By Amy Notarius

Rowan Public Library

July is National Ice Cream Month and it’s not too late to celebrate. Check out “Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones” from Rowan Public Library.

Pastry chefs Anne Walker and Kris Hoogerhyde founded Bi-Rite Creamery in San Francisco after making ice cream for another restaurant for several years. Bi-Rite sells more than half a million scoops of ice cream a year, all hand made in small batches in a single ice cream machine.

Their focus has always been on making ice cream with intense flavors; the recipes they share here are sure to make your mouth water, from the traditional chocolate, vanilla and cookies and cream, to the more exotic honey lavender and caramelized banana.

Hoogerhyde and Walker start out with detailed, step-by-step descriptions of the techniques you’ll need for the four types of frozen desserts included here — ice cream, sorbets, granitas and ice pops — then move on to the individual recipes.

You will need an ice cream machine, but beyond that you probably have everything already. Recipes for sugar cones and toppings like hot fudge and almond toffee are also included. You can even make your own marshmallows.

These chefs love making a product that makes people smile. This isn’t the fudge ripple you eat by the pint at midnight after yet another blind date. Making ice cream at home is special and fun, because you’re probably making it to share, and you can adapt the recipes as you like or even invent your own.

The possibilities are endless. So stop by Rowan Public Library and treat yourself today.

Summer reading:  Weekly programs run until July 30.

Performer lineup — July 27-31, Lee Street Theatre.

Teen summer reading:  Prize raffles will be drawn at the National Teen Lock-in at Headquarters on Friday, July 31, 6:30-10:30 p.m.

National Teen Lock-in: End of summer celebration — Headquarters, July 31, 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Adults summer reading: “Escape the Ordinary.” Reading hours may be tracked through Aug. 8. Prizes include gift cards and two tablet computers. Prize winners will be announced at the end of summer celebration, Be Your Own Hero;, Monday, Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m., headquarters. Grand prize drawing held.

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 “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. Escape the ordinary with a delicious discussion of “Chocolat” by Joanne Harris. Copies of the book are available 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.

Summer movie series: All movies start at 6:30 p.m. Headquarters. July 28, “The Boxtrolls” (PG). Aug. 4, “Indiana Jones: Last Crusade” (PG13); Aug. 11, “Captain America” (PG13). Movies are free and all ages are welcome. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Free popcorn and lemonade.

On Wednesdays at 2 p.m. at South Regional: July 29, “The Boxtrolls” (PG).

Book Bites Club: July 28, 6:30 p.m., “The Fault in Our Stars,“ by John Green. 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.

Dr. Who Comic Day: Saturday, Aug. 15, 2-3 p.m., headquarters. Teens are invited to create Dr. Who related crafts. Free and open to middle and high school teens. Bring your sonic screw drivers and Red Fez Hats for an interactive viewing of “Dr. Who: Day of the Doctor,” at 3 p.m. Aug. 15. Open to all ages.

Friends concert series: BackPorch Bluegrass, headquarters, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 7-9 p.m. The band is from Wilkes County and is known for traditional hard-driving bluegrass. Sample the music at http://backporchbluegrass.com/music. Admission is free. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of Rowan Public Library.

Computer classes: If you’re new to computers or never felt comfortable, Computer Basics is for you. The class will cover the very basics. Tuesday, Aug. 25, 7-8:30 p.m., headquarters.

Displays: Headquarters, Piedmont Players; South, North Carolina photography by Aaron Cress; East, lunch boxes by Sharon Ross.

Gallery at headquarters: Photographic prints and tintypes by David Lamanno.

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.