“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.” Dr. Seuss

By Amanda Bosch

Rowan Public Library

Perhaps it is because I love children’s books, but this is one of my favorite reading quotes. One of the most wonderful things about summer are long, lazy days where the sun doesn’t set until long after dinner and there is time to sit on the porch, relax in a hammock or hit the beach with a great summer read. To that end, there are some wonderful summer reads available at Rowan Public Library. Here are a few from my list that you may enjoy.

First up on my list is “Educated: A Memoir” by Tara Westover. The summary reads: “Raised in the Idaho mountains by survivalist parents who eschewed schooling and doctors, Westover hungered so powerfully for education that she taught herself, getting to Brigham Young University and eventually Cambridge University for a PhD. One of the publisher’s big books of the season.”  While it is still on my hold list, I have heard from friends that it is a powerful and inspiring read.

Next up is something more relaxing where I can just enjoy the narrative and follow the story in between naps. One of my favorite Southern authors, Mary Kay Andrews, has a new title out, “Sunset Beach: A Novel.” This tells the story of down and out Drue who reluctantly reconciles with the father who abandoned her because he offers her a much-needed job. After returning home to the rather dilapidated beach cottage her grandparents once owned, Drue finds herself drawn to solve a murder case as well as a decades-old mystery. This one will keep you guessing until the end.

Lastly, to round out my vacation, a Gothic ghost story, Wendy Webb’s “Daughters of the Lake.” Kate is nursing her wounds after a divorce and has moved back home with her parents when the body of a young woman in a vintage nightgown floats ashore. Tucked into her arms is the body of an infant. No one can identify this strange woman, except Kate, who has seen her in her dreams.

There are new titles coming into your local branch every day as well as hundreds of e-books being added to the North Carolina Digital Library so there is something for everyone to read.  Whether you like mysteries, biographies or how-to books, you can find it at your local library.

Holiday closing: Headquarters, East Branch and South Rowan Regional will be closed Thursday, July 4. Regular hours resume July 5.

Summer reading: Registration is open for all age groups, children, teens and adults. Contact your local branch for details.

Ro & Mo Stories: July 2, 2 p.m., South; July 3, 2 p.m., East; July 5, 2 p.m., headquarters. RPL’s legendary Mr. Robert and Mary Ann return to perform live-action stories. This is a School Age Summer Reading program designed for rising first- through fifth-graders, though all ages are welcome. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. Program lasts 45-60 minutes. For more details, call 704-216-8234.

Space Jam: July 1, 3:30 p.m., South; July 2, 3:30 p.m., headquarters; July 3, 3:30 p.m., East. Listen to live music. This is a Teen Summer Reading Program, designed for rising sixth- through 12th-graders. Program lasts 90 minutes. For more details, call 704-216-8229.

Summer Reading Film Series: “The Incredibles 2” July 1, 5:30 p.m.; July 2, 6:30 p.m., headquarters; July 6, 10 a.m., South. Mr. Incredible must manage the house while his wife Elastigirl goes out to save the world (2018, 118 minutes, PG). A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. For more details, contact your nearest branch.

Gardening Party Saturdays: July 6, 11 a.m., South. Gardening is cheaper than therapy – and you get tomatoes. Join with other gardening and pollinator enthusiasts monthly for Gardening Party Saturdays. This month’s topic is Using Fresh Herbs & Flowers, featuring an herb/flower tasting. Questions? Call Paulette 704-216-7731.

Displays: Headquarters, Piedmont Players and Carolina Historical Association on metal detecting; East, handcrafted jewelry by Myrtis Trexler; South, Universe of Stories by Stephanie Reisterlunch box memorabilia by Sharon Ross.

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.