By Chelsea Rhae Childers

Rowan Public Library

SALISBURY — Rowan Public Library wishes you a happy holiday season! As always, we aim to provide as many free services as possible to the residents of Rowan County and beyond. Best, of course, free books to check out! Our programs are aimed at educating, encouraging and nourishing the individual needs of our patrons.

Celebrating this time of year can be exciting, but overwhelming and stressful. Let’s aim to appreciate and participate in the season with as much joy as needed to fill our hearts to the brim!

One thing that seems to help those of us that may be battling a hectic schedule is to take some time for ourselves, to decompress from the many festivities. What better way to spend time (alone or otherwise) than to cozy up with a wonderful book?

Here are some books that may help us all revel in the holiday spirit. With the New Year upon us, it is a terrific time for self reflection and a clean slate for another 365 days on this wonderful planet, so make it count. From our shelves to your home, Happy New Year!

• “Merry and Bright,” by Debbie Macomber;

• “Jingle Bell Bark,” by Laurien Berenson;

• “Marking the Religious New Year,” by Betsy Richardson;

• “Happy New Year!” by Emery Bernhard;

• “The New Year’s Quilt: an Elm Creek Quilts Novel,” by Jennifer Chiaverini.

Holiday closings: Rowan Public Library headquarters, East and South branches will close at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31. All branches will be closed on Jan. 1. Regular hours resume Jan. 2.

Scavenger Hunt: Holidays Around the World through Dec. 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 through Dec. 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.

January Scavenger Hunt: Snow Animals at headquarters and South, Jan. 2-31. Can you find these snow animals hidden throughout the children’s room? Complete the challenge and get a prize. For more information, call 704-216-8234 or 704-216-7728.

Scavenger Hunt: Whiteout! at East, Jan. 2-31. Missing! Answer clues and riddles to solve the mystery of where two Siberian tigers are hiding after they escaped from a nearby zoo. Discover their hiding place and be entered into a raffle contest for a literary-themed prize. For more information, call 704-216-7842.

Songbird Storytime: Headquarters, Jan. 4, 11 a.m. This is an interactive program of music, reading and learning for ages 7 and under. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany participants. For more information, contact Chelsea at 704-216-8269.

Job Readiness on the Go: Headquarters, Jan. 2, 2-4 p.m. A Career Connections Specialist from Goodwill will be onsite to provide Job Readiness on the Go, which consists of successfully completing employment applications online and on paper, creating a resume, learning interviewing skills, and completing assessments to help select a career based on your personality and skills. Call 704-216-8259 for more information.

Noon Year’s Eve Party: East, Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Celebrate the New Year without the groggy morning. Families are welcome to attend this free program. Enjoy crafts, games, refreshments and a Noon Year countdown. 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.