By Hope Loman

Rowan Public Library

Looking for something new for the kids to do on weekends? Trying to save some money this winter? Just want to get out of the house for a little while? Then come join us in the children’s room at Rowan Public Library Headquarters each Saturday this March for a different fun, free, and educational program each week!

The March 9 program is “STEAM into Adventure,” a monthly 30-45 minute program that encourages kids to try hands-on experiments related to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Children who attend will learn about coding, with the chance to program a Dash robot with an iPad app or make a Cubetto robot move with a control board and coding blocks.

Once the program winds down, children can access the computers in the children’s room with their library card number or a guest pass to play the ever-popular building game Minecraft, which has been shown to reinforce STEAM concepts.

On March 16, the children’s room will celebrate Earth Day by inviting children to come build their own sealed terrariums, with plants, soil, rocks and other materials provided. Staff will be on hand during this hour-long program to teach kids about the life cycle of a plant and the water cycle to explain why terrariums are self-sustaining, as well as why it’s important for all of us to care for our planet.

After the program, kids might want to stick around and go on the Earth Day Scavenger Hunt that runs throughout March in the children’s room; after finding all of the hidden items, children can turn in the official scavenger form for a small prize as well as be entered for a chance to win a raffle contest prize that will take place at the end of the month.

Finally, March 23 will be LEGO Saturday, with LEGO blocks available for children to build their own creations. For inspiration, kids might want to consult the library’s collection of LEGO books, like “The Unofficial LEGO Builder’s Guide” by Allan Bedford, which will teach techniques and building principles to anyone wanting to become a master builder, or the “LEGO Star Wars Ideas Book” by Hannah Dolan, which teaches readers how to recreate iconic scenes and objects from the famous film franchise.

Daniel Lipkowitz is the author of two other LEGO books that might be of interest: “The LEGO Ideas Book,” which shows basic templates for how to create different models, as well as “The LEGO Book,” a complete history of the famous toy.

For more information about any of these programs, please contact the children’s room at 704-216-8234. All programs start at 11 a.m., with the exception of LEGO Saturdays, which have a start time of 10 a.m. We look forward to seeing your family there.

Earth Day Scavenger Hunt: Headquarters, through March 30. Learn about the planet we live on and how we can take care of it.  Children who finish the scavenger hunt will be entered into a raffle contest for a prize. For more information, call 704-216-8234.

Dragon Training: East, through March 30. Toothless and his friends have flown off on an adventure. Help Hiccup find them before he goes to the hidden world. Find them all and be entered into a raffle contest for a literary-themed prize. Also, enjoy a “How to Train Your Dragon” movie marathon on March 11. For more information, contact Tammie at 704-216-7842.

Dr. Seuss Day: March 5, 6-7:30 p.m., South; Children of all ages may celebrate Dr. Seuss and his very own “Day of all Days,” Call 704-216-7728 for more details.

STEAM into Adventure: Headquarters, March 9, 11 a.m. Join Ms. Aida and perform hands-on STEAM experiments. This Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics program is geared for ages 6 to 11. For more details, call 704-216-8234.

STEAM into Adventure: Catapults, South, March 9, 11 a.m. Learn how to build small catapults. This  program is geared for ages 6 to 11. For more details, call 704-216-7729.

Random Fandom: Minecraft vs. Fortnite. Headquarters, March 4, 4-5:30 p.m.; South, March 6, 4-5:30 p.m.; East, March 7, 4-5 p.m. Which gaming fandom is better: Minecraft or Fortnite? Choose a side, complete missions, and compete against other teens to determine which fandom is the best. Questions? Call 704-216-8258.

Chapter Chats: East, March 5, 5:15-6 p.m. Weekly book club for teens 14-17, intended primarily for participants with developmental or intellectual disabilities, though all are welcome. For more details, contact Tammie at 704-216-7842.

Makerspace DIY: 3D Printing. Headquarters, March 8, 10-11:30 a.m. Learn how to make a design using 3D modeling software. Participants will use Tinkercad to design a 3D model and be able to print their creation during our open sessions. Sessions are available for people of all ages. Please register online, by phone at 704-216-8242, or by emailing Amber.Covington@rowancountync.gov.

Lunch at the Library: East, March 8, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a clean, Wi-Fi-accessible, peaceful place to eat lunch. The East Branch meeting room will be open. Lunch not provided, but tables, chairs and ambiance supplied. While in the library, check out upcoming programs and free resources. For more details, call 704-216-7840.

Caregiver Series Session 1: So You’re a Caregiver. South, March 4, 6:30-8 p.m. Are you a caregiver for an elderly parent, spouse or relative aging at home? Caregiving can be a stressful, frightening and overwhelming experience, especially for those new to the role. You are not alone. This four-part series is designed with the caregiver in mind, discussing needs and roles and providing information to help ensure a healthy balance for the well-being of caregivers and their loved ones.

This introductory session will look at topics such as interpersonal dynamics, identifying overwhelm, and taking stock of available resources that can help. Presenters will offer tips, tricks and perspectives to help make life easier for caregivers and their loved ones.

Registration required; contact Paulette at 704-216-7731 to reserve your seat.

Displays: Headquarters, Rowan Doll Society, Community Care Clinic, North Carolina Railroad Maps; East, painted glassware by Amanda Kepley; South, history of agriculture and farms by Paulette Stiles.

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.