Youth's Perspective of a Workday in the Library

 by Amber Covington

Visiting Isenberg Elementary School was a great pleasure last week. Rowan Public Library accepted the invitation to share a glimpse of the life of a librarian to eager second graders. The students were all familiar with the main activities within the library, such as checking out books and making sure they are properly arranged on the shelves, but many were unsure of the many things that happen while they are not present.

At Rowan Public Library we offer storytime for children of all ages, art classes, and special topic programs throughout the year. While speaking with students to learn more about their visits to the library, they expressed their gratitude and interests in the Summer Reading performances, attending storytime with family members, and playing with the computers or toys in the children’s area of the library. It seems that the old traditional library stereotype sticks within children’s minds, until their eyes are opened to notice all the small things that have happened around them or partaken in.

As students shared their stories of visiting the library and the many things they can do at the library, which coming from this is centered in playing on the computer, I explained the various jobs that my fellow coworkers and I complete each day. Explaining to the students that each person working in the library does not check out books was quite mind boggling to them and showed that our public persona of being bookkeepers needs a little bit of assistance in increasing our awareness within our community and expanding our mission to align with the needs of our community. Inevitably, speaking about current technology and the various ways we use it at the library lead to a huge discussion of social media. The teachers were apprehensive in letting the students discuss their skills and usage with various applications, but I ensured the teachers that part of my job duties is to ensure our library has a digital presence and it is important to have people on staff that are skilled in working with social media.

Overall it is important to express during a career day to students the importance of education and completing life milestones that will help them to reach any goal they set out to reach. Following through with educating yourself will ensure that you will ultimately reach the goal of becoming a doctor, a business owner, or professional baker. The library is a great place to start educating yourself with knowledge of topics you're passionate about, planning life goals, and preparing for your future. The library strives  to connect people to information that they seek. Whether that’s a child needing a Dr. Seuss book, a professional needing help with researching a complex issue, or just wanting to find that perfect recipe, the library is here to help. Stop by and see us.

The Book is Not Dead

by Jim Whalen Rowan Public Library

For many years various reports have said the book is dead. Cassettes, CDs, MP3s, and e-book  devices were much better for the reader and the publishing company.  They would take over and eliminate any need for the book. As early as the 1930s spoken audio has been with us.  Thomas Edison envisioned talking phonograph records when he invented the phonograph in the 1877. His goal was so the blind could benefit from his invention.  In 1931 the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and Library of Congress Books for the Adult Blind Project established the "Talking Books Program" (Books for the Blind), which was intended to provide reading material for veterans injured during World War I and other visually impaired adults.

Spoken recordings were popular in 33⅓ vinyl record format for schools and libraries into the early 1970s, the beginning of the modern retail market for audiobooks can be traced to the wide adoption of cassette tapes during the 1970s.  Remember the Walkman?  Did you know 400 million were sold?
What about the death of books?  Depends on which report you read or want to believe. One claimed that less and less books are published. Everyone in the potential audiences for a book already knows of hundreds of interesting and useful books to read but has little time to read any. Therefore people are reading only books that their communities make important or even mandatory to read. There is no general audience for most nonfiction books.

Now the other side.  Despite a less-than-ideal environment—no breakout bestsellers on the adult fiction side and a lengthy, brutal election cycle that sucked nearly all of the air out of the cultural conversation—unit sales of print books were up 3.3% in 2016 over 2015. Total print unit sales hit 674 million, marking the third-straight year of growth, according to Nielsen BookScan, which tracks about 80% of print sales in the U.S.

A 2017 report says the largest gains came in the adult nonfiction category, where sales were up 6.9% from 2015. Several subcategories posted substantial increases, Religion and self-help areas also saw boosts.

That is enough of the boring stats.  Cuddling up with a Nook or Kindle is not as rewarding as a book, real paper, real page turner. RPL has digital books and a strong following, but the paper book is holding its own. Proof is in the holds on a new book. Even with multiple copies there is a wait time. As long as this continues so does the beloved book.

Ice Hockey

by Hope Loman  Rowan Public Library

Ice hockey might be an unusual topic for an article in April, but ask any NHL fan and they’ll tell you that this month marks the beginning of the most important part of the hockey season: the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  If you’ve ever been curious about watching hockey, now is a great time to get started—there’s constant action, easy rules, the enthusiasm of the onscreen fans is almost contagious, and, of course, there are always the infamous hockey fights.  If any of this peaks your interest, continue reading for a brief overview of this beloved sport.

Historically, the word “hockey” has no clear origin, but different versions of field hockey and similar stick-and-ball games existed in some form in England by the early 1770s.  British soldiers and immigrants brought these pastimes with them to Canada and America, playing them on the ice during winter. The first organized indoor game of hockey was played on March 3, 1875 at the Victoria Skating Rink in Montreal, with a flat piece of wood for a puck and goal posts eight feet wide (modern goal posts are six feet apart). Over the next few years, formal rules were established, official positions were named, and an increase in the number of amateur teams led to the first hockey tournaments. In 1893, the Governor General of Canada, Lord Stanley of Preston, awarded the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup (later known as the Stanley Cup) to the Montreal Hockey Club in recognition of being the best Canadian team. From there, professional hockey leagues began in Canada in 1902 and the National Hockey League as we know it was formed in 1917, expanding into the United States with the creation of the Boston Bruins in 1924.

Today, hockey is typically played on an indoor rink for three twenty minute periods, with six players for each team on the ice during normal play: the goalie, a center, two wingers, and two defensemen.  With the exception of the goalie, players take short shifts on the ice before rotating out with other players on the bench.  The object of the game is for players to pass and shoot the puck into their opponent’s goal net, with ties at the end of regulation leading to a five minute sudden-death overtime and then a shootout.  If a player is called for a penalty, such as tripping a player or high-sticking, the offending player is sent to the penalty box and their team must play with one less player for a certain amount of time, typically two minutes.

If you would like to learn more about the intriguing history of ice hockey, delve into the lives of some of the greatest hockey players, or just familiarize yourself with some more of the rules and basics of the game, the Rowan Public Library has some great resources for you to look at.  Here are some of my recommendations:

Hockey: A People’s History by Michael McKinley.  This thorough exploration of hockey’s past and present includes its origins, rise of women’s hockey, sagas of long-lost leagues, and the first-ever NHL lockout.

99: Stories of the Game by Wayne Gretzky.  This memoir by “The Great One” discusses his career in depth, from his fondest memories to the people who inspired and motivated him.

The Voices of Hockey: Broadcaster Reflect on the Fastest Game on Earth by Kirk McKnight.  In this book, thirty-four play-by-play broadcasters share their fondest experiences of the game and their teams, sharing insights on rivalries, records set, and Stanley Cup wins.

Hockey the NHL Way: The Basics by Sean Rossiter.  This book is a great resource for anyone who might want to play the game or who just wants to appreciate the athletic skills of the players, with step-by-step instructions and tips from NHL stars.

 

Libraries Fill a Social Need

by Stephanie Reister  Rowan Public Library

A few months ago, I personally experienced what a library can mean to someone going through a challenging time.

I moved with my husband to Rowan County from Wisconsin without knowing anyone here. But I did know that one of the first places I had to visit was my local library. I was happy to find that sense of familiarity that comes when entering this communal space.

I have worked in libraries for 13 years and I’ve understood that my workplaces could be havens to patrons for various reasons. I gained a new perspective when the tables were turned for me.
I was the patron looking for a place that could bond me to my new home. I found it at Rowan Public Library. South Rowan Regional is my local library and I’m proud to say I became its children’s librarian. My visits as a patron confirmed that I wanted to work here.

The staff is quick to greet people as they come in the door. You see that they know the regular patrons well and are welcoming to new ones. They keep an eye out for anyone needing help.
I think one of the greatest qualities about a library is the social aspect. You may come into the library wanting to be around other people, but doing your own thing. You may attend a program to interact with others. You may bring a child for storytime to discover the first rules of socialization, basics of reading, and love of learning.

The South branch has another special feature – its beautiful location. You can enjoy nature through its many windows, on the porch, and its own short walking trail. To get away from unpacking, I spent some time here just reading the paper and looking out the windows. You can have a mindful moment, be around others, and check out a good book all in one place!

Speaking of nature, we have some terrific events coming up that celebrate the great outdoors. South branch will be hosting the “Stars, STEAM, & Fun Party” on Friday, April 20, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. We will be stargazing, learning some of the science and apps about space, and doing STEAM activities for a galaxy of fun! This program is part of the 2018 Statewide Star Party, sponsored by the NC Science Festival.

There are also two Photowalks scheduled: Saturday, April 21, 10:30 a.m. to noon at Dan Nicholas Park and Tuesday, April 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Lake Corriher Wilderness Area. Take the opportunity to share your love of nature and photography with other enthusiasts.

The South branch has meant a lot to me in my transition here to Rowan County. But remember that all of Rowan Public Library’s branches are wonderful  social centers with talented staff. There are a lot of things happening on the front lines and behind the scenes to make our three libraries the go-to places in the county.

Library Memories

by Chelsea Childers Rowan Public Library

What is your first memory of a library? Do you remember? Picture it. Remember how it smelled. Embrace that memory of the first excitement and wonder that the library held when we were little. It’s funny what an impact my childhood library had on me. Some part of that fresh enthusiasm has stuck with me over the years. In some aspects, I feel like that is still what drives my eagerness to learn.

Who remembers the red train car in the children’s room at the old location of the library in Landis? This was my favorite place as a child. I used to love it when my mother read to me there. I would climb into the car and cuddle with the “Where the Wild Things Are” stuffed toys. Mom read “Frog and Toad” to me. She did all the voices! Thanks, Mom.

I am a new employee at the Rowan Public Library. I was encouraged to apply to the library by a friend, her name was Maria Hall. She used to work at my childhood library, before it became something else. Maria loved “The Little Prince” and considered one of the basic themes in the story to be truly profound. The idea was that grown ups are too serious and should remember to appreciate the simple things. She would say to me, “Growing up is not the problem, forgetting is.”
Just before coming onboard as the Children’s Outreach Program Supervisor, I was the music teacher at Partners in Learning, a local preschool. I love singing and playing my guitar with the children in my classes. It makes my heart soar to see their little faces light up when I walk into the room and hear them scream, “Miss Chelsea!” The children know it is music time. When I transitioned into my current position, I knew I wanted to carry my music time over to the Books To Grow program for the public school NC Pre-K classes I now serve. Incorporating early literacy skills into my music is something I have been doing for half of a decade now, so the opportunity to do this for the public school system has been idyllic for me. I was a little nervous when I started. I am not exactly the silent type. The idea of a loud-mouthed, extroverted, kart-wheeling ME is a bit intense for working in a library. This would have been somewhat of a challenge if I weren’t in the children’s department. I enjoy the silly and whimsical energy of my patrons!

We have to realize how impressionable these children are by remembering what it was like to discover things when we were small. The memory alone of my first library experience is enough to bring a smile to my face, filling my heart with joy. Promoting early literacy is like giving our children’s future a warm embrace. It is so important to read to, verbally interact, and mentally challenge kids. Don’t rely on technology and iPads to do it. The Rowan Public Library is such an amazing place for our youth to experience community involvement and be inspired to always thirst for knowledge. Parents, take your children to the library. They’ll thank you!

Celebrating Classic Cinema

by Emma Rose  Rowan Public Library

What constitutes a movie as being a “classic?” Is it age? Popularity? Appearance or lack thereof on the TCM cable channel? I am no film expert but I believe that whatever rubric one decides to measure with, we can agree that some films just have a quality or combination of qualities that seem to not only stand the test of time, but ace it. Many movie buffs could tell you their personal parameters – “the film must be over 20 years old” or “the film must have gotten this specific rating by the audience” or “…gained this specific award/recognition” – yet I feel that the true value of a classic film can be found in its ability to bring generations closer together.

Classic films can create a bond, connecting past generations with current and future generations. As a child you may have eagerly watched Mary Poppins or To Kill a Mockingbird while curled up in the lap of a parent or loved one as I did. Alternatively, you may have shared these films with others, including children, other family members, and friends. By doing so, you have introduced these films to new audiences, potentially giving them an appreciation of the tireless work of pioneer actors, actresses, musicians, directors and writers who have paved the way for the movie makers of today.

In September of 2017 East Branch of Rowan Public Library, located at 110 Broad St. in Rockwell, developed a monthly film series in the hopes of bringing members of the community together and inspiring connections. This program is entitled the “Classic Cinema Series.” On the second Friday of each month at 2 p.m., East Branch offers a free classic movie showing for anyone in the community to enjoy.

Some of the marvelous classic films East Branch has shown throughout this series so far include; “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein,” “The Incredible Mr. Limpett,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Arsonic and Old Lace,” “Some Like it Hot,” and “South Pacific.”

All are welcome at these showings. Longstanding fans can watch and reminisce while new viewers can learn what makes these films “classic.”

There are two more showings in the 2017-2018 Classic Cinema Series:

Friday, April 13, 2 pm   East Branch (Rockwell)

Join us for a showing of the 1958 Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific.”  This classic musical is not rated and has a 157 min. runtime, though you will be humming the tunes for long after.

Friday, May 11th, 2pm   East Branch (Rockwell)

Join us for a showing of Agatha’s Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. This 1974 who-done-it is rated PG and has a 127 min. runtime.

Admission is free, and light refreshments will be provided. The Classic Cinema Series will resume in September with eight showings planned for the 2018-2019 series. East Branch staff welcome recommendations and hope to see you soon.

For those who love classic cinema but can’t make the scheduled showtimes, many great films are available for check out from any branch of Rowan Public Library. For example, “Murder on the Orient Express” – both the 1974 classic and the 2017 remake – are part of RPL’s circulating collection. All you need is a Rowan Public Library card in good standing, and you can take your classic cinema selection home with you. Cardholders can check out up to 15 DVDs per account, and items have a two-week check out period.

Whether you attend a showing at East Branch or check out a film, hopefully, I’ve made you an offer you can’t refuse (The Godfather, 1972). Of all the libraries, in all the towns, in all the world, you should walk into Rowan Public Library (Casablanca, 1942). Lastly, may the force be with you all (Star Wars, 1977).