By Amy Notarius

Rowan Public Library

Fall is the time to check out the leaf crafts in the children’s book “Look What I Did With a Leaf!” by Morteza Sohi, available at Rowan Public Library. Sohi uses leaves of different shapes, colors and sizes to design leaf animals.

Sohi shows you how to make everything from a mouse to a lion out of different types of leaves. He begins with photographs describing the different shapes and sizes of leaves, from round or fan-shaped to wavy-edged or pointed. Sohi describes how to collect and prepare the leaves for the leaf animal projects, and then lists the other materials you will need.

He even includes information about the life cycle of a leaf and a field guide to identifying different leaves, so there is a lot to learn while you’re having fun creating your leaf animals.

“Crafty T-Shirts,” by Petra Boase, shows children how to create a fun item they can wear. Boase begins with an illustrated glossary of materials you will need, including fabric paints, paintbrushes, fabric glue and tracing paper.

Then she offers tips on using fabric paints and explains how to make and use templates and stencils. Boase provides illustrated step-by-step directions for each T-shirt. The T-shirt designs are fun and unique, ranging from crazy spirals to outer space and sea life themes.

In “Easy Bead Crafts in 5 Steps,” Anna Llimos shows children how to create jewelry and other items with beads. In addition to necklaces, bracelets and rings, Llimos uses clay and beads to produce a great-looking peacock. She also shows how to make a bookmark, a belt, flowers and more. These illustrated projects have clear and simple directions that are easy to follow.

An adult’s help may be needed for certain parts of the projects described in each book. Get creative with these and other great craft resources available from Rowan Public Library.

Lego free play:  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. 10 a.m-1 p.m., Nov. 26, East Branch; Nov. 12, South Rowan Regional.

Adventure Club: Nov. 12, 11 a.m.-noon, headquarters. Adventurous hands-on science activities and projects. Programs are more suitable for children in second through fifth grades.

P.O.L.L. Program: Voting opens 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1 and ends Tuesday, Nov. 8 at close of each library branch. P.O.L.L. stands for President of Our Local Library and offers children in kindergarten through fifth grade an opportunity to practice their civic responsibilities. RPL staff nominated three favorite book characters: Amelia Bedelia, Cat in the Hat and Pete Cat. Voters can also write-in their presidential choice. Each branch has candidate information that voters can review before casting their ballots. The president-elect will be announced Nov. 9. All library locations are participating.

Money Mondays: Dealing with Debt for Adults, Nov. 7, 7-8 p.m., headquarters. Learn practical tips to manage debt, avoid quick fixes and plan to resolve financial trouble.

Gale Lessons Class: Nov. 15, 7-8 p.m., headquarters. Access your online, free Gale class from the RPL computer lab and get help if needed from an on-site staff member.

Technology Tuesdays: Reading free content on your tablet, Nov. 15, 7-8 p.m., headquarters. Learn how to access and read free content on your tablet. Seating is limited. To reserve your spot, please call 704-216-8248 or email info@rowancountync.gov

Weekly events for teens are on hiatus after Nov. 22, unless otherwise noted.

Teen Advisory Board: Teens who join this board provide input on the library’s teen programming and selection, as well as discuss current events and issues. Meets once a month at each library location at 4:30 p.m. TAB members can count their hours of participation towards school community service requirements. Nov. 10, South Rowan Regional; Nov. 14, East branch; Nov. 22, headquarters.

Dr. Who’s Days: Come with us as we travel through time and space with screenings of the classic BBC program “Dr. Who.” Families are invited to attend. Nov. 8, 4:30 p.m., headquarters.

Teen Monthly Program: Teens play games, make crafts and do various activities related to a specific theme. November is Back to Hogwarts. 4;30 p.m. Nov. 13, headquarters; Nov. 17, South Rowan Regional; Nov. 21, East branch.

Book Bites Book Club: South (China Grove), Nov. 29, 6-7 p.m. Free, open to the public. We discuss a different book each month and serve refreshments loosely related to the theme.”Bel Canto,” by Ann Patchett. Need a copy? Call 704-216-7731.

Displays: Headquarters, International Game Day and Lee Street theatre; East, photos of Rockwell, Glenda Hunsucker; South, artwork/paintings, Kay Azzara.

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.

Unless otherwise noted, weekly children’s event are on hiatus after Nov. 21.

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.; South, Wednesdays, 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.; East, selected Mondays, 3:30 p.m.,  Nov. 7 and 21; South, selected Tuesdays, 6 p.m., Nov. 8 and 15.

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., Nov. 8, 15, 29 and Dec. 6, 13, 20.

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