MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Manistique Schools & Public Library is making changes to become more interactive for kids and their families.
Thanks to a $10,000 grant through Great Start Collaborative, the library is renovating its early childhood area.
“We wanted to make it an area for the eye to be able to see things, for the little ones to be able to touch things,” said library technology and media director Mary Hook.
The project began with a mural by local artists Carrie Lambert and Michelle Earle. The mural depicts the sights and creatures found outdoors in the Upper Peninsula.
“It’s a lot of things that are native to the U.P., a lot of the scenic views of the U.P., and that’s really what we were going for,” Hook said. “I’m really pleased with the way that it turned out.”
The library will soon replace the flooring and furniture to further enhance the sensory experience in the children’s area. Hook hopes the focus on visual and tactile elements will make the library more engaging for young learners.
“I think that it makes this area a lot less institutional,” Hook said. “It will be a very enjoyable place for families to come and a safe place for them to be able to play and enjoy reading books, as well as taking in all the sensory activities that we have here.”
For more information on the Manistique School & Public Library, visit the library’s website or Facebook page.
