Memories at the library

It's natural for us to want to make memories, curating our schedules to work around a carefully planned vacation that is sure to make them. We organize our lives in compartmentalized sections, always planning a section for relaxation and enjoyment, and look at locations or places that will fulfill these requirements. Yet, perhaps we don't stop and think about the places we routinely visit as places to make memories. The places you orbit, travel, and frequent can fall into a rhythm that rarely gets identified as anything but what it seems like: usual. However, let me challenge you to look at it from a different perspective.

Maybe the truest memories we make are the steady, everyday ones that we constantly live. Whenever you walk down the street and simply observe the scenery. Whenever you drive down the road and name the things as they pass as a sort of game, to yourself or with others in the car. Whenever you visit a place that you see almost every day like the grocery store or the gas station. These memories are collected and kept in a seamless way so it doesn't stand out. It's simply the baseline flow of thoughts you live with every day. Yet, when you draw attention to them, you start to realize how much they actually mean.

A visit to the library can be something that builds, not just impresses a few times and then disappears from thought. There are so many people, especially families, that come to the library not really seeing the potential of making it part of the regular schedule. Libraries aren't generally seen as big and flashy. They don't pull in the masses as a fun and exciting part of a city's venue, but it certainly can be like that if you give it a try. Even so, a library tends to slowly make space in the mind and heart as a safe place to simply be. No expectations. You can return time-and-time again and simply enjoy existing. Sometimes, people (even adults) just need a place like that.

Not everything in life has to be about catching the next big moment, you can experience lasting memories simply from existing in place that holds space for you. That's what makes things last a lifetime.

Rain or shine, we're here

The library is such a dependable place. If you need a quiet place to study, it's usually the first place someone thinks of to go. Yet, you may not think of us as anything other than a serene space filled with a lot of silence. That's great for someone looking for some peaceful solitude, but you might be surprised how versatile a space we have. No longer must you feel intimidated by the almost-sacred silence of library space in days gone by. Rather, we have programs and events that often fill up the space with people and noise (to a reasonable extent), including movie showtimes, family story times, ukulele practicing, sea shanties, kids reading to animals, teen advisory boards, adult book clubs, and so much more.

If you haven't been to a summer reading kickoff, that is a perfect example of the peak of chaos (all for the good of reading) that can inhabit a library. Gone are the stuffy days where librarians were "shushing" and asking for patrons to be quiet. In are the fun, explorative, imaginative days of: trying a new hobby, creating crafts, learning a new skill, meeting new people, having pleasant conversations with neighbors, and expanding your horizons. Libraries are so many things: the community hub, the supporters of knowledge, the safe place, the perpetuators of creativity, and just the general all-around place to go when you don't have a place to go. We love that we can say "rain or shine, we are here for you".

I hear so many people come into the library and say, "I didn't know you (insert something we do/have)!" It is so nice seeing curious minds venture in because they have discovered another avenue to explore. What is more exciting than experiencing something you thought you knew, made "new"? Even if you've never stepped foot in a library, it's never too late. 

Experiencing the library can be so many things all at once, but the main thing is that it acts as a bridge. It connects people to resources they cannot get themselves or never knew existed. It allows people to experience other lives, other places, other worlds. It's a place people can gather in community and communication. The exciting thing is, the library can be whatever the community needs it to be - it isn't a stagnant place where change never happens. If you imagine dusty shelves of books you have to hold like priceless art pieces, think again. Libraries are priceless because of what we offer, not necessarily the price points on the materials.

Libraries have been evolving with the times, but if you haven't been in one you would miss that fact entirely. Librarians have also been evolving, developing and improving on the stereotypical assumption that we will put a stop to most your endeavors, especially if it looks anything like fun. Whatever the reason you haven't seen us in a while, or at all, we invite you to come check us out. We will do our best as stewards of goodwill to help you, and in the very least, give you a place to go.

Summer Reading 2025

If you are looking for a fun challenge this summer, consider starting a reading one. There are so many different options to try out and each is relatively easy to sign up for. Take a look at a few here:

Portland District Library

Yes, your local library does put on a reading challenge every summer and we would love for you to participate! You have two ways you can sign up: in-person using a paper tracker -OR- via our app called Beanstack. For directions on how to sign up for the app, please call (517-647-6981) or stop in.

Any way you decide to log your minutes, as you move through the program you earn level badges. Each level you complete you earn a prize and a ticket, which you can allocate to a drawing for a grand prize. Earn up to 8 tickets that you can divvy up between any of the prizes in any way you see fit.

And it's free to sign up!

Barnes & Noble

I've been curious about this reading program, but haven't done much delving in until now. Information seems a bit sparse on their website but looking at their .PDF illuminates how it actually works. 

If you sign up for this program, you simply track 8 books and describe what part was your favorite and why. Once you are finished, you bring the completed journal to your local branch and then you get to choose a book from the list provided. Seems pretty breezy to me!

Pizza Hut

There are a few chain restaurants that offer reading challenges, including Pizza Hut, but you can explore the many options by searching online. Personally, I like the sound of earning a single topping personal pan pizza just for reading! It is easy to download their app and track progress.

Online options

If you are just looking for an easy way to motivate your little readers, doing a quick search on the web can pull up many resources and tools to support them. During the summer, many organizations such as Reading Is Fundamental or The Good and the Beautiful offer things like reading charts, reading lists, and other motivational options to encourage reading.

Other public libraries

Many families don't know if they're allowed to participate in more than one reading program at a time, especially if that program is at another public library. We want to assure you that most libraries are not stingy about what libraries you utilize for reading, and most will encourage you to sign up for more than one program! In our area, here are a few libraries to consider signing up at:

• Grand Ledge Area District Library
• Sunfield District Library
• Mulliken District Library
• Ionia Community Library
• Lyons Township District Library
• Delta Township Library
• Saranac-Clarksville District Library

Any way you choose to read this summer, feel good about the progress you make. Any time spent reading is time well spent.