Local Experts Give Insight On Preventing Summer Learning Loss

Across the nation, stores this week will start to exchange pool toys and stars and stripes for paper, pencils, and planners alike. This seasonal aisle reset serves as a beacon that back-to-school season is just around the bend.

But with so much research and publicized information about the dreaded “summer slide” – learning loss that can occur during idle summer months – local parents may find these freshly stocked shelves serve as source of concern rather than welcome relief: have their children fared well enough to keep up as a new school year begins?

“Summer learning loss has been a topic of debate for many years, but research shows that the ‘summer slide’ is a real phenomenon for many students,” said Sherie Neely, coordinator for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s Human Resources Development Program. “Keeping the mind active is paramount for beginning a new school year on the right foot.”

Fortunately, Rowan County is home to several resources that can help its youngest residents keep their minds active and receptive to new learning. There’s the endangered wildlife preserve, Tiger World in Rockwell, opportunities for paddle boating, gem mining, putt-putting, and more animal interactions at Dan Nicholas Park, Horizons Unlimited’s science center and planetarium, a whole system of library branches offering high-interest classes for all ages – the list goes on.

Just a little brain engagement over the summer months goes a long way: studies show that just two to three hours of cerebral exercise a week can improve retention of prior skills.

Preventing the Slide with Free Play

So, what can count as intellectual engagement to meet the above two-to-three-hour goal? According to Rowan’s experts in education, just about anything.

“Children’s bodies need to MOVE to learn, so it’s crucial to give them plenty of unstructured time outdoors to exercise their bodies and minds,” said Katelyn Boggs, assistant director of Yadkin Path Montessori School. “This type of child-led, open-ended outdoor play, while not inherently academic in and of itself, also benefits children’s brains by giving opportunities for cause-and-effect thinking, developing problem solving skills, learning to manage conflict, and mastering new skills which are all necessary to being successful when returning to the classroom in the fall.”

The best advice for parents looking to keep the minds of their young ones active, Boggs said, don’t over complicate it.

“Keep it simple – let the children have time outside to play as they would like,” she said. “Not every moment of their summer needs to be scheduled or filled with adult-driven activities. Take them to the park and sit back and let them play and climb and slide. Send them out in the backyard with some sticks and string and see what they create. Provide opportunities for open-ended outdoor play and be amazed with what they come up with.”

Misty Parrish, an education specialist with Rowan Wild at Dan Nicholas, agrees.

“I think getting outside is just good for you,” she said. “Getting away from screens, spending the day outside playing, running around getting exercise, getting sunshine, it’s just good for your body and your soul, you know?”

Parrish is so passionate about outdoor time that she’s even helped the park develop a variety of camps they offer each summer season – one of which is an outdoor skills camp meant to share her passion with young Rowan Countians as the navigate Dan Nicholas’ 400+-acre park.

“I think a big part of what makes us different is we do have the woods here,” said Parrish. “We try to get the kids outside playing, doing all these different activities throughout the whole day that are educational even though they might not think it at the time.”

Structured Summer Study

This tactic, of educational experiences that appear to be purely play, are often borrowed by Rowan’s educators who work in a more traditionally academic setting. Elise Tellez, Director of Horizons Unlimited and Science, says the science center’s summer offerings are structured just so:

“We do tend to lean more on the educational side, but it’s kind of like we’re tricking you a little bit,” Tellez said. “It’s, ‘Hey, you’re having so much fun you didn’t realize you were doing engineering.’ For folks that are looking for different ways to supplement learning in between the school year, it’s a fun way to do that and engage them.”

Apart from offering a tradition EcosySTEM summer camp this year, the science center is also offering regularly scheduled “Fun Fridays”: opportunities for families to come explore STEM activities – those related to science, technology, engineering, and math – as a collective.

One such event will happen on July 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a focus on engineering. The so-named “Engineering Extravaganza” will let families who love building navigate stations throughout the center, allowing opportunities for both free play with building materials as well as structured challenges. An engineering related show in the planetarium will be paired with the event.

The next bit of Friday Fun, “Star Stories,” will center around Rowan’s newly upgraded planetarium and its constellation-based tales. Attendees will get to meet and interact with animals featured in these stories, as well as get the opportunity to build their own constellations.

“Educating families and engaging families in science is a really great way to make sure that things stick,” Tellez said. “Sure the students are learning things in the classroom, but if you get a whole family excited about something? That immediately increases the impact or interest those kids can have in a subject – if they’re all excited to learn together, or all excited to come to Horizons for an event.”

The center will also be offering entertaining laser light planetarium shows set to popular music, with the goal of bringing families together. All offer opportunities for attendees to be exposed to and explore new interests.

“Summer learning experiences offer students an opportunity to pursue subject learning outside of the general school year, meet students outside their school district who have similar interests, and see how learning can be applied beyond high school into a rewarding career,” Neely said. “I always encourage parents to pay attention to how their children spend their time to help foster their interests into careers.”

This careful attention and the provision of chances to explore said passions in structured ways is key to preventing learning loss, said Rowan-Salisbury Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Jason Gardner.

“We believe it is important for all of our students to stay mentally and physically active over the summer,” he said. “We encourage families to seek opportunities for students to engage in structured activities throughout the community and inspire students to continue to be curious, ask questions and dig into topics they are passionate about pursuing.  Developing a mindset for continued learning as part of a healthy lifestyle is vital to success!”

For a sample of educational experiences offered in Rowan County throughout the month of July, check out the list below:

Saturday, July 2:

• 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Moving the Military Tour at the North Carolina Transportation Museum | Cost: $10 for adults, $5, for children 3-12. Venture behind-the-scenes for a unique opportunity to explore the Museum That Moves You with a NEW guided tour. This tour will highlight military vehicles and equipment in the museum’s collection. Travel back in time as you learn the importance of the exhibits and how they played a role in military history.
• 7 p.m to 9:30 p.m. | Fireworks Over Historic Spencer Shops | Cost: Free. Enjoy a night of family fun at the N.C. Transportation Museum for Fireworks Over Historic Spencer Shops on Saturday, July 2! Museum buildings and exhibits close at 5 p.m. Activities begin at 7 p.m. and wrap up with the fireworks show beginning at 9:15 p.m. On display will be the Ride of Pride trucks from Daimler Trucks North America’s Cleveland, NC plant. Activities include a balloon twister, DJ music, corn hole, and other lawn games. Guests are invited to take a ride in a WW II era Dodge Weapons Carrier (small fee). All other activities are free.

Tuesday, July 5:

• (All day) | Checkers Library TV (virtual event) | Cost: Free. A special video series designed for children, Checkers Library TV educates viewers about a variety of topics in a fun, engaging, and educational way. A new Checkers Library TV episode will air today, available for children to enjoy via RPL’s YouTube and Facebook pages. Check out the RPL YouTube page (Rowan Public Library) or Facebook page (@rowanpubliclibrary) to view.
• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Go on an Expedition with Rowan Wild at Rowan Public Library, South Branch | Cost: Free. Rowan Wild’s Live Animal Event provides participants with an up-close look at several of Rowan County’s animal ambassadors. Participants will learn more about basic natural history, species adaptions, and personal history for each animal. Although it is not guaranteed, this program can potentially offer participants a chance to interact with some of the animal ambassadors. This is a School Age Summer Reading program designed for rising 1st through 5th graders, though all ages are welcome. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under.
• 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Summer Storytimes (Preschool to 1st Grade) at Rowan Public Library Headquarters in Salisbury | Cost: Free. This storytime program runs June 6 — July 22, 2022. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. This interactive, 30 – 45-minute program is designed for children 3 to 6 years old and their caretakers.
• 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Mermaid Sugar Scrub at Rowan Public Library Headquarters in Salisbury | Cost: Free. Teens ages 11-17 (grades 6th-12th) are invited to make their own soothing and exfoliating sugar scrub.

Wednesday, July 6:

• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Go on an Expedition with Rowan Wild at Rowan Public Library, East Branch | Cost: Free. Rowan Wild’s Live Animal Event provides participants with an up-close look at several of Rowan County’s animal ambassadors. Participants will learn more about basic natural history, species adaptions, and personal history for each animal. Although it is not guaranteed, this program can potentially offer participants a chance to interact with some of the animal ambassadors. This is a School Age Summer Reading program designed for rising 1st through 5th graders, though all ages are welcome. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under.
• 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Summer Storytimes (Preschool to 1st Grade) at Rowan Public Library, South Branch | Cost: Free. This storytime program runs June 6 — July 22, 2022. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. This interactive, 30 – 45-minute program is designed for children 3 to 6 years old and their caretakers.
• 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Summer Storytimes (Preschool to 1st Grade) at Rowan Public Library, West Branch | Cost: Free. This storytime program runs June 6 — July 22, 2022. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. This interactive, 30 – 45-minute program is designed for children 3 to 6 years old and their caretakers.
• 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. | Spyglass Scavenger Hunt at all Rowan County Public Library branches | Cost: Free. Children are invited to spot some awesome ocean life than through a spyglass! Visit RPL Headquarters, East, South, and West to create a spyglass and then hunt for the hidden sea creatures during June and July.
• 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Mermaid Sugar Scrub at Rowan Public Library, West Branch| Cost: Free. Teens ages 11-17 (grades 6th-12th) are invited to make their own soothing and exfoliating sugar scrub.

Thursday, July 7:

• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Go on an Expedition with Rowan Wild at Rowan Public Library, West Branch | Cost: Free. Rowan Wild’s Live Animal Event provides participants with an up-close look at several of Rowan County’s animal ambassadors. Participants will learn more about basic natural history, species adaptions, and personal history for each animal. Although it is not guaranteed, this program can potentially offer participants a chance to interact with some of the animal ambassadors. This is a School Age Summer Reading program designed for rising 1st through 5th graders, though all ages are welcome. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under.
• 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Summer Storytimes (Preschool to 1st Grade) at Rowan Public Library, East Branch | Cost: Free. This storytime program runs June 6 — July 22, 2022. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. This interactive, 30 – 45-minute program is designed for children 3 to 6 years old and their caretakers.
• 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Mermaid Sugar Scrub at Rowan Public Library, East Branch| Cost: Free. Teens ages 11-17 (grades 6th-12th) are invited to make their own soothing and exfoliating sugar scrub.

Friday, July 8:

• 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Engineering Extravaganza at Horizons Unlimited | Cost: $5 per person. Does your family love building? Join us for our engineering extravaganza! Several stations will be set up throughout the building to allow students to free play with building materials and participate in challenges. This will also be paired with a related show in the planetarium!

Saturday, July 9:

• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Go on an Expedition with Rowan Wild at Rowan Public Library Headquarters in Salisbury | Cost: Free. Rowan Wild’s Live Animal Event provides participants with an up-close look at several of Rowan County’s animal ambassadors. Participants will learn more about basic natural history, species adaptions, and personal history for each animal. Although it is not guaranteed, this program can potentially offer participants a chance to interact with some of the animal ambassadors. This is a School Age Summer Reading program designed for rising 1st through 5th graders, though all ages are welcome. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under.

Monday, July 11:

• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Follow a Raindrop’s Path at Rowan Public Library Headquarters in Salisbury | Cost: Free. Kelli Isenhour of the Rowan Soil and Conservation District will lead this family friendly program all about the life cycle of a single raindrop. Participants will explore watery habitats and learn about amazing aquatic animals. This is a School Age Summer Reading program designed for rising 1st through 5th graders, though all ages are welcome. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under.
• 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Summer Storytimes (Preschool to 1st Grade) at Rowan Public Library, West Branch | Cost: Free. This storytime program runs June 6 — July 22, 2022. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. This interactive, 30 – 45-minute program is designed for children 3 to 6 years old and their caretakers.
• 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Teens Recycled Paper Beads at Rowan Public Library, South Branch | Cost: Free. Teens ages 11-17 (grades 6th-12th) are invited to make beautiful keychain beads with paper.

Tuesday, July 12:

• (All day) | Checkers Library TV (virtual event) | Cost: Free. A special video series designed for children, Checkers Library TV educates viewers about a variety of topics in a fun, engaging, and educational way. A new Checkers Library TV episode will air today, available for children to enjoy via RPL’s YouTube and Facebook pages. Check out the RPL YouTube page (Rowan Public Library) or Facebook page (@rowanpubliclibrary) to view.
• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Follow a Raindrop’s Path at Rowan Public Library, South Branch | Cost: Free. Kelli Isenhour of the Rowan Soil and Conservation District will lead this family friendly program all about the life cycle of a single raindrop. Participants will explore watery habitats and learn about amazing aquatic animals. This is a School Age Summer Reading program designed for rising 1st through 5th graders, though all ages are welcome. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under.
• 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Summer Storytimes (Preschool to 1st Grade) at Rowan Public Library Headquarters in Salisbury | Cost: Free. This storytime program runs June 6 — July 22, 2022. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. This interactive, 30 – 45-minute program is designed for children 3 to 6 years old and their caretakers.
• 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Teens Recycled Paper Beads at Rowan Public Library Headquarters in Salisbury| Cost: Free. Teens ages 11-17 (grades 6th-12th) are invited to make beautiful keychain beads with paper.

Wednesday, July 13:

• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Follow a Raindrop’s Path at Rowan Public Library, East Branch | Cost: Free. Kelli Isenhour of the Rowan Soil and Conservation District will lead this family friendly program all about the life cycle of a single raindrop. Participants will explore watery habitats and learn about amazing aquatic animals. This is a School Age Summer Reading program designed for rising 1st through 5th graders, though all ages are welcome. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under.
• 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Summer Storytimes (Preschool to 1st Grade) at Rowan Public Library, South Branch | Cost: Free. This storytime program runs June 6 — July 22, 2022. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. This interactive, 30 – 45-minute program is designed for children 3 to 6 years old and their caretakers.
• 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. | Spyglass Scavenger Hunt at all Rowan County Public Library branches | Cost: Free. Children are invited to spot some awesome ocean life than through a spyglass! Visit RPL Headquarters, East, South, and West to create a spyglass and then hunt for the hidden sea creatures during June and July.
• 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Teens Recycled Paper Beads at Rowan Public Library, West Branch | Cost: Free. Teens ages 11-17 (grades 6th-12th) are invited to make beautiful keychain beads with paper.

Thursday, July 14:

• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Follow a Raindrop’s Path at Rowan Public Library, West Branch | Cost: Free. Kelli Isenhour of the Rowan Soil and Conservation District will lead this family friendly program all about the life cycle of a single raindrop. Participants will explore watery habitats and learn about amazing aquatic animals. This is a School Age Summer Reading program designed for rising 1st through 5th graders, though all ages are welcome. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under.
• 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Summer Storytimes (Preschool to 1st Grade) at Rowan Public Library, East Branch | Cost: Free. This storytime program runs June 6 — July 22, 2022. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. This interactive, 30 – 45-minute program is designed for children 3 to 6 years old and their caretakers.
• 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Teens Recycled Paper Beads at Rowan Public Library, East Branch | Cost: Free. Teens ages 11-17 (grades 6th-12th) are invited to make beautiful keychain beads with paper.
• 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. | Summer Laser Show Series – Laser Zeppelin at Horizons Unlimited | Cost: $8 per person. Led Zeppelin is proclaimed by many critics to be the progenitors of heavy metal and hard rock, and their individualistic style reset the standards for many musical genres in the 1960s and ‘70s. Now you can relive the magical sounds of Led Zeppelin while enjoying a visual treat of custom laser imagery.
• 8: 15 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Summer Laser Show Series – Metallica at Horizons Unlimited | Cost: $8 per person. Considered to be one of the pioneering groups in what would become the heavy metal genre, the musicianship and force of this band has been hailed by critics and fans worldwide. Now Metallica’s tempos, instrumentals, themes and sound are joined with laser lights of the same caliber and style.

Saturday, July 16:

• 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Roller Mill Open House at China Grove Roller Mill | Cost: Free (donations appreciated). The China Grove Roller Mill contains the original wheat and corn milling equipment from the early 1900s. Displays of early rural life in Rowan County are both educational and interesting. The history of China Grove is also exhibited throughout the Mill.

Monday, July 18:

• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Lee Street Theatre presents Scenes from James and the Giant Peach at Rowan Public Library Headquarters in Salisbury | Cost: Free. Actors from Salisbury’s Lee Street theatre return with inventive and exciting storytelling. This is a School Age Summer Reading program designed for rising 1st through 5th graders, though all ages are welcome. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under.
• 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Summer Storytimes (Preschool to 1st Grade) at Rowan Public Library, West Branch | Cost: Free. This storytime program runs June 6 — July 22, 2022. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. This interactive, 30 – 45-minute program is designed for children 3 to 6 years old and their caretakers.
• 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Teens Lost at Sea Event at Rowan Public Library, East Branch | Cost: Free. Teens ages 11-17 (grades 6th-12th) are invited to test their seaworthiness and survival skills on the open sea.

Thursday, July 19:

• (All day) | Checkers Library TV (virtual event) | Cost: Free. A special video series designed for children, Checkers Library TV educates viewers about a variety of topics in a fun, engaging, and educational way. A new Checkers Library TV episode will air today, available for children to enjoy via RPL’s YouTube and Facebook pages. Check out the RPL YouTube page (Rowan Public Library) or Facebook page (@rowanpubliclibrary) to view.
• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Lee Street Theatre presents Scenes from James and the Giant Peach at Rowan Public Library, South Branch | Cost: Free. Actors from Salisbury’s Lee Street theatre return with inventive and exciting storytelling. This is a School Age Summer Reading program designed for rising 1st through 5th graders, though all ages are welcome. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under.
• 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Summer Storytimes (Preschool to 1st Grade) at Rowan Public Library Headquarters in Salisbury | Cost: Free. This storytime program runs June 6 — July 22, 2022. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. This interactive, 30 – 45-minute program is designed for children 3 to 6 years old and their caretakers.
• 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Teens Lost at Sea Event at Rowan Public Library, Salisbury Headquarters | Cost: Free. Teens ages 11-17 (grades 6th-12th) are invited to test their seaworthiness and survival skills on the open sea.

Wednesday, July 20:

• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Lee Street Theatre presents Scenes from James and the Giant Peach at Rowan Public Library, East Branch | Cost: Free. Actors from Salisbury’s Lee Street theatre return with inventive and exciting storytelling. This is a School Age Summer Reading program designed for rising 1st through 5th graders, though all ages are welcome. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under.
• 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Summer Storytimes (Preschool to 1st Grade) at Rowan Public Library, South Branch | Cost: Free. This storytime program runs June 6 — July 22, 2022. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. This interactive, 30 – 45-minute program is designed for children 3 to 6 years old and their caretakers.
• 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. | Spyglass Scavenger Hunt at all Rowan County Public Library branches | Cost: Free. Children are invited to spot some awesome ocean life than through a spyglass! Visit RPL Headquarters, East, South, and West to create a spyglass and then hunt for the hidden sea creatures during June and July.
• 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Teens Lost at Sea Event at Rowan Public Library, West Branch | Cost: Free. Teens ages 11-17 (grades 6th-12th) are invited to test their seaworthiness and survival skills on the open sea.

Thursday, July 21:

• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Lee Street Theatre presents Scenes from James and the Giant Peach at Rowan Public Library, West Branch | Cost: Free. Actors from Salisbury’s Lee Street theatre return with inventive and exciting storytelling. This is a School Age Summer Reading program designed for rising 1st through 5th graders, though all ages are welcome. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under.
• 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Summer Storytimes (Preschool to 1st Grade) at Rowan Public Library, East Branch | Cost: Free. This storytime program runs June 6 — July 22, 2022. A responsible caretaker (age 16+) must accompany children 8 and under. This interactive, 30 – 45-minute program is designed for children 3 to 6 years old and their caretakers.
• 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Teens Lost at Sea Event at Rowan Public Library, East Branch | Cost: Free. Teens ages 11-17 (grades 6th-12th) are invited to test their seaworthiness and survival skills on the open sea.

Friday, July 22:

• 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Star Stories at Horizons Unlimited | Cost: $5 per person. If you’ve been to Horizons before you’ve probably heard some star stories under the dome. Hear new star stories under the stars, meet some animals that are featured in the star stories, and then build your very own constellation. Join us for our final Family Fun Friday of the Summer!

Saturday, July 23:

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | 8th Annual Rowan Chamber Dragon Boat Festival | Free admission. Largest annual event held on High Rock Lake. Includes vendors, food trucks and dragon boat races. Rowan Shrine Club at High Rock Lake, 6480 Long Ferry Road, Salisbury. 704-633-4221, rowanchamberdragonboat.org
• 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Coral Reefs for Little Ones at Rowan Public Library, East Branch | Cot: Free. Preschool-aged children are invited to explore the underwater world of coral reefs. Children will create a hands-on coral reef with dough, beads, pipe cleaners, and other manipulatives. Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to participate in this ocean themed adventure.
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Gold Rush Days’ Art and Craft Festival in Historic Gold Hill. Enjoy Gold Hill’s unique village shops, restaurants, coffee house and bakery. Family-friendly outing amid the historic setting of Gold Hill. Historic Gold Hill, 840 St. Stephen’s Church Road, Gold Hill, www.goldhillnc.com

Tuesday, July 26:

• (All day) | Checkers Library TV (virtual event) | Cost: Free. A special video series designed for children, Checkers Library TV educates viewers about a variety of topics in a fun, engaging, and educational way. A new Checkers Library TV episode will air today, available for children to enjoy via RPL’s YouTube and Facebook pages. Check out the RPL YouTube page (Rowan Public Library) or Facebook page (@rowanpubliclibrary) to view.

Wednesday, July 27:

• 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. | Spyglass Scavenger Hunt at all Rowan County Public Library branches | Cost: Free. Children are invited to spot some awesome ocean life than through a spyglass! Visit RPL Headquarters, East, South, and West to create a spyglass and then hunt for the hidden sea creatures during June and July.
• 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Kindergarten Readiness at Rowan Public Library Headquarters in Salisbury | Cost: Free. Local parents and caregivers are invited to learn more about different early literacy opportunities in Rowan County, including tips and tricks to get young children kindergarten-ready. Light refreshments will be served and childcare will be provided during the program.

Friday, July 29:

• 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. | National Teen Lock-In & Teen Summer Reading Finale Rowan Public Library Headquarters in Salisbury | Cost: Free. Teens 11-17 (grades 6th-12th) are invited to celebrate the end of Summer Reading with games, door prizes, and snacks. A permission slip signed by a parent or guardian is required to participate. Teens must also watch one author chat video at the event. Teens will also redeem Summer Reading raffle tickets for tiered prizes at this event.
• 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. | Summer Laser Show Series – Laseropolis at Horizons Unlimited | Cost: $8 per person. Should you survive the journey through the four space-time pillars, a portal will be opened into a previously unseen and unheard dimension! Laseropolis is an eclectic mix of musical themes surveying pop, rock, alternative and oldies.
• 8: 15 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Summer Laser Show Series – Metallica at Horizons Unlimited | Cost: $8 per person. Pink Floyd’s classic 1979 epic about personal struggle takes on a unique look, weaving its story in one of the most popular laser shows ever produced!

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