By P.L. Stiles

Rowan Public Library

Sometimes life brings gnarly problems, uninvited and unwelcome guests that dampen a happy-go-lucky demeanor and darken the day. Problems can roll in like boulders, refusing to budge until the riddles they pose are solved.

No worries, a deep breath and a trip to the library can help transform those problems into a valuable experience instead. No matter the dilemma, there are few problems that a good book, a helpful website, a kind hand or a few moments of quiet contemplation could not change for the better.

Discover some of the more unique problem-solving resources available from Rowan Public Library:

AutoMate: Got car trouble? There is no trouble like car trouble, like that weird light that comes on or the scraping noise that is hard to locate. These symptoms might be listed in AutoMate, a free online car care database available 24/7 in NC Live that has repair and troubleshooting guides for 38,000 vehicles. Need to buy a car? The same database offers the Blue Book value, and shows the common automotive problems of that little sports car the neighbor is selling.

DIY manuals: House repairs looking difficult? Someone has faced it before. From electrical to plumbing to roofing, there are DIY (do-it-yourself) guides to solve most every handy problem that might be encountered. Even if DIY is not an option, knowing what needs to be done can assist in finding a good repair person and might even prevent getting taken for a costly ride.

Health and legal databases: Have a scary legal or medical problem? Available in NC Live online anytime, the Merck Manual Professional and Consumer Health Database provide informative articles on medical conditions and procedures as well as self care. Criminal Justice Database and LawHelpNC.org are available anytime through NC Live online, offering legal definitions and walk-through help for veterans, divorce and other legal difficulties.

Career development and job hunting: Need career help? Rowan County Library offers a host of free online and in-house resources such as website listings and links to local papers and job boards, free software and software training. Cypress Resume or Microsoft Word is on offer to create a resume in minutes. If certification is required, Testing & Education Reference Center, in NC Live, offers study guides and practice tests for vocational exams for virtually every industry including real estate, cosmetology, ASVAB, civil service exams, courts and many others. Gale Courses offer online classes to help build skills in software applications, health/medical certifications, or to develop personal interests while job hunting to stay positive. A cool computer lab complete with printers, scanners and faxes makes job hunting a breeze.

Budgeting, Consumer Reports, Morningstar: Having trouble making ends meet? The library provides books and magazines with ideas on budgeting, how-to guides for just about everything including fixing a lawn mower, starting a business, cooking and preserving food, gardening and more to help stay within budget. Consumer Reports helps make wise big ticket purchases, and databases such as Morningstar Investment Research Center provide research tools for making smart choices with 401K, or to impress in an interview. Librarians can also help find local resources to help save on expenses, find a repair person, a support group, a food pantry or a supportive agency.

Last but not least, the best kept secret, Films on Demand, offers free online videos covering all kinds of topics from vocational trades, crafts, residential and auto repair, health issues, science, history, National Geographic and much more.

There is nothing like solving a problem to make a person feel like a superhero. Discover solutions at the library, and send troubles packing. Cape and tights are not required.

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.

Chapter Chats: East, April 23, 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.

A Marvel-ous Week: East, April 22-26. Enjoy a Marvel Avengers movie marathon before the next installment of the Infinity War movies opens in theaters.

Monday, 5:30 p.m. “Captain America: Civil War” (PG-13, 148 min.)

Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. “Black Panther” (PG-13, 135 min.)

Wednesday, 5:30p.m. “Thor Ragnarok” (PG-13, 130 min.)

Thursday, 2 p.m. “Avengers: Infinity War” (PG-13, 160 min.)

Friday, 2 p.m. “Ant-Man and the Wasp” (PG-13, 125 min.)

Each screening is open to the public, and all ages are welcome. An adult must accompany children under 13. For more details, call 704-216-7842.

Lunch at the Library: East, April 26, 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.

Summer Fun Fair: April 27, 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Headquarters. Join local businesses and organizations for the Summer Fun Fair, which will feature exhibitors covering summer camps, internships and volunteer opportunities for summer 2019. All ages welcome at this free event. For more information, call 704-216-8242.

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.