By Amber Covington

Rowan Public Library

Libraries are organizations that offer free or low cost resources to people in the community. At Rowan Public Library, there are many ways the community uses the three library branches in Rowan County.

People gather together to hold monthly meetings of their social clubs. Students of all ages gather to study or complete assignments. Businesses host hiring events. Families gather to attend storytimes. Property owners research the history of their property.

Chairs and tables are filled with people using the wireless internet from a mobile device. Computer terminals are used by people completing online applications. And avid readers roam the aisles for their next read.

Current users of the library are dedicated patrons who support the mission of the library to provide information to all and are the best way to promote the services provided at our branches. As our society and social norms change over time, it is critical that libraries stay relevant and aware of the community.

A powerful tool that can be used to share the services libraries provide is social media — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and blogs. Each platform provides a way for libraries to share its services to people globally.

Anyone can search the Internet and locate a page created by Rowan Public Library to find out about upcoming storytimes, book club meetings, special events, pictures and ways to get involved in activities at each library branch. Maintaining social media pages are low cost ways to share information with our digital, ever-changing society.

Spread the word about upcoming events at our libraries: like and share the library’s social media accounts by following @rowanpubliclibrary on Facebook, @RPL_Adults on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to the Rowan Public Library’s channel on YouTube.

Makerspace open house: Headquarters, March 19, 6 p.m. Learn about the latest filming and editing tools the RPL makerspace offers, including GoPro cameras and green screen. This program partners with Catawba College education majors, who will demonstrate and present their projects. All ages welcome.

Friends of RPL and Cheerwine Concert Series: Charly Lowry, Headquarters, March 20, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Lowry has appeared on “American Idol” and is the lead singer for Dark Water Rising. Free, open to the public, all ages  welcome.

Adulting 101: 8. When you’re a kid, you think the grown ups have it all figured out, but now you’re almost a grown up and you have no idea what you’re doing. This program that will teach you how to become a functioning adult without having to call your parents for help. March’s program will focus on finance; April’s program on food. Headquarters, East, April 9, 6:30 p.m.

Escape! at the Library: March’s escape room is the St. Patrick’s Day-themed “Shamrock Shenanigans.” See if you can solve the clues and puzzles to steal the leprechaun’s gold and escape the enchanted forest. March 19, 6:30 p.m., East branch, Rockwell; March 20, 4:30 p.m., headquarters; South, China Grove, March 21, 6 p.m.

Random Fandom: Do you have what it takes to be a super sleuth like Sherlock Holmes? We’ll test your detective skills and deductive reasoning with puzzles and challenges, including a Sherlock Escape Room. East, April 2, 6:30 p.m.; headquarters, April 3, 4:30 p.m.; South, April 4, 6 p.m.

Murder Mystery Night: There’s been a murder at the library! Search the crime scene for clues, interview all the suspects, and be the first to find out who the culprit is. The murderer could be anyone — including you! Headquarters, April 17, 4:30; East, April 16, 6:3- p.m.; South, April 18, 6 p.m.

Teen Makerspace Night: A teens-only open house. Learn about the technology in the makerspace, and try hands-on activities. Part of the NC Science Festival. Headquarters, April 10, 4:30 p.m.

Book Bites Club: South, March 27, 6 p.m. Free, open to the public. A free book club where we discuss a different book each month and serve refreshments loosely related to the theme. March’s title is Carson McCullers’ “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter.” Need more information? Call 704-216-7730.

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, March 27, April 24, 4:30 p.m.

Lego Saturday: South, March 17, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Legos available for creative free play. For children only.

PJ Storytime: Headquarters, March 19, 6:30 p.m. Put on your pajamas, grab a blanket and your favorite stuffed animal, and join us for a special storytime. Recommended for children 3-11 years old, though all children are welcome.

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.

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. March 12.

Displays: Headquarters, Rowan Doll Society; East, celebrate Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day by Tammie Foster; South, crochet art by Sheila Weaver and fairy gardens by Maria Cannizzaro.

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.

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.

Noodlehead Storytime: Pre-K to fifth grade. Interactive storytime. Headquarters, Thursday, 4 p.m.; East, Tuesdays 3:30 p.m.; South Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.

Art programs: Pre-K to fifth grade. Learn art terms, techniques and work on art projects; 30-45 minutes. Art in the Afternoon, headquarters, Thursdays, 4:30 p.m.; Bethany’s Brushes, East, Tuesdays, 4 p.m.; Canvas Kids, South, Wednesdays, 4 p.m.