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December Specials at the Second Saturday Bookshop
Visit the Friends of Rowan Public Library's Second Saturday Bookshop on Saturday, December 9 for phenomenal deals on fiction, nonfiction, children's, and young adult titles. The Bookshop also offers some specialty items, gift baskets, DVDs, books on CD, and more.
During the December sale, shoppers can enjoy a 50% discount on all puzzles. Take advantage of this sale and find a fun gift for a puzzle lover in your life!
As of October 2023, the Second Saturday Bookshop adopted new hours of operation. The Bookshop now opens at 10 am and closes at 3 pm. To learn more about the Second Saturday Bookshop or the Friends of RPL, call 704-216-8240.
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Book Donations Needed Are you considering clearing out some space as you prepare to decorate for the holidays and host friends and family in your home? If so, consider bringing donations of gently used books to any RPL location or to the Second Saturday Bookshop! All donated items are used in the monthly book sales at the Bookshop as well as the perpetual book sale sections housed in each RPL facility. All book sale proceeds support Rowan Public Library. To learn more, call 704-216-8240.
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 R.O.C.K. Foundation founder and Executive Director Monica T. Davis (left) and RPL Director Melissa Oleen (right) smile for the camera after Davis' speech. |
Monica Davis Speaks at Welcome Reception for “We Built This” Exhibit Around 75 attendees visited Rowan Public Library Headquarters after hours on Thursday, November 30 to hear Monica T. Davis speak on the topics of architecture, restoration, and the cultural value of preserving Black-built homes. Davis, who is the founder and Executive Director of the Rebirthing Our Cultural Kingdom (R.O.C.K.) Foundation, headlined the welcome reception for North Carolina Preservation’s traveling exhibit We Built This: Profiles of Black Architects and Builders in North Carolina, which is currently on display at RPL Headquarters in Salisbury through January 27, 2024. Davis’ knowledge of preservation and historic, Black-built homes runs deep. Not only does she hold a Master of Fine Arts degree in Interior Architecture and a Post Baccalaureate certificate in Historical Preservation, but she also has over 10 years of architecture experience and is the owner and principal designer of Rinascita Designs, LLC. During her speech, Davis explained how devastating it was to see the historical, Black-built shotgun-style homes in her hometown of Wilson, NC falling into serious disrepair. "The City of Wilson has not really invested in this area, and a lot of these homes have been renter-occupied for over 30 years. When I was doing my thesis survey, only one house had been owner-occupied. That shows that African Americans in this area weren’t able to create generational wealth because they had been renting the same homes for 30-plus years,” Davis explained. With a lack of attention to this important historical hub of Wilson, the homes – and their historical significance – teetered on the edge of total loss. Davis wanted to do more than preserve these structures. She also wanted to preserve the deep cultural and historical value they held for Wilson’s Black community. By establishing the R.O.C.K. Foundation, Davis contributed much information and research to the We Built This exhibit. As she learned more about the deteriorating shotgun-style homes in Wilson, she dove deeper into the historical context in which they were built. Many Black tobacco field laborers lived in these homes, which were the chosen style of residence because of their slim designs. Davis explained that the shotgun-style house design originated in West Africa. Multiple shotgun-style homes could be squeezed into smaller plots of land, making them the most economical choice for workers’ housing. In turn, these neighborhoods became the setting for generations of Black families living in these homes, working on the local tobacco farms, and building a unique culture within their communities. Davis explained how the R.O.C.K. Foundation does more than repairing and restoring the homes: it also serves to educate the community on the rich culture from which many Black Wilson residents come. Davis realized that many Wilson citizens, many of whom had ancestors living in these homes and working in the tobacco fields, didn’t fully understand the significance of the dilapidated homes. Not only were the homes Black-built, but they also served as the backdrop for the history of multiple generations of Wilson’s Black citizens. However, the R.O.C.K. Foundation doesn’t stop with restoration and education. Davis takes her entire operation a major step further by making the restored shotgun-style homes available as affordable housing options for members of the Wilson community. "As you all know right now, inflation and the cost of living are skyrocketing, so an important part of my preservation work is creating affordable housing options from already-existing structures,” explained Davis. After Davis’ presentation, attendees had a chance to tour through the entire We Built This exhibit, meet and speak with Davis, and enjoy refreshments together. Exhibit-goers also had the opportunity to complete scavenger hunt activities where the answers were tucked away within the exhibit’s informational panels and posters. Scavenger hunt activities are available for library visitors to complete throughout the exhibit’s stay at RPL Headquarters. For those who missed the reception, there are multiple upcoming opportunities for you to enjoy programs and activities themed around We Built This. On Saturday, Dec. 9 at 12:30 pm, photographers of all skill levels are invited to join RPL staff at Livingstone College for a photowalk and take photos of historical buildings on campus, some of which are featured in the We Built This exhibit. To see a complete list of programming, visit bit.ly/WeBuiltThisRPL or call 980-432-8670 to connect with your most convenient RPL location. The exhibit will remain at RPL Headquarters through January 27, 2024 – interested visitors can view it during the branch’s regular business hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9 am to 9 pm; and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm. The exhibit will move to Livingstone College during the month of February 2024. We Built This is presented by Preservation North Carolina, sponsored by Joe L. & Hester M. Sims Family Foundation and Edward & Susan Norvell, and in collaboration with the Historic Salisbury Foundation, Rowan Public Library, Livingstone College, and Friends of Rowan Public Library.
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Adults Invited to Participate in Winter Reading Challenge
Winter is knocking on the door, and we are celebrating the return of cold temperatures with Winter Reading Bingo! Warm up with a good book and participate in a reading-themed BINGO Challenge. Register to participate using the READsquared app (available as a free download in all app stores or by visiting https://rowanpubliclibrary.readsquared.com/), or visit one of RPL’s four locations to pick up a paper copy of the BINGO card.
Get BINGO (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) and stop by the nearestRPL branch to claim your prize! Everyone who completes the challenge will also be entered into a raffle to win a gift card. The challenge runs from December 1 through 11:59 pm on January 31. To learn more, call 980-432-8670.
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Cards for a Cause 2023 to Wrap Up Soon
Now in its ninth year, this campaign returned for the 2023 holiday season and runs from Monday, Oct. 2, through Saturday, Dec. 16. Customers interested in completing cards at RPL or bringing their own cards have until Saturday, Dec. 16 to do so. “Cards for a Cause” collects holiday cards that are then delivered to active service members and veterans of the United States Armed Forces. All four RPL branches — RPL Headquarters (Salisbury), RPL East (Rockwell), RPL South (China Grove), and RPL West (Cleveland) — will offer stations featuring blank greeting cards and other card-decorating supplies so community members of all ages can create cards to send. Once participants have finished creating and decorating their cards, the completed cards can be submitted or returned to any RPL branch service desk or via curbside drop-off. They may also be returned via the branches’ outdoor book drop receptacles; it’s encouraged that the envelopes of cards submitted via book drop be secured or that multiple cards be bound together by rubber bands to help avoid damage from other items. Community participation in this annual holiday campaign is encouraged and celebrated. In the past, individuals, families, businesses, and organizations have participated. “Community organizations and schools have even created their own original cards to contribute,” said Kim Dinkins, “Cards for a Cause” coordinator. “Participation is a fun, easy way to give back during the holidays.” Dinkins encourages anyone with questions about how to participate to contact her at Kim.Dinkins@rowancountync.gov or 704-216-7842. The cards submitted make a real impact in the lives of active and veteran service members, and past cards have been delivered as far away as Afghanistan. “We’ve been told by the service members who deliver the cards that, especially for those away from home during the holidays, they really make a positive impact,” said Dinkins. All types of cards are welcome: store bought, handmade or hand drawn (from crayon sketches to professional artistry), self-printed, and all those in-between. The library’s in-house “Cards for a Cause” stations will feature a variety of cards, stickers, markers, and more for card-makers to use. “It’s such a good feeling seeing people create a card with the intention of brightening someone else’s day,” said Dinkins. “Sometimes, cards are submitted without envelopes, and I have witnessed some of the cutest, heartfelt messages included by all ages.” While participants are encouraged to write brief notes of appreciation or greeting and to sign their cards, they are asked to not give full names or addresses. In 2022, “Cards for a Cause” collected and distributed over 5,200 cards to active service members and veterans. The program began in 2015, collecting approximately 230 cards that first year. This year, Dinkins and other RPL staff are hoping to collect at least 5,500 cards to send out in the holiday mail. For more information about “Cards for a Cause” and other RPL programs and services, visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.
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Standard Youth Programs on Winter Hiatus Weekly storytimes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children, as well as teen programs, are currently on winter hiatus. These regularly scheduled programs will return to all RPL locations the week of February 6, 2024. RPL youth services staff look forward to seeing children and teens return in the new year! To learn more about storytimes and program opportunities for children of all ages, call 980-432-8670 to connect with your most convenient RPL location.
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BookPage Digital and TumbleBook Library Now Available Two wonderful new digital resources are available now via the Rowan Public Library website! TumbleBook Library, a massive collection of online eBooks, eAudiobooks, interactive storybooks, language learning tools, and more are available for young readers of all ages! Explore this huge selection of children's titles at the library or at home–simply use your library card number and PIN to login and get started! Need help accessing your library card number or resetting your PIN? Visit any RPL location in-person for assistance. Looking for your next favorite book? Check out BookPage Digital, an online copy of the popular BookPage magazine Rowan Public Library distributes each month. See new releases, book reviews, and read-alike suggestions, all from the comfort of home. To learn more about either of these new digital resources, visit your most convenient RPL location or call 980-432-8670.
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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 at RPL South in China Grove!
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Paulette Stiles, Adult Outreach Librarian
I am re-reading The Social Instinct: How Cooperation Shaped the World by Nichola Raihani, and I still find it fascinating. There is much research to suggest that cooperation counts as much as, if not more than, competition in helping different species survive. Raihani makes her case with a dazzling array of studies on the science and behavior of different species of animals, including mammals. Raihani provides insight into how species work in cooperative ways to help other members or their offspring survive. This opens a whole new way of understanding of what makes life work and offers tremendous food for thought about one of the most undervalued and underestimated behaviors in life – cooperation. While the book starts off with some science-heavy material, the case studies become so interesting and the clarity of the premise more startling that the book becomes hard to put down. By studying the behavior of honey bees, peacocks, pirates, and beyond, Raihani describes issues of cooperative breeding, reciprocity, and altruism. Her conclusions offer a compelling new way to view how species on Earth learn to survive and thrive. This book has helped me to see my own life with new eyes. I highly recommend this book for teens and adults of all ages.
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Lilli Casey, Reference Librarian
I recently finished reading Suzanne Collins' The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. This book is President Coriolanus Snow's (from the Hunger Games series) villain origin story. The book follows him in his days at the Academy, where he is assigned to be a mentor to District 12 Tribute, Lucy Gray Baird, in the 10th Annual Hunger Games. There is cheating, fighting, and a long series of events that leads to her success in the games. Coriolanus ends up becoming a Peacekeeper (you have to read to find out why!) in District 12 where things start off tough for him, but as his family always says, "Snow always lands on top." Coriolanus Snow's turning point to becoming the evil President Snow happens at the end of the book when he feels betrayed by someone he loved...but who is actually doing the betraying? Again, you have to read it to find out!
This was a great prequel to the Hunger Games series. If you ever wondered why President Snow loves white roses and hates Katniss Everdeen, you'll find the answers you're craving in this book. As a bonus, the movie adaptation was just released, so I highly recommend reading the book before going to see the movie. I was recently able to see the movie, and I thought it was quite good, but as we all know...the book is always better! Even if you saw the movie before reading the book, I suggest grabbing a copy. Some details between the book and movie were very different, and you miss a lot of Snow's internal dialogue in the movie. I thought the book's use of internal dialogue changed my perspective on his character and made it a worthwhile read!
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Bethany Geiger, Substitute Librarian
I recently finished Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs by Jamie Loftus (I listened to the audiobook, which is read by the author). In this nonfiction book, Loftus documents a road trip across the United States during which shes tries and rates hot dogs at popular local joints, including stops in Charlotte and Winston-Salem. She documents the history of the hot dog as well as its role in society. Despite having very little interest in hot dogs, I thoroughly enjoyed the comedic voice and fascinating social commentary in this book. Alongside vivid descriptions of the unique flavors, trends, and cultures around hot dogs that she encountered on her trip, Loftus provides historical context and analysis of social issues like labor conditions, racism, and public health.
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Amanda Brill, Young Adult Librarian I recently finished Niki Smith's graphic novel The Golden Hour. Struggling with anxiety after witnessing a harrowing instance of gun violence, main character Manuel Soto copes through photography, using his cell-phone camera to find anchors that keep him grounded. His days are a lonely, latchkey monotony until he's teamed with his classmates, Sebastian and Caysha, for a group project. I loved this graphic novel because it doesn’t shy away from Manuel’s anxiety and PTSD about the incident. He slowly learns to trust other people and school in general throughout the story. The artwork is beautifully done and the play on light and perspective in the vast Kansan countryside is brought to life as Manuel gets more confident in his photography skills. Also, there are baby cows in the story (but that's just a fun bonus!).
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Ruth Huynh, Library Associate I am currently listening to the audiobook of Eoin Colfer's Artemis Fowl. This is the first book in the The Fowl Adventures fantasy novel series. The book is about a 12-year-old young boy genius named Artemis Fowl II, his bodyguard named Butler, and Butler’s younger sister named Juliet. Artemis kidnaps Holly Short, an elfin captain of the Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance force (known as the LEPrecon), holding her for a ransom of one ton of gold to restore his family's fortune. But, of course, things don’t go entirely as planned, leading to a story chocked-full of adventure. I would highly recommend this audiobook to others because it is a fun storyline. The plot is so wonderfully written that you will surely find it difficult to wait for the next disc to begin. Plus, listening to this exciting tale via audiobook is an excellent way to destress on your drive home.
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Sarah Baldwin, Library Associate I recently finished reading The Layover by Lacie Waldon. After ten years as a flight attendant, protagonist Ava Greene is ready to settle into a stationary life with her fiancé. She's got one trip left until the next chapter of her life begins, but an ill-fated layover with her least favorite coworker, Jack, challenges everything she thought she wanted out of life. The Layover is a lovable, relatable, and quirky rom-com. Ava was raised by parents who lived like leaves, blown around by the wind, and they dragged her along with them. She grew into an adult who wanted nothing more than to belong to a place and belong to people. When she has finally found that, she begins to question if it is actually everything she truly wanted. The experience of changing desires and seeking fulfillment is something I think many of us can relate with, making this book a fun and engaging read.
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Lyndsey Maloney, Adult Services Supervisor I recently finished two books in the same series – The Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros. These are the first two books in the Empyrean series that are definitely worth the read. Protagonist Violet Sorrengail was supposed to live a quiet life as a scribe, until the Commanding General, otherwise known as “Mom,” orders her to join the rider’s quadrant – the dangerous, brutal, dragon-riding quadrant which defends the front lines of Navarre. If that weren’t enough, being the general’s daughter also brought out many folks who want to kill her just for being her mother’s daughter. While she is struggling through the War College, Violet must figure out who she can trust, determine if leadership is keeping a big secret from everyone, and find the will to survive, because once you enter the War College, you either graduate or die. I would recommend these new adult fiction books to anyone who loves a good story. There is a little bit of everything from action and combat to romance, and both are fast-paced stories that you won’t be able to put down once you start. I won’t spoil it for you, but at the end of each book there is an "OMG" ending that will leave you wanting the next book!
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The Rowan Public Library Foundation recognizes the following donations: A gift to the Jeff A. Hall Endowment by John A. Hall A gift to the John A. & Nina E. Hall Endowment by John A. Hall
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Rowan Public Library recognizes the following donations: A gift in memory of Thomas & Winifred Gourley by Melodie Fleming A gift in memory of Gerald Bradley Wood by David Bingham A gift by Stephen C. Lamb
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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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