Library Lines: Our library is a great resource that brings community together

“I believe in America because we have great dreams, and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true.” — Wendell L. Wilkie

Gerald Stanley Lee (1862-1944), an American writer and minister, wrote that “America is a tune. It must be sung together.” How great is it that we can come together on American Independence Day and celebrate how our forefathers worked together for our country’s independence? Happy Fourth. We hope that everyone will have a fun and safe holiday.

Please note that the Cheboygan Area Public Library will be closed Monday, July 4. However, library staff and board members will be participating in the downtown parade, which steps off at 10 a.m. from the Cheboygan County Building and traverses Main Street to the Fraternal Order of Eagles building just past State Street. Give us a wave or a shout if you see us.

Emily Clare
Emily Clare

Another amazing way that the community has come together is in the way they support blood drives. The Cheboygan Area Public Library would like to thank all the amazing individuals who came to donate at the library’s recent blood drive with Versiti Blood Centers of Michigan. There were 23 units of blood donated. And 16 donors were first timers. Way to go ... and thank you.

The next library blood drive will be 1-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, on the library’s lower level. If you are interested in signing up for the drive, feel free to call or stop by the library anytime or visit Versiti.org.

As we roll into July, the Cheboygan Area Public Library’s “Oceans of Possibilities” Summer Reading fun will continue. Up next is DisneyNature’s film “Oceans,” which will be shown outdoors in the Children’s Garden around 9:30 p.m. (or when it gets dark enough to see the screen) Friday, July 15.

This film is approximately 84 minutes and is rated G. It will provide a fascinating look under the sea that all ages will enjoy. The event is free to attend and there will also be free Kingston Popcorn and snacks provided. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own chairs and/or blankets to sit on.

Also in July, the library will be hosting a Rock & Roll Beach Party at 6 p.m. July 20. This program will be a free, family-friendly concert with live music performed by Dynamic West Assemblies presenters — which are some amazing musicians that present for libraries and schools across Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.

The library also wants to encourage those who are participating in the Summer Reading Challenge — keep on reading — you are doing great. The “Ocean of Readers” display in the lobby is filling up and that is fantastic to see. Way to go, Readers.

The reading challenge will continue through Aug. 10, which is the last day to turn in reading sheets. Then, prizes will be awarded at 6 p.m. Aug. 15 during the “Oceans of Possibility” Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party. This event will also provide and opportunity to meet a mermaid.

That’s right. Mermaid Phantom will be swimming into the library to read a story and help announce the Summer Reading Challenge winners. The event is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.

— Emily Clare is program director of the Cheboygan Area Public Library. 

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Library Lines: Our library is a great resource that brings community together