By Amy Notarius
Rowan Public Library
Rowan Public Library has an exciting new way for young readers to learn about science.
Check out the “MaxAxiom, Super Scientist” series of graphic novels. Graphic novels use comic book-style illustrations to tell stories, and, in this case, to help explain scientific concepts like light, sound and magnetism.
After being struck by lightning, scientist Maxwell Axiom learns he has several super abilities, including the ability to shrink, travel through time and space and see with X-ray vision. Axiom gives readers a look inside the eye and ear, for example, to explain how we experience light and sound.
In “Adventures in Sound” by Emily Sohn, readers learn about vibrations when Axiom visits a construction worker who’s using a jackhammer. When Axiom goes deep-sea diving or rockets into space, readers learn how sound waves travel differently in different environments.
In “The Attractive Story of Magnetism” by Andrea Gianopoulos, Axiom explores how magnets work by looking at a compass, a powerful electromagnet and even a Maglev train. The text covers complex concepts without oversimplifying ó Axiom discusses a magnet’s atomic properties to explain how it works ó but the detailed drawings help to make these advanced concepts easier to understand.
Each volume includes a glossary, additional interesting facts and instructions for accessing a special Internet site readers can use to find out more on that topic. Other titles in the series include “The Illuminating World of Light” and “Investigating the Scientific Method.” Get a head start on your science assignments and check one out at Rowan Public Library today.
Computer classes: Headquarters ó Monday, 7 p.m., Introduction to Computers; Thursday, 2:30 p.m., Introduction to Computers; Dec. 8, Introduction to Windows, 7 p.m.; Dec. 11, Introduction to Windows, 2:30 p.m.; Dec. 15, 7 p.m., Introduction to Internet Searching; Dec. 18, 2:30 p.m., Introduction to Internet Searching.
Classes are free. Sessions are about 90 minutes long. Class size is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tuesday Night at the Movies: All movies are at 6:30 p.m., exceptions listed below. Tuesday, “Murder on the Orient Express,” with Richard Widmark; Dec. 9, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” with Paul Newman; Dec. 16, “The Way We Were,” directed by Sydney Pollack; Dec. 23, “Blackbeard’s Ghost,” with Suzanne Pleshette, at 3:30 p.m.; Dec. 30, “Silk Stockings,” with Cyd Charisse.
All movies are rated G, PG or PG 13; some movies are inappropriate for younger audiences. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Free popcorn and lemonade.
Children’s program: Headquarters ó Dec. 13, 2 p.m., Robojo Theatre; Dec. 17, 10:30 a.m., Christmas Sugar Plum Storytime; South ó Dec. 13, 2 p.m., Holiday Express Storytime; East ó Dec. 13, 10 a.m., Stories Under the Christmas Tree.
Displays: Headquarters ó Kwanzaa by Eleanor Qadirah and jewelry by Paul Thompson; South ó Christmas by Tammie Foster; East ó Jr. Poppy Education by AL Unit 112.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.
Web site: For a listing of all library programs at all library locations, www.rowanpublic library.org.