Newsletters and Press Releases

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.