New Season, New Library Programming

While summer is not officially over until mid-September, in Michigan this final week of August signals the end of summer activities and a transition to the next season of life. The days are already noticeably shorter, mornings darker, and many of you may note the rumble of school buses early in the morning. Soon the air will change, too, and you will walk out one day, breathe in deeply, and know that autumn has arrived.

This shift from summer to fall also brings new and exciting things to Wickson District Library. The Summer Reading Program has wrapped up, but new faces have arrived and fall programming is getting started. First, Wickson is very happy to welcome Kirsten as the new Communications Librarian. Kirsten first worked for Wickson 20 years ago, and she is happy to be returning to the feeling of home that the library provides. She intends to “continuously refine and improve [her] deep commitment to cultivating community through communication.” Stop into the library to welcome Kirsten back to Wickson!

Fall programming officially begins on September 8^th. However, right before that is National Memoirs Day on August 31^st. Memoirs are non-fiction accounts of an author’s memories and experiences of a particular time in their lives, but they read like a novel or narrative. One of my favorites has always been Night by Elie Wiesel. Wickson has set up a special display of memoirs on the first floor of the library across from the circulation desk if you’d like to try one out.

Wickson’s upcoming fall events span all ages and many topics. For the youngest patrons, story times abound! On September 18^th, Destination Story Time will take place at Frankenmuth City Hall at 10 am. Registration is required, and it will last about 45 minutes. Also, Children’s Story Time picks back up with new days and times. Mondays will begin at 10 am for all ages, then at 11:30 for preschool kids. Tuesdays will start at 9 am for ages 0-2, then continue at 10 am for all ages. Reach out to Beth Emmons, Children’s Librarian, with questions.

Teens and tweens have a few events coming up as well. Kids in grades 2 – 5 will battle it out in Nerf Wars at the library from 6 – 7:30 pm on September 27^th. Then, teens in 7^th – 12^th grade will get to learn about food safety and make their own grilled cheese masterpieces on October 4^th at 11 am. Make sure to register for both of these events, as space is limited.

As always, adult programming is continuing in earnest. Cook the Book will welcome Kaleb Wyse on September 10^th from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. On September 29^th from 6 – 7:30 you can join decluttering coach Stephanie Foley for a session on how to slowly and effectively declutter your home or other spaces. Also, a very special event will happen on Wednesday, September 24^th at 6 pm upstairs at the library. Wickson is hosting Frankenmuth Stories: A Live Community Share program, moderated by Jen Harden and Dr. Nathan Seeley. Those who would like to participate will have five minutes to share photos and/or a story about their lives in Frankenmuth. This is a live-only event, so if you’d like to share, make sure to register at the library.

Wickson is clearly heading into the fall season strong! What a great opportunity to try something new for this new season.