Purple bookshop flyer advertising the April closure and May sale date

Bookshop Closed in April, Will Reopen in May

While the Second Saturday Bookshop will be closed in April due to the Easter weekend holiday, it will reopen on Saturday, May 13 for its usual 10 am — 4 pm monthly sale time. During the May sale, a variety of Mother's Day-themed literary gift baskets will be available for sale, all priced at $10 or less. Stop in and purchase a gift basket for the special mothers and mother figures in your life!

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.

Green save the date flyer for the Friends Annual Meeting 2023 featuring a picture of author Dorris Dee Dee Wright

Friends of RPL 2023 Annual Meeting Coming Soon

The Friends of Rowan Public Library's 2023 Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 4, at 6 pm in Stanback Auditorium at RPL Headquarters.

At the meeting, participants will hear author Dorris "DeeDee" Wright speak and discuss her book, The (W)Right Thing. A book signing and reception will follow. Copies of Wright's book will be available to purchase on-site.

To join the Friends of RPL or renew an existing membership online, visit www.friendsofrpl.org. Memberships can also be renewed or purchased at any RPL location. To learn more about the Friends of RPL, call 704-216-8240.

Sign advertising RPL's Easter weekend closure

A holiday-themed gift basket wrapped in cellophane and marked for sale at RPL East

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

Each year, generous donors offer contributions to help support RPL’s Summer Reading Program. Summer Reading involves fun, engaging, and educational activities, such as take away kits, storytimes, professional performers, and more for customers of all ages. Because of the support from the library’s Summer Reading sponsors, RPL is able to bring the joy of literacy into the Rowan community all summer long.

The Friends of Rowan Public Library are excited to recognize some of the sponsors already supporting the library’s 2023 Summer Reading Program:

Phyllis Bodnar Tonseth

Randy Lassiter

F&M Bank

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.

A blue background with images of hands raising and the text "volunteering at rowan public library"

Become an RPL Volunteer

National Volunteer Week 2023 is April 16 through 22. Celebrate by becoming a volunteer at Rowan Public Library! Visit RPL Headquarters on Monday, April 17, at 10 am for a short presentation on how to become a library volunteer.

History Room Supervisor Gretchen Witt will be present to discuss volunteering opportunities available with the Salisbury Post Morgue Preservation Project, and Friends of RPL President Jennifer Hubbard will share information about becoming a Friend of RPL and the Friends' various volunteering opportunities. Light refreshments will be available, as well as assistance navigating the online application.

This informational program is free and open to the public. No registration is required to attend. To learn more, call Sydney at 704-216-7841.

Photo of library staff looking at the sky through binoculars

Annual Statewide Star Party Returning to RPL South

RPL South (China Grove) invites people of all ages to an evening of "Celebrating the Night Sky." This free night sky watching event runs from 7 — 10 pm on Friday, April 21, and includes fun family-friendly activities such as outside storytelling, hands-on STEAM activities, yoga under the stars, face painting, and more. Members of local astronomy groups will be present to guide the night sky viewing.

In case of inclement weather, the event will move indoors. For more information, contact Brooke Taylor at 704-216-7732.

The NC Science Festival's annual Statewide Star Party is a part of the 2023 NC Science Festival presented by Biogen Foundation and produced by Morehead Planetarium & Science Center. Learn more here: ncsciencefestival.org.

Blue graphic featuring a picture of Kelvin the NC SciFest mascot sitting on top of a cornhole board

Night Sky Theater Returning to RPL West

RPL West (Cleveland) is excited to announce that the Night Sky Theater program is set to return Friday, April 28, from 7 – 10 pm. Like last year, the event will feature activity stations, guided night sky viewing sessions, raffles, yard games, and more. This year’s NC Science Festival theme is “Full STEAM Ahead;” the program will be packed with fun, educational STEAM-based activities for library customers of all ages to enjoy. In the event of inclement weather, this event will be moved indoors.

Registration is not required to attend this free family-friendly event. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by a responsible caretaker (ages 16+). To learn more, call RPL West Supervisor Lyndsey Maloney at 704-216-8290.

The Night Sky Theater program is a part of the 2023 NC Science Festival presented by Biogen Foundation and produced by Morehead Planetarium & Science Center. Learn more here: ncsciencefestival.org.

Colorful NC Science Festival graphic featuring a train with the words "full steam ahead"

The 2023 theme of the North Carolina Science Festival, a month-long celebration held in April to highlight the significance of space and all things science, is "Full STEAM Ahead."

More Fun Space and Science Programs in April

Although the annual Statewide Star Party and the Night Sky Theater programs are two of the biggest events RPL hosts as a part of the NC Science Festival, there are many other space and science programs happening around the library system all month long.

Programs for Children & Teens

Scavenger Hunt: Celebrate the Night Sky

RPL HQ, East, South & West, April 1 – 30

Search the RPL children’s rooms for hidden night sky objects!

Starry Art Storytime

RPL East, April 3 at 6 pm

School age children are invited to hear a space-themed storytime. Afterward, they can participate in a painting class where they will learn how to create their own galaxies. Light refreshments will be served. Younger children may attend and participate in the painting class with an adult’s assistance. To learn more, call 704-216-7842.

Starry Night Storytime

RPL Headquarters, April 4 at 6 pm

Children are invited to a Starry Night Storytime where they will hear stories and then create their own Van Gogh-inspired Starry Night art. The storytime and activity are designed for children ages 4-8, though all are welcome to attend. To learn more, call 704-216-8234.

Teens: Bristle Bot Races

RPL South, April 10 at 4 pm

RPL Headquarters, April 11 at 4 pm

RPL East, April 12 at 4 pm

RPL West, April 13 at 4 pm

Teens ages 11-17 (or grades 6th-12th) are invited to create battery-powered toothbrush robots to race against their friends! To learn more, call Amanda at 704-216-8268.

Night Sky Painting

RPL South, April 11 at 2 pm

School age children are invited to create space-inspired pour paintings. Space is limited; participants must pre-register for this program by April 7 to secure a spot. To learn more or register, call Tammie at 704-216-7728.

Teens: Marble Run Mania

RPL South, April 17 at 4 pm

RPL Headquarters, April 18 at 4 pm

RPL East, April 19 at 4 pm

RPL West, April 20 at 4 pm

Teens ages 11-17 (or grades 6th-12th) are invited to create elaborate tracks out of recycled materials to race marbles! To learn more, call Amanda at 704-216-8268.

Let’s Go Fly a Kite Storytime

RPL West, April 19 at 5 pm

Children are invited to hear a kite-themed storytime and then create kites of their own! To learn more about this program, call 704-216-8290.

Programs for Adults

Community Plant Swap

RPL East, April 1 at 10 am

Teens and adults are invited to register for a plant swap! Trade healthy and pest-free plants, cuttings, seeds, and propagations with neighbors. Besides the swap, a seed bomb bookmark-making activity, seed saving info sessions, and reading recommendations will also be available. To register for the swap, visit bit.ly/EastPlants. To learn more, call Sydney at 704-216-7841.

Crafters’ Community: Mini Mug Gardens

RPL South, April 14 at 2 pm

Adults are invited to create their own mini gardens inside mugs! During the second half of the program, participants can continue building a mug garden or work on a craft/art project they brought from home. To learn more or get registered, call Stephanie at 704-216-7729 or visit bit.ly/RPL-craftersB.

RPL Podcast: Come Gather ‘Round Good People, episode 6

Available to Stream on April 17 at 9 am

Enjoy a Star Party-themed release of RPL’s folk music podcast, Come Gather ‘Round Good People. Stream this episode and all previous episodes at bit.ly/RPLSoundCloud. To learn more, call David at 704-216-8229.

Book Bites Book Club: Lessons in Chemistry

RPL Headquarters, April 25 at 6 pm

Join a book club for adults! April’s selection is Bonnie Garmus’ Lessons in Chemistry. To learn more or procure a copy of the book, call Paulette at 704-216-7731.

A photo of the glass display case at RPL Headquarters filled with tiny art canvases

Rows of tiny canvases painted by teen library customers graced the RPL Headquarters glass display cabinet in March.

Teens Create a Tiny Art Display at Headquarters

Teens ages 11—17 were able to paint 3"x3" canvases to create a Tiny Art Show at RPL Headquarters during the month of March. Young Adult Librarian Amanda Brill hosted this program as an opportunity to give teens an interesting way to be creative, but with a twist—their artistic creations had to fit on the ultra-small canvas tiles!

In April, teens can be on the lookout for some fun science-themed activities coming to RPL locations as a part of the NC Science Festival! Teens will be able to engineer their own marble run out of recycled materials as well as create Bristle Bots out of toothbrushes, batteries, and tiny motors.

To learn more about weekly teen programs, call Amanda Brill at 704-216-8268.

AAPI Access Survey image featuring text bubbles and a laptop

AAPI Survey Available

The Organization of Chinese Americans - Asian Pacific American Advocates is currently hosting a survey seeking input from Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) people concerning digital access among this subgroup of American citizens.

All people who identify as AAPI are encouraged to take the online survey, which only takes three to five minutes to complete. Participants who take the survey will be entered for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

To learn more about the OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates or take the digital access survey, visit bit.ly/aapiDAS.

RPL staff pose with a giant inflatable rainbow decoration in the children's room

RPL Youth Services Supervisor Wendy Campbell (left), RPL Maintenance Technician Dennis Yokley (center), and Children's Outreach Associate Vicki Rufty (right) pose with a giant inflatable rainbow.

RPL Headquarters’ St. Patrick's Day Program a Success

If you happened to stop by and visit RPL Headquarters’ Children’s Room on Friday, March 17, you may have caught a glimpse of a leprechaun! Even if you didn’t manage to catch sight of one, you most likely saw the great fun children had celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

RPL Headquarters children’s staff arranged the room with a variety of fun decorations, including a giant inflatable rainbow, a pot of gold, and more. While the sneaky leprechaun visitors did move around the furniture and create a bit of a mess, they were kind enough to leave out lots of fun holiday-themed games for children to enjoy as they browsed for books.

For even more fun, stop by the RPL Headquarters Children’s Room for baby-toddler storytimes at 10 am on Thursdays, preschool storytimes at 11 am on Tuesdays, art classes for school age children at 4 pm on Thursdays, and bilingual storytimes at 10 am on Fridays. To learn more, call the RPL Headquarters’ children’s desk at 704-216-8234.

A flyer for the free April virtual author talks

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 RPL Technical Services Department!

Cover image of The Turncoat's Widow featuring a woman in a revolutionary war-era dress

Rebecca Hines, Technical Services Supervisor

I recently finished reading The Turncoat's Widow: A Revolutionary War Mystery by Mally Becker.

Recently widowed, Rebecca Parcell is too busy struggling to maintain her farm in Morristown to give a fig who wins the War for Independence. However, rumors are spreading in the winter of 1780 that she’s a Loyalist sympathizer who betrayed her husband to the British—the village gossips whisper how that is "quite a tidy way to end her disastrous marriage," adding fuel to the gossip fire.

Everyone knows that Rebecca's husband was a Patriot hero who died aboard a British prison ship moored in New York Harbor....but “everyone” is wrong. Her husband was a British spy, and General Washington—who spent that winter in Morristown—can prove it. He swears he will safeguard Rebecca’s farm if she unravels her husband’s secrets. With a mob ready to exile her (or worse), it’s an offer she can’t refuse.

This book is a great cross between cozy mystery and historical thriller. The Turncoat's Widow is a good, quick read with a twist ending. With cameos from George and Martha Washington and a recipe for an early American cocktail, what's not to love?

Cover image of the books A Murder for the Books showing a picture of a library

Beverly Griffith, Cataloging Assistant

I’ve been enjoying Victoria Gilbert's Blue Ridge Library mysteries. The quirky, enigmatic small-town residents keep the story appealing, and of course a little bit of romance thrown in doesn’t hurt.

In the first book of the series, A Murder for the Books, Amy Webber has left her job at a university library to manage a small library in picturesque Taylorsford, Virginia. Among the interesting characters she meets in her new life is Richard Muir, the handsome and talented new neighbor who inherited the house next door. Rumor has it that Richard’s famous uncle was poisoned by his wife, who vanished after the murder trial. Amy is a whiz at research, and she agrees to investigate even when the list of suspects may include members of her own family.

I love a good series and interesting, sometimes eccentric characters populate this imaginary town. They provide the reader glimpses into Ms. Gilbert’s future novels, which include:

Shelved Under Murder

Past Due for Murder

A Deadly Edition

Bound for Murder

Renewed for Murder

If you are looking for a good, fun mystery series with plenty of titles to enjoy, you can't go wrong with this one!

Cover image of Razor Blade Tears featuring people walking down a dirt road

Beverly Gaston, Cataloging Technician

A book I recently finished is Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby.

The story revolves around two fathers, Ike and Buddy Lee, as they investigate the deaths of their respective sons. Both of their families are embroiled in past criminal histories, drama, and more—regardless of their major differences, both men are determined to meet the same goal: find justice for their boys.

This drama follows some surprising twists as two unlikely partners join forces to determine exactly who murdered their sons and why. Throughout the book, both men learn the importance of acting intentionally and taking time to really listen to each other as they solve these mysteries. If you are looking for a mystery with a lot of heart and great characters, I highly recommend checking out this title!

Rowan Public Library recognizes the following donations to the Rowan Public Library Foundation:

Gifts in memory of Frances McGarity to the Frances McGarity Endowment by Carole Brooke and Susan & David King

A gift in honor of Susan Waller on her birthday to the Susan Rouzer Waller Endowment by Allan Rouzer

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