By Laurie Lyda

Rowan Public Library

SALISBURY — RoBoJo Theatre Troupe returns to Rowan Public Library on Saturday for the 21st annual presentation of the RoBoJo Holiday Show.

The show will begin at 2 p.m. in Stanback Auditorium at the headquarters library, 201 W. Fisher St. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free.

The group of talented local actors and staff includes the library’s children’s associate, Robert Jones — known to many as “Mr. Robert.” The hourlong variety show includes skits, songs, readers theater and audience participation.

Favorite children’s books will come to life in hilarious and often spontaneous fashion. The skit “Santa Visits the Moes” has had audience members laughing in the aisles in years past. This year, “12 Days of Christmas” returns as well as “Santa Duck,” “Claude the Dog,” “Miss Wishy-Washy’s Christmas” and more. Corny jokes, funny limericks and adorable puppets add to the show.

“This program is a celebration of all that is good during the holiday season,” said Jones. “Adults as well as children are encouraged to attend.”

Along with RoBoJo’s performance, the library has a variety of holiday programs planned. “Cards for a Cause,” now in its fourth year, offers patrons the opportunity to spread some cheer and send holiday cards to current and former service members in the armed forces. All library branches — headquarters, South Rowan Regional in China Grove, and East Branch in Rockwell — are participating.

Through Dec. 18, patrons can visit any branch and craft their cards. Pre-printed holiday cards, blank card stock, and crafting supplies are on hand, though patrons can also bring their own materials or submit completed cards.

Patrons can specify where their cards are delivered — whether to current service members in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard or to veterans at the W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center. Cards collected before Dec. 10 will be delivered stateside. All cards submitted Dec. 11-18 will be delivered to the VA hospital.

Last year, library patrons produced more than 1,300 “Cards for a Cause.” Tammie Foster, program coordinator and East children’s associate, hopes to exceed 1,500 cards this year.

The cards are a bright spot for service members. Senior Chief Yeoman Gerald Carman of the Coast Guard Recruiting Office in Greensboro said the program “really, really does make a difference.”

“Last year, we sent them to our members going through boot camp,” Carman said. “It is a wonderful reminder during a difficult time as to why they’re serving, and the cards light a fire in their hearts to continue on.”

Each library branch is also hosting a holiday children’s program featuring magician and storyteller Steve Somers of Amazing Teacher. Somers will perform his “Arctic Express” show at East and South branches. Children are invited to ride the Arctic Express and learn about winter holiday traditions from around the world.

Somers’ presentation, a mix of storytelling and illusions, teaches the importance of respect, the spirit of giving and the magic of sharing. Snowball Bunny, a live rabbit, will also appear. East branch’s holiday program will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 8 and South’s from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 11.

At the headquarters library from 10:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 13, Somers will perform “Jingle Bell Magic,” featuring magic tricks, storytelling and music. Witness a snowball come to life, listen to the enchanting tale of Ernie the Elf and meet Snowball Bunny.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with the children after each show. Light refreshments will be served.

East branch has two holiday films planned for December. The next installment of the Classic Cinema Series, shown at 2 p.m. Dec. 14, features the 1945 classic comedy “Christmas in Connecticut.” This unrated film stars Barbara Stanwyck and has a 101-minute run time.

Though the Classic Cinema series is part of Adult Outreach Services and is designed for retirees, all ages are welcome.

At 2:30 p.m. Dec. 21, East branch will show “The Star” (2017). All ages are welcome.

To learn more about library programs and resources, visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.