Remembering Philip K. Barton

With great sadness, Friends of RPL learned about the unexpected passing of Phillip K. Barton, retired RPL Library Director (1977 to 2007) and RPL Foundation Executive Director (2007 – 2025).  

Those who worked with Mr. Barton were very fortunate to have been under his leadership. Library staff often mention how he would make a point to stop and talk to them on his way to his office. It didn’t matter their position; he knew their name and something personal about them. Marian Lytle, former Children’s Services Librarian and Library Service Manager at RPL, was quoted at Mr. Barton’s retirement party: “He was like a shepherd with a big hook, drawing people in, and like a knight in shining armor riding to the rescue.” 

Mr. Barton was a powerful force of nature to improve NC Public Libraries. He was a past president of the NC Public Library Directors Association as well as the North Carolina Library Association, and a lifelong advocate of improving the lives of adults and children through library services. He leaves a rich legacy of public service, innovation, and advocacy. 

Celebration of life service details are pending. Those wishing to honor his legacy should consider contributing to the Phillip K. Barton Endowment previously established by Mr. Barton through the RPL Foundation (201 W Fisher ST, Salisbury, NC 28144).

Now Streaming: Come Gather 'Round Good People, Episode 14

Tune in for the latest episode of RPL's folk music podcast, Come Gather 'Round Good People. In this episode, host and librarian David Lamanno talks with local singer-songwriter Daniel Arthur Gurley. They explore one of North Carolina’s most famous folk songs, "Tom Dooley," which tells the story of a murder in Wilkes County in 1866. The trial happened nearby in Statesville, and people still debate the details of this dramatic case today. Gurley ends the episode with his own version of “Tom Dooley.” 

Come Gather ‘Round Good People is a podcast dedicated to informing listeners about the stories behind featured folk songs with a local, regional, or state-wide connection. You can listen on the RPL Soundcloud channel at bit.ly/RPLSoundCloud. If you have questions, contact David at 704-216-8229.

Cards for a Cause 2025 Continues Through Dec. 13

For many, December is the time for giving gifts and celebrating with friends and family. Did you know it’s also the time for Rowan Public Library’s annual “Cards for a Cause” program? Now in its tenth year, this campaign has returned for the 2025 holiday season and runs through Saturday, December 13. 

Throughout RPL’s “Cards for a Cause” campaign, holiday cards are collected and 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) — offer stations featuring blank greeting cards and other card-decorating supplies so customers can create cards to send to active service members and veterans. 

Once customers have finished creating and decorating their cards, the completed cards can be submitted at or returned to any RPL branch service desk, book drop, or by using curbside drop-off. It’s encouraged that any cards submitted by book drop be secured with a rubber band or placed inside a grocery bag or something similar for safe delivery. 

There are different submission deadlines during the campaign to accommodate different deliveries. Nov. 5 was the deadline for Veterans Day cards, Nov. 15 was the deadline for delivery to active service members serving internationally, and Dec. 5 was the deadline for delivery to active service members serving Stateside. All cards submitted after Dec. 5 will be delivered to the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). 

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 on 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. “One of the most heartwarming responses was from someone who had returned from serving in Kuwait. This soldier said they kept their card in their pocket during their tour to remind them someone cared,” Dinkins recalled from a previous Cards for a Cause season.   

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, markers, and other decorating supplies. 

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 2024, “Cards for a Cause” collected and distributed over 7,700 cards to active service members and veterans. The program began in 2015, collecting approximately 300 cards that first year. This year, Dinkins and other RPL staff are hoping to collect at least 8,000 cards to send out in the holiday mail.  

“I appreciate being a team member at RPL making Cards for a Cause possible for veterans and enlisted service members. Plus, it means a great deal to those who write and to those who receive the cards. It’s such a worthwhile cause,” said Dinkins. 

For more information about “Cards for a Cause” and other RPL programs and services, visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org. 

Now Seeking Library Volunteers

Do you enjoy learning new things? Meeting new people? Supporting your public library? Contributing to the community? Increasing your own sense of well-being and personal happiness?

If your answer to any of those questions is “yes,” then volunteering may be for you! Research shows that volunteering improves physical and mental health, provides a sense of purpose, teaches new valuable skills, and cultivates new and existing relationships. It’s a great way to build skills for entry (or re-entry) into the workforce, learn about a new-to-you field, meet people who can become professional references, or simply get out of the house and learn more about the community.

Rowan Public Library welcomes volunteers of all skill levels and believes in cultivating an environment of growth and learning. Volunteer support is welcome at its branches in Salisbury, Rockwell, China Grove, and Cleveland.

The amount of time spent volunteering is up to the individual – it’s possible to make a difference in as little as half an hour! Some may want to work four hours every week and others four hours a month – depending on the volunteer assignment that you accept, the schedule can be negotiated with your supervisor.

The first step to joining Rowan Public Library as a volunteer is to complete the short, mandatory Rowan County Volunteer Application, found here: bit.ly/RPLVolunteer. You will be asked to create a Rowan County account if you don’t already have one. Make a note of the password used for this account so that you can easily access it in the future.

The online volunteer application consists of three screens. On the third/final screen, you will see links to the Rowan County Technology Use Policy Form, Rowan County Authorization for Background Check Form, and for those 17 and under, Parent/Guardian Consent to Volunteer Form. Download these forms.

After you submit the online application, email RPL’s Volunteer Coordinator Sydney Hamrick at Sydney.Hamrick@rowancountync.gov. Send her the completed additional forms that are applicable to you. Also let her know which volunteer opportunities interest you and/or at which branch you are most interested in serving.

For assistance with any part of the volunteer application process, including the online form or if you need hard copies of the forms, stop by any RPL branch or call Sydney at 704-216-7841.

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

Library Support Squad
Volunteers are needed to assist with minor tasks, light housekeeping, and special projects/events. Regular squad needs include shelving, dusting, and vacuuming. Shifts involve standing for extended periods; pushing, pulling, and lifting 30-pound boxes; pushing and pulling carts of materials; and stooping and bending to pick up materials.

Volunteers may request specific days and times and determine the  frequency of their shifts. Most shifts run 2 hours between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old.

Ongoing opportunities are available at all four branches: RPL Headquarters (Salisbury), RPL East (Rockwell), RPL South (China Grove), and RPL West (Cleveland)

Friends of RPL Second Saturday Bookshop Helpers
Volunteers are needed to receive and sort boxes of donations, load carts, and shelve books in the store. Shifts involve standing for extended periods; pushing, pulling, and lifting 30-pound boxes; pushing and pulling carts of materials; and stooping and bending to pick up materials. Broad knowledge of genre (fiction, non-fiction, juvenile, etc.) is preferred.

Volunteers are needed on the second Saturday of each month year-round and on select preparation days. Shifts are set according to Bookshop need. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.

The Bookshop is located in the Rowan Community Center (former West End Plaza) at 1935 Jake Alexander Blvd W, Salisbury, NC 28147.

Salisbury Post Morgue Preservation Project Scanners
Volunteers are needed to digitize materials from the Salisbury Post archive, which includes historic photographs, documents, and other scan-able archival objects. Shifts involve alphabetizing; typing with accuracy; operating computers and computer software; using flatbed scanners and other equipment to produce accurate, high-quality digital files; and identifying and organizing digital files. Knowledge of or interest in Rowan County/local history and the ability to follow precise directions and remain attentive while performing repetitive tasks are preferred.

Volunteers may request specific days and times and determine frequency of their shifts. Most shifts run 2 hours between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.

Ongoing opportunities are available at the Edith M. Clark History Room, located in RPL Headquarters (Salisbury), and RPL South (China Grove).

Groundskeeping Aides
Volunteers are needed to walk the grounds picking up trash (cups, cigarette butts, wrappers, etc.) and moving fallen branches and twigs to the curb. Safety vest and gloves must be worn while volunteering. Vest, gloves, 5-gallon bucket, trash bags and trash grabber will be provided by the library.

Volunteers may request specific days and times and determine the  frequency of their shifts. Shifts run 30 to 60 minutes between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old.

Ongoing opportunities are available at all four branches: RPL Headquarters (Salisbury), RPL East (Rockwell), RPL South (China Grove), and RPL West (Cleveland).

Bookpalooza Helpers
Volunteers are needed to assist with set up and break down of RPL’s bi-annual book sale at the Rowan Community Center! This event will be held in spring 2026, exact dates TBD. Shifts involve standing for extended periods; pushing, pulling, and lifting 30-pound boxes; pushing and pulling carts of materials; and stooping and bending to pick up materials. Enthusiasm is a must! This will be a great community service project for classes, gyms, sports teams and athletic groups and more!

Contact Laurie Lyda at Laurie.Lyda@rowancountync.gov or 704-216-8245 to join the Bookpalooza Helper mailing list and learn more specifics as they are released.

Sara McCraw, Library Service Associate

I recently enjoyed The Sky Over Rebecca by Matthew Fox. This story takes place in alternating timelines: present-day Stockholm and World War II era Germany. In the tale, ten-year-old Kara discovers that her two new friends, Rebecca and Samuel, are trapped in a time loop, and they must get to the British plane that lands near their hideout in order to make it out alive. With unexpected help, Kara travels into the time split to help save her friends.

I recommend this book to middle grade readers and adults alike. It is truly a touching story of how two girls in different times unite in friendship to help each other survive. I thought it was well written and would recommend it to those who are interested in WWII historical fiction.