By Hannah Hemphill

Rowan Public Library

Rowan Public Library will offer a series of technology classes the second Tuesday of the month from September through November. Class will be 7-8 p.m.

The classes will focus on practical questions that consumers might have about technology, including smartphone basics, internet privacy and social media marketing. Classes will be held at headquarters in the second floor conference room.

The first class on Sept. 10 will focus on becoming familiar with how to use handheld devices, including smartphones and tablets. Participants will be able to learn about their own device in this hands-on course that covers the basics of mobile technology. This includes practice with navigating different screens, applications, connecting to the internet and more. There will be time to address specific problems that attendees have encountered, so bring your questions.

The next class, on Oct. 8, will cover internet security and privacy. This introduction will cover practical tips for keeping your information safe on the internet, including password security, reliable websites, and listening devices, such as Google Home. Attendees will be able to leave feeling more confident about their ability to recognize different security risks and keep their information private.

Nov. 12 is the final session of the series, which will teach users the basics of how to use social media as a marketing technique. Attendees will learn how to set realistic goals, plan and create content, and how to analyze their social media strategy. This class is intended to help people who are beginners and not overly familiar with social media.

Can’t make it to one of these classes or feel you need more help afterwards? The library also offers one-on-one technology help through our Tech Stop program. For more information on our tech programs or to schedule a Tech Stop, contact Hannah at 704-216-8259 or hannah.hemphill@rowancountync.gov.

Library Card Sign-Up Month: Library cards are priceless – do you have yours? At RPL, cards are free and, when kept in good standing, offer access to RPL’s circulating collection, computer labs and online resources and materials. Contact your nearest branch for more details or visit RPL’s website, www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.

Scavenger Hunt: U.S. Presidents, Headquarters, South, Sept. 1-30. Can you find the pictures of the United States presidents that are hidden throughout the children’s room? Complete the challenge and get a prize.  For more information, call 704-216-8234.

Scavenger Hunt: Past Presidents, East, Sept 1-30. Discover little known facts about our past presidents! Find them all and be entered into a raffle contest for a literary-themed prize. For more information, call 704-216-7842.

Crafty Kids: Headquarters, Sept. 11, 6 p.m., children’s room. Children ages 12 and under may explore their crafty side using a variety of materials and techniques to create art. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. For more information, contact Aida at 704-216-8234.

Fat Cat Storytime: Headquarters, Sept. 12, 10:30 a.m. Children ages 5 and older are invited to learn new stories, enjoy fun activities and meet FAT CAT. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. This program is presented by the State Employees Credit Union. Questions? Call 704-216-8234.

Sensory Storytime: Headquarters, Sept. 13, 10:30 a.m. Attendees will be able to taste, touch, smell, see, hear about apples. Low lighting and low music will also be used. This interactive, 30-minute storytime involves books, songs and movement and is designed for those with autism and/or sensory challenges. All ages and those of all abilities are welcome. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. For questions or to make accessibility arrangements, call 704-216-8234.

Meet an Instagram Promoter: Headquarters, Sept. 10, 4 p.m. Learn how to micro-blog using Instagram, post safely online and develop a following based on a hobby or topic you enjoy. This teen program is designed for rising sixth- through 12th-graders. For more information, call Sydney at 704-216-8229.

Green Screen and Photo Editing: East, Sept. 12, 4 p.m. Learn the basics of using a green screen and photo editing using free apps. This teen program is designed for rising sixth- through 12th-graders. For more information, call Sydney at 704-216-8229.

Wednesday Writers Club: East, Sept. 11, 6 p.m. Love writing? We do too. Join the East Branch for a time of solo writing, group sharing and peer-to-peer reviews. Encouragement, coffee and snacks will be provided. This program is designed for teens and adults. Call 704-216-7840 for more information.

Meet Your Neighbor Lynna Clark: East, Sept. 9, 6 p.m. Clark, a Rowan County native and author,  will discuss her latest work, writing and how to get published. Refreshments and door prizes will follow. Call 704-216-7840 for more information.

Technology Tuesday: See details above. Sept. 10, 7-8 p.m., headquarters. Smartphone and Tablet Basics. For more information, call Hanna at 704-216-8259.

Book Tasting: Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-noon, headquarters. Enjoy a tasting buffet of a variety of new large print titles and decide which ones you’d like to read. Refreshments will be provided. Registration not required. This program, a collaboration with Rufty-Holmes Senior Center of Salisbury, is free and open to the public. Questions? Call Amanda at 704-216-8268.

Genealogy Workshop: Headquarters, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. Land and Taxes. Learn how to discover your lineage by investigating the buying, selling and settling of land. Co-hosted by the Genealogical Society of Rowan County and the Edith M. Clark History Room, this program is free and open to the public. Registration encouraged. To register, call Gretchen at 704-216-8232 or visit bit.ly/RPLGenealogy9-2019

Bucket List: Learn to Dance the Shag, headquarters, Sept. 14, 3-4 p.m. Let a professional instructor from Salisbury’s Positively Ballroom prepare you for your next shindig so that you can cut a rug like you’ve always wanted to. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Registration required: To register, call Abby at 704-216-8248 or email info@rowancountync.gov through Thursday, Sept. 12.

“Toy Story” Escape Room: South, Sept. 10, 3-6 p.m. Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month with a “Toy Story” escape room. Work through the clues to help Woody and Buzz escape. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. Questions? Call 704-216-7730.

Chapter Chats: Sensory Storytime. East, Sept. 11, 10 a.m. This weekly program is designed for those with autism and/or sensory challenges and is coordinated in collaboration with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s Skills, Opportunity, Awareness, Readiness (S.O.A.R.) program and Rowan County’s Therapeutic Recreation Division. The fourth Wednesday of each month is an interactive Sensory Storytime that involves books, songs and movement. To learn more about how to participate in this program, call Tammie at 704-216-7842

Displays: Headquarters, pending; East, German heritage, Old Stone House by Kevin Sloop; South, German heritage of Southern Rowan County by Kevin Sloop.

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.