The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.

                     — Albert Einstein

 

The Friends of Rowan Public Library is a non-profit 501c(3) organization with over 400 members. This fall, Jennifer Hubbard was elected president of the Board of Directors. Hubbard’s membership drive letter is printed below. If you are not yet a member of the Friends or wish to renew your membership, visit any RPL branch, call 704-216-8240 or email Cynthia.Owen@rowancountync.gov.

Dear Friends of Rowan Public Library,

To our Friends members, thank you for loving your library and for showing your support with your patronage and your dollars, which boost programs at Rowan Public Library’s three branches. Soon there will be a fourth, the West branch in Cleveland, opening in March — happy news!

This year, your $15 membership has funded the Summer Reading Program for Rowan County’s children; Stories by the Millstream, a storytelling festival for second-graders; and a concert series open to all. These programs have remained free, thanks to you, and we aim to keep it that way.

Each fall, we host an annual book sale, a major public event. This year, we sold over $6,000 worth of books that you kindly donated. Donations, accepted year-round, also stock the on-going Friends book sale, located on the second floor of the main branch, and—news flash!—our new Second Saturday Bookshop in the West End Plaza, opening March 14. Stay tuned to our regular e-newsletters; as a member, you will be invited to our sneak preview.

Did you know about our literary-themed gift baskets? Each one is unique and created by a dedicated Friend, and each library branch carries an affordable selection. They make charming holiday offerings, and when you buy one, you support us. It’s a win-win.

Another win-win are the trips we offer, tried-and-true adventures that keep Friends coming back for more. In 2020, year of perfect vision, destinations include South Dakota (Are the Black Hills truly black, the Badlands really bad?) and coastal Maine. Picture you and a friend seaside, dining on the freshest of lobsters.

Or simply picture yourself adding $20 to your membership. Consider contacting us to say, “I can cover the prizes for the bookmark contest.” Or “Let me sponsor that bluegrass band.”

We applaud you for taking pride in your local public library, which does so much good for so many people. If you don’t believe me, spend twenty minutes near the information desk on the second floor of the main branch or the East branch in Rockwell or the South branch in China Grove. Your support validates the efforts of our staff.

Please help to continue making our library a force for good.

Gratefully,

Jennifer Hubbard

President, Friends of Rowan Public Library

Holiday closings: Rowan Public Library headquarters, East and South branches will be closed Dec. 24-26. Regular hours resume Friday, Dec. 27.

The Twelve Books of Christmas: Now through-Dec. 23, East. On the first day of Christmas, I saw at my library 12 books wrapped for a reader like me! Check out 12, pre-wrapped children’s books and have a surprise for each day before the holidays. This exciting spin on your regular check-out routine is available through Dec. 23. For more information, contact Tammie at 704-216-7842.

Scavenger Hunt: Holidays Around the World Dec. 2-30, headquarters and South. Can you find all of the symbols from all of the winter holidays that are celebrated around the world? Complete the challenge and get a prize! For more information, call 704-216-8234.

At East Dec. 2-31, Santa and his elves help to make the library a cheerful place. Find all the characters and be entered into a raffle contest for a literary-themed prize. For more information, contact Tammie at 704-216-7842.

Nutcrackers at Noon: Dec. 23, noon-2 p.m., East. Join us for an afternoon of crafting and a movie showing of “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” (2018, PG, 99 minutes). Refreshments will be provided. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. For more information, contact Tammie at 704-216-7842.

Displays: Headquarters, Photowalk at Catawba College, presented by Paul Birkhead, also Rowan Helping Ministries display; East, “It’s a Wonderful Life Village,” by Tammy Foster; South, Christmas Dolls — History of Rowan County, Rowan Doll Society.

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.