Newsletters and Press Releases

February 4, 2025

Bloomfield Township Public Library is proud to present the following Detroit-centric author talk programs:

The Library and the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan are pleased to co-present an evening with the Honorable Gerald E. Rosen (Ret.), author of Grand Bargain: The Inside Story of Detroit’s Dramatic Journey from Bankruptcy to Rebirth on Sunday, February 23 at 2 p.m. As the architect of the “Grand Bargain”—the landmark deal that helped to preserve the city’s invaluable assets, including the Detroit Institute of Arts’ priceless collection—Judge Rosen will reflect on the extraordinary process that brought the city back from the brink of collapse. Books will be available to purchase. Registration for this event is required at jhsmichigan.org.

Journalist John Gallagher discusses his new book, Rust Belt Reporter: A Memoir on Tuesday, February 25 at 7 p.m. as he reflects on his 32 years reporting for the Detroit Free Press. His stories describe the ups and downs of Detroit’s unique history as well as an inside look at the local newsroom. Books will be available to purchase. Registration for this event is required at btpl.org or by calling 248-642-5800.

“We are thrilled to host two remarkable local authors this February, offering our community a chance to dive deep into Detroit’s history and transformation. John Gallagher’s memoir will give a unique, firsthand perspective on the city’s evolution, while Judge Rosen’s insights into the ‘Grand Bargain’ showcase the incredible resilience of Detroit and its cultural treasures. These events are a wonderful opportunity to learn from two individuals who have witnessed and shaped the city’s journey,” said Laura J. Kraly, Adult and Teen Services Department Head.

January 30, 2025

Bloomfield Township Public Library will host Greg Black, a local film enthusiast and video producer, on Tuesday, February 18 at 7 p.m.as he presents his annual Oscars Preview. The year in film is discussed through the lens of the year’s Best Picture nominees, offering insights for cinephiles and casual viewers alike. Trailers for all Best Picture nominees will be screened and presented, followed by a Q&A. Registration for this program is required.

Thank you to the Friends of the Bloomfield Township Public Library for generously sponsoring this event.

January 29, 2025

The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday Book Sale Saturday, February 8, 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. Highlights of this sale focus on family fun with games, puzzles, and other activities for those cold winter nights and weekends as well as books in celebration of Black History Month for both adult and youth. 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, 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.

 January 22, 2025

Bloomfield Township Public Library is proud to share The Distracted Librarians podcast with library- and booklovers everywhere. The podcast premiered March 1, 2024, and over 20 episodes are already available.

“We use the ‘distracted’ moniker pretty liberally to allow us to bounce around to whatever topics interest us, as long as there’s a tie to storytelling, books, or other forms of media,” said Adult and Teen Services Librarian and co-host Drew Heuser. “We’ve had fun covering things like guilty pleasures, reading slumps, and adaptations of books and stories, as well as telling a few stories of our own, and we’re looking forward to seeing where being easily distractible will take us next,” he adds.

The podcast is hosted by librarians from Adult and Teen Services as well as Youth Services. The librarians partner with Bloomfield Community Television to use their recording space and sound editing expertise, as well as another avenue to share episodes.

Podcast episodes are released twice per month on the 1st and 15th and can be found on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast content outlets. Episodes are also available on the library website and the Bloomfield Community Television YouTube channel. We invite the community to sit back, relax, and prepare to get delightfully distracted with us!

Photo attached: Bloomfield Township Public Library-The Distracted Librarians are from left to right Killian Weston, Drew Heuser, Amanda Itria, and Nicole Gillies.

The Distracted Librarians can be reached at distracted@btpl.org or on the Bloomfield Township Public Library website at btpl.org/the-distracted-librarians

January 13, 2025

Bloomfield Township Public Library is honored to host the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit on Saturday, January 25 at 2 p.m. The choir will perform Songs for the People, a concert that celebrates the power of Black music with heart-calling melodies, infectious rhythms, and soulful voices. Inspired by Frances Ellen Watkins’ poem, this fully developed concert, complete with costumes and sound, honors the resilience, triumph, and cultural impact of Black artistry, past and present, and is suitable for all ages.

Founded by Rick Sperling in 1992 to address gaps in Metro Detroit arts education, Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit served 25 young artists in its inaugural year. Today, hundreds of youth from more than 50 Metro Detroit schools participate in Mosaic’s First, Second, and Main Stage programs every year.

Registration for this program is required.