Newsletters and Press Releases

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY KICKS OFF SUMMER READING PROGRAM

June 8, 2023

Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to launch All Together Now, the summer reading program for all ages from June 20 – August 11! Children, teens, and adults are invited to rediscover the joy of reading for fun and adventure. All who register are eligible to enter weekly drawings and win prizes.

All are welcome to the Summer Reading Kickoff and Food Truck Rally the evening of Tuesday, June 20. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., three food trucks, Waka by Baobab Fare, Wizard Food Truck, and D’Vine Cookies, will be set up in the parking lot for patrons to purchase food and enjoy the Library terraces. From 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., patrons are invited to register for the reading challenge and engage in games and activities for all ages including walking track trivia and duck hunts.

“We love this program as it helps students avoid the summer slide and also read for fun, exploring what they find interesting,” said Shayna Connolly, Adult Services Librarian. “Adults are also encouraged to join in the fun tracking their reading progress and entering to win prizes. We have a very exciting summer planned,” she adds.

Other summer events include the Library Card Design Contest, concerts, a puzzle tournament, game day, movies, workshops, story times, and several book clubs for adults.

Sign up for All Together Now begins on Tuesday, June 20 in person or online at btpl.org/summer. All reading activities must be logged by August 11 to be eligible for prizes such as “Love My Library” lawn signs, swag bags, and gift cards.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY WELCOMES GREAT LAKES CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

June 6, 2023

 Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to welcome several Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival events this summer:

Artistic Encounters – Mondays and Wednesdays, June 12, 14, 19, and 21 at 11:00 a.m. The Catherine Filene Shouse Chamber Music Institute, led by violist Philip Setzer of the Emerson String Quartet, provides a platform for emerging professional ensembles. Artistic Encounters are public coachings for Shouse Institute fellows in a setting similar to a masterclass. Artistic Encounters provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a professional musician. These public coaching sessions of professional musicians are intended for an adult audience. Sponsored by Paul and Barbara Goodman. The performances are open and free of charge. Registration is required for each individual date at https://greatlakeschambermusic.org/artistic-encounters/

Classical Family: Little Red Riding Hood – Saturday, June 17 at 11:00 a.m An enchanting performance that tells the story of this classic fairy tale through music. The whole family will be captivated by the whimsical and evocative sounds of the instruments as they journey through the beloved story performed by Hesper Quartet. Sponsored by Gwen & S. Evan Weiner. This performance is free, all ages are welcome, and registration is required at https://greatlakeschambermusic.org/performance/classical-family-little-red-riding-hood/

FRIENDS OF BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES JUNE BOOK SALE

May 30, 2023

The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday Book Sale Saturday, June 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 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 sale will feature science fiction and fantasy books, graphic novels, Ogden Nash poetry, glossy auction catalogs, and vintage magazines, including Life, Look, and the Saturday Evening Post. Additionally, the sale also always includes vintage books in 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. For the safety of visitors and volunteers, masks and social distancing are encouraged.

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 TO HOST PEWABIC POTTERY PRESENTATION

May 23, 2023

Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to welcome Annie Dennis, Pewabic Pottery’s Education Director and Archivist, on Tuesday, June 6 at 7:00 p.m. for a look into the 120-year history of Detroit’s iconic Pewabic Pottery. The presentation will explore the Pewabic archives highlighting over a century of handcrafting pottery and tiles in Detroit and the legacy of the founders that still carries on today.

This presentation is free and open to all thanks to the generous operating support provided by Pewabic members, donors, and the Phillip and Elizabeth Filmer Memorial Charitable Trust. No registration is required.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY HOLDS LIBRARY CARD DESIGN CONTEST

May 22, 2023

Bloomfield Township Public Library is calling artists of all ages! Your artwork could be featured on a new library card. The Library invites Bloomfield Township residents to submit a design for one of three new library cards. The contest runs June 1–June 30. Entries will be grouped into three categories: ages 12 and younger, 13–17 years old, and 18 and older.

“Bloomfield Township is filled with creative, talented people of all ages. This is an opportunity to have your artwork featured on library cards reaching thousands of library users and promoting the love for reading and learning,” said Katherine Bryant, Assistant Director.

Entry forms for the contest will be available starting June 1 at the Youth Desk, Circulation Desk, and Adult/Teen Desk, along with a tray for submissions. All entries must be submitted on paper at the Library. Entry forms from minors must be signed by a parent/legal guardian. Entries are limited to one entry per person.

Bloomfield Township residency is a requirement, and all entries must be received by Friday, June 30 at 6:30 p.m. Artwork will be judged by Library staff based on the creativity, design, and reflection of the Library and the Bloomfield Township community.

The public will be able to vote for their favorite between July 16–22. Three winners will receive a $100 gift card and be featured in the Library newsletter.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY SEEKS TEEN VOLUNTEERS

May 16, 2023

Bloomfield Township Public Library is looking for teen volunteers, ages 14–18 and attending high school this coming fall, for the summer of 2023.

“This is a great opportunity for teens to help out the Library and their community,” said Patricia Ballard, Youth Services Librarian. “Students can build their resume for college or job applications and earn community service hours,” she added.

Eligible teens must reside in Bloomfield Township or be enrolled in Bloomfield Hills School District. The teen volunteers will assist staff during children’s programs, prep materials for crafts, update displays, and perform many other tasks. All interested teen summer volunteers should fill out the Teen Summer Volunteer Form for 2023 available at btpl.org/youth or at the Library Welcome, Adult, or Youth Desks.

All teen volunteers are required to attend a one-hour orientation where the Library will go over expectations, how to schedule shifts, and answer questions. The two orientation dates are Tuesday, May 23, 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. or Saturday, June 3, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Volunteers are required to attend only one of these trainings. If the volunteer is unable to attend either date or needs to request accessibility accommodations, please contact the teen volunteer coordinator at askyouth@btpl.org.

FRIENDS OF BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES MAY BOOK SALE

April 27, 2023

 The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday Book Sale Saturday, May 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 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 sale will highlight an array of golf books and children’s non-fiction. Additionally, the sale also always includes vintage books in 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. For the safety of visitors and volunteers, masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged.

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.

FRAUD AND IDENTITY THEFT TALK AT THE LIBRARY

April 20, 2023

In coordination with the Bloomfield Township Police Department and Birmingham Bloomfield Newcomers Club, Bloomfield Township Public Library will host

Fraud and Identity Theft: Trends and Protection on Tuesday, May 9 from 7:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m.

The program will discuss common frauds in the Bloomfield Township area and how to avoid being scammed. Topics will include protecting your identity, how to protect your credit cards, and what dangers lurk in your email, social media, and U.S. mail. Join us as we explore these topics with the Community Liaison Officer from the Bloomfield Township Police Department.

The program is open to all, and no registration is required.

LIBRARY TO HOST FIRST ADULT SPELLING BEE

April 17, 2023

Bloomfield Township Public Library will host its first Adult Spelling Bee on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. Community members are invited to put their spelling ability to the test for a prize. Awards will be as follows:

1^st Place: $75 Gift card
2^nd Place: $50 Gift card
3^rd Place: $25 Gift card

Participants are encouraged to join in the fun by bringing “cheerleaders” to cheer them on with costumes, props, and prepared cheers while being respectful during the event as directed by the pronouncer.

“This is a unique opportunity for adults to showcase their spelling prowess and compete against other word enthusiasts in a fun environment. Participants can expect a lively atmosphere and challenging competition,” said Tera Moon, Library Director.

The competition is open to adults ages 18 and over who are Bloomfield Township residents and have an active Bloomfield Township Public Library card in good standing. Participants must be registered at least one day before the event. The spelling bee is limited to 25 contestants. Audience members do not need to register, and watching the event is open to all.

BE A STAR READER AT THE LIBRARY

April 17, 2023

Bloomfield Township Public Library invites all youth and teen readers to bring their favorite book to the Youth Services Department Monday, April 24 through Friday, April 28. These Star Readers will have their photos taken with their book in celebration of National Library Week. All participants will have their names entered into a special drawing. Twenty lucky Star Readers will have their photo featured on READ posters that will be displayed monthly at the Library.

MICHIGAN LION DANCE TEAM AT THE LIBRARY

April 13, 2023

In preparation of celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, The Bloomfield Township Public Library will host Michigan Lion Dance Team for lion dance culture education fun including origami, drawing, a photo booth, and a lion dance performance on Saturday, April 22 from 11:00 a.m. to Noon.

Michigan Lion Dance Team is a dedicated group of middle and high school students from the Metro Detroit area who promote Taiwanese cultural diversity by performing eye-catching lion dance as well as various community services. They have performed in cultural fairs throughout the area including the Lunar New Year Celebration at the Governor’s Residence and Detroit Institute of Arts.

The performance is open to everyone. No registration is required.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR MYERS SCHOLARSHIP

April 6, 2023

Bloomfield Township Public Library will be accepting applications for the Jeanette P. Myers Memorial Scholarship from April 1 to June 1, 2023.

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.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES TWO DYNAMIC CONCERTS

April 5, 2023

Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to announce two upcoming concerts:

The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance will present the next Chamber Music Concert on Friday, April 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Novus Reed Quintet, an emerging chamber ensemble, will perform works by Felix Mendelssohn, George Gershwin, Roshanne Etezady, and Jeff Scott.

The Detroit Country Day School (DCDS) Honors Chamber Music Ensemble will perform Friday, April 28 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. This performance will feature the DCDS Chamber Strings and Woodwind Quintet and provide students with the opportunity to develop advanced musicianship and rehearsal techniques under the coaching and direction of faculty.

Both concerts are open to everyone. No registration is required.

MEDIEVAL MERRIMENT AT THE BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY

March 30, 2023

Bloomfield Township Public Library is excited to announce Medieval Merriment—an evening of medieval crafts and games for families with children!  Highlights of the event include a juggler from Detroit Circus performing an interactive experience, decorating crowns, and a catapult game.

Medieval Merriment will take place after library hours, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023. All are welcome, no registration is required.

FRIENDS OF BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES APRIL BOOK SALE

March 27, 2023

The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday Book Sale Saturday, April 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 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 April sale features Arthurian and medieval literature and children’s nonfiction books (a must-see for teachers and home schoolers) as well as a Think Spring! theme with spring gardening, cooking/baking, DIY projects, sports and more! Additionally, the sale always includes vintage books in 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. For the safety of visitors and volunteers, masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged.

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.

“PEOPLE’S CHOICE” VOTING OPEN FOR 2023 PHOTO CONTEST

March 27, 2023

Residents of Bloomfield Township have been tapping into their creativity for the Library’s seventh Annual Photo Contest, whose theme this year is “Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future.” The contest, which closed on March 26, received a total of 69 entries from 39 participants, who could submit up to two photos each.

The Library is reviewing entries and will choose winners for first, second, and third place in the age categories of 12 and under (children), 13 –­­18 (teen), and 19+ (adult). Members of the public can visit the Library’s website to view the photos and vote for the People’s Choice entry from Monday, March 27 to Sunday, April 2.

A reception will be held at the Library on Saturday, April 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., where the winners from each age category will be announced, as well as Best in Show and People’s Choice. The work of previous Photo Contest winners will be on display at the Library during the month of April.

The Library would like to thank all photographers who participated in the contest. To view their work and vote for the People’s Choice entry, visit https://btpl.org/2023-photo-contest/

LOCAL AUTHOR FAIR AT BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY

March 21, 2023

Bloomfield Township Public Library will host its first Local Author Fair Saturday, April 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The local authors will discuss their books and answer questions as visitors discover their next great read. This free event is open to the public and no registration is required.

“We are very excited to host our first Local Author Fair and showcase local talent,” said Tera Moon, Library Director. “We have a variety of genres – adventure, romance, local lore, memoirs, history – there really is something for everyone both adult and youth,” she adds.

The Fair will include 20 local authors, and books will be available for purchase.

Confirmed authors in attendance are as follows:

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT

March 7, 2023

Bloomfield Township Public Library and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater, and Dance are pleased to announce the next Chamber Music Concert on Friday, March 17 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This program is free and open to everyone. No registration is required. Information about the works performed will be available during the week of the concert. We invite you to join us for a beautiful evening of music in the Library.

FRIENDS OF BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES MARCH BOOK SALE

February 28, 2023

The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday Book Sale for two days on March 11 and 12. The sale on Saturday, March 11 runs from 11 a.m. to 3:30 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. On Sunday, March 12, the sale runs from noon to 3 p.m. with most items half-off.

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. This sale features British mysteries, foreign language fiction and nonfiction, and adult and children’s books. Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards are accepted with a $15 minimum purchase. For the safety of visitors and volunteers, masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged.

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 CELEBRATES MARCH IS NATIONAL READING MONTH

February 21, 2023

March is National Reading Month! Bloomfield Township Public Library encourages all ages to celebrate the joy of reading and presents several programs and activities designed to spark curiosity and imagination. Events include:

In Youth Services:

• Book Character Scavenger Hunt – all month long. See if you can find all your favorite book characters hidden in the Youth Room during the month of March!
• Brick Builders Club, March 27, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. No registration required. Build your favorite book character. Junior architects, ages 6 and up, are invited to join us for building fun with LEGO bricks.
• Outdoor Family Story Time, Wednesday, March 29, 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. No registration required. Join us outside for story time this spring on the Youth Services Terrace! Grab your jackets and blankets. Families can cozy up together under our terrace heaters for stories, songs, rhymes, movement, and more fun. For families of all ages.

In Adult Services:

• Speed Dating with a Book, Friday, March 10, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Registration is required and begins February 10. Enjoy an evening of librarians giving 20+ new pitches of great books in the span of an hour to help you find your next excellent read. For adults and teens.
• Silent Book Club, Monday, March 20, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Registration is required and begins February 20. Experience a different kind of book club by joining other readers for some silent reading! No pressure to engage in discussion or read a certain title – just enjoy the company of other book lovers in a quiet space. For adults and teens.
• Local Author Fair, Saturday, April 1, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. No registration required. Local authors will be gathered to talk about their books. Stop by and find your next great read!

For a list of all events, please visit www.btpl.org/readingmonth for more information.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY INTRODUCES NEW STRATEGIC PLAN

February 7, 2023

Bloomfield Township Public Library is proud to announce the creation of a new strategic plan for the years 2023-2025.

The Library began the strategic planning process in the summer of 2022, hiring Fast Forward Libraries, LLC to engage in a three-phase process: Learn, Dream, Do. Library stakeholders were included in the process through surveys, focus groups, and interviews.

The plan defined the Library’s vision as “The Place to Discover.” In addition, a new mission statement was also developed: “We spark curiosity and imagination by connecting the community to resources, technology, and support.”

The plan includes three strategic directions: Enhance our Core, Connect the Community, and Build Organizational Capacity. Within each of the three strategic directions are respective tactical points and defined measurements of success.

“We are so proud of the work we have done on this plan,” said Tera Moon, Library Director. “I am grateful to the planning team and Library board for creating a focused plan that aligns our resources with the priorities of our community,” she added.

All plan information is available at btpl.org and include a one page summary as well as the entire Bloomfield Township Public Library 2023-2025 Strategic Plan.

BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AT BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY

February 2, 2023

Do the cold, dark winter days have you feeling cooped up and bored? Bloomfield Township Public Library is hosting several unique events for people of all ages! Get out of the house and come to the Library to try something new.

“Visiting the Library is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening, without spending any money. We have so many enriching activities for families, and it also gives you a chance to meet other people in the community,” said Katherine Bryant, Assistant Director.

Teens ages 13-18 are invited to a fun book discussion on the theme of love and friendship on Wednesday, February 8 at 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Create your own personalized Valentine ceramic pieces while chatting about any books you’ve read on this topic. Snacks provided; registration required.

The whole family can come out for Family Game Night, Wednesday, February 8 at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Youth Room. Try out a new game or challenge family and friends to a classic from our wide selection of board and card games. No registration required.

Young children can send their favorite stuffed animals to the Stuffed Animal Sleepover on Friday, February 10 at 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. If you’ve ever wondered what happens at the library after it’s closed, your stuffed friend can spend the night and find out for you! Drop your stuffy off on Friday afternoon, and pick them up, along with a special souvenir, the next day, Saturday, February 11, between 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration required.

Adults and teens can explore the wide-open world of STEM on Saturday, February 11 at 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Join our librarians for a workshop featuring our STEM kits where you can investigate everything this collection has to offer. Play math games, build robots, solve puzzles, and navigate the stars—all from the comfort of our Library. No registration required.

For more information or to request accessibility accommodations, please contact the Library at 248-642-5800.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES SEVENTH ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST

January 30, 2023

Bloomfield Township Public Library invites Bloomfield Township residents of all ages to enter its seventh annual Photo Contest, which runs from January 30 to March 26, 2023.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future.” Is it possible to capture the past and the future in a single moment? This year’s theme invites amateur photographers to honor and acknowledge where they’ve been, while also welcoming the inevitable changes to come. The Photo Contest coincides with the launch of the Library’s new strategic plan, in which we build upon our strong foundation to serve the Bloomfield Township of the future.

Photo submissions can be either color or black and white, digital or print. To be eligible, photos must be taken by Bloomfield Township residents between April 10, 2022, and March 26, 2023. Entries will be grouped into three age categories: 12 and under, 13 to 18, and 19 and older. The deadline to enter photos is March 26, 2023, at midnight. Winners will be announced and honored at a special reception at the Library on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 2 p.m.

Find additional details, contest rules, and entry form at https://btpl.org/photo-contest/.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST DANCE PERFORMANCE WITH COMPAÑEROS DE FLAMENCO

January 18, 2023 

Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to host a dance performance with Compañeros de Flamenco on Saturday, February 4 at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room.

Enjoy the passionate music and dance of Spain: flamenco, a musical style with a rich and diverse history. Compañeros de Flamenco is a group of dancers that bring this vibrant art to life with colorful costumes and intricate footwork telling the story of Spain’s multicultural heritage. This local dance group brings a broad range of experience in different styles of music and dance from classical to folk dance.

All are welcome to this free family-friendly event. No registration required. Thank you to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring this performance.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY HONORED AS A ‘STAR LIBRARY’ BY LIBRARY JOURNAL

January 9, 2023

Bloomfield Township Public Library joined the ranks of America’s Star Libraries in the 2022 Library Journal Index of Public Library Service, winning four stars as a first-time honoree. Stars are awarded based on per capita circulation of physical and e-materials, library visits, program attendance, computer and Wi-Fi sessions, library website visits, and more. Library Director Tera Moon attributes this honor to the hard work and dedication of library staff and Board of Trustees, as well as the support and enthusiasm of the Bloomfield Township community.

Library Journal reports Star Libraries each year based on data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services Public Library Survey. The 2022 scores and ratings are based on FY20 data, a year that brought unprecedented change to public library service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical reporting periods vary widely among states and even among libraries within the same state, which meant that the impact of the pandemic on the data also varied widely. Across the United States, 258 libraries received stars, the lowest number of libraries scored ever. Bloomfield Township Public Library was one of 140 new or returning Star Libraries, outnumbering the 118 repeat libraries.

Bloomfield Township Public Library responded to the challenges of the pandemic by creating a virtual branch with live and on-demand programming and resources for residents of all ages, providing curbside service for safe delivery of materials, and providing access to thousands of e-books and e-audiobooks. The Library has since returned to normal service levels and hours, although virtual programming and curbside service remain an option for the convenience of our residents.

We celebrate with our fellow Michigan libraries honored as 2022 Star Libraries: Ann Arbor District Library, Benzie Shores District Library, Capital Area District Libraries, Kent District Library, Leelanau Township Library, Pentwater Township Library, Pinckney Community Public Library, Plymouth District Library, New Buffalo Township Public Library, Saugatuck-Douglas District Library, and West Bloomfield Township Public Library.

FRIENDS OF BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES JANUARY BOOK SALE

January 2, 2023 

The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday book sale on Saturday, January 14 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 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. Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards are accepted with a $15 minimum purchase. For the safety of visitors and volunteers, masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged.

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 WINTER READING CHALLENGE AND TINY ART EXHIBITION

December 09, 2022

Read books and win prizes with the Bloomfield Township Public Library Winter Reading Challenge, a fun reading program designed to engage all age groups in exploring new ideas, books, and activities. This year’s challenge runs from December 21, 2022, through January 31, 2023.

Winter Reading participants ages five and up are also invited to display their artistic talents in our Tiny Art Exhibition. Pick up a Tiny Art Kit from Youth or Adult Services beginning December 21, while supplies last. The artwork and entry form are due back by Saturday, January 21 to be included in the exhibition. Drop in to work on your tiny art project on January 21, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. The Tiny Art Exhibition will be featured in the Library’s lobby display case in February.

The Library uses Beanstack, a free online service that allows readers of all ages to log their reading, earn badges, and enter prize drawings. Participants can earn badges by logging their reading, completing reading challenges, and participating in Library events. Readers receive a ticket to enter the prize drawings with each badge earned.

Anyone interested in participating in the Winter Reading Challenge can visit btpl.org/winter to get started. Readers have until January 31, 2023, to log their activity and enter prize drawings. The Tiny Art Exhibition does not require registration.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES WINTER CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING

November 29, 2022

Bloomfield Township Public Library invites families with young children to drop by for Wee Play and Outdoor Family Story Time this winter. These programs are thoughtfully designed to promote early literacy, language development, social-emotional learning, and strong family connections, while also providing fun and entertainment in the cold winter months.

Wee Play features unstructured play and discovery in the Story Room on Saturday mornings! Caregivers and little ones, ages birth-36 months, can interact with toys and books that support each child’s learning and development. Adaptive toys for children with low vision, motor difficulties, or other accessibility needs will be included. No registration required. Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. – 12 p.m., December 3, 10, and 17; January 7, 14, and 28; February 4, 11, 18, and 25.

Grab your jackets, hats, and blankets for Outdoor Family Story Time on the Youth Services Terrace! Families can cozy up together under our terrace heaters for stories, songs, rhymes, movement, and more fun. For families of all ages. Story time will be held inside in case of bad weather. No registration is required. Fridays at 1:00 – 1:30 p.m., December 9, January 20, and February 24.

FRIENDS OF BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES DECEMBER BOOK SALE

November 28, 2022

The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday book sale on Saturday, December 10 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 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. With gift-giving season upon us, books make great gifts for the booklovers and teachers in your life! Gift certificates are also available for purchase.

Highlights of the December sale include the following:

• Knitting and other crafting books
• Books about math, physics, and the link between the two
• Adult and children’s poetry
• Vintage books

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. Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards are accepted with a $15 minimum purchase. For the safety of visitors and volunteers, masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged.

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 TO HOST MICHIGAN AUTHOR JEFF MORRISON

November 14, 2022 

Bloomfield Township Public Library is excited to announce an evening with historian and photographer Jeff Morrison, where he will discuss his newly released book, Guardians of Michigan: Architectural Sculpture of the Pleasant Peninsulas. The program will take place on Tuesday, December 6 at 7 p.m. and includes a presentation on the interesting architectural sculpture found on buildings throughout Michigan, as well as the untold stories of the artists, artisans, and architects who made these unique creations possible.

Along with Guardians of Michigan, Jeff Morrison is also the author of Guardians of Detroit: Architectural Sculpture in the Motor City (Wayne State University Press, 2019), which won a State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan, a Midwest Book Award from the Midwest Independent Publishers Association, and was listed as a Michigan Notable Book by the Library of Michigan. Jeff’s background in art and history, as well as his many years of experience as a visual artist, come through in his passionate exploration of historic architecture. For more information, visit his website at www.guardiansofdetroit.com.

Copies of both books will be available for purchase after the presentation. This program is free and open to all, with no registration required.

FRIENDS OF BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT

November 7, 2022 

Bloomfield Township Public Library and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater, and Dance are pleased to announce the return of the Chamber Music Concert series beginning with a concert on Friday, November 18 at 7 p.m. The show will feature Trio Amabile performing Piano Trio in G Major, K. 496 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), Piano Trio in B Major, Op. 8 by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), and more. Trio Amabile includes the talent of violinist Jordan Bartel, cellist Emma Cary, and pianist Tzu-Kuang Tan.

Spend an enjoyable Friday evening at the beautiful Bloomfield Township Public Library.  Relax and enjoy the music! This program is free and open to everyone. No registration is required.

The Chamber Music Concert series is generously sponsored by the Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library. This particular concert is dedicated to the memory of stalwart Friends volunteer and chamber music lover, Dr. Ira Firestone, also a long-time professor of psychology at Wayne State University.

Violinist Jordan Bartel is currently pursuing his Master’s in Violin Performance and Chamber Music at the University of Michigan under the tutelage of Aaron Berofsky. An avid chamber musician, Jordan has been a part of the Lyrica Chamber Orchestra since 2016 under the mentorship of celebrated chamber musicians and pedagogues Laura Bossert and Terry King, performing across the east coast. Achievements with the LCO have included an NPR debut at WQXR’s McGraw Hill Financial Young Artist Showcase with Robert Sherman, and collaboration/coaching with Steven Ansell, and the Hausmann and Invoke Quartets. He is also a member of Trio Amabile, recently winning 2nd prize at the Briggs Chamber Music Competition. During his undergraduate studies at the Setnor School of Music (B.M. Music Industry with Performance Honors, Magna Cum Laude), Jordan served as the Concertmaster of the Syracuse University Symphony Orchestra from 2018-2020 and won first prize in the 2020 Concerto Competition. He has recently participated in master classes and seminars with members of Parker, Cavani, Verona, Garth Newel, Calidore, and Heimat Quartets, and serves as Young Artist Faculty at ArtsAhimsa Chamber Music Festival, as well as winning the Emerging Artist Fellowship at the Garth Newel Music Center in the summer of 2022.

Emma Cary is a cellist from Richmond, Virginia. She began cello lessons at the age of 5 with her father, Neal Cary, and studied with him for 12 years. In 2019 she began her studies at the University of Michigan as a cello performance major with Richard Aaron. In the summers she attended Eastern Music Festival, the Meadowmount School of Music, and Kneisel Hall, where she studied solo and chamber music with musicians such as Julian Schwarz, Hans Jorgen Jensen, Joel Krosnick, Ronald Copes, Barbara Mallow, Qing Jiang, and David Bowlin. Emma has been the cellist for Trio Amabile with violinist Jordan Bartel and pianist Tzu-Kuang Tan. The trio was awarded the 2nd prize at the Briggs Chamber Music Competition.

Tzu-Kuang Tan was born in Malaysia in 1996. He is currently a graduate student at the University of Michigan, studying with Amy I-Lin Cheng and Martin Katz. He was also a graduate of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory in Singapore, studying under Albert Tiu with full scholarship. He is an active chamber musician who plays in Trio Amabile, a recent 2nd prize winner of the Briggs Chamber Music Competition. He was named the winner of the 2022 Marilyn Horne Song Competition, 2021 Jacqueline Avent Concerto Competition, and 2018 Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Concerto Competition.

In opera, he was an assistant coach and rehearsal pianist for the mainstage productions of Don Pasquale, Highway 1, Rise up for Freedom at the University of Michigan. He was one of the rehearsal pianists for conductor Daniela Candillari for Tchaikovsky Eugene Onegin at the Music Academy of the West, as well as being the assistant music director for Music On Site production of Cosi Fan Tutte in Kansas. Tzu Kuang was an Opera Piano Fellow at Sewanee Summer Music Festival in 2021, where he worked with Kathy Kelly, Laura Brooks Rice, and Joan Donemann. In 2022 he was a Vocal Piano Fellow at the Music Academy of the West working with Margo Garett, John Churchwell and Maureen Zoltek.

Mark your calendar for our next chamber music concert on Friday, February 17 at 7 p.m. For more information, call the Library at (248) 642-5800 or visit our website at www.btpl.org.

FRIENDS OF BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES NOVEMBER BOOK SALE

November 4, 2022 

The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday book sale on Saturday, November 4 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 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. With gift-giving season shortly upon us, books make great gifts! Gift certificates are also available for purchase.

Highlights of the November sale include the following:

• Vintage books, including an extensive collection on George Armstrong Custer and Native American history
• Automotive books, including racing, models, and well-known people associated with automobiles
• Christmas and Hanukkah books

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. Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards are accepted with a $15 minimum purchase. For the safety of visitors and volunteers, masks and social distancing are encouraged.

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 STORY TIME WITH BHS SUPERINTENDENT PAT WATSON

October 25, 2022 

Bloomfield Township Public Library invites families to join Bloomfield Hills Schools Superintendent Pat Watson during Family Story Time at the Library on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Children and their families will listen to stories about thankfulness and cooperation. Craft and conversation to follow. RSVP required at www.bloomfield.org/storytime.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY WELCOMES ARA TOPOUZIAN TRIO FOR NOVEMBER CONCERT

October 11, 2022

Bloomfield Township Public Library is excited to welcome the Ara Topouzian Trio for an evening of traditional and contemporary music on Friday, November 11 at 7 p.m.

Ara Topouzian is a nationally recognized Armenian-American musician known for his proficiency on the kanun, or Middle Eastern lap harp. Ara combines the traditional musical style of his Armenian heritage with influences from the Middle East, jazz, fusion, New Age, and blues. His performances, recordings, and collaborations with top Armenian and Middle Eastern musicians have earned him a global listenership along with numerous awards, including the Kresge Arts Fellowship in 2012 and the Michigan Heritage Award in 2022.

This concert is free and open to all, with no registration required. Visit https://aratopouzian.com to learn more about the artist. Thanks to the Friends of the Bloomfield Township Public Library for sponsoring this concert series.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST MYSTERIOUS MICHIGAN AUTHOR AMBERROSE HAMMOND

September 27, 2022 Bloomfield Township Public Library is proud to announce an evening with researcher and author Amberrose Hammond as she talks about her new book, Mysterious Michigan. For over twenty years, Amberrose has been researching the supernatural, weird, and off-beat history of Michigan. Join her at the Library on Thursday, October 27 at 7 p.m. for a strange and fun journey into the supernatural past of the Great Lakes State, exploring legends, ghosts, monsters, and more! An avid local history and cemetery enthusiast, Amberrose has lectured extensively around the state at libraries, conferences, and historical cemetery tours, sharing her love of Michigan’s weird side with thousands. She is the author of Ghosts & Legends of Michigan’s West Coast, Wicked Ottawa County, Wicked Grand Rapids, and Mysterious Michigan. Books will be available for purchase and signing. This event is part of Hallo-week at the Library and is free and open to all, with no registration required.

FRIENDS OF BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES OCTOBER BOOK SALE

September 22, 2022 The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday book sale on Saturday, October 8 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 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. Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards are accepted with a $15 minimum purchase. For the safety of visitors and volunteers, masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged. Highlights of the October sale will include the following:

• A substantial collection of vintage books, from pure nostalgia to antiquarian
• Automotive Design and Styling magazines
• Books about filmmaking and success in the film industry
• A large variety of cookbooks

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 TO HOST GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

September 15, 2022 Are you curious about your family history? Bloomfield Township Public Library is offering a genealogy workshop on Saturday, October 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. Experienced volunteer genealogists from the Piety Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with the Oaks Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, will be available to provide a free consultation, guidance, and assistance with your lineage questions. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogy researcher or are exploring your heritage for the first time, all are welcome to attend this educational event. Attendees are asked to bring family names; birth, marriage, and death dates, as well as where these events occurred; and a pen and notebook, or a laptop if desired. Consultation time depends on the number of attendees but is usually about 20 minutes. More information can be found at www.btpl.org/events. This workshop is free and open to all, with no registration required.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST TWO SCREENING SESSIONS FOR MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

September 6, 2022 Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to offer two opportunities for cinephiles to experience the MANHATTAN SHORT 25^th Annual Short Film Festival. The Library will host screenings of the Final Ten selections for the Festival on Saturday, September 24 at 2 p.m., and again on Wednesday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m. These events are free and open to all, with no registration required. MANHATTAN SHORT is a unique global event taking place in over 400 venues across six continents between September 22 and October 2, 2022. The Final Ten films will screen simultaneously across the world during this period, with the Best Film and Best Actor awards determined by ballots cast by the audiences in each participating venue. Each short film selected by MANHATTAN SHORT is automatically Oscar-qualified. The Final Ten films represent finalists from eight countries and were chosen from among 868 submissions received by MANHATTAN SHORT for 2022. Bloomfield Township Public Library invites all film lovers to attend and take part in this testament to worldwide creativity. Learn more about MANHATTAN SHORT and this year’s finalists by visiting the festival website.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST DISCUSSION WITH CO-AUTHORS OF BLACK AND WHITE LIKE YOU & ME

August 29, 2022 Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to host co-authors Tom Daniels and Tom “Cookie” Marsh as they discuss their book, Black and White Like You & Me, on Tuesday, September 13 at 7 p.m. Growing up on opposite sides of Detroit in the 1950s and ‘60s, Tom Daniels and Cookie Marsh witnessed the transformative events of these decades through different racial perspectives. But even in 1960s Detroit, race wasn’t everything. Despite their outward differences, Tom and Cookie had a lot more in common than they thought. When the two met playing basketball much later in life, they developed a close friendship that defied the expectations of the world that raised them. The stories they tell in their dual autobiography remind us that sometimes we must engage with what sets us apart to discover what can bring us together. Join Tom and Cookie as they talk about their lives, their regrets, and their successes growing up in black and white Detroit, and how they overcame the racial turbulence of their upbringing to become lifelong friends.

FRIENDS OF BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER BOOK SALE

August 25, 2022 The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday book sale on Saturday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 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. Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards are accepted with a $15 minimum purchase. For the safety of visitors and volunteers, masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged. In addition to the thousands of books and media that will be available for all ages and interests, the Attic Treasures room will also be open. Whether you’re a new or seasoned collector, a literature lover, a bibliophile who likes decorating with books, or an artist in need of ephemera, this is the place for you. There will be first and signed editions, nostalgia and esoterica, ephemera and decorator’s delights. 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 ASKS FOR COMMUNITY INPUT FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING

August 16, 2022 Bloomfield Township Public Library is planning for the future and wants to hear from the community. As part of the strategic planning process for 2023 – 2028, the Library has released a short survey to the public. Community feedback is essential to helping the Library provide the best services possible, and this survey will contribute valuable information for the new strategic plan. The survey is available digitally by clicking here. Paper copies are also available at the Library. Members of the public can take the survey from August 15 through September 16. For more information, please call the Library at (248) 642-5800 or visit www.btpl.org.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST CELTIC FUSION GROUP NESSA FOR SEPTEMBER CONCERT

August 15, 2022 Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to announce an upcoming special concert with Celtic fusion group Nessa on Friday, September 9 at 7 p.m. Nessa will guide listeners to the inner reaches of Celtic culture with deep, passionate stories of mermaids, fairies, and selkies, along with fun, upbeat jigs and reels during this unique concert experience. Led by co-founders and multi-instrumentalists Kelly McDermott and Rob Crozier, Nessa reimagines the traditional music of the U.K. and Europe, blending elements of classical, folk, jazz, and world music to create a rich hybrid sound. The group is home to some of Southeast Michigan’s most virtuosic players and never fails to move audiences with its energy, soulfulness, and evocative storytelling. Learn more about the band by visiting their website or Facebook page. The concert is free and open to all, with no registration required. For more information, contact the Adult Services department by email at AskAdult@btpl.org or by calling (248) 642-5800 and asking for the Adult Services Desk. Thank you to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring this program. The Library is located at 1099 Lone Pine Road (at Telegraph Road), Bloomfield Township, MI 48302.

FRIENDS OF BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES AUGUST BOOK SALE

August 2, 2022 The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday book sale on Saturday, August 13, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 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. Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards are accepted with a $15 minimum purchase. For the safety of visitors and volunteers, masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged. 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 APPOINTS JOY MURRAY AND KEITH CARDUNER TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES

July 20, 2022 The Bloomfield Township Public Library Board of Trustees has appointed Township residents Joy Murray and Keith Carduner to fill two vacancies on the Board. The vacancies were created by the resignations of Tom Deska and Grant Gerhart, both of whom served on the Board for several years. Ms. Murray has been working professionally with libraries for twenty years and is currently a Library Services Consultant at OCLC, a worldwide library cooperative. Speaking of her role working with public, academic, and special libraries across thirteen states, Ms. Murray says, “It is a real privilege to learn about library administration and patron needs as well as the many challenges and triumphs they share. It is my job to keep current on library trends as well as community concerns, solutions, and areas of service.” Ms. Murray is a long-time resident of Bloomfield Township and looks forward to giving back to the library and community that she and her family have appreciated all these years. Dr. Carduner holds a Ph.D. in physics and a B.A. with Honors in Literature, both from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as an M.B.A. with Honors from the University of Michigan. He has worked with Ford Motor Company in both scientific research and product development for 36 years and brings significant leadership and project management experience to the Library Board. He is an avid reader and believes in the mission of libraries to provide open access and facilitate the free exchange of information, knowledge, and ideas. Dr. Carduner and his family have lived in Bloomfield Township since 1998, and he can often be found exploring the shelves at the Library, looking for new and old books to enjoy. Ms. Murray and Dr. Carduner were sworn in by Bloomfield Township Deputy Clerk Martin Brook prior to the Board’s regular monthly meeting at the Library on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. Members of the public are always welcome to attend the monthly Board meetings.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES LIBRARY GARDEN TOUR

July 13, 2022 Bloomfield Township residents are invited to join Jim Slezinski, the Library’s award-winning landscape designer, for a tour of the Library’s signature gardens and terraces on Friday, August 19 at 11 a.m. Jim is the Vice President of Goldner Walsh Garden & Home and has been designing the Library’s campus gardens for 28 years. In June 2022, Jim received a Detroit Design Award in the Commercial Landscape Category for his exceptional work with the Library. Registration is required for this program and begins Tuesday, July 19. To register, email AskAdult@btpl.org or call the Library at (248) 642-5800 and ask for the Adult Services Desk. Nonresidents may sign up for any remaining available spots starting Friday, August 12.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES BOARD VACANCY

June 21, 2022 Bloomfield Township Public Library announces a vacancy on its Library Board of Trustees. Applications for the position of Trustee can be obtained from the Library’s website, www.btpl.org, or by request via email or curbside service. Completed applications must be received by 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2022. The applicant must be a Bloomfield Township resident. The Library Board of Trustees is working to have this vacancy on the Board filled before the July 19, 2022, Library Board meeting. A Library Trustee recognizes the importance of the Library in the community and oversees the funding of all aspects of the Library. Trustees attend monthly meetings generally held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Each Trustee serves on several committees and is encouraged to be an active participant in Library activities. The role of a Library Trustee is both challenging and rewarding. For more information about this position and the application procedure, please contact Library Director Tera Moon at (248) 642-5800 or moontera@btpl.org.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES SUMMER AT THE LIBRARY 2022: OCEANS OF POSSIBILITIES

June 8, 2022 Are you ready to dive into summer reading? Bloomfield Township Public Library invites readers of all ages to explore the Oceans of Possibilities this summer with a variety of programs, activities, concerts, and more, all starting with the Summer Reading Kickoff on Tuesday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m. The Kickoff event will include activity “islands” throughout the Youth Room and Terrace, where kids can pick up take-home craft kits, play games, take a Star Readers photo, and receive a free book. Adults can test their knowledge with Walking Track Trivia, and teens can participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the Library for fun prizes. All are welcome to sign up for the Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Program and discover some great titles to help reach their reading goals. The Library uses Beanstack to offer the Summer Reading Program. Beanstack is a free online service that allows readers of all ages to log their reading, participate in activities, read and write reviews, earn badges, and enter prize drawings. Besides logging the books they read, participants can also earn badges by completing activities. Access the website at btpl.beanstack.org or download the Beanstack Tracker mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Readers have from June 21 to July 31, 2022 to log their activity and enter any prize drawings that interest them. Earn your first badge to win a LOVE MY LIBRARY lawn sign! In addition to the Summer Reading Program, the Library will be offering a variety of programs and events for all ages, including:

• Matthew Ball aka The Boogie Woogie Kid: A free concert featuring internationally recognized blue and boogie-woogie pianist Matthew Ball (Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m.)
• Weekly craft kits for youth, teens, and adults
• On-demand virtual programs including Let’s Draw Ocean Creature Cartoons with artist Rick Stromoski (Tuesday, June 28 at 5:30 p.m.)
• “Shell-A-Bration” of Summer Reading Fun featuring children’s musician Randy Kaplan, crafts, games, and activities for young readers and listeners of all ages (Friday, July 29 at 2 p.m.)

See the full listing of Oceans of Possibilities programs and events by visiting btpl.org/summer, and get ready to make a splash!

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST LECTURE PRESENTED BY ARBORIST STEVE TURNER

May 11, 2022 What happens to trees when planted too deep or that have the grade changed around their trunks? How do you properly plant and maintain the trees on your property? Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to welcome Certified Arborist Steve Turner on Wednesday, June 8 at 7 p.m. for a lecture titled “Making the Grade.” Mr. Turner will draw on his extensive knowledge of trees to discuss stem girdling roots, proper and improper planting techniques, over-mulching, how to identify problems and techniques for fixing them, and when to give up and replant. Following the lecture and weather permitting, attendees will also tour the Library grounds, which are home to over 20 species of trees from around the world. Mr. Turner has been an arborist in the Metro Detroit area for over 30 years. He has taught Arboriculture, Tree Biomechanics, Plant Healthcare, and Tree Climbing at Oakland Community College. He is also a columnist for Michigan Gardener, writing the “Tree Tips” column for 25 years. He sits on the Board of Directors for ReLeaf Michigan, a nonprofit that works to educate the public about trees and does community tree plantings every spring and fall. The lecture will take place in the Library’s Community Room. This event is free and open to all, with no registration required.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST EVENT FEATURING AUTHOR RICHARD POWERS

April 29, 2022 Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to announce a partnered event with the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Powers and composer Perry Goldstein. Beyond the Notes: In Conversation with Richard Powers and Perry Goldstein will take place at the Library on Wednesday, June 15 at 2 p.m. Powers and Goldstein will engage in a dialogue about their collaboration on a new work titled Birding by Ear, which will premiere as part of the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival. The conversation will be accompanied by an ensemble of musicians to demonstrate the intersection between the two art forms. This is a free event and is open to all, but registration is required due to limited seating capacity. Anyone interested in attending can register by visiting the Welcome Desk or Adult Services Desk at the Library, or by calling (248) 642-5800. Richard Powers is the author of over a dozen novels, including The Overstory, which won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. His previous collaborations include a series of five short video works based on passages from his books and produced with a group of artists and designers from the University of Illinois School of Art + Design, as well as Project Orfeo, a mixed-media concert combining readings from Powers’s 2014 novel Orfeo with music composed and performed by faculty artists at Duke University. Contemporary composer Perry Goldstein holds a Doctorate in Music Composition from Columbia University and has been a member of the music faculty at Stony Brook University since 1992. He has created works for solo instrument, voice, chamber ensemble, and band, and is one of the most widely performed composers of music for the saxophone. The Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival runs June 10 – 25, with the world premiere of Birding by Ear taking place on Thursday, June 16 at Temple Beth El. To learn more about the Festival and purchase tickets, please visit https://greatlakeschambermusic.org/.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES AAPI HERITAGE WITH MICHIGAN LION DANCE TEAM

April 25, 2022 May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and this year Bloomfield Township Public Library is excited to welcome the Michigan Lion Dance Team for a special celebration on Saturday, May 7 at 11 a.m. Michigan Lion Dance Team is a dedicated group of middle and high school students from the Metro Detroit area who promote Taiwanese cultural diversity by performing eye-catching lion dance as well as various community services. They have performed in cultural fairs throughout the area, including Lunar New Year celebrations at the Detroit Institute of Arts in 2018 and 2019. This is the first time that the Michigan Lion Dance Team will be celebrating AAPI Heritage Month at Bloomfield Township Public Library. Three members of the dance team are from the Bloomfield area and attend school in the district. With the help of parent coordinator Teresa Lien, the dance team approached the Library with a proposal to perform, which Youth Services Department Head Jen Taggart and librarian Patricia Ballard accepted immediately. Ms. Taggart said, “We will be promoting Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with an interactive display in the Youth Room, and the Michigan Lion Dance Team’s program sounds fantastic.” The event on May 7 will start in the Library’s Youth Room and include a presentation about the origins of the lion dance, an origami lion activity, and a hands-on display of lion dance costumes. A procession will be held in the nearby Community Room, with a live drum duet and lion dance performance as the grand finale. This event is free and open to all.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY OFFERS VIRTUAL READ-ALOUD STORIES FOR ALL AGES

April 19, 2022 At Bloomfield Township Public Library, stories come in many forms. The Library is pleased to offer a variety of virtual read-aloud sessions for adults, children, and families through Vimeo, using public domain materials sourced from Project Gutenberg. Listening to books read aloud is a great way to exercise the imagination, enhance literacy skills, and share quality time with friends and family. Families and kids of all ages can tune in to KidLITCast, a weekly story time podcast produced by the Library’s Youth Services department. Each episode features a chapter or two from a classic children’s book, read by one of BTPL’s youth librarians. For the current series, Librarian Nicole Gillies is reading My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. My Father’s Dragon is a Newbery Honor-winning children’s novel about a young boy who runs away to Wild Island to rescue a baby dragon. There will be ten episodes for this book, with a new series beginning in early summer. A new episode of KidLITCast is released every Friday, and all episodes can be accessed on the Library’s Vimeo channel at https://vimeo.com/user8829876. For classic works of short fiction and poetry, adults and teens are invited to check out Virtual Read-Aloud with Emily on the Adult Services Vimeo page at https://vimeo.com/showcase/7155162. Librarian Emily Benoit reads a different story or poem each month, with all materials available through Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org/) so listeners can read along if they wish. Recent titles include “Araby” by James Joyce, “The Bee-Man” by Alice Ruth Moore, and “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. Both KidLITCast and Virtual Read-Aloud are recorded on a video still frame with closed captioning available so people of all abilities can experience the stories.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY USES ARPA GRANT TO PURCHASE NEW E-BOOKS AND E-AUDIOBOOKS

April 5, 2022 Bloomfield Township Public Library, along with all other public libraries in the state of Michigan, recently received funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) for the purchase of new digital content. Bloomfield Township Public Library is a member of Metro Net Library Consortium, a Shared Content Group that also includes Baldwin, Canton, Farmington, Rochester, Southfield, and West Bloomfield Public Libraries. These seven libraries pooled their ARPA funding, close to $17,000, to purchase digital materials that would benefit all the communities they serve. Using these shared funds, Metro Net Library Consortium was able to purchase a total of 534 new titles, consisting of 425 e-books and 139 e-audiobooks. Because the average cost for an e-book or e-audiobook ranges from $3 to $65, acquiring these materials may not have been possible without the grant. In keeping with priorities of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the new titles are mostly nonfiction and focus on topics such as mental health, workforce development, job seeking skills, and general educational needs, which are intended to help all Michigan residents navigate our post-COVID future. Library cardholders can access e-books, e-audiobooks, and other digital content by signing in to OverDrive at https://metronet.overdrive.com, or by downloading the Libby app for mobile devices. This grant is part of ARPA’s designated $200 million in pandemic response funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), $4 million of which was allotted to State Library Administrative Agencies in Michigan. Residents across all 83 Michigan counties will have access to the digital materials purchased with this funding, over $870,000 of which was designated for new content.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES STEAM KITS AVAILABLE FOR CHECKOUT

March 12, 2022 Bloomfield Township Public Library’s Youth Services department is now providing a variety of STEAM kits for you to check out. Intended for children ages three and up, STEAM kits include crafts and activities based on science, technology, engineering, art, and math. STEAM kits are located in the nonfiction section of the Youth area at the Library and can be checked out for three weeks. Youth Services Librarian Killian Weston created the kits to offer another avenue of discovery for our youngest patrons. Children can explore topics they’re curious about in a hands-on way, which is not only fun but can also aid in learning. Themes include Earthquake Engineering, Happy Atoms, Insect Collection, Scratch Coding, Ukulele, Water Discovery, and more. View available kits and place a hold by searching ‘STEAM kit’ in our catalog or by calling the Library. The Friends of the Bloomfield Township Public Library generously provided funding for these kits with funds raised through their monthly Second Saturday sales and membership fees.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY APPOINTS SHANE SPRADLIN TO LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

March 9, 2022 The Bloomfield Township Public Library Board of Trustees has appointed Bloomfield Township resident Shane Spradlin to fill a vacancy on the Board.  The vacancy was created by the resignation of Sandra Edwards, who had served on the Board for three and a half years. The Trustees thank Sandy for her devoted and capable service to the Library and the community. Mr. Spradlin brings experience in law, finance, and management to his role on the Library Board of Trustees.  He also has board experience, having served on boards for various organizations of which he is part.  Library Board of Trustees President Joan Luksik said, “Filling this vacancy was not easy due to the high caliber of every single applicant. Each of the ten candidates expressed their appreciation of Bloomfield Township Public Library, its amazing staff, collections, outreach, and building. After a lengthy deliberation, we selected Shane Spradlin as our newest trustee. Shane brings impressive experience as General Counsel of Penske Automotive Group and is a devoted library user. We look forward to welcoming him to the Bloomfield Township Public Library Board of Trustees.” Mr. Spradlin will be sworn in by Bloomfield Township Clerk Martin Brook before the Board’s regular monthly meeting on March 15, 2022.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY PARTNERS WITH PROFESSIONAL LINEBACKER FOR HOLIDAY CHARITY

December 15, 2021 Bay Area Panthers offensive lineman Jeremy Hickey recently partnered with Bloomfield Township Public Library to supply children’s books to a special education classroom at Lone Pine Elementary School. Mr. Hickey, a Bloomfield Hills resident, is sponsoring the classroom for his 2021 holiday charitable giveback. Mr. Hickey visited the Library on Friday, December 10 to pick up the donated boxes of books and meet the Youth Services staff. The books will help build the Lone Pine Elementary classroom’s reading nook.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY INTRODUCES NEW ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

October 4, 2021  Bloomfield Township Public Library recently announced the appointment of Assistant Director Katherine Bryant, who began her new position with the Library on September 7, 2021. Katherine is replacing former Assistant Director Tera Moon, who stepped into the role of Library Director in May 2021. A Detroit-area native, Katherine has spent the past ten years in the Nashville Public Library system, where she managed the Bellevue Branch and two other branches. An important focus of Katherine’s career has been non-traditional library collections and programs. Under her leadership, the Nashville Public Library created a seed exchange program and a ukulele lending library. Katherine also promoted the library by representing it at community festivals and events. She is committed to customer service, building strong teams, and creating a workplace that people enjoy. Katherine states, “I am honored and delighted to be selected as Assistant Director. As I settle into my new role, I find myself constantly in awe of the extensive library collection, the beautiful grounds and building, the dedicated staff, volunteers, and Library Board, and the supportive community. I look forward to working with Library Director Tera Moon and the rest of the Library staff to provide first-rate, innovative library service to Bloomfield Township.” Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to welcome Katherine Bryant to the leadership team and confident that her skills and dedication will contribute to a bright future for the Library and the community.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES RETURN OF REGULAR HOURS

September 15, 2021  The Library is pleased to announce we have entered Phase Five of our reopening plan – Cautious Full Service. The following services are now available:

• The Library has resumed its regular operating hours:
  • Monday – Thursday:  9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Friday:  9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday:  9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Sunday:  Noon – 5:30 p.m.
• Meeting rooms available for rent by Township residents and Bloomfield Township businesses.
• Masks are strongly encouraged for visitors to the Library, especially in areas where children under the age of 12 are gathered. Masks are required for all Library staff.

The Library may need to temporarily close or reduce capacity and services due to staff COVID-19 infections or public health orders. Information on these changes will be posted on the website and social media and sent via email to library cardholders. Please help us stay open by wearing a mask, keeping your distance from others, washing hands frequently, and staying home if you are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19.