Learn something new at Rowan Public Library
Published 12:00 am Sunday, January 24, 2016
By April Everett
Rowan Public Library
The early Roman calendar designated March 1 as the “New Year.” In fact, January did not exist until around 700 B.C., and the first time the new year was celebrated on January 1 was in 153 B.C.
It is believed the Babylonians were the first to make New Year’s resolutions. Early Christians believed the first day of year should be spent reflecting on past mistakes and resolving to make improvements in the coming year.
Whether your resolution is to eat healthier, learn to play the guitar, or try your hand at web design, Rowan Public Library has a course for you. We offer more than 300 courses that are accessible anywhere online, 24/7 through our subscription to Gale Courses, a premium online learning program with well-crafted lessons and expert online instruction — free to anyone with a library card.
Gain valuable knowledge you can immediately apply to your life or on the job. There are hundreds of courses designed to improve skills in the workplace including:
• Computer Skills for the Workplace
• Introduction to Microsoft Word, Excel… (intermediate courses available)
• Project Management Fundamentals
• Effective Business Writing
• Administrative Assistant Fundamentals
• Fundamentals of Supervision and Management
• Introduction to Windows 7
• Keys to Effective Communication
• Mastering Public Speaking
• Creating Web Pages
There are also a number of courses for personal enrichment including:
• Luscious, Low-Fat, Lightning-Quick Meals
• Secrets of Better Photography
• Write Your Life Story (memoir writing)
• Marriage and Relationships: Keys to Success
• Assisting Aging Parents
• Introduction to Photoshop
• Drawing for the Absolute Beginner
• Start Your Own Edible Garden
• Introduction to Guitar
• Discover Sign Language
To get started, visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org and click on Gale Courses. You will need your Rowan Public Library card and PIN to register. If you don’t know your PIN, call or stop by your local library branch and we can reset it for you.
RPL Headquarters, 201 W. Fisher St., Salisbury, 704-216-8228; South Rowan Regional, 920 Kimball Road, China Grove, 704-216-7727; RPL East Branch, 110 Broad St., Rockwell, 704-216-7838.
Fast facts about Gale Courses:
Each course lasts six weeks and has 12 lessons total.
Two lessons are released each week, and you have two weeks to complete each one.
Courses are asynchronous, meaning that you can complete lessons on your own time at your own pace.
If you complete the test at the end of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion certifying that you completed contact hours of continuing education.
There is no formal college credit for taking a course.
You may take multiple courses at one time.
You may demo any course before enrolling, which will allow you to see the online classroom and sample the first lesson.
Instructors are professionals working in the field, and are responsive to students.
Upcoming course start dates: Feb. 10, March 16, April 13.
Computer basics class: Thursday, Jan. 28, 9:30-11 a.m. at headquarters., 201 W. Fisher St. If you’re new to computers or have never felt comfortable with them, this is the class for you. We’ll go over the very basics of computers, from computer components to how programs are opened and closed. Class on second floor of library.
iPad basics: Tuesday, Jan. 26, 7-8 p.m., headquarters. Become a confident iPad user in this free class. Discuss components, navigation and the use of apps. Requirements: Pre-registration; bring your own iPad; iPad needs to be charged and have an updated iOS (operating system); bring a current, valid Apple ID. Free sign-up at: https://appleid.apple.com/. Space is limited, so call Paul Birkhead at 704-216-8242 to reserve your spot. Class on second floor of library.
Learn.Act.Grow.: Got Plans? Monday, Jan. 25, 6-7 p.m., headquarters. Free. Learn about documents such as living wills and other important papers that families should have during a time of need. Eldercare expert Don Timmons will answer questions and help participants complete forms on-site. Notaries will be available. Register online or by calling 704-216-7734 to ensure a spot. This workshop kicks off the 2016 Learn.Act.Grow. series.
Book Bites Book Club: South (China Grove), Tuesday, Jan. 26, 6-7 p.m. Free, open to the public. We discuss a different book each month and serve refreshments loosely related to the theme. “I Capture the Castle” by Dodie Smith. Need a copy? Call 704-216-7841.
Reading with Ringling: Through Jan. 31. 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. 27-31, at Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte. For information and program rules, call 704-216-8234 or visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.
Blacklight party (for teens): Create your own blacklight using your smart phone or tablet, your own blacklight painting and glow-in-the dark slime. Please bring your own smart phone and tablet if you have one. Each party Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 26, East.
Tail Waggin’ Tutors: Children ages 7 to 9 can practice reading skills in a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere. Reading Therapy dogs registered through Therapy Dogs International are available for beginning and struggling readers to read aloud to them. Reservations are recommended but not required. Headquarters, Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m., Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23. East, Mondays, 3:30 p.m., Feb. 1, 15 and 29, Oliver.
Weekly events for children, Feb. 1-April 30:
Baby Time — Simple stories and songs for 6-23 month-olds with parent or caregiver. Program 30 minutes. 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, Tuesdays 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 of all ages to enjoy listening to silly books and tales together; 30 minutes. Headquarters, Thursdays, 4 p.m.; South, Mondays, 4 p.m.
Art programs — Art activities and instruction based on various themes and media and vary by branch. Appropriate for preK through fifth grade. Lasts 30-45 min. 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.
Chapter Chats Book Club: A weekly book club for teens ages 14-17 primarily for participants with developmental or intellectual disabilities, but all are welcome. East, Tuesdays, 4 p.m.
Displays: Headquarters, West Rowan High School student art; South, South Rowan High School student art; East, 4-H Club..
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.