Library Notes: Get off to a good start this fall: resources for parents from the Rowan Public Library
Published at 00:00 on Saturday, September 10, 2022
By Wendy Campbell
Rowan Public Library
The new school year has begun and with it comes new schedules, homework, expenses and opportunities. Rowan Public Library supports parents with print materials, online resources, knowledgeable staff, free programs, meeting space, computer access, and Wi-Fi. Parents can contact the library for get help to meet the demands of the new school year.
The public library has traditionally been an open resource center to help with school studies. Classic children’s literature and non-fiction topics from American history to zoology are available for a research project or book report. There are picture books, easy readers, chapter books, graphic novels, fiction, non-fiction, and biographies to suit all reading levels. Parents can choose a picture book to introduce a new or difficult topic to their children or help their child find titles at their child’s reading level for further study to deepen their knowledge of a topic. The library is a wonderful space to complete an essay or writing assignment as one is surrounded by printed books that spark ideas and imagination.
The library space itself contains more than books to help with the school year. Library computers with standard office software are available for accessing assignments, researching topics from A to Z, creating presentations and printing charts. There are also online documents accessible at the library or at home. This is particularly useful when a visit to one of RPL’s four branches is not an option.
Via the library website, www.rowanpubliclibrary.org, parents and students will find digital resources there. The NC Kids Digital Library has over 44,000 e-books and audiobooks with all the classics plus new fiction and non-fiction. This diverse electronic collection covers topics from science and math to social studies and includes new titles like “Sheet Pan Science” by Liz Lee Heinecke, “Mammoth Math” by David Macaulay, “What is the Supreme Court” by Jill Abramson and “Faith of Elijah Cummings” by Carole Boston Wetherford.
In addition to print and digital resources, RPL offers free standard weekly programs and special events, led by trained staff, with new opportunities for families to play together and connect with others. Storytimes and programs for school-aged children are held at each branch. There are also off-site events such as the upcoming Brook Week Storytime and Pond Exploration at Lake Corriher Wilderness Area in conjunction with Muddy Sneakers on September 18 at 2 p.m. See more information online at https://www.rowancountync.gov/1464/Creek -The Week.
Programs and special events are led by knowledgeable library staff who enjoy working with children and families. Children’s staff are ready to provide advice to parents and children. Recently, staff have helped many parents find easy-to-read materials, leading to the development of the Easy Reader collection to help children learn to read and meet grade-level standards.
For questions about library resources and programs at one or more branches, contact the library at 980-432-8670. The Rowan Public Library is ready to help you make this school year a success.
Wendy Campbell is the Youth Services Supervisor at the Rowan Public Library.
