By Edward Hirst

Rowan Public Library

With the change of seasons from winter to spring, the fruits and vegetables at the local markets seem to undergo a change as well, with brighter colors and a wider variety available. Now is a great time to explore a variety of cookbooks from Rowan Public Library.

“How to Cook Everything Vegetarian” by New York Times columnist Mark Bittman is a well written, great introduction to cooking vegetarian meals. Each recipe starts with a description followed by a list of ingredients and directions. It is a large book at nearly 1,000 pages and covers a wide variety of meals, from soups and salads to bread, pizzas and desserts.

“The Modern Vegetarian” by Maria Elia is beautifully illustrated, with more than 120 vegetarian recipes. Some of the ingredients listed are little on the exotic side and may not be available locally, although we are given suggestions for substitutions.

In “Sacred Feasts from a Monastery Kitchen,” author Brother Victor-Antoine d’Avila-Latourrette has organized the recipes by month and holidays. In what is more than just a cookbook, Brother Victor-Antoine shares his reflections and wisdom on life in a New England monastery.

If you want to cook great food that is fun and easy to make, then “Mediterranean Harvest” by Martha Rose Shulman will not disappoint. This cookbook explores the healthy cuisine of the Mediterranean region. Take a culinary journey around the Mediterranean from France to North Africa with stops in Italy, Greece, Turkey and more.

The book “In the Green Kitchen” by Alice Waters not only has many enjoyable recipes exploring local foods, it is also illustrated with techniques to learn how to prepare the recipes that are shared.

You can find these and other titles to get started cooking at Rowan Public Library.

Matthew Weaver and Clay Lunsford in concert: March 31, 7 p.m., Stanback Auditorium, headquarters. These two talented musicians bring bluegrass and country music to a new level with stunning performances on piano and guitar. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show sponsored by Friends of Rowan Public Library.

Book Bites Club: March 31, 6:30 p.m., “The Light Between Oceans,“ by M.L. Stedman. Book discussion groups for adults and children at South Rowan Regional Library meet the last Tuesday of each month. Open and anyone is free to join at any time. There is a discussion of the book, as well as light refreshments. For more information, call 704-216-7841.

Closing: All library locations closed April 3-4 for Easter holiday. Regular hours resume April 6.

Displays: Headquarters, 411; South, stained glass by Betty Corriher and Sandra Collins; East, 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.

Children’s Storytime: Weekly events for children through April 30. For more information call 704-216-8234.

Baby Time — Simple stories and songs for 6-23 month-olds with parent or caregiver. Program about one hour. Headquarters, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.; East, Mondays,  10 a.m.

Toddler Time — Sharing books, singing songs and encouraging listening skills; 18-35 months old with parent or caregiver; 30 minutes. Headquarters, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; East, Mondays, 11 a.m.

Tiny Tumblers — Stories, musical scarves and instruments for ages 6-23 months with parent or caregiver. Same program offered twice a week;  30 minutes. South, Tuesday and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.

Preschool time — Encourages exploration of books and builds reading readiness skills for children 3-5 years old with parent or caregiver; 30 minutes. Headquarters, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.; East, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Noodle Head storytime — For children 4 years and up to enjoy listening to silly books and tales together; 30 minutes. Headquarters, Thursdays, 4 p.m.; South, Mondays, 4 p.m.

Art programs — Based on various themes and media. Activities vary by branch.  Children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.; 30-45 minutes. Headquarters, Art in the Afternoon, Thursdays, 4:30 p.m.; East, Emma’s Easel, Thursdays, 4 p.m.; South, Art with Char, Wednesdays, 4 p.m.