By Gretchen Beilfuss Witt
Rowan Public Library
Some people will no doubt know of the libraryís movie nights, which have generated a cache of movies based on books. These movies are added to the collection of childrenís movies, popular family movies and the latest season of ěNCISî on DVD available for checkout. But have you ever considered the other excellent collection of DVDs that are non-fiction?
The library has many types of documentary and other non-fiction from the practical to the marvelous. ěPassing the Written DMV Testî is a matter-of-fact and interesting overview of the rules of the road. Whether you are a 15-year-old studying for that first time or an experienced driver preparing for a renewal, this is clear and thorough treatment of the questions on the test.
Although the DVD is for driverís tests in the United States generally, there is a section which describes very specifically the differences in your particular state. The DVD can also be seen in Spanish. If you are an aural or visual learner and have had difficulties with the written portion of the test, this might be just the assistance you need.
Also on the practical side, there is a series of videos, ěNo Brainers,î providing advice for how to get that job. The second in the program is ěInterviewing.î This DVD is chock-full of examples of what strategies to use when interviewing for a job, as well as which ones to avoid. Although it is specific to an office job, this series will mean the most to those who are just graduating and beginning the process or those who might have had difficulties in the past. Check out the whole series and get that job.
Other DVD series include ěQuick Fix Mealsî with Robin Miller. Robin is a nutritionist and busy mom who has a popular program on the Food Network. The DVDs have three episodes as well as other short helpful clips describing easy methods to make the most of your dinner time. Each episode suggests ways of making fast ó 15 to 20 minutes ó nutritious meals even in an extremely busy household. The key to her quick meals is preparing on the weekend for food eaten during the week. Herb baked chicken served with roasted squash later is used for other dinners featuring tostadas, chicken salad and fresh and hearty soups.
If you enjoy watching delicious food and your favorite chefs, take a look at ěThe Moveable Feast,î a delightful romp from appetizers to dessert, China to Spain.
Other amazing series include ěModern Marvelsî and ěCities of the Underworld,î both of which explore feats of engineering and historical phenomenon. Under the great cities of the world are subterranean caves, tunnels, charnel houses, secret railways, bomb proof bunkers and other unexpected wonders. On your next trip to the library, explore this exciting assortment of movies.
Computer classes: Classes are free. Sessions are approximately 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.
Headquarters ó Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Absolute Beginners.
South ó Monday, 7 p.m., Absolute Beginners; Sept. 29, 11 a.m., Introduction to Email.
East (registration required for East Branch only, call Edward at 7047-216-7737) ó Tuesday, 1 p.m., Absolute Beginners
Childrenís Storytime: Weekly Storytime starts Monday and runs through Nov. 18. For more information call 704-216-8234.
Headquarters ó Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., Toddler Time (18-35-month-olds); Wednesdays, 11 a.m., Baby Time (6-23-month-olds); Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., Preschool Time (3- to 5-year-olds) and 4 p.m., Noodlehead (4- to 8-years-old).
Southó Mondays, 4 p.m., Noodlehead (4- to 8-years-old); Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., Baby Time (6-23-month-olds), 1:30 p.m., Preschool Time (3- to 5-year-olds); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Toddler Time (18-35 month-olds).
East ó Mondays, 10:30 a.m., Baby Time (6-23 month-olds); Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., Toddler Time (18-35-month olds); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Preschool Time (3- to 5-year-olds)
Teen program: All 5:30-7 p.m. Headquarters, Sept. 20; East, Sept. 26; South Sept. 27. Free monthly programs for middle and high school students. Do you like silly game show competitions? Use everyday items to complete challenges that are harder than they appear or keep silent as a team member tries to complete a challenge. For more information call 704-216-8234.
Family storytelling festival: Headquarters, Thursday, 7 p.m. To celebrate Rowan Public Libraryís 12th annual Stories by the Millstream Festival, performer Suzi Whaples will be at the library for a family storytelling program in the Stanback Auditorium in Salisbury.
JRís Adventure Club: Headquarters, Sept. 17, 11 a.m. Enjoy time building, exploring or discovering something new. The club is open to all school age children. Light refreshments will be served. Call 704-216-8234 to learn more.
American Girl Club ó Headquarters, Sept. 24, 11 a.m., a book discussion group about the life and times of the American Girls characters. This yearís discussion will be about Addy.
Book Bites Club special event: Headquarters only ó Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., ěThe Secret Garden,î by Frances Hodgson Burnett; Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m., movie ěThe Secret Garden.î Book Bites will host special events this month focused on ěThe Secret Garden.î Join the book discussion on Tuesday and watch the movie Sept. 27. This is a book discussion group for both adults and children. The group is open to the public and anyone is free to join at any time. For more information, 704-216-8229.
Displays: Headquarters, DAR; South, Rowan Doll Club by Jim Beaudoin; East, pottery by Bob Listerman.
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.