books about libraries or librarians

Joelle Herr writes: “All of the library love in preparation for National Library Week got us thinking about our favorite books about libraries and librarians, so we decided to put together a list of them. Featuring cats, bookmobiles, archivists, time travelers, even Dracula—these 15 books will inspire a renewed appreciation for a place that is, in the words of Jamie Ford in his novel The Songs of Willow Frost, like a candy store where everything is free."  Check out the full list here.

sweeping away search history

Molly Wood writes: “Your search history contains some of the most personal information you will ever reveal online: your health, mental state, interests, travel locations, fears, and shopping habits—information most people would want to keep private. Unfortunately, your web searches are carefully tracked and saved in databases. Fortunately, Google, Bing, and smaller companies provide ways to delete a search history or avoid leaving one.” Watch the video (2:27) or read the article.  Originally posted in ALA Direct, 04/09/14.

save the date 04-28-14

benefits fair

The Rowan County Wellness Committee would like to offer each benefited employee a healthy boxed Subway lunch on Wednesday, May 21st from 10-2 pm.  Please click on the link below to provide the committee with your name, department, and your choice of sub.  You must RSVP to us by Friday, May 2, 2014, no later than 12 noon.  If you do not RSVP, you will not have a boxed lunch that day.  If you do encounter a problem when submitting your choice of a boxed lunch, please contact Amy Smith at extension #8859.

SURVEY LINK:  http://bit.ly/1iAV4sX

 *Please note that you must pick up your boxed lunch during the Benefits Fair which will be held at the Rowan County Cooperative Extension Building.  Hours: 10-2 pm.

libraries are dying?

Library built by ex-slaves, Allensworth CA

In honor of National Library Week, CNN featured several stories and photos of libraries across the globe, including Libraries are dying?  Think again.  Take a quick peek at this article, which includes photos of some of the world's top library destinations.  The next time you're on vacation, be sure to visit the local library and see what it has to offer!  (Thanks to Marian for sharing this story).

save the date 04-21-14

help wanted!

The book sale needs your help!  Please let you supervisor know that you would like to help us with an hour or more of your time on the following days:

Fri, May 2nd, 1 pm - 4 pm
Sat, May 3rd, 9 am - 4 pm

Mon, May 5th, 9 am - 2 pm

This is considered work time.  

Thanks from Edward and the Tech Services Staff.

learn4life has changed its name

Learn4Life is now called Gale Courses.  It's still the same great product offering more than 300 online courses to anyone with a library card and PIN--the only thing that has changed is the name.  Remember, we're not offering any computer classes at this time, so please help us promote Gale Courses as an alternative.

photo contest winners

View all submissions here

from the tap 04-14-14

scrabble scramble

it's a small world after all

Just got back from a long weekend in DC and was delighted

to see Rowan County represented at the Smithsonian, both
for railways and postal service.  Also got to see Bao Bao
(the new baby panda), lots of memorials and monuments,
and even a few (very few) cherry blossoms!  - April

from the tap 04-07-14

no computer classes april through august

Per management, we will not offer computer classes during the months of April - August.  Computer Basics classes will be offered at Rowan Public Library Headquarters beginning in September.  In the meantime, we are encouraging patrons to explore the more than 300 online classes offered through Learn4Life.

altered books program

Check out the amazing display by Bev Griffith (HQ) and Kelly Miller (South). 
We've got some very talented staff members at RPL!

congrats to melody!