Newsletters and Press Releases

January 9, 2025

 Bloomfield Township Public Library invites Bloomfield Township residents to enter its ninth annual Photo Contest which runs January 6–March 9, 2025. The theme of this year’s contest is “Nature in the Modern World.”

Bloomfield Township residents of all ages are encouraged to reflect on humanity’s relationship with the natural world – whether positive or negative – and photo entries should explore how we coexist with nature in today’s world.

“This competition offers a platform to highlight local artistic talent while strengthening our sense of community and shared appreciation for the interesting perspectives around us. We invite Bloomfield Township residents of all ages to join in and celebrate their unique vision as part of this cherished event,” said Katherine Bryant, Assistant Director of Bloomfield Township Public Library.

Photo submissions can be color or black and white, and in a digital or print format. To be eligible, photos must be taken by Bloomfield Township residents between April 1, 2024, and March 9, 2025. Entries will be grouped into three age categories: Children (ages 12 and under), Teens (ages 13 to 18), and Adults (ages 19 and older). The deadline to enter photos is March 9, 2025 at midnight EST. Winners will be announced and honored at the Photo Contest Reception on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Additional details, contest rules, and photo contest entry forms can be found at btpl.org/photo-contest/.

January 8, 2024

Bloomfield Township Public Library is excited to announce a special event with the author of Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt. The evening is jointly presented in conjunction with West Bloomfield Township Public Library and will be held Wednesday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Berman Center for the Performing Arts. Cathy Russ, Executive Director of the West Bloomfield Township Public Library, will host the conversation with Van Pelt, followed by a book signing. Books will be available for purchase, courtesy of Schuler Books West Bloomfield. The Berman Center is located at 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield Township. Advanced registration is required as seating is limited.

Remarkably Bright Creatures, has made multiple appearances on the New York Times Best Sellers list for fiction. It is a Read With Jenna book club pick on the Today show, was awarded the Heartland Prize for Fiction, and received the McLaughlin-Esstman-Stearns First Novel Prize from The Writer’s Center. The novel tells the story of the unlikely friendship between Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus reluctantly residing at a local aquarium, and Tova, a widow and janitor at the aquarium who uncovers the truth about her son’s disappearance 30 years ago.

“We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the West Bloomfield Township Public Library to bring Ms. Van Pelt to our community,” said Laura J. Kraly, Adult and Teen Services Department Head. “Her debut novel has become a beloved story, and we look forward to hearing about the journey behind her writing,” she adds.

Registration for Bloomfield Township residents opened January 6. Bloomfield Township residents have one month of priority registration before registration opens to all. Registration can be made online at btp.org or by calling the Library at 642-5800. For any questions, please check with your home library for further information on registering for this event.

January 7, 2025

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

The sale takes place on the lower level of the Library and includes thousands of books and audiovisual materials for all ages and interests, conveniently sorted into more than 50 categories. The highlights of this sale include books and magazines on cars and motorcycles – models, racing, and drivers. They come from a large collection and are both current and vintage. There will also be a mini-feature on re-imagining your nest – decorating, woodworking, and DIY. 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 7, 2025

Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to welcome Detroit Institute of Arts docent Eileen Nowikowski to present Behind the Seen: Vogue on Wednesday, January 15 at 7 p.m.

The clothing we wear can say a lot about who we are. Learn how we communicate our personal, political, and cultural identities through clothing and body art. Ms. Nowikowski will explore costuming and adornment throughout time, as represented in artwork in the DIA world-renowned collection. This talk is an excellent opportunity to gain a historical perspective on how art reflects the dynamic intersection of culture, fashion, and society.

Registration for this program is required.

December 26, 2024

Bloomfield Township Public Library is pleased to welcome Jeremy Dimick, Manager of Collections at the Detroit Historical Society, for a lecture on the early years of the Detroit Lions and the NFL on Tuesday, January 14 at 7 p.m. Mr. Dimick will cover the time before the Portsmouth Spartans relocated to Detroit and donned the Honolulu Blue in 1934, and how several pro football teams tried and failed to gain a foothold in the city. What made the Lions different? The presentation examines the instability of the infant NFL, and how the Lions (and professional football) won the hearts of Detroiters to become the institution they are today.

“We are excited to deepen our understanding of the rich history of our beloved Lions,” said Brooke Hoskins, Assistant Department Head of Adult and Teen Services. “We invite all sports enthusiasts and fans to join us as we learn about the early days of the Detroit Lions and the NFL,” she adds.

Registration for this program is required.

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