SALISBURY — Emily Dickinson wrote a poem titled “Hope is the thing with feathers.” In it she contemplates the presence and communication of hope, which at times may become overshadowed by the darkness of the day. In recent days, hope has been difficult to find in the newspapers, but a person may be encouraged through a variety of books from the public library.
Some people find hope in traveling to new places. You could check out “The Best of the Appalachian Trail” series by Victoria and Frank Logue. The two-book series offers information on the best overnight hikes and day trips, many of which are local outings for North Carolinians. Should you prefer a beach setting, pick up the Insiders Guide “NC’s Southern Coast & Wilmington,” where you will find information to support your hopes for the “salt life.” Everything, except sand, is included, from restaurants and attractions to maps and day trips.
Others prefer to seek peace and hope in the presence of waterfalls. You may want to pick up the book “Waterfalls of South Carolina” by Benjamin Brooks and Tim Cook. There are 31 falls in all; many straddle the North and South Carolina border. Such serene locations are sure to beckon forth “hope, the thing with feathers that perches in the soul …” as penned by Emily Dickinson. When we cannot travel to see a waterfall, the illustrations of this text have captured some of the majestic, visual cascading details. If you require the audio soundtrack, run the bathtub and turn up the volume, but leave the book in the safety of the hallway.
For others, hope is found in the human heart and communicated through song. Be sure to peruse the library’s collection of books on songs and theater. The story “How Can We Keep From Singing,” written by Joan Oliver Goldsmith, is but one suggestion. This book is an encounter with the hopes, joys and harmonies of making music together in a choir, chorus or ensemble. One might be in a leadership role with his or her singing, yet he or she is a follower of the conductor and musical score. When we can’t keep from singing, we are embracing our creative spirit through a medium that brings hope to others.
If you like your music more recently recorded and hip-hop, your eyes and ears can rap to the essays about musicians of today. The book “Best Music Writing 2011,” edited by Alex Ross and Daphne Carr, features essays about musicians including Vanessa Grigoriadis (Lady Gaga), Jay-Z and Will.i.am who performed at the presidential inauguration. Will.i.am said the hardest emotion to portray is joy. “Joy is complex. It’s somber, sad, happy, heartbroken and hopeful — it’s all these emotions in one.” So, too, is hope. It is complex and personally inspiring.
“I Gotta Feeling about this one,” said Will.i.am.
As for me and my household, hope is found in the canonical writings of our religious practice. And whatever your practice, the library has books for interpretation, study, reflection and living out such teachings and wisdom. No matter what your religious practice, whether your scripture is the Torah, Bible or Koran, the sacred writings provide hope to the believers. These sacred books and study resources are available from the library. Engage your mind with the written words of hope that speak to your lifestyle and tradition.
Journalist Peter Carlson at RPL — Headquarters, Thursday, June 6, 6:30 p.m, Stanback Auditorium. The program is free and all are welcome. Carlson will discuss his book, “Junius and Albert’s Adventures in the Confederacy: A Civil War Odyssey.”
Summer movie series — Headquarters, all Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. June 11, “James and the Giant Peach” (PG); June 18, “Holes” (PG); June 25, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (PG-13). Movies are free and all ages are welcome. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Movies begin June 11 and run through Aug. 20. Free popcorn and lemonade.
Computer classes: Blogging for beginners — June 17, 7 p.m., South; June 18, 1 p.m., East (registration required, call 704-216-8229); June 20, 9:30 a.m., Headquarters. Learn to how to set up a free blog, post photos and keep notes on all your travels this summer. Classes are free. Sessions are about 90 minutes. Class size is limited and on a first come, first serve basis. Dates and times are subject to change without notice.
Children’s summer reading program — Rowan Public Library’s “Dig Into Reading” weekly programs run June 17 through Aug. 1 for children ages 12 months to rising fifth-graders. Children will be able to earn prizes by reading throughout the summer. Reading begins on June 10 after school is out and goes through Aug. 10. Those who complete their Treasure Map can pick out a free book.
RPL is also sponsoring a special literacy event hosted by Altrusa at Patterson Farm on June 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to participating in games, storytelling and other literacy-based activities, all children receive a free book.
Dig Into Reading arts and crafts kick-off events will take place Thursday, June 13, 3:30-5 p.m., South Rowan Regional Library, China Grove; Friday, June 14, 1:30-3 p.m., East Branch, Rockwell; Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m.-noon, headquarters.
Reading programs

Tiny Treasures: 12-24 month-olds, each program lasts about 30 minutes and runs for four weeks. Headquarters, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.; East Branch, Mondays, 10 a.m.; South Branch, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Little Diggers: 2-year-olds, Each program lasts about 30 minutes and runs for four weeks. Headquarters, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.; East, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; South, Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.
Fossil Finders: 3- to 5-year-olds, each program lasts 30-45 minutes and runs for seven weeks. Headquarters, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; East, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.; South, Mondays, 10:30 a.m.
Paleontologists: Rising first- through fifth-graders, programs last about 45 minutes and runs for seven weeks. Headquarters, Wednesdays, 2 p.m.; East, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; South, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. Cleveland Town Hall, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
June 17-20: Pint Sized Polka, musical fun.
June 24-27: Captain Jim, Magical Pirate.
July 1-5: Due to the 4th of July holiday on Thursday, the program will be held on Friday, July 5. Ro & Mo, Stories, Songs and Silliness.
July 8-11: Flows Circus, variety show.
July 22-25: Discovery Place Science Reach, A Matter of Science.
July 29-Aug. 1: Blue Moon Puppets, Pea Pickin’ Tales.
A Parent Literacy Workshop will be offered for parents of children ages 0-5 on Monday, June 17, at 6:30 p.m. at headquarters only. Registration is required and space is limited. Parents can register at any RPL location.
Beneath the Surface teen summer reading: Teens can look forward to participating in the Beneath the Surface Summer Reading Program at RPL. Rising sixth- through 12th-graders will explore the underground through fun events, activities and reading.
All teen programs are June 18-July 2 for sixth- through 12th-graders. Programs will be 3:30-5 p.m. at all locations: Tuesday, Headquarters; Wednesday, East; Thursday, South.
Each week events will focus on exploring the underground world including mummies, gems and cities below the surface. After registering, each teen will receive a booklet to keep track of the library dollars they earn. Those dollars are then used to enter various raffles for great prizes provided by the Friends of RPL and other local sponsors. Winners will be announced at the end-of-summer Masked Ball at South Branch on Aug. 1, 3:30-5 p.m.
Upcoming programs include:

Fossils and Gems: June 18-20. Gem panning and creating fossils.
Inside Out: June 25-27. Crafts from the inside out.
Game Show Challenge: July 2-3, 5. How much do you know about bugs, mummies and all things housed “Beneath the Surface”?
Skill Toys Workshop: July 9-11. Learn how to use flower sticks, a Chinese yo-yo and more.
Scratch the Surface: July 16-18. Scratch crafts and more.
Beneath Your Feet: July 24-26. Underground cities and tunnels.
For more information, check the library website at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or call your closest RPL location — Headquarters, 704-216-8234; South, 704-216-7728; East, 704-216-7842.
Book Bites Club: South (only), June 25, 6:30 p.m., “Montana Sky” by Nora Roberts. Book discussion groups for adults and children meet the last Tuesday of each month. The group is open to the public and 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.
Displays for June: headquarters, Fiber Guild; South, art by Ed Hudson; East, Winnie the Pooh by Kim Davis.
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.