Rowan Public Library continues the 411— 4 Counties, 1 Community, 1 Book community read and games project in Cabarrus, Davidson, Rowan and Stanly counties. This year’s book selection is “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore” by Robin Sloan, which is “an old school mystery set firmly in tech-loving, modern day San Francisco” (Kevin Nguyen) that will appeal to book lovers, techies and everyone in between.
Events will take place in all four counties. At Rowan Public Library, we have a great line-up of special programs for the whole family, including book discussions, craft workshops and live-action Clue games. We also have some contests for children, teens and adults to win cash prizes:
The Hidden Picture Coloring Contest runs through March 28. Children ages 7-17 are invited to highlight hidden objects through coloring. Prizes awarded for three age categories: 7-10, 11-13 and 14-17. First place, $50 cash; second, $25 cash; and third, $10 cash.
Shelf Room Contest entries should be dropped off at any library location March 10-15. Students (sixth through 12th grade), adults (post-high school), and teams (maximum four people) are invited to build a scene from the book in miniature. Prizes will be awarded based on division level, creativity and representation of the book. First place, $100 cash; second, $75 cash; and third, $50 cash.
Photography Contest entries will be collected online today through April 9. Students (ages 12-17) and adults (18+) are invited to submit up to two photos that represent themes from the book (such as hidden messages). Prizes will be awarded based on division level, creativity and representation of the book. First place, $50 cash; second, $25 cash; and third, $10 cash.
Pick up your contest entry form at any library location, or visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or 411communityread.wordpress.com for full contest details. Feel free to call 704-216-8229 for more information.
Children’s Storytime: Weekly Story Time through May 2. For more information call 704-216-8234.
Toddler Time (18- to 35-month olds) — 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, headquarters; 11 a.m. Mondays, East.
Baby Time (6- to 23-month olds) — 10 a.m. Wednesdays, headquarters; 10 a.m. Mondays, East.
Preschool Time (3- to 5-year-olds) — 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, headquarters; 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, South; 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Thursdays, East.
Noodlehead (4- to 8-year-olds) — 4 p.m. Thursdays, headquarters; 4 p.m. Mondays, South.
Tiny Tumblers (6- to 35-month-olds) — Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., South.
Children’s art programs: Learn different art techniques and start a new art project; runs weekly during storytime. Art in the Afternoon, headquarters, Thursdays, 4:30 p.m.; Art Party, South, Wednesdays, 4 p.m.; Art with Char, East, Thursdays, 4 p.m.
Book Chats for children at South branch: March 27, 4:15 p.m., “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler,” grades 4-5. Children in grades 2-5 may participate in Book Chats at South Rowan Regional Library in China Grove. Registration is required and space is limited. Please call 704-216-7728 for more information.
Teen program: Mr. Penumbra’s Missing Book Scavenger Hunt, all 5:30-7 p.m. South, March 11; East, March 24; headquarters, March 25. Use iPods and other mobile devices to follow QR codes in search of the missing book. For middle and high school teens. For information, call 704-216-8234.
Computer classes: March 17, 7 p.m., South; March 18, 1 p.m., East (registration required for East only, call 704-216-8229); March 20, 9:30 a.m., Headquarters. Blogging for Beginners. Learn what a blog is and how you can create and use one to share anything from recipes to resumes. This class will focus on using Blogger, but other blog-building sites such as Wordpress and Tumblr will be discussed. This program is part of the 411 Community Read partnership. Classes are free. Sessions are about 90 minutes long. Class size is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Dates and times at all locations are subject to change without notice.
Discussion: “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-hour Bookstore,” East, March 18, 6:30 p.m.; South, March 25, 6:30 p.m.; headquarters, March 27, 12:30 p.m., brown bag event, drinks and dessert provided; headquarters, March 31, 6:30 p.m. Part of the 411 Community Read. Visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or call 704-216-8829 for more information.
Lego Mania: South, March 20, 4 p.m., Kids of all ages will build a city of Legos. Part of the 411 Community Read. Call 704-216-7728 for more information.
Going green workshop: South, March 24, 5:45-7:15. Explore the many ways to prepare spinach, kale and other greens with samples and recipes to take home. Led by executive chef Chris Herron and Director of Food & Nutrition Sara Lynch of Morrison Food Services. All ages welcome, but anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Door prizes. Participants who attend four out of five workshops will be entered to win grand prize. Registration is required. Visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or call 704-216-7734 to register, or for more information.
Altered book and rubber stamp crafts: South, March 29, 10 a.m. Make crafts out of recycled materials. Supplies will provided by the library at no charge to participants. Anyone under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 704-216-7730 or visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org for more information.
Displays for March: headquarters, log cabins, North Hills Christian School; South, 2D and 3D art by China Grove Middle School; East, Rockwell Civitans.
Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.