Only six libraries in state boast the displays
By Barb Pert Templeton
A new exhibit at the Capac Library offers a unique experience for visitors and happens to be among just six libraries across the state playing host to one of the Museum on Main Street Smithsonian traveling displays.
The SPARK Place of Innovation exhibit host venues are selected through a competitive application and awarded to communities as a cohort that will work and train together over the next year, leading up to opening day at the first venue.
Inspired by an exhibition by the National Museum of American History, the collection features stories gathered from communities across the nation.
The exhibit is described on the web site as having six stand-alone sections of panels over a wielded aluminum structure with exhibition elements that include: audio, four video monitors including a touchscreen of youth-produced stories, one flipbook, three object cases, multiple mechanical interactives and visitor comment cards about innovation in their town.
Photographs, engaging interactives, objects, videos, and augmented reality bring a multilayered experience to the SPARK exhibit.
There’s also a “Citizen Innovation” game designed to inspire visitor conversation, and digital stories launched with image recognition to display additional videos, images. Spanish translation of all content will be provided digitally and in print.
This project is funded in part by Smithsonian, and Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The exhibit at the Capac Library will run during library hours from December 5 through January 12.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up Michael Mercatante, community relations and friend development coordinator with the St. Clair County Library System (SCCLS) to pose some questions about the special exhibit.
Blue Water Healthy Living: How did this SPARK Places of Innovation exhibit come to Capac?
Michael Mercatante: The St. Clair County Library System (SCCLS) was one of six library locations in the state of Michigan to have been selected by Michigan Humanities for this opportunity. Our former Children’s Librarian Kristin Stiger entered the SCCLS into the competitive selection process. The project is now overseen by Adult Services Librarian Joseph Turbok and Capac Library Branch Lead, Breezy Wallace.
BWHL: Was there a cost to the library system to bring the exhibit to Capac?
Mercatante: There was no cost, this was grant based.
BWHL: What’s the general idea behind it or why did St. Clair County Library System pursue this exhibit?
Mercatante: The SCCLS pursued this exhibit in our continuing effort to bring quality educational and/or entertaining programming to library patrons as well as all citizens of St. Clair County. One does not need a library card to attend any library program and the cost is always free. To quote from the MI Humanities webpage: “Museum on Main Street brings high-quality Smithsonian traveling exhibitions to Main Street museums, historical societies, and other small-town cultural venues across the country. These exhibits boost civic pride, as residents young and old, from diverse backgrounds come together to share and celebrate their heritage.” Here is the website for more information: https://www.michiganhumanities.org/smithsonian-museum-on-main-street/.
BWHL: Can you share an example of an exhibit within the unit?
Mercatante: Interactive panels cover social, artistic, technological, and cultural heritage innovations as well as encouraging residents of small towns to look about them for fresh ideas that spark inspiration and initiatives.
BWHL: Is this exhibit for all ages?
Mercatante: Yes, it is.
BWHL: Is it self-guided or is the library staff involved?
Mercatante: Self-guided but library staff will be available to answer questions
BWHL: Is there an interactive piece for patrons?
Mercatante: Yes, many of the panels are interactive.
BWHL: Was the library system excited to bring this to St. Clair County? –
Mercatante: Very much. It was an honor for the SCCLS to have been chosen one of six libraries to host this traveling Smithsonian exhibit.
BWHL: Will the Capac branch be creating special programs that include the SPARK exhibit? –
Mercatante: Yes. The branch has already hosted a program on Capac’s Cranberry Bogs (Dec. 9). There will be a 3D printing demonstration on Jan. 8 from 4 to 5 pm. On January 10th from 6 to 7 p.m. Andrew Kercher from the Port Huron Museum will lead a presentation “Preston Tucker: The Man and the Car”. American automobile entrepreneur Preston Tucker was born in Capac.
The Capac Library is located at 111 North Main Street in Capac. Library hours are Monday thru Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
