Programs are plentiful at branches across the area
By Barb Pert Templeton
Finding things to do close to home during the summer months when kids are out of school and looking for fun beyond their own backyards can be challenging. So, that’s where the local libraries come in, branches across St. Clair County enjoy embracing their busiest season each summer and offer a huge variety of programs for all ages.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Senior Youth Services Librarian Cara O’Brien to pose some questions about plans for the summer months.
Blue Water Healthy Living: Looks like all the libraries have plenty of programs in place this summer, does each branch get to decide what they put on their schedules? Senior Youth Services Librarian Cara O’Brien: Yes, each branch develops their own programs, with approval, coordination, and support from the librarians within the Programming department. Some of the programs on the calendar are developed and facilitated by us at the Programming department, such as the Summer Reading Kickoff Party on June 14th or the many Tie-Dye events throughout the summer; these fit in well with the Summer Reading theme this year: “Color Our World”.
BWHL: Does the library see an increase in attendance at events during the summer months? O’Brien: While we have popular events in all seasons, summer is our busiest time of year, and summer programs definitely benefit from school breaks and the excitement of Summer Reading. If patrons enroll in our Summer Reading Program using a reading logging app called Beanstack, they will see a list of select programs that award raffle tickets just for attending, which can then be redeemed for Summer Reading Prizes. (Tickets can also be earned by logging minutes read in the Beanstack app.) Prizes tend to increase attendance even further!
BWHL: Any idea which programs are most popular? O’Brien: Some of our most well-attended programs are speakers and performers. This summer we have shipwreck historian Ric Mixter discussing the Edmund Fitzgerald investigations June 4th, local historian Andrew Kercher giving talks throughout the summer, award-winning reporter Dave Birkett June 24th giving a talk on his book on the Detroit Lions, Carl Winters the “Kalimba
King” at several libraries June 28th exploring the Rhythms of Africa, and Marvel Comics illustrator Jerry DeCaire holding four Superhero Art Workshops between July 8th and 9th, just to name a few.
BWHL: Are there specific programs/events that return summer after summer because they are well received? What might those be?
The Algonac Library will host a program about Thomas Edison with local historian Andrew Kercher on June 2.
O’Brien: Some of the aforementioned presenters may be familiar to patrons—we are fortunate enough to be able to bring back Jerry DeCaire, Ric Mixter, and Andrew Kercher who all held very successful events in previous years. In addition, last year we had a “passport” initiative which encouraged patrons to visit all of the libraries in our system in exchange for Summer Reading raffle tickets (on top of those earned by logging minutes and attending select events).
BWHL: The DIA inside-out program at the Memphis Library seems unique – have the other branches of the St. Clair Library System had an opportunity to host the art too? O’Brien: The Detroit Institute of Arts’ Inside-Out exhibit is a program that brings reproductions of its artwork to communities in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties—Memphis and Memphis Public Library have the unique status of also being in Macomb County in addition to St. Clair County. While we would love to host similar programs at other branches in the future, for the DIA Inside-Out exhibit specifically, the Memphis branch is the place to go.
BWHL: The schedule has some popular topics like the Detroit Lions and the Edmund Fitzgerald Investigations – are those usually big draws for the library? O’Brien: Absolutely, popular topics like the Detroit Lions or local nautical history have typically filled up the registration list, often going into a waitlist. Most large events go by registration, which can be done through our website or by calling one of our library branch.
BWHL: Local historian Andrew Kercher has several events on the library calendars this summer is he a popular presenter for the library system?
The St. Clair Library will host a movie matinee on June 21 featuring the film, ‘Harold and the Purple Crayon.
O’Brien: Andrew Kercher has a deep knowledge of history in this county and beyond. His talks have been very popular with our patrons, as he as a talent for presenting history in a way that is immediately fun, engaging, and accessible.
BWHL: With a schedule that includes cooking, art, story times, painting, genealogy and coffee hours looks like there’s something for everyone – is that what you strive for in programming? Do you take suggestions for programs from the public too?
O’Brien: We offer something of interest or of value to everyone. And we happily welcome suggestions! Members of the public have several options: they can call or speak to any branch staff, fill out the follow-up surveys sent out after programs when registering with email, or use the “Ask a Librarian” comment card found on our website.
HERE ARE A FEW UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT LOCAL LIBRARIES:
Main Library – Don Doge Auditorium @ 200 Grand River Avenue, Port Huron
The Edmund Fitzgerald Investigations – A Ric Mixter Lecture – Weds. June 4 – 6 to 7 p.m.
The mighty Fitz is the Great Lakes largest shipwreck, resting in two major pieces on the bottom of Lake Superior just over the Canadian border. It was lost in a killer storm in 1975, and its entire crew of 29 simply vanished into the waves around seven that evening. Shipwreck historian Ric Mixter is one of only a handful of people who have visited the wreck personally, diving 550 feet down in a tiny submarine to explore the site for over an hour.
Inns and Outs of Michigan: Travelogue with Michael Artman – Weds. June 11 @ 6 p.m.
From Michigan’s oldest operating Inn in Marshall to the inns of Saugatuck, Detroit, the Thumb, the Leelanau Peninsula, and Petoskey, seasoned traveler and presenter Michael Artman will share interesting facts about, and fascinating reasons to visit, beautiful Lower Peninsula lodgings. The presentation concludes with an in-depth look at the inns of Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island, including a Somewhere in Time weekend at the Grand Hotel.
Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline w/Dave Birkett – Tuesday, June 24 at 6 p.m.
Award-winning reporter Dave Birkett joins us to discuss his book, Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline. The book recounts the most important people, games and moments of the franchise’s first 90 seasons.
Algonac/Clay Library
Thomas Edison, Inventor of the 20th Century – Andrew Kercher Monday, June 2 – 6 to 7 p.m.
Thomas Edison is the most famous inventor to have ever lived. Did you know about his many Michigan connections? Although born in Ohio, he spent his formative years in Port Huron, a time that would shape Edison’s entire life and change the world we live in today. Did Edison really invent all of the things credited to him? Get the real story behind the War of the Currents, and separate Edison Myth from Edison Fact.
St. Clair Library
Matinee Saturday – June 21 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Join us at the St. Clair Library for popcorn and pop culture with a Saturday movie viewing party. The featured presentation will be Harold & the Purple Crayon.
Ira Township Library
The Prison of Mackinac Island: The Curious Case of Stanton Guard – Tues, June 17 6 to 7 p.m.
Can you imagine being imprisoned on Mackinac Island? For some today it might sound like a dream come true, but in the 1860s it was all too real for a trio of Confederate sympathizers. Hear their stories and the tales of the men recruited to guard them on one of the most beautiful prisons in Michigan history.
To see a full list of summer events at libraries across St. Clair County good to stclaircountylibrary.org.
