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Sunday, July 15, 2018

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 21st 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?

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