Saturday, January 14th, 10:00 am
The class will examine some of the best websites and databases to use as well as information like cost, emphasis or access for particular websites.  A tour of the history room's resources will follow.

Click here to register or call Gretchen at 704-216-8232. Email: gretchen.witt@rowancountync.gov. This class is free and open to the public.  

Monday, January 23rd, 5:30 pm
South Rowan Regional (China Grove)

Take action to learn simple tips and techniques on how to protect yourself in a bad situation.  Live self-defense demonstration and hands-on assistance provided by local experts from Sidekick Karate.

Monday, January 30th, 6:00 pm
RPL Headquarters (Salisbury)

Everyone is welcome.  This first-time event is a community sing that requires no experience and no commitment. There is no charge or prior registration. Arrive at 6:00 pm for a short practice of two songs.  January's sing will culminate in a final performance of "With a Little Help from My Friends" and "Lean on Me".  Questions? Contact Abigail at Abigail.Hardison@rowancountync.gov or at 704-216-8248. 

 

Bookmark contest winners were honored at a reception in December. Pictured left to right: Carolyn Grace Stein, Will Rogers, Ariel Mineran, Megan Nguyen and Lana Carter

 

Carolyn Grace Stein First Place 4 to 6-years-old	Ariel Mineran First Place 7 to 9-years-old	Ansley Seo First Place 10 to 11-years-old

Tuesday, January 31st, 6:00 pm
South Rowan Regional (China Grove)

In January, the group will be reading and discussing Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich.  Book Bites Book Club meets the last Tuesday of every month, and all are welcome. Light refreshments served. For more information, please call 704-216-7731.

 

 

Catawba County Library Director Suzanne White was named Library Director of the Year by the North Carolina Public Library Directors Association (NCPLDA) at its statewide conference in December.

White joined the Catawba County Library System as director in 2013. She previously served as the Public Services Manager with Rowan Public Library. 

Considered annually, this award is given to a current library director who has contributed to the growth and development of his or her library by providing leadership, inspiration, and creativity to staff, patrons, and trustees.

White was nominated by five of her peers from the NCPLDA, who cited her numerous contributions to the Library's growth and development over the past year. Her nomination cited her ability to tackle the "phenomenal job of relationship building and communicating the impact of the library" and described her as "a model for community engagement and library advocacy."

The award recognized White's leadership of several major achievements over the past year. These included securing more than $85,000 in grant funding for new initiatives, such as coordination of 2016's county-wide Big Read with community partners; the creation of Born to Read, a project designed to provide early literacy classes and tools to expectant parents and newborn babies; and a Latino outreach program designed to enhance Library services for Spanish-speaking residents.

White also expanded the Library's role as a technology and digital literacy hub through creation of TechConnect, a maker space that provides access to leading-edge technology, and the development of the Library's Home Free Internet project that will lend wi-fi hot spots to community members for whom lack of internet access is a problem. Additionally, she worked with Friends of the Library, the Library Board, and the Catawba County Board of Commissioners to establish the Library Endowment.

"Suzanne has tremendous vision for how to transform the Library of yesterday into the Library of tomorrow," said Catawba County Manager Mick Berry.  "Her passion and advocacy for the impact libraries can have in our community is inspiring, which is evident through the innovative programs she and her staff continue to develop. She is truly deserving of this honor."

 

 

 

Rowan Public Library appreciates your gifts and will purchase materials for the library that can be enjoyed by our community for years to come.

We gratefully acknowledge these recent gifts:

Memorials:

In Memory of Evelyn Mincey and Jean Gillooly given by the Rowan County Ext. Master Gardener Volunteer Association