Remembering Phillip 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 Services Manager at RPL, was quoted at Mr. Barton’s retirement party as saying “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 who worked tirelessly 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 Brings in another Record Number of Greeting Cards

The “Cards for a Cause” campaign has become a holiday season tradition at Rowan Public Library. Since the program began in 2015, the number of cards delivered to service members and veterans of the United States Armed Forces has steadily increased, and this year, 9,624 cards were sent, which is about 1,800 more than last year’s total. 

The community had a few different options for participating in “Cards for a Cause.” Anyone could visit an RPL branch and create cards using the libraries’ tables of blank cards and decorating materials. Some folks preferred to create, print, or purchase cards of their own to use. 

As always, the campaign began in October and ran through early December, and patrons could designate their cards’ destinations: to current service members in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard, or to veterans at the W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center. This year, cards were also delivered to Rowan County Veterans Services and Cabarrus County Veterans Services offices. 

There are different submission deadlines during the campaign to accommodate international and Stateside deliveries, and in the past, some cards have traveled as far as Afghanistan. Throughout the campaign, RPL staff routinely sort the cards and arrange delivery to the respective recruiting offices; the offices then forward the cards to service members. RPL staff deliver cards designated for veterans to the VAMC in Salisbury.  

"Every year, the kindness from people who participate in this program really touches me,” said library associate and Cards for a Cause program coordinator Kim Dinkins. “It’s always moving to read the cards and hear from people who want to send well wishes.” Dinkins has coordinated the program for three years now.

In its first year, “Cards for a Cause” collected around 300 cards for active service members of the United States Armed Forces. In 2016, more than 800 were collected, and cards were also submitted specifically for veterans, so in 2017, the campaign expanded to include the VAMC and collected over 1,300 cards. In 2018, that total grew by 100, and then in 2019, the National Guard was added, and 2,165 cards were sent. Since then, the program has seen a steady increase in the number of cards made for veterans and service members each year. 

Initially, the goal for the number of signed cards collected in 2025 was 8,000 – just a little higher than the number of cards collected in 2024, which was 7,779. “Every year, the community really shows up and participates in this program. Between everyday library customers and local community groups, the participation has increased steadily over the years,” said RPL East Branch Supervisor Sydney Smith Hamrick. 

“Cards for a Cause” is a program that thrives because of community engagement, and Hamrick gives a lot of credit to Dinkins for making lots of community connections as the current program coordinator. Both Hamrick and Dinkins extend big thanks to Tammie Foster, the previous Coordinator, for volunteering her time and valuable advice to help make the program once again a success. 

This year’s community organization participants included the J. Fred Corriher, Jr. YMCA, J. F. Hurley Family YMCA, Communities in Schools, Graystone Day School, Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, and Faith Academy Charter School, just to name a few. 

The 2026 campaign will officially begin in October. For more information about how you can participate or support this annual program, contact Kim Dinkins at Kim.Dinkins@rowancountync.gov. 

Heartstrings Book Club Returning in February

Calling All romance readers! Heartstrings Book Club will return for the spring season on Tuesday, February 3 from 6 to 7 p.m. at RPL South in China Grove. Bring your latest romantic read or one you just can't wait to share with other readers! 

Heartstrings is an opportunity for romance readers to get together to talk about favorite tropes, swoon-worthy heroes, and love in all forms. Not a romance reader and don't know where to start? Book club attendees have a vast range of romance novel knowledge to help you get started. 

A themed craft and light refreshments will be available. No registration is required and this program is designed for adult readers ages 18+. Contact Amanda at Amanda.Brill@rowancountync.gov for more information. 

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 the 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.