SALISBURY — Friends of Rowan Public Library members are encouraged to attend the group’s annual meeting 2025 at Rowan Public Library Headquarters for a special treat on Thursday. 

The evening’s program is a panel of local media experts featuring Deirdre Parker Smith, David Whisenant and Mark Wineka. Whisenant and Wineka have recently published books, and Parker Smith has edited, designed and assisted with several recently released titles. All three have worked for local news outlets — Parker Smith and Wineka at the Salisbury Post and Salisbury the Magazine, and Whisenant with Charlotte CBS affiliate station WBTV.

Parker Smith is a news media professional with 35 years of experience, much of which was at Salisbury Post in various roles including web editor and copy desk chief. She wrote book reviews, food features and profiles among other assignments. She is also a freelance writer and editor who has assisted with several titles. She has edited and designed multiple books, including local author Margaret Basinger’s 2021 memoir “‘Tis the Season with Chuck and Belle.”

Wineka is a news media professional with 45 years of experience. He has written countless pieces for the Post and its associated magazine as well as having authored or co-authored multiple books, including “A Drive Across Town,” his most recent release. Other titles Wineka has authored include “Lion’s Share” and “A Family Affair: The Life, Times and Sale of a Family-Owned Newspaper.”

Whisenant began his broadcasting career at the age of 16 at a Salisbury radio station. After graduating from Appalachian State University in 1983, he returned to radio work before becoming a television reporter for WBTV. He worked for 32 years as a news reporter, covering stories in the Charlotte area and beyond. His memoir is titled “Chasing the Story: The Stories and Events that Shaped the Life of a Veteran News Reporter.”

In addition to speaking about their personal experiences in the media field, there will be a question and answer session. Audience members are encouraged to bring their questions. Free refreshments will be served following the program. The panelists will have copies of their books on sale. 

Program attendees are also invited to join Friends of RPL; individual memberships are just $10 per year for new or renewing members. Memberships may be renewed or purchased on-site at the event or ahead of time. Cash or charge is accepted. 

The benefits of a Friends membership include volunteer opportunities, community engagement, admission to special preview sales at the Second Saturday Bookshop, a free monthly newsletter, and more. Though volunteering is encouraged, membership in the Friends doesn’t carry a service requirement; members choose their level of involvement and activity.

Friends of RPL supports Rowan Public Library programs and events, particularly RPL’s annual Summer Reading programs and events for all ages, and membership dues contribute to this support. 

The Rowan Public Library Headquarters is located at 201 W. Fisher St., Salisbury, on Thursday. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m., and the program begins at 6 p.m.