July 2023 Newsletter: Programs Galore!

This Month at the Library: Programs Galore!

Check out what’s going on at the library in this month’s newsletter.

Featured: 100 Ways to Help - Community Supplies Drive

As part of our summer reading program theme of “All Together Now,” and in conjunction with celebrating ELPL’s 100th birthday, this summer we’re hosting supplies drives at the library to support organizations in our community! In June, we collected items for Haven House; thank you to everyone who donated!

This month, we’re focusing on collecting cat food for the Constellation Cat Cafe. Drop off your donations in the collection bin near the teen room, and color in a cat on our tracking sheet for every item you donate! Our goal is to raise at least 100 items for each organization! To learn more and see what items we’re asking for, visit our blog.

Featured: Paging Through the Past

We’ve started a new series called “Paging Through the Past,” which explores the library’s storied history, decade by decade! Watch the fifth episode below, which talks about the library’s developments in the 1960s:

https://youtu.be/xWE32Rz0jjY

Featured: Summer Community Writing Center

The MSU Community Writing Center is back for the summer! Writing consultants will be here every Thursday night from 5-7pm, from June 1st - August 17th (closed on July 6th). Drop in any time for free writing assistance! No appointment is necessary, and they’re able to help you with a variety of personal or professional writing projects.

Featured: Michigan Activity Pass

Looking for fun free or cheap activities this summer? The Michigan Activity Pass allows library users to use their library card for discounts, special deals, and sometimes free admission to attractions around the state! Explore the possibilities on their newly revamped website at miactivitypass.org.

Featured: July Programs

Check out what’s happening this month at the library! For more information about these events and others, visit our events page.

• Library on the Go - Albert EL Fresco: Thursdays, 5-7pm           
  • We’ll be in downtown East Lansing every Thursday during the Albert EL Fresco Game Nights! Find us in the Library on the Go and check out or return materials, sign up for a library card, and get to know our staff!
• Trivia Night (teens and young adults): Mondays, 5-6:30pm           
  • July 10 - Harry Potter Trivia
  • July 24 - Twilight Trivia
  • August 10 - The Hunger Games Trivia
• Drummunity (kids): Wednesday, July 12, 3-4pm           
  • Lori Fithian is bringing her collection of hand drums and percussion instruments to share with us!
• Family History Mini-Series (adults): Thursday, July 13, 6:30-8pm           
  • Angelo Moreno will give a talk on the resources available through the Clarke Historical Library's digital collection, including recently digitized East Lansing newspapers. Registration encouraged.
• Birders Club Meeting (all ages): Saturday, July 15, 10-11am           
  • This group is for amateurs, experts, and everyone in between! Meet other bird enthusiasts, share stories, learn about available resources, and practice identification strategies. 
• Fresh Food is Fun (kids): Monday, July 17, 1:30-2:30pm           
  • Use a bike-powered blender to make smoothies!
• Stories in the Garden (kids): Wednesday, July 19, 7-8:30pm           
  • Explore the gardens and stop to listen to a story as you come across a volunteer reader!
• Adult Craft Night (adults): Wednesday, July 26, 6-7pm           
  • Join us to make a folded book art paper bird! Registration required.
• Captain Joel Tacey’s Magic Show (kids): Thursday, July 27, 2-3pm           
  • All aboard the Friend Ship!
• Shark Day (all ages): Saturday, July 29, 11am-1pm           
  • Enjoy a variety of interactive and educational shark-themed activities, demonstrations, crafts, and more in this open-house style event.
• Ice Cream Social (teens): Monday, July 31, 1-3pm           
  • Bring a friend, come grab some ice cream, and enjoy some fun lawn games!
• Ukulele Kings in Concert (all ages): Monday, July 31, 7-8pm           
  • Enjoy clever originals along with select covers you never would have expected to hear on the uke.

Featured: Summer So Far in Photos

Featured: Farewells!

The ELPL administration is moving on to new adventures! Director Kristin Shelley is moving to Indiana to become the Executive Director at the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library located in Zionsville. Assistant Director Brice Bush is moving to northern Michigan to become the next Director of the Cheboygan Area Public Library. We wish them well in their new positions.

Up and Coming Dates:

• Our summer reading program finale, Touch a Truck/National Night Out, will be Tuesday, August 1, from 6-8pm. The library will close early at 5pm to prepare.
• The last day to turn in summer reading program tracking sheets is Monday, August 7.

Catch ELPL Next Month:

Be on the lookout for more excitement in August! ELPL will be sharing featured reading lists, book displays, and programs throughout the month. Some of the library programs will include:

• Trivia Night
• Fun Run
• Pebble Art
• Back to School Bash
• And more!

For more information, visit the library’s website or follow ELPL on social media!