RPL Bids Farewell to Summer Reading 2023

After another successful summer of reading and enjoying time "All Together Now," it is time for Summer Reading 2023 to come to a close. After two months of great programs, books, and fun for all ages, Rowan Public Library thanks all the wonderful customers who contributed to another fantastic summer packed full of literacy and fun.

Rowan Public Library is excited to announce some special prize winners. Over the course of Summer Reading, each age group was invited to read, log their hours, and enter various contests and raffles for prizes. Congratulations to all prize winners! To say farewell to Summer Reading and see the final list of prize winners for the children's, teen, and adult Summer Reading programs, check out RPL's YouTube channel at Noon on Friday, August 4 to see the finale video.

RPL also extends a big thank you to the Friends of Rowan Public Library for their hard work and dedication in support of making Summer Reading happen. If you attended a Big Show performance program, won a prize, received sign-up swag, or listened to a storytime at RPL this summer, make sure to thank a Friend! 

The Friends of RPL work hard to support the library system by volunteering, operating the Second Saturday Bookshop, coordinating book sales, and beyond. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Friends of RPL, you can join online at www.friendsofrpl.org, visit any RPL location to register, or call 704-216-8240 for more information.

Addison Bevis, Circulation Associate

A book I recently finished and enjoyed is called A Sinister Revenge by Deanna Raybourn. It's the eighth book in her ongoing Veronica Speedwell historical fiction/mystery series. The series follows Veronica (a lepidopterist) and her partner, Stoker (a natural historian), as they solve crimes and murders while equally befriending and befuddling the world around them. A Sinister Revenge involves the couple helping Stoker's older brother with two intertwining crimes: 1) solving the murder of an old friend that was originally ruled as an accidental death, and 2) trying to keep the brother and houseguests from being assassinated by the same assailant. 

I can't recommend this series enough because of Deanna Raybourn's writing style and Veronica and Stoker's relationship. 

Raybourn doesn't shy away from historical fact, but she also shows to what levels humanity can both soar and plunge. Her stories often detail how far people—both men and women—are willing to go to get what they want, whether it shuns or showcases them in society's eyes. 

Her characters are funny and charming, bitter and vengeful, sorrowful and tight-laced; there is passion and energy in every character, and they're all very human. This is especially true for her two leads, Veronica and Stoker. They're naturally very smart, but also extremely obtuse. They argue, bicker, and banter affectionately, they're stubborn, they're equally awkward and empathetic of everyone they encounter. 

As the reader, I find them very easy to root for—both as a couple, and as two naturalist scientists who just happen to solve murders together on an increasingly regular basis. 

If anyone wants to read a fun historical mystery with a lot of character and heart, this series—and its latest installment—is perfect.

Kim Dinkins, Children's Services Associate

I recently finished reading Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven. This book takes readers on an extraordinary journey that shows how all lives impact others, including strangers. The author’s interpretation of heaven was not how I perceived it, but the story itself was quite moving from start to finish.  

Protagonist Eddie works at an amusement park, leads a very monotonous existence, and is celebrating his 83rd birthday. His life abruptly comes to an end and that’s when his passage begins. 

On the road to his destination, he meets five people who each provide Eddie with meaning and answers to his unanswered questions. Not all of what he learns makes sense but proves vital for his journey. 

Mitch Albom is a fascinating author. Although the afterlife cannot be thoroughly explained in a fictional book, the ending of the story was poignant, meaningful, and reflective of the idea that all people have purpose. 

Rowan Public Library recognizes the following donations:

A gift in memory of James Bevels by Sandra Bevels

A gift in honor of Reginald Brown in recognition of service as a member to the Rowan Public Library Board of Trustees 2017-2023