ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Summer is in full swing for the Escanaba Public Library, with a full calendar of activities and new ways to experience the library’s services.
Every other Thursday, the library hosts its Live on the Lawn lunchtime concert series. Local artists perform from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., with a different food truck providing lunch during each show.
According to Escanaba Public Library Assistant Jane Lynch, the series is just one way the library is working to bring people together.
“We want to highlight the library as a community center, a community hub,” said Lynch. “Yes, we have books, but we also offer things to people that bring them happiness, make their lives better. Just being part of the community is really important.”
The next Live on the Lawn will take place on July 27, with music by Bling Crosby and food by Rollin’ Tacos.
Other events at the Escanaba Public Library this summer include the Fam Jam Cardio Dance Party on July 20 and Reader’s Theater with the Players de Noc on August 3. Click here to see the library’s full calendar of events.
Another way the library is bringing the community together is its new bookmobile, which travels to area events throughout the summer.
The bookmobile was fully funded by the American Rescue Plan Act through the Library of Michigan. The Friends of the Escanaba Public Library are funding its operations for the next five years. The City of Escanaba Electric Department houses the bookmobile in its garage when it’s not on the road.
The bookmobile features books for all ages and iPads available for checkout, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless printing capabilities, and demonstrations of the library’s digital resources. Escanaba residents can also apply for a library card at the bookmobile.
Director Carolyn Stacey says by bringing the library to the public, the bookmobile makes the Escanaba Public Library an active part of the community and increases accessibility.
“The bookmobile is really going to allow us to extend our reach into the community,” Stacey said. “We know that people have changed their ways of using the library, especially since the pandemic. Remote service options and convenience remain really important, so the bookmobile helps us deliver those things.”
The bookmobile will be at Marina Fest on July 29, then at the Waterfront Art Festival on August 5. It will also make appearances at pop-up events at the marketplace and Municipal Beach.
Follow the Escanaba Public Library on Facebook to see where else the bookmobile will be this summer.
