Get Ready to Fall Into Teen Programs at Rowan Public Library

by Hope Loman  Rowan Public Library

The teen summer reading program is now officially over for another year, which always leaves me with a bittersweet feeling as the young adult librarian.  I’m always sad to see the kids leave (many of them are too busy with afterschool clubs and sports to attend during the rest of the year), but after bouncing between three different libraries for two months to help with high-energy programs, I’m exhausted! 

My physical and mental fatigue aside, I am pleased to say that the programs the library held for this year’s “Libraries Rock!” teen summer reading program seemed to be successful, based on the enthusiasm of the participants. During this summer, teens were able to participate in a range of activities across the seven weeks, from the Iron Chef-style cooking competition to making slime and bath bombs, and were even able to see performers from the Nebulux Music School in Spencer and Sakinah Riley, a Rowan County teacher who focuses on West African culture and dancing.

I can’t take any credit-- most of the programs were inspired by library blogs like The Ontarian Librarian or the Teen Services Underground Facebook group. And running the programs was only possible with the help of South Branch  Librarian Stephanie Reister, East Branch Associate Bethany Hollifield, and Youth Services Supervisor Jennifer Nicholson and Outreach Library Assistant Amanda Brill here at HQ, who were all a pleasure to work with. 

As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, summer reading is over, but there still much more teen programming to come in 2018. Starting in September, Rowan Public Library will begin hosting its lineup of fall programs through the end of November, with activities every Tuesday afternoon at Rowan Public Library Headquarters in Salisbury, every Wednesday at the South Rowan Regional Branch in China Grove, and every Thursday at the East Branch in Rockwell.  After consulting with the teen leaders at the East and South Branches during the creation process, we believe that the final lineup of programs features events that all teens will enjoy, and hope that middle school and high school readers will come out to some (or all!) of them.  For a small sampling of what is to come, here is the schedule for the month of September: 

The first program for the teens will be “Green Screen 101,” where teens will learn about green screen technology and how to create green screen effects with iPads and special apps.  Teens will have the opportunity to create their own film projects with the green screen, and completed projects will be featured on RPL’s social media accounts.  This event will run from September 4^th through 6^th, from 4pm to 5:30pm at all branches.

Next, teens at the Headquarters and East branches will be able to show their love of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with “Random Fandom: Marvel Edition.”  Teens can eat themed snacks, create their own superhero crafts, and RPL HQ will screen one of the newer Marvel movies during the program.  This event will be at the East Branch on September 13^th and run from 4pm until 5:30pm , and at RPL Headquarters on September 11^th and run from 4pm until 6:30 pm.

For a teen that is a fan of drawing, or just wants to improve their art skills, we will be hosting  “Art-vengers, Assemble!” as we learn how to draw some of our favorite superheroes with step-by-step videos.  All art supplies will be provided and artists of all skill levels are welcome to join us from September 18^th through the 20^th from 4pm to 5:30pm at each of the library’s branches.

Finally, the East branch and RPL HQ will host their own zombie programs at the end of September.  The East Branch will be putting on “A Night to Dismember,” an escape room experience with multiple rooms and interactive components.  Teens can choose to solve the escape with their families, or dress up as zombies and try to stop participants from advancing. This event will be on Monday, September 24^th from 5:30 to 7:30pm. For questions or to register as an escapee or a zombie, contact Bethany at 704-216-7842.

At Rowan Public Library Headquarters, there will be “Zombies Invade the Library!” a more traditional teen program with no escape room . Teens will create their own zombie costumes (complete with zombie makeup), make zombie slime, and eat some delicious Jell-O brains and other snacks.  There is no registration required for this event, which will be on September 25^th from 4pm to 5:30 pm.. 

For more information about these and other future teen programs, be sure to check out our Twitter account @RPL_Teens, or the Rowan Public Library Facebook Page.

Summer Reading – It’s Not Just for Kids

by Stephanie Reister   Rowan Public Library

While Libraries target many of their summer programs at children and teens, it’s also important for adults to find some time for reading. Rowan Public Library has been running an adult summer reading program along with other fun and instructional programs. When you find the time to visit the library and pick up some books, you can give your mind more spark.

We’ve all heard the phrase “use it or lose it” as well as the numerous studies on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Two commonly mentioned ways to counteract memory loss are engaging your brain and social interaction. The library can certainly help with both of those.

Reading is one of those great ways to keep your mind sharp. Whether you read fiction or non-fiction, you’ll be doing your brain a favor. Also try reading something you normally wouldn’t pick up or about a new activity you want to attempt. When you change things up a little, the better your brain will respond to ordinary tasks.

Summer is also the perfect time to share the habit reading with young family members. It’s always a good idea for parents and grandparents to model reading behavior around children. Kids of all ages notice the reading habits of the adults closest to them. Toddlers and preschoolers respond by mimicking reading, while school-aged kids grow to enjoy picking out books and reading for themselves.

You may have a chance to take a family vacation or at least spend a little extra quiet time together. Whether you read to little ones or spend family time together reading different materials, you’ll be promoting literacy and the family social bond.

Speaking of being social, you can accomplish the public interaction aspect by visiting the library regularly. Getting out of the house to be around others at the library can be just what the doctor ordered. And RPL’s calendar is brimming much of the time with programs and exhibits for all interests.

There are still two summer-fun programs coming up for adults at RPL Headquarters. On Monday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. Eric Upton from Oasis School of Music in China Grove will lead a class in guitar instruction. All ages are welcome and there is no limit on number of participants. Bring your guitar, a pick, and your willingness to learn.

The Adult Summer Reading Finale will be Monday, August 13 at 6:30 p.m. Adults and families are invited to participate in a game of “Name that Tune.” The music will span several genres, including Disney tunes, sixties rock-and-roll, and contemporary favorites. Grand prizes will also be awarded, which includes $250 worth of Amazon gift cards. 

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RPL Outreach Extends Beyond Library Walls

by Chelsea Rhae Childers  Rowan Public Library

Rowan Public Library is rocking the summer with a full slate of free programming that encourages reading, fosters a love of learning, and entertains. Summer Reading at RPL is for everyone, with participants organized by age:  Children (0-10), Teens (11-17), and Adults (18 and up). Participants log their reading and activities, submit their records, and win prizes. We know what a task it can be, convincing kids to read in the summertime, so we strive to provide an outpouring of outreach opportunities to maintain the blessing of promoting literacy in Rowan County. As the Children’s Outreach Program Supervisor, I perform all functions of Books-To-Grow, Rowan-Reads-to-Newborns, and oversee Stories-To-Go (the Bookmobile).

Books-To-Grow (BTG) is a literacy program for preschool students within the Rowan-Salisbury School System. This is a program for at-risk 4-year-olds, offered in partnership with RSS and Smart Start Rowan. This take-home book bag program promotes early literacy skills with daily "read-aloud" sessions between children and parents. I educate parents on the importance of routinely reading to their young child. A BTG book bag with 3 developmentally appropriate children's books and a journal are loaned to participating families on a weekly rotation. I visit each classroom twice a month to lead enjoyable and interactive music, reading, and journal sharing time with the children.

Through Rowan-Reads-to-Newborns, every child born at Novant Rowan Medical Center receives a quality library tote-bag containing:  A high-contrast board book, an American Library Association’s ‘Every Child Ready to Read’ brochure, Smart Start Rowan brochure, Milestone Moments brochure, library card application for newborns, and a variety of other materials to promote early literacy.

The Stories-To-Go Bookmobile serves licensed child care facilities, Head Starts Programs, private and pre-schools throughout Rowan County. STG staff, Vicki Rufty and Ashley Bowie, present highly interactive language development programs for children and childcare providers. Children attending childcare facilities board the child-friendly bookmobile and select books to take home and share with their families. Ashley and Vicki are a dynamic duo; serving as the hands and feet of the library, traveling across the county to get books out to the youngsters of Rowan County. During the school year, these programs are for preschoolers at local schools and daycare centers, private and public, throughout the county. In the summertime, I contribute to our Summer Reading Program with preschool toddler programs at all 3 of our RPL branches. Vicki and Ashley stop their normal story times and book checkouts to go on an altered outreach adventure called ‘Books & Bites’. The Bookmobile follows the bus routes of the mobile meal sites for a program called Summer Meals. Sponsored by Rowan-Salisbury Schools, this School Nutrition program provides free meals to children ages 3-18. Open sites for Summer Meals 2018 include local churches, schools, municipal buildings, and community centers, and operate from June 13th through August 16th (Monday -Friday). More information about these programs is available online at www.rowancountync.gov.

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.” –The Little Prince.  It is vital to provide a healthy environment in the home for children, but not all homes are safe. Survivors of violence or abuse in the home may have more complex needs. Serving the children of Rowan County has been a passion of mine for the better part of a decade. While partnering with community organizations such as Smart Start Rowan, Novant Rowan Medical Center, and Rowan-Salisbury Schools, I have the opportunity to provide essential tools for inspiring young minds and building family learning relationships that nurture the development of literacy skills. Apart from the library, but in relation to these, I am involved with a local non-profit organization called Chickweed. Chickweed Inc. is a registered 501(3) non-profit agency, whose mission is to deliver a message of empowerment to victims of violence through the arts. The 7th Annual Chickweed ~ Celebrating the Indestructible arts & culture festival takes place on Saturday, July 21, 2018. Chickweed aligns an amazing roster of women performers and artists, demonstrating the empowering ability of the arts. Beginning as a small concert in 2012, and attracting nearly 200 guests in its inaugural run, the event now attracts nearly 500 guests annually. Chickweed has historically donated event proceeds annually to our local shelter for women victims of violence and their children. In 2018, Chickweed advances to a new plane, donating event proceeds to Prevent Child Abuse Rowan Inc. in an effort to stem violence at its roots and further broadcast our reach into the community. Prevent Child Abuse Rowan is proving that education is one of the best ways to combat child abuse in our community through a school-based prevention program.  www.preventchildabuserowan.org.

The Rowan Public Library has a wonderful collection of children’s books that promote empowerment and address healthy family relationships.  Wouldn’t it be terrific to add these to our children’s summer reading program?  For ideas on books to ask for, visit www.amightygirl.com.  Empowering our youth through the arts...and reading…is a mighty thing!  As an annual performer and Vice President of Chickweed, I personally invite you to join us July 21^st at the F&M Trolley Barn from 4 to 11pm to celebrate with us. For more information on promoting the arts in support of  the Chickweed mission, visit www.thechickweed.com. 

I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with children through the Rowan Public Library and to have the support and partnership of so many dedicated and talented people and organizations. As our county programs and efforts increase, the ripple cannot help but be felt by those in need.  I realize a community like ours has much to offer by so many doing such good. Won’t you join me and do the same?

What to expect when you hear the unexpected: Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis

by Emma Rose  Rowan Public Library

In November of 2012 a boy was brought into the world by ecstatic parents, Nathan and Brittany. The newborn was named Braydon Jude and immediately began stealing the hearts of everyone he met. While in the hospital awaiting the results from the standard newborn screenings, Nathan stroked his first-born’s wrinkly forehead and muttered, “I can’t wait until you’re big enough to play Legos with me.” The test results came back. Braydon was born jaundiced, was not gaining weight, and had tested positive for cystic fibrosis.

            One week later, Nathan and Brittany brought Braydon home and began learning everything they could about CF while also adjusting to the typical stresses and excitements of becoming new parents. They learned that CF is a complex disease and that its severity can vary widely.  

Brittany was ready to utilize all resources to do whatever it took to keep her son happy and healthy. She made all of his meals at home, she gave him breathing treatments twice everyday, she gave him his medicine at each meal and held him close, drying his tears when he had to have blood drawn and procedures done to monitor his condition every three months at Levine’s Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC.

Due to Brittany and Nathan’s diligent care, Braydon is now a strong, healthy, energetic five-year-old. He knows the importance of his daily routine of medicine and treatments and rarely complains. Each morning and night Braydon undergoes a breathing treatment while wearing a special vest that vibrates his chest to ensure that the medicine helps break up any mucus build-up. His daily routine also includes taking pancreatic enzymes with every meal to ensure his pancreas is able to process fat and he is able to maintain a healthy weight. One of Braydon’s favorite routines is his weekly trip to the East Branch of Rowan Public Library with his mimi.

Braydon knows more about the human anatomy than most children his age because of his experiences in and out of doctor’s offices. He has been known to teach educated adults about the human digestive system, stating “Food goes in your mouth, it goes down your throat and down into your belly. It goes in your small intestine and your large intestine and then you poop it out!”

Brittany has been a huge advocate for her son by raising money and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She has donated her birthdays, organized teams to walk in the Great Strides events in Concord, and contributes whenever possible to others who support CF treatment research. Please visit www.cff.org/Charlotte to see how you can contribute too.

When asked what message she would like to share with the community on the topic of CF, Brittany responded this way:

Even though it can be scary to hear someone has cystic fibrosis, they should not be treated any differently. Most people with CF are still able to do everything just like anyone else, like play sports. Now that the medicine is getting better and easier and the life expectancy is much longer, there is no reason not to be hopeful, optimistic and positive. It’s important to do what you can to lead a normal life and be happy with all of the time together you have.

Being a new parent can be scary, even without any medical complications, but if knowledge is power, then Rowan Public Library is one of the most powerful resources in this area for new parents. RPL houses thousands of resources specifically on the topic of parenting, hundreds of which are available online and hundreds in video format.

Have you gotten a spooky diagnosis? RPL provides patrons with access to health and wellness resources through NC LIVE completely free! Browse databases such as KidsHealth, HealthFinder, MayoClinic, The Family Health Database, to use information to fight fear.

Braydon’s positivity, intelligence and sense of humor have been a joy and blessing to the East Branch. He is excited to begin kindergarten this fall and is now big enough to play Legos with his father. He also plays Legos at Rowan Public Library’s Lego Free-Play, which will resume this fall.