By Erika Kosin

Rowan Public Library

Summer reading is not just for the kids. Adults ages 18 and up are invited to participate in the “Escape the Ordinary” Summer Reading Program at Rowan Public Library, where they will have a chance to escape the ordinary through reading, movies and more.

To participate in “Escape the Ordinary,” each adult must sign up online at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org. Participants may pick up an information packet, which will be available at each library location starting June 15. The packet will contain details on how to track reading hours, prize levels, fun activities, program information and more.

Reading hours may be tracked June 10 through Aug. 8. Prizes include Amazon gift cards and two tablet computers. Prize winners will be announced at the end of summer celebration, Be Your Own Hero, and participants do not have to be present to win.

In addition to tracking reading hours, adults are invited to join us for a special lineup of programs including:

• Film presentation, Will Davis, Heros – Monday, June 22, 6:30 p.m., Headquarters (Salisbury)

• Villians – Tuesday, June 23, 6:30 p.m., South Rowan Regional (China Grove)

Heroes and villains have been battling it out in film since the beginning of cinema. Will Davis, professional filmmaker and educator, will explore the worlds of the good and the dastardly on the silver screen on successive evenings. Attend one or both, the power is in your hands.

Davis, CEO of Small Creatures LLC, a Charlotte-based production company, is a professor of film production, history and theory at UNC-Charlotte. He has produced works for Fortune 500 companies and exhibited films in galleries internationally. Davis has organized more than 20 film festivals including Joedance and the Manifesto Film Festival.

• Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find, Andrew Mansell, Monday, July 20, 6:30 p.m. Headquarters (Salisbury)

• Tuesday, July 21, 6:30 p.m., South Rowan Regional (China Grove)

Local comic book enthusiast Andy Mansell will discuss the importance of comics and how they have changed but remained a popular and sometimes controversial source of reading for people of all generations. Mansell has lived in Charlotte for the past 10 years. He is passionate about four things: his family, classical music, baseball and, of course, great comics. Since 2008 he has enjoyed the role of panel coordinator for the annual HeroesCon. He moderates an (almost) monthly comic discussion group and loves to offer fresh perspectives on the grand old art form.

• Be Your Own Hero, Monday, Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m.,  Headquarters (Salisbury); grand prize drawing held; prizes awarded for best costumes.

Assume your own alter ego and come dressed as your favorite character — literary or cinematic (book, stage or movie).  Awards for best costume include most recognizable literary character, most original, best movie hero(ine), etc. Show us what you know at our own live “trivia crack” game. Free refreshments and prizes at this end-of-summer bash.

• Reads to Reels: “Chocolat,” Tuesday, Aug. 25, 6:30 p.m. South Rowan Regional (China Grove)

Escape the ordinary with a delicious discussion of “Chocolat” by Joanne Harris. Copies of the book are available for loan at all three library locations.  We will follow the discussion with a screening of the film adaptation of “Chocolat” (PG13), accompanied by a few treats that are sure to make your mouth water. Please call 704-216-7841 for more details.

 To register or for more information, please visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or call your closest RPL location — Headquarters, 704-216-8256; South Rowan Regional, 704-216-7730; East Branch, 704-216-7840.  The Adult Summer Reading Program is sponsored by Friends of Rowan Public Library.