By Edward Hirst

Rowan Public Library

This past September I was in Oslo, Norway, getting ready for the start of the 2015 edition of Cycling for Libraries when it started to rain.

The rain would accompany our group of librarians for most of the first 24 hours of our journey. At 9 p.m. when we arrived at our overnight stop, we had visited three libraries, had our first of three ferry crossings and it was still raining.

We were hopeful that it wouldn’t get any worse for the next day. Of course, the next morning we woke to wind and heavy rain.

I first heard about Cycling for Libraries in 2012 after the first tour was held in 2011 on a trip that went from Copenhagen to Berlin. Cycling for Libraries was started by a group of Finnish librarians as an international library unconference for librarians and library lovers with a twist: It is held entirely on bicycles.

Some of the goals of this unconference are to advocate for libraries, raise awareness of the valuable services libraries provide to their communities, and provide networking opportunities for the participants.

For 2015, “The New Nordic Cycling for Libraries unconference” was held Sept. 1 to 10 and went from Oslo, Norway, to Aarhus, Denmark. There were 80 attendees from 20 countries that included Belgium, USA, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Canada, Romania, France, England, Germany, Russia, Croatia, Finland, Latvia, Iceland and Australia.

Our journey covered about 450 miles, three ferry crossings, and visits to over 30 libraries. We traveled with a chef who prepared our breakfast and lunch, and most of the evening meals were sponsored by different organizations. The sleeping arrangements varied from hostels to small cabins to gym floors. We even slept in a library one night.

The sun eventually came out and Denmark welcomed us with warm, sunny days that were kept busy visiting libraries and chatting with fellow librarians. We even found a few lakes for swimming.

We ended our journey at the recently opened DOKK1 library in Aarhus, the largest library in Scandinavia. It has a dedicated light rail station and the largest fully automated robotic underground car park in Europe.

I brought back a lot of memories but it was great to get back home to Rowan Public Library.

Book Bites Book Club: South (China Grove), Tuesday, Dec. 15, 6:30-8 p.m. Free, open to the public. We discuss a different book each month and serve refreshments loosely related to the theme. “Blue” by Joyce Hostetter. Need a copy? Call 704-216-7841.

Reading with Ringling: Through Jan. 31, 2016. Children ages 2-12 may register at any library location to read and report on five books to receive a voucher for a ticket to the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus Jan. 27-21, 2016, at Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte. For information and program rules, call 704-216-8234 or visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.

Cards for a Cause: Mailboxes will be set up at all library locations through Dec. 5 to collect cards for military.

Excerpts from “The Nutcracker”: With Salisbury Symphony, Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m., headquarters. Ballerinas from Piedmont Dance Theatre join symphony members for a dance performance. Audience members may meet a ballerina after the program.

Martha Bassett in Concert: Headquarters, Dec. 8, 7-9 p.m. Her crystal tones and delivery move through swing, jazz, folk, country and rock. Sponsored by Friends of Rowan Public Library and Cheerwine. Program starts at 7, doors open at 6:30. Hear Bassett’s music at www.marthabassett.com.

‘Home Alone” movie: East, Dec. 22, 5-6:30 p.m. The classic comedy features an 8-year-old trying to protect his home from burglars when he is accidentally left home alone. Festive refreshments provided. Children must be accomapnied by an adult.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors: Children 7 to 9 years old (first to third grade) can reserve a 15-minute session to read aloud to a therapy dog. Headquarters, Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m., Dec. 1 and Dec. 15, Oliver; Dec. 8 and 22, Dupree; 10 a.m. Dec. 12, headquarters. East, Mondays, 3:30 p.m., Dec. 7 and 21, Oliver.

Winter tradition: Headquarters, Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m.-noon. For children 3 and up to learn about different winter holiday traditions from different religions and cultures. Sponsored by Smart Start Rowan.

RoBoJo Holiday Show: Headquarters, Dec. 5, 2-3:30 p.m. RoBoJo Theatre Troupe returns for the 16th annual Holiday Theatre. A crew of local actors will join library children’s staff for an hour-long variety show of skits, songs, readers’ theatre and audience participation.

Holiday Stories with the Elves from the East: East Branch, Rockwell, Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Join Santa’s helpers for Christmas stories and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Refreshments, crafts and music. Call 704-216-7842.

Holiday Pajama Express: South, China Grove. Dec. 8, 6-7:30 p.m. Hop on board for an evening of fun, refreshments and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Wear your favorite holiday pajamas. Call 704-216-7729 for details.

TREEmendous Christmas Party: Headquarters, Dec. 16, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Special Christmas storytime with holiday fun, crafts, refreshments and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bring your camera.

Holiday Hangtime Teen program: Dec. 15, 5:30-7 p.m., headquarters. Enjoy a holiday movie and free popcorn.

Displays: Headquarters, Photowalk photos and International Game Day; South, Rowan Doll Society; East, “It’s a Wonderful Life” Christmas village.

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.