By Brooke K. Taylor

Rowan Public Library

Need a good book, but not sure what to choose? Rowan Public Library has got you covered. Each location has a ‘”grab and go” section which features the newest (and sometimes just new to us) books, audio-books and DVDs. Staff members work hard to keep these quick-pick sections fully stocked with bestsellers for every genre and collection.

Are you a big-time fiction fan? You should check out Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting series finale: “Dead Men’s Trousers” or James Patterson’s “The Fall of Crazy House.” Patterson’s latest will send you on a wild and crazy ride with twins Becca and Cassie as they complete their military mission to save the people of the former United States.

In the mood for something romantic to read? Annie Darling’s “The Lonely Bookshop” series is a must read. The library has all three books in this series. They are quick reads that are guaranteed to make any romance fan smile and sigh.

Serious about sci-fi and fantasy? Kate Mascarenhas’ “The Psychology of Time Travel” and Ruth Emmie Lang’s “Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance” are sure to scratch your science fiction itch.

Trying to keep your fiction close to home? The library offers plenty of titles by North Carolina authors. How about trying De’Shawn Winslow’s debut novel “In West Mills”? Historical fiction lovers will enjoy this novel set in a small North Carolina town. The library also offers Charlotte native John Hartness’ “Scattered, Smothered, and Chunked.”

But maybe fiction is not your thing. No worries. The library offers lots of new non-fiction, too. Sports fans will enjoy reading basketball champ Lamar Odom’s new memoir “Darkness to Light” or learn how marathoner Meg Keflezighi ran to greatness 26.2 miles at a time.

History buffs will want to check out “Honorable Exit” by Thurston Clarke, which speaks about the ending of the Vietnam War and the role heroic U.S. citizens played in helping to facilitate evacuations of many South Vietnamese from a communist regime. Interested in genealogy or wondering why everyone is so excited to trace his or her roots? You may find “Roots Quest” by Jackie Hogan informative and fun.

Thinking about writing your own book? You can get some insider tips from Ally Carter’s “Dear Ally, How Do You Write A Book” or “The Book You Were Born to Write” by Kelly Notaras.

The library also offers a multitude of new audiobooks for your listening pleasure. You should try “Scream All Night” by Derek Milman. Or how about a DVD? “The Bookshop,” based on a book by Penelope Fitzgerald, features actors Emily Mortimer and Bill Nighy.

Whatever you might be looking for, our staff is ready to help. Stop by a service desk or give us a call today. All three locations are standing by and waiting to give you your next new read.

Happy Birthday, Harry: July 31, 4 p.m., East. Enjoy a birthday party for the boy who lived, including snacks, Quidditch and crafts. Come dressed as your favorite character to win a prize. Also, see a showing of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001, 152 minutes, PG.). A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. All ages are welcome to this free event. For more details, call 704-216-7840.

National Teen Lock-in and Teen Summer Reading Finale: Friday, 6-10 p.m., headquarters. Teens will play games, enjoy snacks and participate in streamed author chats. Door prizes will be awarded. A permission slip signed by a parent or guardian and registration for one author chat is required to participate. Teens will also redeem Summer Reading raffle tickets for prizes. The Lock-in is also the Teen Summer Reading Finale and is designed for rising sixth- through 12th-graders. For more details, call 704-216-8269.

Back-to-School Bash: Aug. 2, 1:30 p.m., East. Celebrate the beginning of a new school year with a Harry Potter-themed bash. Test your knowledge with Harry Potter trivia, and create your own Hogwarts acceptance letter to take with you on your next school adventure. Then, enjoy a showing of “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” (2007, 138 minutes, PG-13.). A responsible caretaker (age 18+) must accompany children 13 and under. All ages welcome to this free event. For more details, call 704-216-7842.

Book Bites book club: July 30, 6 p.m., South. Refreshments will be served, and new members are welcome. Contact Paulette at Paulette.Stiles@rowancountync.gov for details about this month’s selection.

Get Lit(erature)! Trivia and social hour at New Sarum Brewing, Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m. Join RPL at New Sarum,  109 N. Lee St., for the last of three special, pop-culture-themed trivia nights hosted by local establishments. The theme is “Out of This World.” Test your knowledge and then discuss your favorite books and movies in the genre. Door prizes will be awarded. This  is an Adult Summer Reading Program for ages 18 and up. Program lasts 90 minutes. For more details, call 704-216-8248.

Gardening Party Saturdays: Aug. 3, 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 project is Building Pollinator Houses for Bats and Bees. Questions? Call Paulette 704-216-7731.

Displays: Headquarters, Piedmont Players display and Carolina Historical Association — metal detecting; East, handcrafted jewelry by Myrtis Trexler; South, lunch 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.