Cultivate Readers, Cultivate Roots

Each year as the calendar flips from May to June, my husband and I find ourselves spending late nights and early mornings out in our garden- sowing, planting, and watering, all to ensure that our flowers and vegetables take root.

But before all of that- before the watering and the weeding- comes the digging.

And oh, what a fascinating world you begin to unearth once you do a little digging!

As I kneel in the dirt, digging holes for my beloved Early Girls, my trowel strikes something small and unyielding. A rock, probably. But no…is a mix of sunscreen and sweat blurring my vision, or did I just dig up a tiny, plastic, army general?

Over the course of the ten years we’ve lived in our home, I’ve uncovered a whole army of miniscule figurines hidden deep in the dirt. Adorable proof that a whole life- someone else’s story- existed here before we did.

The theme for Wickson Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program is Unearth a Story.

Of course, we’ll cover the obvious topics! We’ll dig for dino bones. We’ll excavate rocks. We’ll garden with the greats (Frankenmuth’s Herb Society, of course!) And we’ll uncover life’s mysteries with Raptor Pest Control, a tween CSI program, and the Frankenmuth Police Department.

But beyond all of that, beyond the obvious, I would like to personally challenge you, dear reader, to unearth something unfamiliar this summer. And because the unfamiliar can be uncomfortable, I’ve come prepared with a list to inspire you:

• Dig into a new genre of books! Enhance your neuroplasticity, expand your imagination, and enrich your understanding of new topics. It will be fun, probably!

• Discover your history. While the Cass River Genealogy Society takes a summer hiatus, Wickson always has resources to help you discover your roots. Stop by and utilize Ancestry for Libraries and our Local History collection- both FREE for library users!

• Dive into a new group. Okay folks, this might be the most intimidating of my suggestions! But also, hugely rewarding. Wickson Library hosts events for all ages and interests! Do you enjoy testing new recipes? Come to Cook the Book, our bi-monthly potluck book club! Looking to join a card club? Drop in to Mah Jongg or Bridge Club! Need to lower your cortisol levels? We don’t necessarily have the hard data (always consult your physician) but early anecdotal evidence suggests that our Adult Coloring Club is about as relaxing as it gets! Are you a new mom with a powerful desire to get out of the house, while also feeling safe and understood if your precious bébé starts wailing? We’ve got an answer for that- come to Story Time!

This summer, go beyond just unearthing a story…unearth the next chapter in your story. The library is here to help!

Our Summer Reading Program kickoff party is this Saturday, May 30th from 10-2pm. Join us for program registration, family friendly activities, and top it all off with a sweet treat courtesy of the Michigan Milk Producers Association and our friends over at Weiss Centennial Farms!