Full Circle in Frankenmuth

Frankly? I never expected to be the person who never left my hometown.

During my time working as a page at Wickson Library in the mid-2000’s, I dreamt of graduation and getting out. Circling the globe, leaving this small town in my rearview mirror.

But life doesn’t often turn out the way we expected it would when we were fourteen, does it?

As I type this- the first of my newspaper articles for the same library I dreamt of leaving when I was fourteen- I picture the faces of the locals who might find themselves reading this on the other side of my screen. Many of those faces I have known my whole life. Some are new to town. Still others grew up with me, moved away, and now find themselves returned to raise their families.

The commonality between us all, regardless of our favorite genre of books, whether we sprinkle extra seasoning on our fried chicken, or our individual opinions on matters of local government, is that we all chose Frankenmuth to be the setting for our story.

When the role of Communications Librarian became available in August of last year, I leapt at the opportunity to rejoin the ranks of the incredible staff at Frankenmuth Wickson District Library. Because of community. Because I had worked alone for so long and I craved connection. Because I believe that the anecdote to thriving in a world that can sometimes seem disjointed is to get back to the basics: finding ways to engage with the people around you.

My name is Kirsten. I am a 2010 graduate of Frankenmuth High School, a Sociology graduate from Saginaw Valley State University, a wife, mom of two, and I am thrilled to take on the responsibility of writing the library’s weekly newspaper column. Thank you for the opportunity. Now let’s get reading!

“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables