11 am
RPL East — Tuesdays at 11 am
RPL South — Wednesdays at 11 am
RPL West — Mondays at 11 am
Noodlehead Art
RPL Headquarters — Thursdays at 4 pm
RPL East — Tuesdays at 4 pm
RPL South — Wednesdays at 4 pm
RPL West — Mondays at 4 pm
Teen Programs
RPL Headquarters — Tuesdays at 4 pm
RPL East — Wednesdays at 4 pm
RPL South — Mondays at 4 pm
RPL West — Thursdays at 4 pm
To learn more about standard programming for youth, call Wendy Campbell at 704-216-8258.
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 Pictured Above: A scan of a document used during the 1950 United States Census by an enumerator in China Grove, NC. Information from the seventeenth Census was recently made public, making these records available to genealogists. |
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RPL South to Host Genealogy WorkshopVisit RPL South on Tuesday, September 13 at 6 pm for a genealogy workshop specifically focusing on how to use Census data in your research. Data collected from United States Censuses are valuable in genealogical research, and this workshop is designed to teach people how to access it and interpret this data for their research needs.
This free workshop is open to the public; no registration is required to attend. To learn more about this opportunity, call Paul Birkhead at 704-216-7737. |
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Creek Week 2022 Coming SoonGrab your muck boots and some sunscreen — it's almost time for Rowan County Creek Week 2022!
Creek Week is a week-long celebration of local waters throughout North Carolina. The Fourth Annual Rowan Creek Week will take place September 17 — 24, 2022. During Creek Week, Rowan County will offer tons of fun and educational events for citizens of all ages to learn more about the importance of the water in their community, the wildlife it supports, and more.
Rowan Public Library is a recognized partner of Rowan County Creek Week and will be hosting some fun activities as a part of the week-long celebration.
RPL Children's Librarian Stephanie Reister and Muddy Sneakers will host a fun outdoor storytime at Lake Corriher on Sunday, September 18 at 2 pm. Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes and clothes that can get dirty; after storytime, children will be invited to explore the lake and search for wildlife there.
In addition to this special Sunday storytime, all RPL standard storytimes during Creek Week will be water-themed. Join RPL staff and learn more about water and why it is so important in Rowan County and beyond.
For more information about other exciting Creek Week opportunities, visit https://www.rowancountync.gov/1464/Creek-Week.
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September 4 — 10, 2022 Is Suicide Prevention Week
During the month of September, medical and mental health associations recognize Suicide Prevention Week. If you or a loved one is in need of emergency assistance, dial 988 to connect with a crisis lifeline worker for free. To learn more about Suicide Prevention Week or the free 988 hotline, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988. Visit the RPL catalog to view books related to a wide variety of mental health topics.
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RPL Reads: Staff Book Recommendations
Ever wonder what books library staff are reading? Check out some hot reads recommended by RPL staff. This month, recommendations are provided by the staff of RPL Headquarters' Edith M. Clark History Room! |
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Gretchen Witt, History Room SupervisorI am currently reading Natural Antibiotics and Antivirals: 18 Infection-fighting Herbs and Essential Oils by Christopher Vasey.
The book provides a concise and clear explanation of how plants that once were used to treat illnesses were relegated to the sidelines once penicillin made its debut. However, society has started to realize using pharmaceutical antibiotics can have undesirable and severe side effects and cause resistance in viruses and bacteria. Vasey describes about how bacteria, both good and bad, interact with human systems along with explanations of the immune system. He then outlines the types of natural antibiotics, how they could be used and in what form they should be used - tinctures and extracts.
I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who has had severe reactions to pharmaceutical antibiotics or is interested in how herbs and other plants can be useful with mild illnesses. It is an interesting foray into alternative medicines.
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Sandy Collins, Service AssociateI recently finished reading The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (a Flavia de Luce mystery) by Alan Bradley.
The novel is set in 1950s England and follows a character named Flavia, a precocious 11-year-old with an intense interest in Chemistry. She is specifically interested in poisons. Some strange occurrences happen in her community which send her into "detective mode" — a man is injured and left for dead in Buckshaw Manor's cucumber patch and Flavia's father is accused of murder.
This book is the first in the series and I am already looking forward to reading the others. Following along with Flavia's quick wit and the book's mystery element was a joy.
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Jeffrey Cockerl, Service AssociateI recently read The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.
The book is historical fiction but is based on the life of Belle da Costa Greene who was the person responsible for cataloging and acquiring items for the private library and art collection of wealthy New York banker J. P. Morgan. After J.P. Morgan's death, his library and personal collection was opened to the public as the Pierpoint Morgan Library. Greene was the director of the library from 1924 until she retired in 1948. It was later discovered that she was African-American, and had passed as a white woman to avoid any racial prejudice.
Greene's actual name was Belle Marion Greener. She was born in 1879. Her father, Richard Greener was the first African American graduate of Harvard University; was one of the only Black professors to teach during Reconstruction at the University of South Carolina; and later served as the dean of the Howard University School of Law.
After her father and mother separated, Belle's mother changes both her and her children's last name to Greene. Because they all have lighter complexions, they begin to pass in society as a white family. Belle begins working at the Princeton University Library in 1902, where she meets J.P. Morgan's nephew. She convinces him to tell his uncle that she would be a good candidate to fill the position as his personal librarian, responsible for organizing and cataloging his large collection of books, manuscripts, and art.
One thing I enjoyed about the book was how the authors really explored the irony of Belle's choice to pass as white, thinking that she would not face any prejudice based on race, but she does face gender prejudice as a woman. This is reflected in Belle's interview with J.P. Morgan who is reluctant to hire her because he thinks a man would be better suited for the job of cataloging his collection. Even though early librarianship was dominated by men, Belle, through her own determination, eventually makes a difference. Greene also advocated higher pay for female librarians. Greene was paid $10,000 a year by Morgan, when the average salary for female librarians was about $400.
I recommend the book to anyone that enjoys reading historical fiction. The authors do a great job in depicting circumstances that Belle may have faced in her personal and public relationships.
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Anne Morgan, Library Associate
I recently finished reading The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor by Eddie Jaku. This wonderful memoir shares both the horrors of WWII and the moments of hope and goodness that occur. The frank, honest portrayal of the escalation of hatred and the acts that followed are eerily similar to exactly what is going on now in America. While it was not meant to be a cautionary tale, it is a wonderful mirror to examine the vitriol that is casually included in society. Anyone who is concerned about what is going on in the world today should read this book and then take positive steps to spread kindness.
I also just finished the "The Edge of Collapse" series by Kyla Stone. This series explores what America would look like after an EM (electro-magnetic) pulse wipes out almost all computerized electronics — most vehicles, planes, trains, electrical grids — and what survival would look like in this post-apocalyptic landscape. Would you be someone who rises to the occasion and struggle to retain your humanity and assist those around you so that you can survive together, or would you descend into anarchy and chaos and seek to destroy those around you? The series in order includes: Edge of Collapse, Edge of Madness, Edge of Darkness, Edge of Anarchy, Edge of Defiance, Edge of Survival, Edge of Valor, and Chaos Rising (prequel).
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RPL Programs & Events: September 2022Planning to visit for a program and need special accommodations? Call 704-216-8240 for more information.
Solve the Secret Code Scavenger Hunt (HQ, East, South, West)
September 1 — September 30
In celebration of LCSUM, children can visit the Children’s Room at any RPL branch and solve a secret code to guide them on their scavenger hunt! This scavenger hunt has two parts: solve the rebus (or word picture) puzzle and then search the room and shelves to locate special materials. Successfully complete the hunt to win a prize! For more details, call 980-432-8670.
Rowan Public Library Holiday Closings
Saturday, September 3 — Monday, September 5
RPL Headquarters (Salisbury), RPL East (Rockwell), RPL South (China Grove) and RPL West (Cleveland) will be closed Saturday, September 3 — Monday, September 5. Regular hours resume Tuesday, September 6.
Teens: Paracord Bracelets (Headquarters, South, West)
Tuesday, September 6, 4 — 5 pm (RPL HQ)
Wednesday, September 7, 4 — 5 pm (RPL East)
Thursday, September 8, 4 — 5 pm (RPL West)
Teens are invited to make bracelets out of paracord rope, a key tool for adventurers, hikers, and mountain climbers all over the world. RPL South teens are invited to request a take away kit as RPL is closed on Monday, September 5. To learn more or to reserve a take away kit, contact Amanda at Amanda.Brill@rowancountync.gov.
Pinterest Club: Scarecrow Wine Bottles (West)
Tuesday, September 6, 6 pm
Adults ages 18+ are invited to create a scarecrow wine bottle to kickstart their fall decorations. All materials will be provided, and light refreshments will be served. Registration is required to attend this program; space is limited. To reserve a spot or learn more, call Lyndsey at 704-216-8291.
Virtual Author Talk with Dr. Michele Borba (Virtual)
Thursday, September 8, 2 pm
Bestselling Author and Internationally Renowned Educational Psychologist discusses her book Raising Thrivers: Parenting Tips & Tools to Help Kids Thrive in an Uncertain World. Register for this free event and others at bit.ly/RPLVirtualAuthorTalks. Participate live or watch later at your convenience. To learn more, call Abby at 704-216-8248.
Blockbuster Saturday (East)
Saturday, September 10, 9 am
Celebrate Library Card Sign Up Month with a throwback video store rental-style experience! The first 20 individuals/families to visit RPL East on Saturday, Sept. 10, and either sign up for new library cards OR update the information on their existing accounts will receive a free movie night pack (microwave popcorn, theater box candy). To learn more, call Sydney at 704-216-7841.
Friends of RPL Second Saturday Bookshop
(West End Plaza)
Saturday, September 10, 10 am — 4 pm
The Friends of RPL’s Second Saturday Bookshop, located in the West End Plaza, is open the second Saturday of each month. Shop for great deals on fiction, nonfiction, children’s items, literary gift baskets, and more! Sales at the Second Saturday Bookshop support Rowan Public Library. For more information, visit www.friendsofrpl.org.
STEAM Saturdays (HQ, East, South, West)
Saturday, September 10, 11 am — 2 pm
Children are invited to visit any RPL Children’s Room each Saturday to enjoy a passive STEAM (science, technology engineering, arts, and mathematics) activity. For more details about the week’s planned on-your-own activity at your branch, call 980-432-8670.
Teens: Adulting 101: Basic First Aid (HQ, East, South, West)
Monday, September 12, 4 — 5 pm (RPL South)
Tuesday, September 13, 4 — 5 pm (RPL HQ)
Wednesday, September 14, 4 — 5 pm (RPL East)
Thursday, September 15, 4 — 5 pm (RPL West)
Teens are invited to learn basic first aid skills from former paramedic, Allison Smith. To learn more, contact Amanda at 704-216-8268 or Amanda.Brill@rowancountync.gov.
Buying Your First House (HQ)
Monday, September 12, 6pm
Real Estate expert Nicole Sherrill-Jamison discusses what to expect when you’re expecting to buy your first house. This workshop will look at questions to ask, what to look for in a house, how to arrange financing and various options, what different terms mean and what they entail, and ultimately what goes into closing a deal. If you are considering buying instead of renting, this event will help you become better informed about your options. This program is free and open to the public. To learn more, contact Paulette at Paulette.Stiles@rowancountync.gov.
Genealogy Workshop: Census Records (South)
Tuesday, September 13, 6 pm
This workshop will concentrate on familiarizing the participants with Census Records which are extremely useful in genealogical research. Emphasis will be on placed on exploring the 1950 Federal Census which was just released earlier this year. Designed for adults ages 18+. Registration requested; visit bit.ly/SRRL-CensusClass Questions? Contact Paul at Paul.Birkhead@rowancountync.gov or 704-216-7737.
Chapter Chats: Sensory Storytime (South)
Friday, September 16, 10 am
This bi-weekly program is designed for those with autism and/or sensory challenges and is coordinated in collaboration with Rowan County’s Therapeutic Recreation Division. The second and fourth Fridays of each month is an interactive Sensory Storytime that involves books, songs, and games and is designed for those with autism and/or sensory challenges. To learn more about how to participate in this program series, call Tammie at 704-216-7728.
Bilingual Storytime (HQ)
Friday, September 16, 10:30 am
This monthly storytime will help children learn basic Spanish vocabulary. This program is geared for babies to preschool ages. For more information about this storytime opportunity, email Aida at Aida.Garwood@rowancountync.gov.
Bees? Bees!: Learning All About Bees (West)
Saturday, September 17, 11 am
Children are invited to learn and participate in activities and stories related to bees, honey, and why they are important. This program is designed for children; children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by a responsible caretaker (ages 16+). To learn more, call 704-216-8290.
Creek Week Storytime (Offsite)
Sunday, September 18, 2 pm at Lake Corriher Wilderness Area
Join Rowan Public Library’s Children’s Librarian and Muddy Sneakers Instructors for this fun filled event! We will meet at the campfire circle right outside of the park office for a creek themed storytime. Afterwards, we will venture down to the creek for some exploring! We will collect creek critters and discuss what they can tell us about the health of the water. Please wear closed-toed shoes that you do not mind getting wet (and maybe a little muddy!). To learn more, contact Stephanie at 704-216-7729.
Teens: Mock Citizenship (HQ, East, South, West)
Monday, September 19, 4 — 5 pm (RPL South)
Tuesday, September 20, 4 — 5 pm (RPL HQ)
Wednesday, September 21, 4 — 5 pm (RPL East)
Thursday, September 22, 4 — 5 pm (RPL West)
Teens are invited to learn the process for American Citizenship and “vote” for the first time as citizens. This program will coincide with National Voter Registration Day on September 22. To learn more, contact Amanda at Amanda.Brill@rowancountync.gov.
Virtual Author Talk with Simon Winchester (Virtual)
Tuesday, September 20, 2 pm
Bestselling author Simon Winchester discusses his renowned nonfiction books including The Professor and the Madman and his latest book Land: How the Hunger for Ownership Shaped the Modern World. Register for this event and others at bit.ly/RPLVirtualAuthorTalks. Participate live or watch later at your convenience. To learn more, contact Abby at 704-216-8248.
Get Lit for Library Card Sign-up Month!
Virtual Trivia Event: From Page to Screen (Virtual)
Tuesday, September 20, 7 pm
Do you love trivia? Come play with us! The theme is “Page to Screen,” and any book adapted for TV or movies is fair game, including children’s, young adult, and adult books, so this trivia game is sure to be fun for the whole family. A special prize will go to the Zoom participant with the highest score. Register at bit.ly/RPL2022Trivia to receive more information your Zoom invite to participate. Prefer to play along but not compete for the prize? Catch it on Facebook Live! To learn more, contact Abby at 704-216-8248.
A Royal Storytime (East)
Saturday, September 24, 10 am
Children are invited to enjoy a storytime fit for royalty, complete with tales, snacks, and a craft. This program is designed for children; children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by a responsible caretaker (ages 16+). To learn more, call 704-216-7842.
Virtual Author Talk with Hernan Diaz (Virtual)
Tuesday, September 27, 4 pm
Pulitzer Prize Finalist Diaz discusses his critically-acclaimed 2022 release Trust. Register for this event and others at bit.ly/RPLVirtualAuthorTalks. Participate live or watch later at your convenience. To learn more, contact Abby at 704-216-8248.
Book Bites Book Club (HQ)
Tuesday, September 27, 6 pm
This book club meets this month both in-person and via Zoom at RPL HQ in the Hurley Room. Refreshments will be served, and new members are welcome. This month’s selection is Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen. To learn more, email Paulette at Paulette.Stiles@rowancountync.gov or call 704-216-7731 for details, including Zoom information.
Tabletop Roleplaying Game for Teens (HQ)
Tuesday, September 27, 6 — 8 pm (RPL HQ)
Teens are invited to play a tabletop roleplaying game where they will slay dragons and find treasure! All materials will be provided, no experience necessary. To learn more, contact Amanda at 704-216-8268 or Amanda.Brill@rowancountync.gov.
Pixie Pages Storytime (South)
Wednesday, September 28, 4 pm
Come out and join RPL South staff for Noodlehead Storytime on Wednesday for a fun filled hour of Pixie Stories and create your own teacup pixie garden. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by a responsible caretaker (ages 16+). To learn more, call 704-216-7728.
Chapter Chats: Sensory Storytime (South)
Friday, September 30, 10 am
This bi-weekly program is designed for those with autism and/or sensory challenges and is coordinated in collaboration with Rowan County’s Therapeutic Recreation Division. The second and fourth Fridays of each month is an interactive Sensory Storytime that involves books, songs, and games and is designed for those with autism and/or sensory challenges. To learn more about how to participate in this program series, call Tammie at 704-216-7728.
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The Rowan Public Library Foundation recognizes the following donations:
A gift in memory of Stuart Pitner to the Stuart Pitner Endowment by Gavine Pitner
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The Friends of Rowan Public Library recognize the following donations:
A gift by John Thompson
Multiple gifts by the patrons who visited the Second Saturday Bookshop during the month of August
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RPL Headquarters
201 W. Fisher Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
RPL East
110 Broad Sreet
Rockwell, NC 28138
RPL South
920 Kimball Road
China Grove, NC 28023
RPL West
201 School Street
Cleveland, NC 27013
rowanpubliclibrary.org
980-432-8670
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