Newsletters and Press Releases

May 1, 2025

Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to welcome genealogy expert Judy Nimer Muhn, president of the Michigan Genealogical Council and the Oakland County Genealogical Society, for “Finding Your Roots in the Digital Age” on Thursday, May 15 at 7 p.m.

With a wealth of experience in genealogy research and digital tools, Ms. Muhn will guide participants through the many resources available to uncover family histories—from your local library to platforms like FamilySearch and even social media. Attendees will learn how to harness the power of their computer, tablet, or smartphone to trace their roots and family history. Whether you’re just beginning your genealogy journey or looking to expand your research with modern tools, this event offers valuable insights and practical advice.

Although a limited number of desktop computers will be available, participants are welcome to bring their own laptops, tablets, or smart phones.

Registration for this program is required.

April 28, 2025

The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday Book Sale Saturday, May 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 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. The main feature this month will be “Outdoor Living,” which will include gardening, landscaping, outdoor design, grilling, etc. with a mini feature of “Don’t Forget Mom!” as Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11. The sale will also have many Japanese-, Chinese- and Spanish-language books. In addition, adult fiction by Daniel Silva and John Sandford will be half-off.

The Vintage Room will also be featuring books from The American Guide Series, published by the Federal Writers’ Project (FWP) of the WPA, included books and pamphlets covering all 48 states and the District of Columbia. These guidebooks, published between 1937 and 1941, provided detailed histories, cultural insights, and descriptions of major cities and towns. They also included motor tours of important attractions and photographic portfolios.

The sale always includes a wide array of subjects, and a room dedicated to music and film. Debit cards can be used for any amount, and credit card purchases may be used with a $5 minimum purchase.

The Library Shop, located just inside the Library, is open during Library hours, and offers a selection of gently used books, movies, and music, as well as cards and gifts. The Friends continue 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.

April 9, 2025

 Bloomfield Township Public Library is now accepting applications for the Jeanette P. Myers Memorial Scholarship through June 1, 2025.

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 btpl.org/jeanette-p-myers-memorial-scholarship/

April 08, 2025

 Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to offer two gardening lectures this April:

Demystifying Composting: Best Practices to Create a Healthy Soil Amendment

Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 7 p.m.

Master Gardener Sara Covatta is passionate about making composting accessible to all. She serves on both the leadership and education committees for the Michigan Organics Council and is a member of the U.S. Composting Council. Utilizing good humor and helpful demonstrations, Covatta will cover the basics of at-home composting, introduce the Bokashi method of composting kitchen scraps, and help create a valuable, living soil amendment for the garden. Attendees will leave with the information and resources needed to start composting.

 Working With, Not Against, Your Garden

Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 7 p.m.

Master Gardener Louise Sloan shares insights and information to make gardening a joy and not a chore. Attendees will learn how to avoid pesky situations that lead to frustration with the garden. Tips and resources to help gardens grow this season, and in years to come, will be provided.

Registration is required for both programs.

April 7, 2025

Bloomfield Township Public Library and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance are pleased to announce the final spring chamber music concerts which will be held Friday, April 11, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 12, at 3 p.m.

The concerts are 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 concert series is sponsored by the Friends of the Bloomfield Township Public Library.