Newsletters and Press Releases

Bloomfield Township, MI—May 22, 2024

 The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday Book Sale Saturday, June 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friends members may shop the sale early from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and memberships can be purchased at the door on the day of the sale.

The sale takes place on the lower level of the Library and includes thousands of books and audiovisual materials for all ages and interests, conveniently sorted into more than 50 categories. Highlights will feature Father’s Day, crafting and summer activities, and academic supports for children. The sale always includes a wide array of subjects and a room dedicated to music and film.

Please note that the credit card/debit card policies have changed. Debit cards can now be used for any amount, and credit card purchases may be used with a $5 minimum purchase (previously the minimum charge for all cards was $15).

The Library Shop, located just inside the Library, remains open during Library hours, and offers a selection of gently used books, movies, and music, as well as cards and gifts. The Friends are also continuing to accept donations of books and media in good condition. Visit the Friends of the Library webpage for more information.

Since 1995, purchases made at the Second Saturday Sales have allowed the Friends to donate over $1.85 million dollars to support the Library beyond their operating budget, donating over $105,000 last year alone. Donations have paid for artwork and sculptures around the Library, the beautiful gardens, programs and events for adults and children, and additions to Library collections.

May 1, 2024

Bloomfield Township Public Library will host Indigenous herbalist and Michigan native Nathan Wright on Saturday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. to discuss plants used by the Anishinabek of the Great Lakes.

The presentation will include the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with our surroundings and utilizing natural resources sustainably. Not just about using plants for medicinal purposes, herbalism is an integral part of Indigenous culture, fostering a respect for nature and containing knowledge passed down from generations.

“The Library is pleased to welcome Nathan Wright to our programming. We look forward to learning more about the journey and connection between humans and plants,” said Brooke Hoskins, Assistant Department Head of Adult Services.

Registration is required for this program.

April 30, 2024

 The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday Book Sale Saturday, May 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friends members may shop the sale early from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and memberships can be purchased at the door on the day of the sale.

The sale takes place on the lower level of the Library and includes thousands of books and audiovisual materials for all ages and interests, conveniently sorted into more than 50 categories. Highlights this Mother’s Day month include gardening, cooking, chocolate, flowers, jewelry, style, spa day, guilty pleasures, rom-com DVDs, and things to do with kids. The Vintage section will feature Fortune magazines from the 1930s and 1940s which have beautiful covers, fascinating stories of the times, and gorgeous vintage advertisements.

Please note that the sale always includes a wide array of subjects and a room dedicated to music and film.

Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards are accepted with a $15 minimum purchase.

The Library Shop, located just inside the Library, remains open during Library hours, and offers a selection of gently used books, movies, and music, as well as cards and gifts. The Friends are also continuing to accept donations of books and media in good condition. Visit the Friends of the Library webpage for more information.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

April 16, 2024

Bloomfield Township Public Library is proud to announce the winners of our eighth annual Photo Contest. The theme of this year’s contest was “Picture Perfect Patterns”. Bloomfield Township residents of all ages were invited to explore the captivating world of patterns in our everyday lives.

“This was a competitive contest. We had over 120 entries this year, which is a record for the contest. It was interesting to see a variety of perspectives and how much beauty surrounds us in so many different forms,” said Katherine Bryant, Assistant Director of Bloomfield Township Public Library.

YOUTH WINNERS (ages 12 and under)

Third Place “Winter Leaf” Nicholas Takis, Second Place “Shattered Sky of March” Ella Iacoban, and First Place “Tilted Heads” Madeline Holt.

TEEN WINNERS (ages 13–18)

Third Place “Cielo” Tobias Pisotti, Second Place “In the Night” Tyler Shrader, and First Place “Stairway to Hope” Yushi Bai.

ADULT WINNERS (Ages 19 and over)

Third Place “Direct Reflection” Justin Winkelman, Second Place “Art Mends Fences” Srinath Gopinath, and First Place “Dahlia II” Judy Heath.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD AND BEST IN SHOW

People’s Choice Award “Oil Stain”, Warren Brandes–562 votes out of 1,621 total votes. Best in Show “Shorelines”, Mari Wilson.

The winners were announced and honored at a reception on Saturday, April 13, receiving a Library swag bag, certificate, and a print of their photo.

The 2025 photo contest theme will be “Nature in the Modern World”. We encourage Bloomfield Township residents to use photography as a tool to gain insight about our place on planet Earth and explore the ways that human beings and nature exist together, positive or negative.

April 15, 2024

Bloomfield Township Public Library is now accepting applications for the Jeanette P. Myers Memorial Scholarship through June 1, 2024.

The Myers Memorial Scholarship provides funds to encourage and support the post-secondary education of past or present employees of Bloomfield Township Public Library, or persons who have some relationship with the Library. A total amount of at least $500 will be awarded to one or more scholarship applicants to be used for books, tuition, or other relevant expenses to assist in working toward an associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degree, or for the pursuit of other higher education.

Scholarship guidelines and application forms are available at the Library’s Welcome Desk and on the Library website at www.btpl.org.

April 12, 2024

Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to welcome the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival for Musical Elements, the first installment of their family programming mini-series, on Sunday, April 28 at 1:00 pm. Musical Elements teaches aspects of classical chamber music using hip-hop as an educational medium. Children learn about the woodwind, brass, and string instruments as well as the musical elements of melody, harmony, unison, articulation, and tempo. The presentation is a combination of a scripted lesson, slideshow, and musical performances. This program was created with grades K-5 in mind but can be enjoyed by everyone!

This concert is free, but registration is requested at greatlakeschambermusic.org.

April 4, 2024

Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to present “Playing It Forward” a piano quartet performance by Orchestra Sono on Friday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Orchestra Sono is a professional Michigan-based orchestra whose mission is to transform lives through powerful, world-class performances that engage, inspire, and enrich the lives of the communities they touch. Members are highly experienced professional musicians, most of whom play for both the Detroit Opera House and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. For this performance, Orchestra Sono will present chamber music compositions for piano and strings by Felix Otto Dessoff, Robert Fuchs, George Enescu, and Gustav Mahler.

“Our orchestra provides exciting experiences for the seasoned concertgoer along with an educational and entertaining performance for community members of all ages. We look forward to performing world-class music that allows audiences to feel their emotions and stretch their imaginations,” said Orchestra Sono Board of Directors Member, Lucy King.

This concert is free and open to everyone. No registration is required. We invite you to join us for a beautiful evening of music in the Library.

April 2, 2024

Bloomfield Township Public Library and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance are pleased to announce the final Chamber Music Concert of the season on Friday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m. Program details will be available from the Library closer to the concert date.

This concert is free and open to everyone. No registration is required. We invite you to join us for a beautiful evening of music in the Library.

April 1, 2024

Effective April 1, 2024, Bloomfield Township Public Library will eliminate overdue fines for books, DVDs, and other materials that are returned after the due date. Patron accounts with existing overdue fine balances will be waived as of April 1.

“Like many other libraries in the community, we have been discussing going fine free for a while. Many libraries are transitioning to the fine-free model to eliminate barriers that prevent patrons from utilizing the Library’s offerings to their fullest potential,” said Tera Moon, Library Director. “Our goal is to foster an accessible, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and is not worried, self-conscious, or frustrated because of overdue fines,” she added.

This change will have a minimal impact on the Library’s budget, as overdue fines have accounted for only 0.02% of revenues in recent years. Numerous libraries nationwide that have eliminated overdue fines have observed either a negligible or even positive impact on the rate of items being returned on time, with more patrons returning items promptly compared to when overdue fees were in place.

Replacement fees for lost and/or damaged books and materials will continue in accordance with existing Library policies. Items kept for a prolonged period beyond their due dates will be billed a replacement fee. Patrons with $15 or more in fees on their account will not be able to borrow any more items until overdue items are returned or the fees are paid.

March 25, 2024

The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday Book Sale Saturday, April 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friends members may shop the sale early from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and memberships can be purchased at the door on the day of the sale.

The sale takes place on the lower level of the Library and includes thousands of books and audiovisual materials for all ages and interests, conveniently sorted into more than 50 categories, With Earth Day on the horizon, features this month include an eclectic mix of books, music, and movies that focus on nature and the great outdoors.

Please note that the sale always includes a wide array of subjects and a room dedicated to music and film.

Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards are accepted with a $15 minimum purchase.

The Library Shop, located just inside the Library, remains open during Library hours, and offers a selection of gently used books, movies, and music, as well as cards and gifts. The Friends are also continuing to accept donations of books and media in good condition. Visit the Friends of the Library webpage for more information.

March 21, 2024

Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to present “Addressing Anxiety In Your Child or Teen” Tuesday, April 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. as part of the Caregiver Workshop Series.

This workshop will introduce you to the signs and symptoms of anxiety in your child as well as real-life strategies to address anxious behaviors. Local therapist, Jessica Cortez, LMSW, will teach you evidence-based tools to try at home to support your child working through high emotions and behaviors. Families will receive handouts, worksheets, and resource lists that can assist in improving emotion regulation with their child. Registration is required for this program.

March 13, 2024

Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to host music duo wilder/hall on Friday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m.

Founded by longtime collaborators Kaleigh Wilder and Ben Hall, wilder/hall creates “Afro-diasporic excavation” by finding new myth structures in and of Afro-American ritual music. The core instruments they use are the gyil (Wilder), a gourd-resonated xylophone instrument native to Ghana’s Upper West Region and predecessor of the marimba, and the surdo (Hall), a Brazilian bass drum that Hall likened to an “analog acoustic 808.” For their performance the pair will present a continuous set of interlocking rhythms, fluctuating tempos, and melodies. Combined with their distinctly Afro-American sonic sensibilities, the duo reconstitutes pieces of these languages, collapses them, and in turn re-places ancestral understanding. Wilder/hall presents this music as an offering of joy.

“Kaleigh Wilder and Ben Hall have deep roots in Detroit and combine classical, jazz, and avant-garde to form their new sound,” said Librarian Amanda Itria. “We look forward to hearing their unique sound perspective as part of our musical programming,” she adds.

March 5, 2024

Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to host an evening with acclaimed writer, activist, and author Curtis Chin on Monday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. Chin’s book Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant details his upbringing and working in his family’s Cantonese restaurant in Detroit. Chin confronts identity as he experiences racism as a Chinese American, and then again with the growing awareness that he is gay. Designated as a 2024 Michigan Notable Book, Chin’s story is told with insight, compassion, and humor. Registration is required. 

In preparation for Chin’s talk, the Library will host a discussion of Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant on Tuesday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m. Registration is required. 

“The Library is honored to host Curtis Chin as part of our programming. We look forward to exploring his unique Detroit-based story and anticipate what promises to be an enriching experience with important lessons for all,” said Librarian Amanda Itria.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES MARCH IS NATIONAL READING MONTH

February 29, 2024

 Bloomfield Township Public Library is proud to participate in National Reading Month which is designated as the month of March. The goal of National Reading Month is to encourage and remind Americans of all ages to read every day and celebrate the joy and benefits of reading. Further, March 2 has been designated as Read Across America Day.

“March is Reading Month is a time to celebrate the joy of reading and the importance of literacy for all ages. This month is a reminder of the lifelong benefits that come from reading. Reading opens doors to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences, and it’s an essential skill for success in school, work, and life,” said Katherine Bryant, Assistant Library Director.

The Library offers a variety of youth, teen, and adult reading events throughout the month of March and throughout the year.

YOUTH SERVICES:

The Library is celebrating emerging readers by inviting local kindergarten classes to our Kindergarten Readers’ Roundups during National March is Reading Month. Students will tour the Youth Room, enjoy a fun skit by librarians with favorite book characters, and so much more. Details are available through your local elementary school.

Youth Services is also hosting a month-long Book Character Scavenger Hunt, in which children can try find a favorite book character hidden around the Youth Room.

Throughout the year the Library also offers story times for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, as well as special story times held outdoors, online, and as an adaptive experience to suit many needs. In addition, the Library offers book clubs for children from Kindergarten through 6^th grade and special events such as “Reading with the Dogs” for young readers to practice their reading skills.

ADULT AND TEEN SERVICES:

Teens are invited to join the monthly Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meetings to discuss books, make arts and crafts, play games and more. Teens are also invited to participate in the Teen Book Design Contest which runs March 4-April 4.

Looking for your next great read? The Library is hosting Ask a Librarian: How do I Find Good Books? on Thursday, March 7. Registration is required.

 In March, stop by the Adult and Teen Services Desk where librarians will dish out weekly literary trivia quizzes to test your knowledge and challenge your inner bookworm.

Join the new year-round reading 50 Book Challenge for Adults (ages 16+). The Library challenges you to read 50 books – there’s no deadline, so you can go at your own pace. Stop by the Adult and Teen Services Desk for more information on how to track your progress, prizes that you can earn along the way, and prompts to inspire your next great read.

For more information about these and other Library programs and events, please call the Library at (248) 642-5800 or visit our website at www.btpl.org.

February 28, 2024

Bloomfield Township Public Library and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance are pleased to announce the next Chamber Music Concert on Friday, March 8, at 7:00 p.m. Program details will be available from the Library closer to the concert date.

This concert is free and open to everyone. No registration is required. We invite you to join us for a beautiful evening of music in the Library.

The final concert in this series will be held on Friday, April 12.

February 22, 2024

 The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday Book Sale Saturday, March 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friends members may shop the sale early from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and memberships can be purchased at the door on the day of the sale.

The sale takes place on the lower level of the Library and includes thousands of books and audiovisual materials for all ages and interests, conveniently sorted into more than 50 categories. Features this month include books and journals on yarn crafting of many kinds and paperbacks by Nora Roberts. Please note that the sale always includes a wide array of subjects and a room dedicated to music and film.

Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards are accepted with a $15 minimum purchase.

The Library Shop, located just inside the Library, remains open during Library hours, and offers a selection of gently used books, movies, and music, as well as cards and gifts. The Friends are also continuing to accept donations of books and media in good condition. Visit the Friends of the Library webpage for more information.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES INSIDE OUT EXHIBIT: A HISTORY OF ARTISTS’ PUBLICATIONS

February 7, 2024 

Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to host “Inside Out”–an exhibit presenting a sampling of art in published form. This presentation offers a spectrum of styles and techniques ranging from high-tech offset printing to the humble rubberstamp.

Creators include superstars like Andy Warhol to pseudonymous and lesser-known Xerox artists and zine makers from all over the globe. The viewer will find nearly 100 printed items including magazines, portfolios, artists’ books, “artistamps”, risographic zines, postcards and lovingly gathered loose leaf anthologies of multiple originals. The exhibit is about communication, exploration, and sharing offered in tangible, accessible and portable forms. The exhibit covers a 50-year history of independent, wildly varied, and inspiring art.

This show is part of the personal collection of Bloomfield Township resident, Charlton Burch, in conjunction with his editorship of Lightworks Magazine, a Michigan visual arts publication which began in 1974.

The exhibit will be on display throughout the month of February. All are welcome.

January 24, 2024

 The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday Book Sale Saturday, February 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friends members may shop the sale early from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and memberships can be purchased at the door on the day of the sale.

The sale takes place on the lower level of the Library and includes thousands of books and audiovisual materials for all ages and interests, conveniently sorted into more than 50 categories. Features this month include travel guides and travel narratives, vegan and vegetarian cookbooks, books on health and home, as well as children and adult books in a variety of languages. Please note that the sale always includes a wide array of subjects and a room dedicated to music and film.

Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards are accepted with a $15 minimum purchase.

The Library Shop, located just inside the Library, remains open during Library hours, and offers a selection of gently used books, movies, and music, as well as cards and gifts. The Friends are also continuing to accept donations of books and media in good condition.

January 24, 2024

Bloomfield Township Public Library and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance are pleased to announce the next Chamber Music Concert on Friday, February 9, at 7:00 p.m. Program details will be available from the Library closer to the concert date.

This concert is free and open to everyone. No registration is required. We invite you to join us for a beautiful evening of music in the Library.

Additional concerts in this series will be held on March 8 and April 12.

January 19, 2024

The Library is pleased to host historian Maurice Imhoff for a lecture on the history of the First Michigan Colored Infantry Regiment, later known as the 102^nd United States Colored Infantry, on Monday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Following the Emancipation Proclamation, the U.S. military formed the United States Colored Troops. Many recruits came from Detroit, south Michigan, and Ontario, Canada to fight for freedom of family members still held in slavery. Even as Black soldiers fought and died, their citizenship status remained uncertain, and opportunities were limited.

“The Library is pleased to welcome Maurice Imhoff to our programming. The history and contributions of Black soldiers from the Michigan area are of great significance. We look forward to learning more about the early authorization of the Regiment to its present-time remembrance,” said Brooke Hoskins, Assistant Department Head of Adult Services.

No registration is required for this event. All are welcome to attend.

Thank you to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring this program.