By Sydney L. Smith

Rowan Public Library

Teenagers are an odd group to serve, and many folks may feel puzzled when they ask for advice or resources. After all, “teen” is used to address a wide range of ages and milestones, usually from the middle school “tween” age through 18 years old.

Where can you find resources to suit the needs of younger as well as older teens? Look no further than the public library.

One of the most common teenage requests at the library’s reference desk is for homework help. From English to foreign languages to trigonometry and beyond, Rowan Public Library has options to help teens complete assignments and prepare for class.

Besides access to free WiFi and countless books on a spectrum of topics, the library also offers access to NC Live, a large database packed with peer-reviewed articles, journals, magazines, newspapers and video clips to assist with research assignments.

On RPL’s website, the Teen Zone section also includes a wealth of links to websites for homework help. Some require a library card number to access, but never fear — if your teen doesn’t remember their library card number, they can also use their school-issued ID (lunch) number to gain access to RPL’s online resources.

Older teens find themselves facing the stresses of college prep testing, admissions essays and applications. Preparing college application packets can feel intimidating, but RPL is here to help.

Under the RPL website’s Online Resources section, teens can visit the “education” section to find college admission and prep tools, college and university databases, information on local colleges, financial aid resources and more.

Many community members are familiar with Summer Reading, a seven-week celebration of reading and learning during the schools’ summer vacations, where people of all ages are invited to attend free programs at each library branch.

While Summer Reading does have to end, the free programs do not. Teens can enjoy free, weekly fall programming at each branch of RPL during September, October and November. Programs include crafting and DIY sessions, trivia, games, makerspace activities, guest speakers and more. All teen programming is planned specifically for teens of all ages to enjoy safe, engaging and fun activities after school.

The library is an excellent place for teens to learn and grow, and services designed for them are expanding all the time. For more questions about programs and other resources for teens, contact any of your local Rowan Public Library branches to speak with a teen services provider.

Headquarters closing: Rowan Public Library Headquarters will be closed Aug. 13-16 for repairs to its cooling system. The other branches are not affected. For the latest on the closure, visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.

Triple P Positive Parenting Program: Aug. 12, 5:30 p.m., South; Aug. 14, 5:30 p.m., East; Aug. 19, 5:30 p.m., headquarters. Triple P’s Positive Parenting Program helps all parents handle everyday issues that can make family life stressful. Learn parenting strategies that have been proven to work for over 30 years in 25 countries worldwide. Margaret Stridick of the Terrie Hess House with Prevent Child Abuse Rowan will present. This workshop is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Contact Chelsea at 704-216-8269 or Chelsea.Childers@rowancountync.gov to reserve your seat.

Welcome Home, David Freeze: Aug. 20, 6 p.m., headquarters. Local author David Freeze will share stories from his recent bike tour of Alaska, the latest leg in his quest to complete traveling solo across all 50 states. Pictures, highlights and anecdotes from his trip will begin at 6 p.m. An informal meet and greet with the author and reception sponsored by Salisbury Rowan Runners Club will follow. For more information, contact Brooke at 704-216-7841.

Displays: Headquarters, Communities in Schools (school supplies accepted on site), Olde Rowan Fiber Guild; East, Lady Bird Display by Lindsey Barnhardt; South, homemade soap by Rachel Mowry.

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.