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Second Saturday Bookshop Open February 14Stop by Friends of RPL's Second Saturday Bookshop on Saturday, February 14 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for excellent deals on used books, including fiction, nonfiction, children's literature, and more! Most items are priced $2 or less. Valentine's Day shoppers can enjoy a bag sale! Pay $5 for a bag of fiction, nonfiction, young adult books, and/or audio/video items; $3 for a bag of children's books; $2 for a bag of paperback books; and $1 for a bag of blue dot books. Puzzles will also be marked 50% off. To learn more about Friends of RPL or the Second Saturday Bookshop, call 704-216-8240 or visit www.friendsofrpl.org. |
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Alternative Bookshop Access: A Note from Cyndii Owen, Bookshop ManagerWe have received information that the entrance to the Rowan Community Center (previously West End Plaza) at the Board of Elections office will close soon. It will not reopen until the Health Department construction concludes in 2026. Below is a map showing the alternate entrance for the public to use. The new main entrance will be where the fountain used to be (at the roundabout where the flag poles are). We will post this map, and the closure information signs at the Rowan Community Center doors and on the A-frames along the concourse. There will be an added Emergency Exit in Unit Q (next to the Board of Elections training room). It will be labeled and the gate will be rolled up when it is ready. To learn more, call 704-216-8240. |
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 RPL Director Melissa Oleen (right) and Town of Spencer Mayor Pro Tempore Rashid Muhammad (left) stand poised to cut the ribbon on three of RPL's new blood pressure monitoring stations. |
Local Organizations Join Forces to Support Heart Health in Rowan County
In February, the Rowan Public Library System, the Town of Spencer Library, Rowan County Public Health, and the American Heart Association are launching a partnership that will give the public free access to blood pressure monitoring equipment. This access includes onsite stations, similar to what you might see in a pharmacy, at all four RPL branches and Town of Spencer Library. RPL will also add heart health-themed kits to its circulating collection, allowing patrons to check out blood pressure cuffs and use them at home. The American Heart Association supports library systems nationwide to empower community members to monitor their blood pressure through loaner kits and stations. The initiative also provides on-site heart health resources, expanding access to critical health information in communities with high rates of hypertension. “When the American Heart Association and Public Health approached us about the possibility of bringing this initiative to Rowan County, it was an immediate yes,” said RPL Director Melissa Oleen. "The library is glad to connect its community members with free access to blood pressure monitoring resources.” Free public access to monitoring resources is invaluable. Many people do not realize they have high blood pressure, often called a “silent killer,” until they have it checked. Unmanaged, high blood pressure can lead to a litany of health problems. Regular monitoring is essential for early detection and management. “Health equity isn’t just part of our mission — it’s the heartbeat of it,” said Allison Nelson, Vice President of the American Heart Association’s Community Impact Greater Charlotte Market. “By having blood pressure stations easily accessible at the libraries and loaner equipment for home use, we’re clearing obstacles to care and giving people the power to take charge of their heart health.” Nelson’s message resonates with a need in Rowan County. “In 2025, the number one leading cause of death in Rowan County was heart disease,” explained Amy Smith, Rowan County Public Health’s Education Specialist. “One of the simplest — and strongest — ways to protect your heart is to know your blood pressure. When you know your numbers and adopt a healthier lifestyle, your quality and quantity of life can improve.” For details about the availability of the Town of Spencer Library’s blood pressure monitoring station, call 704-636-9072. For details about RPL's blood pressure monitoring stations or kits available for checkout, call 980-432-8670. Visit tinyurl.com/rpl-hearthealth for full details about Rowan County’s coalition to Support Heart Health, including partner information, resources, and American Heart Association materials.
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RPL Now Offering AppRowan Public Library is excited to announce the launch of its new app. The app, available for free through the Apple Store and the Google Play store, allows library customers to check their accounts, browse the catalog, place items on hold, view the library’s systemwide program calendar, and more right from their smartphones or tablets. The app is available through The Library Corporation, which already supports a variety of RPL’s systems. TLC Go, the subsection of The Library Corporation offering mobile app support, powers this new addition to RPL’s digital resources and tools lineup. “TLC Go allows Rowan Public Library customers to borrow materials, check out programming calendars, learn about available meeting and study spaces, and dive into digital resources with this all-in-one app," said Brooke Taylor, RPL’s Branch Operations Manager. “Our hope is that it will transform the way Rowan County citizens use the library and make its resources more accessible to them in their busy lives.” To access the app, library customers can visit their preferred app store and search for “Rowan Public Library.” The correct app download features the RPL logo as its icon. Customers can also visit tinyurl.com/rpl-app to be automatically directed to the correct download portals for their devices. Besides making account maintenance and placing items on hold for pick-up easier, the Rowan Public Library app also has other helpful features, such as the ability to determine the availability of any book in RPL’s catalog by scanning a barcode. For example, if you are at a bookstore and want to see if RPL is already carrying a copy of a specific book for checkout, you can scan the book’s barcode using the app and it will search the title’s availability for you. Once customers have the app downloaded, they can log in to their RPL accounts by using their RPL card numbers and four-digit PINs. Library customers who are not sure about their card numbers or PINs can visit any RPL branch in-person for assistance. "The launch of the new app marks a major step forward in how the library can connect the community to information and resources,” explained Lyndsey Maloney, RPL’s Technical Services Supervisor. “This platform streamlines access to RPL collections, enhances the user experience accessing digital resources, and empowers users to engage with the library in ways that are more convenient, intuitive, and responsive to their needs." For customers who prefer to access their library accounts on a laptop or desktop computer, they can still log in using their library card number and PIN at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org. To learn more about the app, call 980-432-8670 or visit any RPL branch in-person to speak with library staff. |
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Youth Standard Programs Return for Spring 2026 SeasonSpring weekly storytimes and programs for children return to all RPL branches on Monday, February 2 and will continue through Friday, May 1. Books & Babies (12 Months and Under)
Tuesdays, 9 a.m. at RPL Headquarters in Salisbury
This storytime, designed for babies and their caregivers, includes songs, rhymes, stories, and socialization time. Runtime is approximately 30 min. Toddler Time (12 to 35 Months)
Thursdays, 10 a.m. at RPL Headquarters in Salisbury
This storytime, designed for children from 12 to 35 months old, includes songs, rhymes, and stories. Runtime is approximately 30 min. Baby Toddler Time (ages 0 to 35 Months)
Mondays, 10 a.m. at RPL South in China Grove
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. at RPL East in Rockwell
This storytime, designed for 0 to 35 months, includes songs, rhymes, stories, and socializing. Runtime is approximately 30 min. Family Storytime (3 to 6 Years)
Fridays, 10 a.m. at RPL Headquarters in Salisbury
This traditional storytime is designed for preschoolers and will introduce different languages. A simple craft will follow the stories and fingerplays. Ready Set Storytime (3 to 5 Years)
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. at RPL South in China Grove
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. at RPL Headquarters in Salisbury
Thursdays, 10 a.m. at RPL East in Rockwell
This storytime, designed for ages 3 to 5, includes a craft or activity. Runtime is approximately 45 min.
Art in the Afternoon (1st through 5th Grade)
Mondays, 4 p.m. at RPL East in Rockwell
Mondays, 4 p.m. at RPL West in Cleveland
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. at RPL South in China Grove
Thursdays, 4 p.m. at RPL Headquarters in Salisbury
This interactive art program is designed for 1st through 5th graders, though all are welcome. Runtime is approximately one hour. To learn more about programming at any RPL location, call 980-432-8670 or visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.
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Join a Book Club for Romance ReadersCalling All romance readers! Heartstrings Book Club is back for the spring 2026 season at RPL South in China Grove. Bring your latest romantic read or one you just can't wait to share with other readers! Heartstrings Book Club will meet at RPL South on the following dates:
Tuesday, March 3 at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 7 at 6 p.m.
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 at each meeting. No registration is required to attend, and this program is designed for adult readers ages 18+. Contact Amanda at Amanda.Brill@rowancountync.gov for more information.
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Digital Resource Spotlight: Social ExplorerLooking for a powerful way to explore demographics, social trends, and historical data? Social Explorer is an interactive tool that provides easy access to census data, maps, and reports. This visualization and data-mapping tool provides access to thousands of data indicators across demography, economy, crime, and more. It is perfect for students, researchers, and anyone curious about how communities change over time. Whether you’re working on a project or just love digging into data, Social Explorer makes research simple and engaging! Need help accessing this digital resource? Call 980-432-8670 to connect with RPL staff at any branch.
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Now Seeking Library VolunteersDo 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.
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RPL ReadsEver wonder what books the staff of Rowan Public Library are reading? Check out these recommendations provided by the RPL Headquarters' Reference Desk staff! |
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Paulette Stiles, Adult Outreach LibrarianI recently read How to Fall in Love with the Future by Rob Hopkins. Before you pick up this book, imagine a modern-day Don Quixote stepping out of a spaceship wearing a funky homemade helmet and telling a wild story about the future he just came from. In his story, oil is pushed aside for solar and micro-grids, hooved animals and beavers restore grasslands and rivers, and humans live lives cultivating a reciprocal and healthy relationship with the earth. If it sounds amazing, it's because it is, and Hopkins invites us all to imagine these "best case scenario" options for ourselves. Hopkins builds this image and more by inviting the reader to go to the future themselves and report back to tell everyone the best of what it looks like, sounds like, and even smells like. He isn't advocating for a utopia – instead, he is advocating for readers to be proactive and purposefully build a better, more positive future for themselves and others. I highly recommend this title! Hopkins' writing will change how you think about the present, the future, and what is possible for humans to achieve.
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Alex Luck, Adult Services LibrarianShortly after the last issue (for now) published, I finished reading Ram V's iteration of The New Gods (2024-). This 12-issue science-fiction epic builds off of the DC comics group called New Gods. The New Gods are made up of two opposing groups from two twin planets, the "good guys" from the utopia of New Genesis, and the "bad guys" from the wasteland of Apokolips. The series begins right after the villain Darkseid's death and explores its implications on balance and power throughout worlds. This series quickly made its way onto my favorites-of-all-time list. There is so much I could say about how wonderful each issue is. From issue-to-issue and run-to-run, the story was cohesive in every aspect of the word. The writing is fantastic; Ram V crafts a masterful story with fantastical highs and grounded lows, making the reader feel for, and relate to, literal gods and cosmic entities. The artwork, primarily by Ethan Cagle, crafts a cohesive visual world made of expertly crafted character art. With the help of the primary colorist, Francesco Segala, the world is visually vibrant when it needs to be and devoid of hope when all seems lost. Overall, it is definitely not a beginner-friendly comic series, but if you know anything about the current story of the DC "All In" initiative, I could not recommend this more.
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Rowan Public Library recognizes the following donations to the Rowan Public Library Foundation: A gift in honor of Kay McCartney given to the Kay Sawyers McCartney Endowment given by Jesse McCartney A gift to the RPL Foundation given by Deborah Maria Lucas A gift to the June W. Evans & Son, David B. Evans Endowment given by Diane Evans Ricketts
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Rowan Public Library recognizes the following donations: A gift by Dr. & Mrs. Willard R. Thompson A gift by Stephen C. Lamb
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RPL Headquarters
201 W. Fisher Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
RPL East
110 Broad Street
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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