From computers to photography to events for children and teens, Rowan Public Library offers educational and fun events at each of its branches throughout the month of October.
Here’s a list:

Oct. 4: Explorer Club
Investigate different genres through fun activities based upon books from throughout our collection. This month’s theme is “Retro Reads,” which is sure to bring a taste of the past to readers of the future. RC Cola and Moon Pies top off the activities. This program is open to children in grades three and up and is held from 11 a.m. until noon at the RPL Headquarters, 201 W Fisher St., Salisbury. Call 704-216-8234 for more details.
Oct. 9: Book Chat
Second-graders are invited to join in a special book discussion of “The Graves Family” by Patricia Polacco. Registration is required. Each participant receives a copy of the book when they register. This event is held from 4:15 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the South Rowan Regional Library, 920 Kimball Road, China Grove. Call 704-216- 7728 for more details.
Oct. 11: 2014 Teen Book Cover Contest Ends
Middle school (ages 11-13) and high school (ages 14-17) students are invited to create and submit their original book cover design for a published book. Entry deadline is October 11 at 5 pm. Winners will be announced during Teen Read Week (October 12-18). Pick up your entry form at any library location or download online at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.
Oct. 12: Histories and Mysteries at the Roller Mill
The whole family will enjoy a free and entertaining afternoon of “Histories and Mysteries” storytelling and refreshments from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the China Grove Roller Mill, 308 N Main St., China Grove. Tours of the four-story building and the original mill equipment will be offered throughout the afternoon as well. This event is sponsored by the China Grove Historical Society and Rowan Public Library. Call 704-216-7729 for more details.
Oct. 13: Teen Advisory Board Meeting
Teens who join this board provide input on the library’s teen programming and book selection and discuss current events and issues of interest to teens in Rowan County. Meetings are held once a month from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at East Branch, 110 Broad St., Rockwell. Interested in joining? Contact your local library to find out how you can get involved.
Oct. 14: Teen Advisory Board Meeting
Meetings are held once a month from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at RPL Headquarters, 201 W Fisher Street, Salisbury. Contact your local library to find out how you can get involved.
Oct. 14: Teen Program
All middle and high school teens are invited to join us. This month’s theme is “Ask an Attorney.” Local attorneys will be available to answer teen questions about the law as it pertains to underage citizens. Teens are encouraged to submit their questions in advance via email to melissa.oleen@rowancoutync.gov. Submitted questions will remain anonymous. This event is held from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the South Rowan Regional Library, 920 Kimball Road, China Grove. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Call 704-216-7728 for more information.
Oct. 14: Computer Basics Class
If you’re new to computers – or if you’ve just never felt comfortable with them – this is the class for you. We’ll go over the very basics of computers – from discussing computer components to how programs are opened and closed. We may even get some practice clicking the mouse. This class is held from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the RPL Headquarters, 201 W Fisher St., Salisbury. Call 704-216-8242 for more information. Need something a little more advanced? We also offer access to more than 300 online instructor-led courses covering anything from beginning guitar to Microsoft Word. Visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org and click on “Online Tools” to get started with Gale Courses today.
Oct. 16: Teen Advisory Board Meeting
Meetings are held once a month from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the South Rowan Regional Library, 920 Kimball Road, China Grove. Contact your local library to find out how you can get involved.
Oct. 18: Fall Photowalk
We’ll start out at the library and take a stroll downtown where we’ll end up on Bank Street to visit local artist Clyde’s unique residence, where we’ve been invited to wander around the property and find hidden treasures to capture on camera. This event is open to all ages and skill levels registration is requested. Please bring your own camera (even if it’s on your phone) and wear comfortable walking shoes. This event will be held from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the RPL Headquarters, 201 W Fisher St., Salisbury. In the event of rain, the photowalk will be canceled. Call 704-216-8242 for more information or to register. Register online at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.
Oct. 20: Teen Program
This month’s theme is “Ask an Attorney.” Local attorneys will be available to answer teen questions about the law as it pertains to underage citizens. Teens are encouraged to submit their questions in advance via email to melissa.oleen@rowancoutync.gov. Submitted questions will remain anonymous. This event will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the East Branch, 110 Broad St., Rockwell. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Call 704-216-7842 for more information.
Oct 21: Teen Program
This month’s theme is “Ask an Attorney.” Local attorneys will be available to answer teen questions about the law as it pertains to underage citizens. Teens are encouraged to submit their questions in advance via email to melissa.oleen@rowancoutync.gov. Submitted questions will remain anonymous. This event will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the RPL Headquarters, 201 W Fisher St., Salisbury. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Call 704-216-8245 for more information.
Oct. 21: Fall Photowalk
We’ll start out at the library and take a stroll by the old Rockwell Casket Company, check out the feed supply store, and capture a few pumpkins at Variety Produce Market. This event is open to all ages and skill levels registration is requested. Please bring your own camera (even if it’s on your phone) and wear comfortable walking shoes. This event will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the East Branch, 110 Broad St., Rockwell. In the event of rain, the photowalk will be canceled.Call 704-216-7841 for more information or to register. Register online at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.
Oct. 23: Fall Photowalk
We’ll start out at the library and head across the street to catch a golden sunset over the Lake Corriher Wilderness Area. This event is open to all ages and skill levels registration is requested. Please bring your own camera (even if it’s on your phone) and wear comfortable walking shoes. This event will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the South Rowan Regional Library, 920 Kimball Road, China Grove. In the event of rain, the photowalk will be canceled. Please call 704-216-8242 for more information or to register. Register online at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.
Oct. 23: Book Chat
Third- and fourth-graders are invited to join in a special book discussion of “Wayside School is Falling Down” by Louis Sachar. Registration is required. Each participant receives a copy of the book when they register. This event is held from 4:15 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the South Rowan Regional Library, 920 Kimball Road, China Grove. Call 704-216-7728 for more details. You may register at any library location.
Oct. 25: Adventure Club
Adventurous hands-on science-based activities and projects for all ages. This month’s theme is “Create Your own Lava Lamp.” This event is held from 11 a.m. until noon at the RPL Headquarters, 201 W Fisher St., Salisbury. Call 704-216-8234 for more details.
Oct. 27: 2014 Children’s Bookmark Contest
Children ages 4-12 are invited to create and submit their original Rowan Public Library bookmark design. The winning bookmarks in three age categories (4-6 years; 7-9 years; and 10-12 years) will be reproduced for distribution at all library locations. Prizes will be awarded for first-, second- and third-place winners in each age group. Pick up your entry form at any library location or download online at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.
Oct. 28: Book Bites Book Club
We’ll be discussing “Dracula,” the haunting classic by Bram Stoker that unveils the deadly double identity of a wealthy Transylvanian nobleman. New members are always welcome. Light refreshments will be served. This event will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at South Rowan Regional Library, 920 Kimball Road, China Grove. Visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or call 704-216-7841 for more information.
Oct. 30: Computer Basics Class
If you’re new to computers – or if you’ve just never felt comfortable with them – this is the class for you. We’ll go over the very basics of computers – from discussing computer components to how programs are opened and closed. We may even get some practice clicking the mouse. Call 704-216-8242 for more information. This event will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the RPL Headquarters, 201 W Fisher St., Salisbury. Need something a little more advanced? The library also offers access to more than 300 online instructor-led courses covering anything from beginning guitar to Microsoft Word. Visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org and click on “Online Tools” to get started with Gale Courses today.