By Abigail Hardison  

Rowan Public Library

We’ve got a lot of big fiction releases this spring, so be sure to place yourself on hold for these high-demand books early. Perennial bestselling authors such as David Baldacci, J.A. Jance, Jojo Moyes, James Patterson, and John Sandford all have books hitting the shelves in April.

So what have these heavy-hitters got on tap for us? Let’s check it out.

First up is J.A. Jance’s latest release from April 2, “The A List,” which is the 14th in her Ali Reynolds’ series. This one finds Ali and her team chasing down a crazed doctor bent on revenge (The “A” in title stands for annihilation), with Ali and her team in the crosshairs.

Themes ripped from the headlines abound in this story, as the vengeful doctor was found to have fathered many of the babies in his fertility clinic without the parents’ knowledge. In a recent true story, a British doctor was found to have fathered 600 babies at his fertility clinic. The use of DNA registries to trace criminal activities has come up in several high profile cases recently as well, including breaking the case of the Golden State Killer. Jance takes these true life possibilities and weaves a riveting story that reliably keeps readers enthralled.

On April 9^, we’ll see “The Peacock Emporium” by Moyes. Moyes is best known for “Me Before You,” which was adapted into a movie starring Emilia Clark and Sam Claflin. Her new title is a fresh tale about a woman dealing with the legacy of her scandalous and glamorous mother while learning how to find happiness on her own terms.

The prolific James Patterson gives us three new titles this month. First up is “Miracle at St. Andrews,” the third in a feel-good series about golfer Travis McKinley. Next, on April 13, is “The 13 Minute Murder,” about a skilled assassin who finds himself a target. The end of the month gives us “The 18^th Abduction,” number 18 in his popular Women’s Murder Club series.

John Sandford releases the 29th installment of his popular series starring U.S. Marshall Lucas Davenport, titled “Neon Prey” on April 23. Sandford brings nonstop action, reliably good storytelling, and a terrifying serial killer who has flown under the radar for years. Word to the wise, this one is not for the faint-hearted.

To place a hold on one or more of these titles, just go to our website, rowanpubliclibrary.org or call us at 704-216-8228.

Spring Fever Scavenger Hunt: Headquarters, through April 30. It’s time to beat the winter blues and see how everything comes to life in the spring with a scavenger hunt in the children’s room. Children who complete the scavenger hunt will be entered into a contest for a prize. For more information, call 704-216-8234.

Who Was?: East, through April 30. Can you recognize famous scientists from their picture? This scavenger hunt features our popular Who Was series. Find them all and be entered into a contest for a literary-themed prize. For more information, contact Tammie at 704-216-7842.

Steam Into Adventure: Marbled Planet Paintings, South, April 13, 11 a.m.-noon. Make paintings of your favorite planets using shaving cream to recreate the marbled look of an atmosphere. This STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) program is geared for ages 6 to 11. For more details, call 704-216-7729.

Crash Test Dummies: Tuesday, 4-5:30 p.m., headquarters; Wednesday, 4-5:30 p.m., South; Thursday, 4-5 p.m., East. Make a contraption that will save your crash test dummy (water balloons) from certain doom. This program is for teens. Questions? Call 704-216-8258.

Chapter Chats: East, April 9, 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.

Maker Monday: Headquarters, Monday, 6-7 p.m. Let Catawba College education students teach you science and technology. Play with 3Doodler pens, Makey Makey and Little Bits Kit while learning about electrical conduction, 3D construction and circuitry. Free and open to all ages. Questions? Call Abby at 704-216-8248.

Lunch at the Library: East, April 12, 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.

Moonstruck: A Star Party: South, April 12, 6-9 p.m. Learn about the moon and other night-sky objects. All ages are invited to this special after-hours sky-watching event. In collaboration with Horizons Unlimited Planetarium and Science Center, the party will include “Yoga Under the Sky” with Salisbury’s Samadhi School of Yoga, STEAM activities, face-painting and more. Horizons staff will lead the outdoor sky-watching. In the case of inclement weather, outdoor activities will move inside for an online exploration of the evening sky. Members of the Astronomical Society of Rowan County will be on hand to guide sky-watching. The event is part of the 2019 Statewide Star Party, sponsored by the NC Science Festival. The  annual Statewide Star Party is made possible with the support of the NC Space Grant and the NC Science Festival. http://www.ncspacegrant.org/

Photowalk: April 13, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Join us for a walk at Webb Road Flea Market. Bring your digital camera/phone to take photos together. Questions? Contact Paul at Paul.Birkhead@rowancountync.gov or 704-216-7737. The photowalk will last approximately 90 minutes.

Classic Cinema Series: East, April 12, 2 p.m. Enjoy a free showing of the 1955 film “Rio Bravo” (NR, 141 min.). While the Classic Cinema Series is part of Adult Outreach Services and is designed for retired individuals, this free event is open to the public; all ages welcome. For more details, call 704-216-7842.

Displays: Headquarters, Sexual Assault Awareness Month by Rowan Helping Ministries, Celebration of National Library Week by Rowan Public Library, North Carolina Railroad Maps; East, Rockwell Civitans; South, Family Crisis Council.

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.