By Hope Loman

Rowan Public Library

You might have heard of the word “adulting,” a term often used by today’s teenagers, twenty- and early thirty-somethings to refer to behaving in a manner befitting an adult, or engaging in activities that are associated with a adulthood.

Often this is used by these so-called millennials as a jokey way to talk about activities like doing taxes or buying their first lawn mower. Jane Solomon, a lexicographer and writer for “American Speech,” says that the word’s usage is rooted in the fact that millennials have a delayed development, going through life stages much later than previous generations have, such as starting families and owning homes.

While this age group might be slower to reach these important milestones for a number of reasons, public libraries nationwide are trying to prevent lack of relevant knowledge from being one of them with the creation of “Adulting 101” programs. Targeting teenagers and patrons in their early 20s, these classes can focus on a range of basic skills, from “Apartment Hunting 101” to “Your First Credit Card.”

Rowan Public Library hosted its first in the series at RPL Headquarters on Jan. 16, with more programs to follow on the second Tuesdays and Wednesdays in March and April. The first class will focus on basic cooking, providing general information as well as hands-on demonstrations.

In case you want to brush up on your cooking skills but were unable to attend the class, or would like some supplemental reading, you might want to check out these books, all available at the Rowan Public Library:

• “The Cookbook for Teens: The Easy Teen Cookbook” is a great resource, with 74 simple recipes, notes about cooking fundamentals, and safety tips.
• “Teen Cuisine,” by Matthew Locricchio has step-by-step recipes and Chef’s tips for over 50 meals, including an American favorite Pizza Coast-to-Coast section to show how to make pizza from three regions of the United States.
• “The Green Teen Cookbook” shows teens how to shop smarter, cook consciously, and eat a healthier diet, with 70-plus recipes created by teens, for teens.
• “Students Go Vegan Cookbook,” by Carole Raymond, with over 100 quick and easy recipes, pantry-stocking suggestions and easy meat alternatives.
• “The Ultimate Student Cookbook: From Chicken to Chili,” by Tiffany Goodall, has more than 100 easy recipes for terrific food on a student’s budget.

For more information about the Adulting 101 classes at the Rowan Public Library, contact Hope Loman at 704-216-8258 or hope.loman@rowancountync.gov.

“Oh, look at that …” scavenger hunt: Through Feb. 28, East branch. Olaf’s body has come apart yet again. Can you put all nine pieces back together again before he melts? Find the pieces and be entered into a raffle contest for a literary-themed prize. For more information, contact Tammie Foster at 704-216-7842.

Random Fandom: Celebrate your favorite fandoms with a mix of games, crafts, snacks and screenings. For more information, contact Hope at 704-216-8258. Minecraft, Jan. 22, 6:30 p.m., East. “Star Wars” Feb. 5, East, 6:30 p.m.; Feb. 5, headquarters, 4:30 p.m.; South, Feb. 7, 6 p.m.

Bullet Journaling: Jan. 22, 2 p.m., South. Bullet journaling is a free, fun and simple organizational system to turn any blank book into your ideal planner, journal, tracker and diary. Want to start 2018 off right? Bring a blank book to our free event and we’ll share the tools and the tricks to help you stay on top of all the things you’ve got going on in your life, from your job, to your family, your health, your finances and more. Contact Amy at 704-216-7731.

Baby Time: Birth-23 months. Highly interactive 30-minute program for children and their adult caregivers. Headquarters, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.; East, Mondays, 10 a.m.; South, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.

Toddler Time: 18 to 35 months. Highly interactive 30-minute program for children and their adult caregivers. Headquarters, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; East, Mondays, 11 a.m.; South, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.

Preschoolers: 3-5 years. Highly interactive 30-minute program for children and their adult caregivers. Headquarters, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.; East, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.; South, Mondays, 10 a.m.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors: 7 to 9 years old. Children can practice reading skills in a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere. Canine listeners provided by Therapy Dogs International. Headquarters, selected Tuesdays, 4 p.m. Call 704-216-8234 for details. East, selected Mondays, 3:30 p.m., Call 704-216-7842 for details.

STEAM into Adventure: Headquarters, Jan. 27, 11 a.m. Enjoy hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) activities and crafts. Program time is one hour.

Chapter Chats: Weekly book club for teens 14-17, primarily for participants with developmental or intellectual disabilities, though all are welcome. Mondays, 5 p.m. at East Branch, Rockwell. Contact Tammie Foster at 704-216-7842. Next meeting, Monday, Jan. 22.

PJ Storytime: Jan. 22, 6:30 p.m., headquarters. Put on your pajamas, grab a blanket, your favorite stuffed animal, and join us for a special evening storytime. Recommended for children 3-11 years old, though all children are welcome.

Escape at the Library: RPL now has its own escape room. See if you can solve the clues and codes to get out of the room before the timer hits zero! January’s escape room is “Back to the Future: Save the Clock Tower!” February’s escape room is Escape the DEATH STAR, a “Star Wars” escape room. Headquarters: Jan. 23, Feb. 20, 4:30 p.m.; East, Jan. 29, Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m.; South, Jan. 24, Feb. 21, 6 p.m.

Give Back Saturdays: Help us give back to the community through various crafts and projects, which we’ll donate to local charities. Teens can count participation to meet community service requirements for school or other organizations. Headquarters, Feb. 10, 11 a.m.

Chocolate Festival: Celebrate Valentine’s Day and all things chocolate with games, trivia and a chocolate fountain. Headquarters, Feb. 13, 4:30 p.m.; East, Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m.; South, Feb. 14, 6 p.m.

Teen Board: Want to be part of a Teen Advisory Board and make decisions about upcoming teen library programs? Or just want to play some board games? Now you can do both. Headquarters, Jan. 30, 4:30 p.m.

Tech Tuesdays: iPad basics, South, Jan. 23, 7 p.m. This one-hour computer class, held in South’s conference room, introduces participants to their iPads. Space is limited, so registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Paul at Paul.Birkhead@rowancountync.gov or 704-216-7737.

Downton Beats, Rowan’s Impromptu Chorus: Jan. 29, 6 p.m., headquarters. Everyone is welcome. This community sing requires no experience and no commitment. No charge or prior registration is required. Arrive at 6 p.m. for a short practice of two pre-selected songs. The sing will culminate with a final, videoed performance. Questions? Contact Abigail at Abigail.Hardison@rowancountync.gov or at 704-216-8248.

Displays: Headquarters, student art from West Rowan High School art classes and Salisbury Symphony exhibit. East, wooden and ceramic bird figurines by Lois Foster; South, student art from South Rowan High School art classes.

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.