|
|
February Specials at the Second Saturday Bookshop
Looking for some romance to start your Valentine's Day season off right? Visit the Second Saturday Bookshop for its monthly sale on Saturday, February 11 from 10 am — 4 pm. Most items are priced at $2 or less. The Bookshop sells a variety of items including fiction, nonfiction, children's titles, books on CD, DVDs, specialty items, literary gift baskets, and more. During the February sale, all Harlequin romance novels will be priced 10 for $1. Romance readers, take advantage of this great deal!
All sales made at the Second Saturday Bookshop benefit the Rowan Public Library. To learn more about the Second Saturday Bookshop or the Friends of Rowan Public Library, visit www.friendsofrpl.org or call 704-216-8240. |
|
|
|
 This gift basket sold at RPL East during the 2022 holiday season. |
Donations Needed for Gift Baskets
The Friends of Rowan Public Library want to extend a big thank you to all who have donated books and other knick-knacks for their literary gift baskets. The gift basket sales were especially impressive over the course of the 2022 holiday season.
As the "spring cleaning" season commences, the Friends of RPL request that folks set aside any items that would make good donations for gift baskets as they organize and downsize within their homes. Some examples of donate-able items include mugs, knick-knacks, scarves, small toys, stuffed animals, trinkets, crafting items, and more. These items can be donated directly to the Friends of RPL during the Second Saturday Bookshop's monthly sales, which are held on the second Saturday of each month. Please note that the Bookshop will not be open Saturday, April 8, 2023 due to the Easter weekend holiday. All sales from literary gift baskets benefit RPL programming and activities such as the annual Summer Reading Program. To learn more about the Friends of RPL, gift baskets, and more, visit www.friendsofrpl.org or call 704-216-8240.
|
|
|
|
 "All Together Now," the 2023 Summer Reading theme, encourages the spirit of teamwork and friendship.
|
|
|
|
Friends of RPL Seek Donors for Summer Reading 2023
While many folks are hunkering down for the coldest part of the year, the Friends of RPL are already thinking ahead to the summer of 2023! Planning for Rowan Public Library's Summer Reading Program requires a lot of time, effort, and coordination, and the Friends of RPL need assistance to make this year's Summer Reading Program great for library customers.
Any amount a member of the public would like to give will help, and every donation is appreciated. To make a donation toward supporting the Summer Reading Program or to learn more, visit www.friendsofrpl.org. Folks interested in becoming Summer Reading donors at the $250, $500, or $1000 level can email Friends of RPL President Jennifer Hubbard at jen4hubbard@gmail.com for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Standard Youth Programming Returns for Springtime
After a winter hiatus, standard spring programming for children and teens is set to return to all RPL locations beginning Monday, February 6. Standard spring programming will run through the end of April 2023. While programming dates and times vary by branch, all RPL locations are slated to host a variety of fun, engaging, and educational programs for youth of all ages. RPL Headquarters (Salisbury)
Baby/Toddler Storytime: Thursdays at 10 am
Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays at 11 am
Bilingual Storytime (geared toward preschoolers, though all are welcome): Fridays at 10 am
Noodlehead Art (school age): Thursdays at 4 pm
Teen Programs (ages 11-17): Tuesdays at 4 pm
STEAM Saturdays (all ages): 11 am — 2 pm RPL East (Rockwell)
Baby/Toddler Storytime: Tuesdays at 10 am
Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays at 11 am
Noodlehead Art (school age): Tuesdays at 4 pm
Teen Programs (ages 11-17): Wednesdays at 4 pm
RPL South (China Grove)
Baby/Toddler Storytime: Wednesdays at 10 am
Preschool Storytime: Wednesdays at 11 am
Noodlehead Art (school age): Wednesdays at 4 pm
Teen Programs (ages 11-17): Mondays at 4 pm RPL West (Cleveland)
Baby/Toddler Storytime: Mondays at 10 am
Preschool Storytime: Mondays at 11 am
Noodlehead Art (school age): Mondays at 4 pm
Teen Programs (ages 11-17): Thursdays at 4 pm To learn more about standard youth programming, call Youth Services Supervisor Wendy Campbell at 704-216-8258. |
|
|
|
RPL Podcast Episode Releasing Soon
The name Otto Wood once struck fear into the hearts of Rowan County citizens and those throughout the Piedmont region. Wood was an infamous, free-wheeling criminal with the ability to escape from any prison and had a gift for self-promotion. His multi-year spree ended on Innes Street in December of 1930. Soon afterward, at least three songs about his exploits and demise were recorded and released on 78rpm records. But the very first ode to Wood was printed in the Greensboro News just one week after his death. Titled The Ballad of Otto Wood and written by someone with the initials O.J., the poem ends with a postscript asking for any banjo players to bestow musical life into the composition. Episode 5 of Come Gather 'Round Good People aims to take up O.J.’s challenge. Come Gather ‘Round Good People is a quarterly podcast dedicated to informing listeners about the stories behind featured folk songs with a local, regional, or state-wide connection. Each episode will conclude with a musical performance. Episode number five will be available on February 27 at 9 am. To learn more, call David Lamanno at 704-216-8229. To stream previous episodes, visit bit.ly/RPLSoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
RPL West to Host Recipe Swap
The "February Blues" are in full swing. The holidays are over, the new year has begun, but the chilly weather persists. If you find yourself feeling a little down during this time of the year, consider lifting your spirits with some cold weather comfort meals: fabulous slow cooker dishes that require minimal effort while offering optimum flavor! RPL West invites you to fight off the blues and warm up with your favorite slow cooker recipe. Join members of the West Rowan community on Saturday, February 18 at 1 pm and enjoy a recipe swap and taste-testing party. Registration is required; to be included in the recipe swap, a copy of the recipe must be submitted to RPL West Supervisor Lyndsey Maloney by Thursday, February 16. To learn more, call Lyndsey at 704-216-8290.
|
|
|
|
 At the February Pinterest Club, participants can learn how to turn old pages from worn-out books into bouquets of roses and decorative wreaths. |
|
|
|
Pinterest Club Returns to RPL East in February
RPL East invites adult customers to come get creative and crafty on Tuesday, February 7 at 6 pm! At this Pinterest Club program, participants will learn how to turn the pages of old, worn-out books into creative new works of art. Each participant will have the chance to craft a bouquet of book page roses and a book page wreath to take home.
Registration is required as space and supplies are limited. All supplies (plus some light refreshments) will be provided. To sign up or learn more, email RPL East Branch Supervisor Sydney Smith at Sydney.Smith@rowancountync.gov or call 704-216-7841. |
|
|
|
RPL West to Host Genealogy Program Focused on Researching for African American Families
RPL History Room Supervisor Gretchen Witt plans to lead a special introductory genealogy class at RPL West on Saturday, February 25 at 10 am. This class will focus on utilizing resources that are particularly useful when conducting genealogical research within African American families. The goal of the program is to introduce participants to a selection of online tools, library resources, and helpful tips to make researching African American family trees a little easier. Often, genealogical research can pose a variety of challenges—between incomplete records and other bits of missing details, trying to track down the right information can lead researchers to many dead ends. In African American families, this type of research can be especially challenging when researching records prior to 1865, as many formerly enslaved persons had different last names from their other family members because they had been separated. Also, Witt explains that not all African American people were enslaved prior to 1865 — some enclaves of free people existed, and records of their experiences also exist. To engage with the full scope of resources available to people wanting to research further into African American family history, this genealogy course will introduce participants to census records, cohabitation bonds, Freedman's Bank Records, and the library's subscription to African American Heritage, to name a few. This genealogy program is free and open to the public. Registration to attend is requested; to register for the class, visit bit.ly/WestGenealogy. To learn more, contact Gretchen Witt at Gretchen.Witt@rowancountync.gov or call 704-216-8232.
|
|
|
|
 In February, local preschool and Headstart teachers can learn about a variety of early literacy strategies and library resources from RPL's youth services staff. |
|
|
|
After Pandemic Hiatus, Teacher Workshop Returns
After a long hiatus during the pandemic, a traditional program is returning to RPL Headquarters on Saturday, February 25 at 9 am: a preschool teacher workshop focused on early literacy strategies and resources. This free workshop is designed for local preschool and Headstart teachers who work with young children and want to learn strategies for encouraging a love of books, learning, and reading within their classrooms.
The workshop also serves as a free opportunity to earn training hour credits for teachers who need them to maintain their various credentials and licensures. The workshop is expected to last all morning; light refreshments will be provided for attendees. Early childhood educators interested in attending can contact Children's Outreach Program Supervisor Kimber Huffman by calling 704-216-8269 or emailing Kimber.Huffman@rowancountync.gov.
|
|
|
|
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 RPL South Branch staff! |
|
|
|
Tammie Foster, Children's Services Associate
I recently finished reading John Grisham's The Reckoning. Grisham is easily one of my favorite authors; whenever I have time to read, I tend to gravitate toward his books. Luckily he has quite a few books released, so it seems like there are always good options when I'm in the mood to read one of his titles! The Reckoning details the story of Pete Banning. Banning was Clanton, Mississippi's "favorite son," a decorated World War II hero, a member of an important family in the area, a hardworking farmer, and a faithful churchgoer. However, this image mysteriously unravels when he wakes one October morning, drives to his church, and murders the pastor there in cold blood. During the trial, he gives no information about his motives and seems content to take his reasoning to the grave with him. The entire story was wild, twisty, and unpredictable from start to finish. If you like a thriller tale with a wild twist (and, of course) the legal fiction style Grisham is known for, then this is definitely a title you need to check out.
|
|
|
|
Cameron Manning, Library Associate
I am currently in the process of reading Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass. Although I am currently only about 100 pages into the story, it's safe to say I am hooked enough to finish reading the rest!
The story details a fantasy world where a person's soul travels alongside them in the form of a talking animal companion called a "daemon." In the tale, readers follow young Lyra Belacqua along with her daemon named Pan as they travel across the world to uncover the secrets of a magical and mysterious material known as "Dust."
So far, I am really enjoying the immense amount of world-building happening in this story. If you love an exciting tale that takes place entirely in a well-built, alternate-fantasy universe, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this book!
|
|
|
|
Paul Birkhead, Adult Services Librarian
I recently picked up a copy of Rossi Anastopoulo's Sweet Land of Liberty: a History of America in 11 Pies. This is a new nonfiction book that just hit the shelves at RPL. It combines American History and pies–two subjects I’ve been enamored with since I can remember. Anastopoulo did a fantastic job of researching and presenting the interwoven past of the United States and eleven types of pie. I enjoyed learning several new things about American history and how it ties back to popular types of pie. The author used a casual writing style to express her viewpoints to tie the information together. I would definitely recommend this book to historians, bakers, and anyone with a sweet tooth.
|
|
|
|
Mary Lynn Connor, Library Page
Although I have not read this title yet, I am already extremely excited for it—I placed a hold on Ina Garten's Go-To Dinners as soon as I saw a copy available at the library! If you've never tried any of Ina Garten's recipes before, I highly suggest grabbing a copy or two of her various cookbook options. RPL has a variety of them available for checkout. Typically, Garten's recipes are enticing and accessible, but Go-To Dinners is supposed to make delicious and easy cooking even easier for busy folks on the go. Inspired by the general insanity and unpredictability of pandemic living, Garten began devising a lot of easy and no-nonsense ways to prepare tasty and easy meals that would bring comfort, nutrition, and ease in a difficult time. If you're looking for delicious bites with minimal fuss, consider giving the recipes in this cookbook a try.
|
|
|
|
Anita Miller, Library Associate
I recently finished reading Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. I am a huge fan of Christie's style of mystery novel—compelling, intriguing, and shocking without the added blood and gore that is common in many thriller and mystery novels today. Also, I'm a big fan of period pieces and novels centered around English village living, so this book was right up my alley.
In this story, the peaceful village of King's Abbott is completely stunned when the wealthy and notable Roger Ackroyd loses his soon-to-be wife in an apparent suicide. Less than 24 hours after her death, Ackroyd is found murdered. This is when the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot arrives on the scene and begins investigating, which leads him to one of the most shocking conclusions to a case he's ever experienced in his entire career.
If you need an engrossing and exciting mystery, you can't go wrong with this Christie title — or any of her other titles, for that matter!
|
|
|
|
Laura Van Vorst, Library Associate
I recently finished reading Fumio Sasaki's Goodbye, Things: the New Japanese Minimalism. I picked up this book to help me along my own personal journey to get rid of excess "stuff" in my life and space.
This author tells his minimalism story about how he had a ton of clutter and was able to pare down to the essentials. He also shares his rules on how to do minimalism. Some people think of minimalism as going down to the "bare bones" with nothing inside the home, but I am going to go for "cozy minimalism," where everything has its own place and I keep the things I adore. I think having less items would make our lives simpler and give us more time to concentrate on what we enjoy most. If you're interested in adopting a more minimalist lifestyle, check out this book (and the many others the library has to offer on the subject).
|
|
|
|
Kristen Trahan, Library Associate
I recently finished reading The Fate of Fausto by Oliver Jeffers. In this children's title, readers are taken on an adventure in the fable of a man who attempts to claim ownership over everything he sees and encounters, such as mountains, animals, flowers, and more. However, once he tries to stake his claim to the entire ocean, he is met with a natural force much greater than his own.
This delightfully and beautifully illustrated tale holds a simple, profound, and valuable lesson for readers of all ages — not just children!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rowan Public Library recognizes the following donations to the Rowan Public Library Foundation:
A gift in memory of Martha Hays to the Melody Moxley Endowment
|
|
|
|
The Friends of Rowan Public Library recognize the following donations:
A gift in honor of his daughter Evelyn Marie's February birthday given by Bruce Beiderbeck
A gift by Pat Beck
A gift by Charles Buckley
A gift by Juanita Correll
A gift by Amanda Harwood
A gift by Cyndii Owen
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
