Newsletters and Press Releases

July 2, 2026

School may be out, but enjoying a good book is always in. The Friends of the Bloomfield Township Library will help families ease into summer this July with a Second Saturday Book Sale featuring a stupendous selection of entertaining, enriching, and boredom-busting children’s materials.

The sale, to be held on Saturday, July 11, will feature a large and diverse assortment of children’s books, DVDs, games and puzzles. It will also include foreign language children’s materials. A rich and plentiful selection of adult books and materials will also be available.

During the sale, all children’s materials will be priced half-off. No further teacher discount will be extended. Debit cards may be used for purchases in any amount. Credit cards may be used with a $5 minimum purchase. By purchasing books at the sale, patrons not only support the Library, but help children (or themselves) discover new worlds, engage their imagination, learn new things and build skills.

The walk-in event will be hosted on the lower level of the Bloomfield Township Public Library from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Members of the Friends group may shop the sale early from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Those who are not yet Friends members can purchase a membership at the door on the day of the sale.

After shopping the sale, both adults and children are encouraged to join the Library’s Unearth a Story Summer Reading Challenge by registering in person at the Library or online.

Since 1995, proceeds from the Second Saturday Sales have allowed the Friends to donate over $1.85 million to support the Library beyond its operating budget, with over $105,000 donated last year alone. Donations from sale proceeds have paid for artwork and sculptures around the Library, the beautiful gardens, programs and events for adults and children, and additions to Library collections. The Friends continue to accept donations of books and media in good condition.

July 2, 2026

There is nothing quite like the majesty of a bald eagle soaring overhead. For centuries, people of all ages have been captivated by these sovereigns of the sky. This July, Bloomfield Township Public Library will help the community discover these fascinating flyers by presenting the program Michigan Bald Eagles with Dr. Carl Palazzolo.

During the hour-long program, wildlife veterinarian and author Dr. Palazzolo will share insights and photos from his nearly 50 years of caring for bald eagles. Program participants will also have the opportunity to take a photo with a bald eagle from Michigan Avian Experience and to purchase Dr. Palazzolo’s book, The Comeback of Our National Symbol in Michigan.

The hour-long program will be presented at the Library twice on Tuesday, July 21. The first presentation, at 4 p.m., will be tailored for children ages 6 and up with their caregivers. The second presentation, tailored to teens and adults, will be at 7 p.m.

Commonly recognized as the feathered symbols of our nation, bald eagles were added to the Great Seal of the United States in 1782. However, it was not until 2024 that these high-flyers officially became the national bird.

“July marks our country’s 250th anniversary,” said Laura J. Kraly, Adult and Teen Services Department Head at the Library. “What more unique way to celebrate such a significant milestone than learning about our national bird? The chance to benefit from Dr. Palazzolo’s decades of work with bald eagles and to see one of these birds up close will be a rare and wonderful treat.”

Registration for the free program is required and can be made online via the Library’s website. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Bloomfield Township Public Library.

Bloomfield Township, MI — June 15, 2026

Morel mushrooms. They are rare, wild, and highly prized. Only appearing for a brief few-week window in spring, they are also elusive. Through its program, Pickin’ with the Champ: Morel Mushrooms with Anthony Williams, Bloomfield Township Public Library will provide area residents with pro tips for hunting these fleeting fungi.

During the insightful program, five-time morel mushroom hunting champion Anthony Williams will tell stories about gathering morels and offer enlightening know-how purposed to making participants’ foraging more fruitful. Williams, whose family has been picking morels in Northern Michigan since the 1890s, was Expert in Residence at the National Morel Festival (Boyne City) for 20 years.

Morel mushroom hunting is a beloved outdoor activity across Michigan, and for good reason. Beyond the thrill of the hunt, these impossible-to-farm, sought-after delicacies are low-fat, vitamin-rich, loaded with antioxidants, and full of flavor.

Michigan is widely considered one of the best states in the nation for hunting morel mushrooms, which are appreciated for their spongy, meaty texture and known for their honeycomb-like cap. The state’s unique ecosystems and soil, as well as its temperature and moisture balance, are well-suited to morels.

“Whether you’re a novice or seasoned pro, if you are interested in hunting morels, this program is for you,” said Laura J. Kraly, Adult and Teen Services Department Head at the Library. “Morel mushrooms are notoriously hard to find. With his decades of experience and engaging presentation style, Anthony Williams will offer helpful advice on when, where, and how to pick that will increase the success of people in our community who partake in this unique activity.”

The program will be presented at the Library on Tuesday, July 14, from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Registration for the free event is required and can be made online via the Library’s website. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Bloomfield Township Public Library.

May 27, 2026

Music is powerful. It can evoke joy and express sorrow. It can tell a story without words. It can connect communities. Bloomfield Township Public Library will harness the power of music this June when it hosts three Artistic Encounters as part of the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, an annual classical music event that takes place over two weeks at locations across Metro Detroit.

A unique opportunity for area adults and seniors, Artistic Encounters are public coaching sessions for Catherine Filene Shouse Chamber Music Institute fellows in a setting similar to a masterclass. Designed for emerging ensembles committed to a professional career in chamber music, each Artistic Encounter offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a professional musician. Three Artistic Encounters will be hosted by the Library as part of the larger Festival. Each library-hosted event will be presented from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The first in the series will take place on Monday, June 15, and will feature coaching by violinist Philip Setzer. A founding member of the nine-time GRAMMY Award–winning Emerson String Quartet, Setzer is an internationally acclaimed chamber musician and educator who performs worldwide. He is also the Director of the Shouse Institute at the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival.

The second Artistic Encounter will be on Wednesday, June 17, and will feature coaching by violinist Jennifer Frautschi. A two-time GRAMMY nominee and Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient, Frautschi has appeared with leading orchestras including the Chicago Symphony and Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The library-hosted series will conclude on Monday, June 22, with an Artistic Encounter featuring coaching by violinist Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt. A top prizewinner of the Banff, Fischoff, and Lionel Tertis competitions, and a founding member of the twice GRAMMY-nominated Dover Quartet, Pajaro-van de Stadt is a leading artist of her generation who performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician.

“Through its universal, ageless language, music can bridge generational and cultural gaps,” said Katherine Dupuis, Assistant Library Director. “Bloomfield Township Public Library is proud to provide enriching opportunities such as the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival that bring people in our community together and open the doors of discovery.”

Registration for the free concerts is required and can be made online via the Great Lakes Chamber Music website. Contact the Library at least 24 hours before the event to make arrangements for any needed accessibility accommodations.

May 20, 2026

In recognition of the nation’s 250^th anniversary this year, the Friends of the Bloomfield Township Public Library’s Second Saturday Book Sale will feature materials celebrating the country’s history, art and architecture, and biographies. The sale will also include a mini feature that highlights community and organization cookbooks.

The walk-in event will be hosted on the lower level of the Bloomfield Township Public Library on Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Members of the Friends group may shop the sale early from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. For those who are not yet members, memberships can be purchased at the door on the day of the sale.

With thousands of books and audiovisual materials for all ages and interests conveniently sorted into more than 50 categories, as well as a room dedicated to music and film, the monthly sale offers something for everyone. Debit cards may be used for purchases in any amount. Credit cards may be used with a $5 minimum purchase. 

The Library Shop, located just inside the Library, is open during regular Library hours and offers an additional 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, proceeds from the Second Saturday Sales have allowed the Friends to donate over $1.85 million to support the Library beyond its operating budget, with over $105,000 donated last year alone. Donations from sale proceeds have paid for artwork and sculptures around the Library, the beautiful gardens, programs and events for adults and children, and additions to Library collections.