By Abigail Hardison

Rowan Public Library

It is the purpose of public libraries to support their communities and assist patrons in the pursuit of better, more enriched lives. Our Summer Reading Program not only provides — for all ages — the opportunity to win prizes for logging hours read, but it also provides educational and interesting speakers.

Our guest speakers this summer will educate on topics such as air quality, weather, water conservation, honeybee support and health and wellness. Check the library’s website (www.rowanpubliclibrary.org) or stop by any branch for a full list and description of events.

The theme this year is “Building A Better World” and we have invited local nonprofits to our kickoff celebration June 3 at Dan Nicholas Park, giving them the forum to share what they do and what opportunities they have for volunteers in our community.

The Pedal Factory, Rowan Animal Services, Chickweed, Rowan Literacy Council, Arc of Rowan and Habitat for Humanity are just a few of the groups who will be attending.

For months now, RPL has been hosting career specialists from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s Employability Lab at our locations, and now we are providing a series of workshops on Wednesdays from May through July at our headquarters in Salisbury.

Topics range from interview techniques to workplace politics to online and social media, and methods range from lectures and discussions to hands-on computer lab instruction. The series is designed to address the needs of those who are unemployed, under-employed and those interested in changing careers. There is even a workshop for parents with adult children seeking work, and how to be helpful and supportive.

The library has a plethora of materials and resources for job seekers, but the expertise of the RCCC’s Employability Lab includes a deep understanding of the labor markets of the county and region, and what skills local employers require in prospective employees.

Knowing who is hiring is great, but knowing what applicants need to get those jobs is just as important. Unqualified applicants and unfilled positions will not support the local economy, and RPL’s partnership with RCCC’s Employability Lab is an important step in bringing together community resources with citizens who can benefit.

The June 7 workshop is titled “New Opportunities in Manufacturing” and runs from 10 a.m. to noon in the Hurley Room of the headquarters location.

More information about dates, times and topics are available at https://www.rccc.edu/r3/courses-workshops/ and the RPL website and at all branches. We welcome all job seekers for these free events, and while you’re here you are welcome to use our resources in your search.

And if you are not currently a job seeker, pass the word on to friends and family who might be. See you this summer at the library

Summer Reading Registration: Opened May 15. There are three age categories: Children (newborns-rising fifth-graders), Teens (rising sixth- through 12th-graders), and Adults (ages 18+). In addition to tracking reading hours, 2017 Summer Reading festivities include special programs and a variety of prizes. Contact your nearest branch for full details.

Learn. Act. Grow: Smoothie Making with the Chef, May 22, 5:30-7 p.m., South Rowan Regional. Chef Chris Herron of Morrison Healthcare and Novant Health Rowan Medical Center will show how to make tasty smoothies and teach participants about the health benefits of fresh ingredients. Participants will sample smoothies and learn recipes they can make at home.

Summer Reading Kick-off: Dan Nicholas Park, June 3. Festival, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; concert 1:30 p.m. This free celebration is open to the public; all ages welcome. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m., explore the sports field and enjoy the Summer Reading festival, which features crafts and activities from a variety of vendors and participants. Then, at 1:30 p.m., the Billy Jonas Band will perform in the Stanback Outdoor Theater. Enjoy Dan Nicholas Park’s concessions or bring a picnic.

Chapter Chats Book Club: A weekly club for teens 14-17, primarily for participants with developmental or intellectual disabilities, but all are welcome. Meets Tuesdays (May 23) at East branch meeting room, through May 23, 5 p.m. For more information, contact Tammie Foster at 704-216-7842.

Adult Outreach Film Series: May 26, 2 p.m., East Branch, Rockwell. Jerry Lewis, “The Disorderly Orderly,” plays a hospital orderly who creates havoc by igniting a patient’s beard and stealing an ambulance to pursue his girlfriend in this 1964 comedy. The runtime is 90 minutes. Light refreshments . While the Adult Outreach series is designed for retired individuals, this free event is open to the public, and all ages are welcome.

Summer Reading Kick-off at Dan Nicholas Park: June 3, festival, 11 a.m-1 p.m., concert 1:30 p.m. This free celebration is open to the public, and all ages are welcome. During the festival, explore the sports field and enjoy the festival, which features crafts and activities from a variety of vendors and participants. Then, at 1:30 p.m., the Billy Jonas Band will perform in the Stanback Outdoor Theater. Enjoy Dan Nicholas Park’s concessions or bring a picnic.

Displays: Headquarters, Photowalk pictures from the N.C. Transportation Museum (Paul Birkhead) and tea cups (Brenda Zimmerman); East, vintage lunchboxes; South, South Rowan High School student artwork.

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.