By Edward Hirst
Rowan Public Library
If you have been in a grocery store over the last few months, it will come as no surprise that prices are rising.
One way to ease the crunch from a tight food budget and high prices at the store is to plant a garden. But, what if you live in an apartment or just donít have much space to create a garden? You can create a small space garden, and at Rowan Public Library we have just the books you need to get started.
My favorite book on this subject is ěSugar Snaps and Strawberriesî by Andrea Bellamy.
Bellamy writes, ěA movement to embrace home-grown edibles, whether propelled by economics or the hope for sustainability, is taking shape around usî.
Her introduction leads to the basics of creating a garden in a small space, in which beauty combines with functionality. Bellamy offers design tips as she discusses assessing space, common site problems, preparing containers, raised beds and soil, sowing, growing, maintaining plant health, pruning and harvesting.
She highlights edibles from apples to zucchini, with details for the cultivation and enjoyment of each fruit and vegetable, including useful growing tips and information on the most popular varieties. Of particular interest are Bellamyís suggestions for ěveggie patchesî on balconies, patios and the tiniest of city plots.
Other books at the library that you may find helpful on this subject are ěLasagna Gardening for Small Spaces: a Layering System for Big Results in Small Gardens and Containers,î by Patricia Lanza; ěRaised-Bed Vegetable Gardening Made Simple: the Three-Module Home Vegetable Garden,î by Raymond Nones; ěBeds and Borders: Traditional and Original Garden Designs,î by Wendy B. Murphy.
Computer classes: Classes are free. Sessions are approximately 90 minutes. Class size is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Dates and times at all locations are subject to change without notice.
Headquarters ó Monday, 7 p.m., Absolute Beginners; April 18, 7 p.m., Internet Basics.
South ó April 28, 11 a.m., Introduction to Gmail.
East ó registration required. April 14, 1 p.m., Postcards from the Web: Interesting Places to Visit Online.
Childrenís Storytime: Now through April 29, weekly story time. For more information, call 704-216-8234.
Headquarters ó Toddler Time (18-35-month-olds), Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Baby Time (6-23-month-olds), Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Preschool Time (3-5-year-olds), Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.; Noodlehead (4-8 years), Thursdays, 4 p.m.
South ó Noodlehead, Mondays, 4 p.m.; Baby Time, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Preschool Time, Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m.; Toddler Time, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
East ó Preschool Time, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Toddler Time, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Baby Time, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Princess party with author Stephanie Greene: Headquarters, Thursday, 5:30-7 p.m., Stanback Auditorium. Author Stephanie Greene has a new book, ěPrincess Posey and the Perfect Present,î a K-2 early reader chapter book. We will celebrate with the Rowan Childrenís Literature Guild by having a Princess Tea Party at RPL in honor of National Library Week. This event is free. Books will be available for purchase or bring your own copy to have signed.
Chris Hartley, author of ěStonemanís Raid 1865î: Headquarters, April 19, 7 p.m., Stanback Auditorium. Rowan citizens will be able to relive the past when Chris Hartley shares his book, ěStonemanís Raid 1865î at RPL. Copies of Hartleyís book will be available for purchase. The program is free and open to the public. A reception and book signing will follow the program.
Book chats for children: South only; Thursday, 4:15 p.m. ěGranny Torrelli Makes Soupî by Sharon Creech; grades three and four. Children in grades two through five (different grade each month) are invited to participate in ěBook Chatsî at RPLís South Rowan Regional Library in China Grove. Registration is required and space is limited. Please call 704-216-7728 for more information.
Book Bites Club: South only; April 26, 6:30 p.m., ěA Reliable Wifeî by Robert Goolrick. Book discussion groups for both adults and children will meet the last Tuesday of each month. The group is open to the public; anyone is free to join at any time. There is a discussion of the book, as well as light refreshments at each meeting. For more information please call 704-216-8229.
American Girl Club: Headquarters, April 16, 11 a.m. A book discussion group about the life and times of the American Girl characters.
JRís Adventure Club: Headquarters, April 30, 11 a.m. The club will choose a project to build, and have books from the library and recommended websites that go along with the project. The club is open to all school age children. Light refreshments will be served. Call 704-216-8234 to learn more.
Teen program: Enjoy board games and video games.
East ó April 18, 5:30-7 p.m.
Headquarters óApril 19, 5:30-7 p.m.
South ó April 26, 5:30-7 p.m.
Holiday closing: All library locations will be closed April 22-24 for Easter.
Displays: Headquarters ó Lee Street Theatre and National Library Month; South ó watercolors by Caroline Marshall; East ó Ann Furr 4-H.
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.