Dr. Betty Middleton

Rowan Public Library

Have you every been to a book sale at Rowan Public Library? If so, I know that you were amazed at the tables and tables and boxes and boxes of books that were on display.

Twice a year the library has this event — the first weekend in May and November.

Books come from weeding the shelves of titles when newer materials are received and from patrons and community members who are finally parting with some of their favorites for the same reason. You can find treasures for yourself as well as family members because many children’s books are available along with videos, DVDs, games and sometimes toys.

Available for sale on a daily basis you will find fiction and nonfiction which includes some of your favorite authors’ works as well as best sellers in hardback and/or paperback. Also available are videos, DVDs and a special display of valuable titles about famous people and worldly events.

Available for your special occasions are gift baskets assembled by the Friends of the Library. Whether it is Christmas or Father’s Day or some special person’s birthday, the display is appropriate for the time of the year and the occasion.

The next large book sale will be in November. In the meantime, come to the continuous book sale on the second floor of the library and see what is available that you cannot live without.

Stories by the Millstream Family Concert: Headquarters, Thursday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. A special storytelling concert featuring Tom Lee. His repertoire is a trove of myths and stories from cultures around the world; some are centuries old, some originated thousands of years ago.

Book Bites Book Club: South (China Grove), Tuesday, Sept. 29, 6:30-8 p.m. Free, open to the public. If you enjoy good books, fellowship and tasty food, join us for this club where we discuss a different book each month and serve refreshments loosely related to the theme. This month’s book choice is “Under the Tuscan Sun” by Frances Mayes. Need a copy? Call 704-216-7841.

Michael Reno Harrell in Concert: Headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 7- 9 p.m. Featuring Harrell, an award winning songwriter and veteran storyteller and entertainer. His recordings have won awards in country, Americana and folk circles. Find more information at http://www.michaelreno.com/index.php. Admission is free, all are welcome. Program starts at 7; doors open at 6:30. Show sponsored by Friends of Rowan Public Library.

Computer classes: Getting to know your iPad, headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 7-8 p.m. Discussion of components, navigation, apps. Must preregister, bring you own iPad, charged, and with an updated operating system, and have a current, valid Apple ID. Free signup at https://appleid.apple.com/  Space is limited. Call Paul Birkhead at 704-216-8242 to reserve a spot.

If you’re new to computers or never felt comfortable, Computer Basics will cover the everything from components to programs. Thursday, Sept. 24, 9:30-11 a.m., headquarters.

Explorer Club: Headquarters, Saturday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m. All new. Investigate different genres through activities based on books. Programs are for children in second-fifth grade; last one hour. This month, “Fingers, Forks and Chopsticks: Eating our way around the world.” Bring your favorite ethnic recipe, curiosity and appetite and your library card. Attend the club this school year and get a Passport to Reading. Earn a stamp at each meeting. Children with three stamps by May 2016 will get a free book. Children attending six club meetings earn a special prize.

Lego Saturdays: The library’s Lego collection will be available for free play, developing creativity, imagination and problem-solving skills. Headquarters, Saturday, Sept. 12, noon-2 p.m.; East, Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-noon; South, Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-noon.

Adventure Club: Headquarters, Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. Join Robert and Johnathan for another round of adventurous hands-on science activities and projects; lasts one hour. This month: “Back to School Apple Prints.”

Displays: Headquarters, DAR, Constitution Week and Lee Street theatre; South, wearable arts by Vickie Clontz; East, handmade jewelry by Myrtis Trexler.

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.