Rowan Public Library

Summer Reading is well under way at Rowan Public Library with programs and events for all ages including special performances, storytimes, games, crafts and more. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy at the library this summer. In between all the fun library programs, keep tracking those reading hours. For information about tracking reading hours, how to win prizes, and a complete schedule of upcoming events, go to bit.ly/RPLSRP or swing by your nearest RPL location.

This week, RPL will host Gravity Check Juggling as part of RPL’s “Big Show Series.” Gravity Check’s Ken and Kyle will dominate the stage with amazing juggling displays of technical skill and hilarious banter. Performances will be held at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury) on Monday, June 17, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., and on Tuesday, June 18, at 2 p.m.; RPL South (China Grove) on Tuesday, June 18, at 10:30 a.m.; RPL East (Rockwell) on Wednesday, June 19, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; and RPL West (Cleveland) on Thursday, June 20, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. To learn more about Gravity Check, go to keysignatureonline.com/gravity-check.

The “Big Show Series” is designed for rising first through fifth graders, though all ages are welcome, and programs last approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Children can enter the weekly prize drawing by turning in a “Big Show Book Review” before the program begins. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. For more information about RPL’s Big Show Series, call 704-216-8234.

Summer Reading for Children also includes weekly storytimes that run from June 3 through July 11. Each weekly storytime is designed for specific age groups, though all are welcome. “Books and Babies” (infants to 12 months) is an interactive, 25-minute program designed for infants up to one year old and their caregivers. “Books and Babies” will be held each week at 9:30 a.m. on Mondays at RPL West (Cleveland), on Tuesdays at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury), on Wednesdays at RPL South (China Grove), and on Thursdays at RPL East (Rockwell).

“Toddler Time” (infants to 35 months) is a 20-25-minute program designed for children from infants to 35 months old and their caregivers. “Toddler Time” will be held each week at 10 a.m. on Mondays at RPL West (Cleveland), on Tuesdays at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury), on Wednesdays at RPL South (China Grove), and on Thursdays at RPL East (Rockwell).

“Spectacular Storytime” (preschool to first grade) is an interactive 30-45-minute program designed for children ages 3 to 6 years old and their caregivers. “Spectacular Storytime” will be held on Mondays at RPL West (Cleveland) at 10:30 a.m.; Tuesdays at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury) at 10:30 a.m. and noon; Wednesdays at RPL South (China Grove) at 10:30 a.m.; and Thursdays at RPL East (Rockwell) at 10:30 a.m. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. For more information about RPL’s Summer Reading for Children, contact Youth Services Supervisor Wendy Campbell at 704-216-8258 or Wendy.Campbell@rowancountync.gov.

Summer Reading for Teens is for ages 11-17 and features weekly programs where teens can make fun crafts, meet peers, and learn about related resources. This week, teens are invited to build their strategy skills in a game of “Human Battleship” on a life-sized scale. Teen programs are hosted at 3 p.m. on Mondays at RPL South (China Grove), Tuesdays at RPL Headquarters (Salisbury), Wednesdays at RPL West (Cleveland), and Thursdays at RPL East (Rockwell). For more information, contact Young Adult Librarian Amanda Brill at 704-216-8268 or Amanda.Brill@rowancountync.gov.

Summer Reading for Adults is for ages 18 and up. On Monday, June 17, at 6 p.m., adults are invited to RPL Headquarters (Salisbury) to create bucket list journals. A bucket list journal is a list of experiences that a person hopes to have or the goals they hope to accomplish during their lifetime. All supplies provided. To learn more, call 704-216-8242.

On Wednesday, June 19, at 6 p.m., participants ages 16 and up are invited to RPL East (Rockwell) to learn about rock sharing. Come paint rocks to keep for yourself or send on adventures in the community and learn about a painted rock sharing app. All supplies will be provided, and light refreshments will be served. To learn more or to register, go to bit.ly/RPL-PaintedRocks, email Paul.Birkhead@rowancountync.gov or call 704-216-7727.

At RPL Headquarters (Salisbury) on Saturday, June 22, at 10 a.m., local parents and caregivers are invited to learn more about different schooling options available to students and families in Rowan County. Representatives from various schools will be present to answer questions. To learn more, call 704-216-8268.

At RPL South (China Grove) on Saturday, June 22, at 11 a.m., adults are invited to get boldly creative by decorating a money-saving jar for future adventures and travels. All materials provided. Registration is required; space is limited. To register, go to bit.ly/AdventureFundJarsatRPL. To learn more, call 704-216-7727.

Adult programming this week also includes a Virtual Author Talk with Tiffany Jewell. On Thursday, June 20, at 2 p.m., join us virtually as New York Times bestselling author Tiffany Jewell highlights the inequities Black and Brown students face from preschool through college as she presents lessons and knowledge from her new book “Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School.” This free virtual program can be viewed online at bit.ly/RPLVirtualAuthorTalks. Rowan Public Library’s Virtual Author Talk series is part of the Library Speakers Consortium. Registration is optional and library card numbers are not required. To learn more about RPL’s Virtual Author Talks, call 704-216-8243.

Rowan Public Library’s Summer Reading programs and events are sponsored by the Friends of Rowan Public Library. For information about the Friends of RPL, go to www.friendsofrpl.org. To learn more about RPL’s Summer Reading 2024, stop by your nearest RPL location, go to www.rowanpubliclibrary.org, or call 980-432-8670. For assistance with ADA accommodations, call 704-216-8240.