2016 Book Cover Contest for Teens: This contest is for middle and high school students in grades six through 12. Entries will be accepted at any library location through Oct. 10. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place winners in each age group for the best original book cover design for a published book. See the official entry form for detailed instructions. For more information, contact Hope at 704-216-8258 or Hope.Lomax@rowancountync.gov. Sponsored by Friends of Rowan Public Library.

Lego Saturdays:  Legos have been cited for developing creativity, imagination, systematic reasoning and problem solving. The library’s collection will be available for free play or bring your own. All days, 10 a.m-1 p.m. Oct. 15, South branch, China Grove; Oct. 22, headquarters.

Tractor Mac Story Time: Oct. 15, 10:30 a.m.-noon, East branch. For children 3 to 8 years old. Participants may come in their coveralls, boots and hats ready to enjoy a morning of stories about Tractor Mac. Program includes crafts, activities and light refreshments. Questions? Contact Tammie Foster at 704-216-7842.

Adventure Club: Saturday, Oct. 15, 11 a.m.-noon, Headquarters. Hands-on science based activities and crafts. Program is for second- to fifth-graders. One hour.

Teen Advisory Board: Teens who join provide input on teen programming and book selection, as well as discussing current events and issues. Meets once a month at each library location from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Members can count hours of participation toward school community service requirements. Oct. 10, East branch; Oct. 13, South branch.

Doctor Who’s Days: Oct. 11, 4:30-6 p.m., headquarters. Travel through time and spae with screenings of the classic BBC program, “Doctor Who.”

Friends of RPL Fall Book Sale: Oct. 14-17, headquarters. Friday, 6-8 p.m., Members Preview; open to the public Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; Monday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Healthy Living Series: Oct. 10 and 17, 10 a.m.-noon, South Regional, China Grove. Improving human health through foods with flavor and function. The series, offered by N. C. State University’s Plants for Human Health Institute, focuses on disease prevention and healing through food choices and preparation methods. Discussions will include prebiotics, probiotics, inflammation, PH balance and fermentation. Register at rowanpubliclibrary.org or call 704-216-7734. This event is free and open to the public.

Book Bites Book Club: South (China Grove), Oct. 25, 6-7 p.m. Free, open to the public. We discuss a different book each month and serve refreshments loosely related to the theme.”The Devil in the White City.” Need a copy? Call 704-216-7841.

Technology Tuesdays: iPad Basics, Oct. 11, 7-8 p.m., headquarters. Become a confident iPad user in this free class. We’ll discuss components, navigation and the use of apps. Must bring your iPad (fully charged) with you to class. Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, please call 704-216-8248 or email info@rowancountync.gov

Displays: Headquarters, Family Crisis Council — Domestic Violence (purple shoe display) and NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness Awareness; East, historic photos, Tim Linker; South, jminiature doll houses, Donna Deal and Terri Correll.

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.

Weekly events for children through Nov. 18

Baby Time: A loosely interactive program of simple stories and songs for infants up to 23 months with parent or guardian. 30 minutes. Headquarters, Char’s Little Stars, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.; East, Tiny Sprouts, Mondays, 10 a.m.; South, Miss Pat’s Tiny Tots, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.

Toddler Time: Sharing books, singing songs and encouraging listening skills for children 18-35 months with parent or caregiver. 30 minutes. Headquarters, Reading Rumpus, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; East, Tammie’s Tot Time, Mondays at 11; South, Miss Pat’s Wee Readers, Tuesdays, 10:30.

Preschool Time: Encourages the exploration of books and builds reading readiness skills for children 3- to 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 Story Times: Children of all ages can listen to silly books and tales together. 30 minutes. Headquarters, Thursdays at 4 p.m.; East, Mondays, 4 p.m.

Art programs: Activities and instruction based on various themes and media vary by branch. Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade; 30-45 minutes. Headquarters, Art in the Afternoon, Thursdays, 4:30 p.m.; East, Bethany’s Brushes, Thursdays, 4 p.m.; South, Emma’s Easel, Wednesdays, 4:30.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors: Children 7-9 can practice their 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 recommended, not required. Headquarters, Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m., call 704-216-8234 for details; East, selected Mondays, 3:30 p.m.,  Oct. 10 and 24, call 704-216-7842 for details; South, selected Saturdays, 10 a.m., call 704-216-7728 for details.

Chapter Chats Book Club: A weekly club for teens 14-17, primarily for participants with developmental or intellectual disabilities, but all are welcome. Meets at East branch meeting room, Tuesdays, 5 p.m., through May 2017.