Flat Rock Public Library: An important treasure in the community

Summer is a season where great memories are made, and Flat Rock Public Library wants to be a part of yours. With family friendly activities planned all year long, Flat Rock opens its doors to you! In general, going to the library may not be the ideal summer act. However, they offer more than meets the eye. Libraries are a great place to connect, learn, and grow, playing a vital role in the community.

Most libraries have summer reading programs that kicked off in June. "Adventure begins at your library" is the theme of this year's summer reading program. Specifically, the Flat Rock Public Library's summer reading "adventure" started on June 10th and runs until August 10th but extends to the 24th for adults.

Here kids as young as 2 years old can get started on reading, along with tweens, teens, and adults. The youth keep track of minutes read, while adults keep track of their titles for a chance to win brag tags.

"The Idea is to get them to remember the library is here and to come in, and we're active during the summer," said director Michael D. Cummings. Not only do they offer reading programs in the summer, but all year too. These programs not only fuels competition, but also offer prizes and raffles. Director Cummings hopes these incentives can encourage people to continue reading. "Hopefully it builds a good habit that they continue to come in year-round."

Readers can check out up to 50 books. New books can be renewed every two weeks, while older ones for three weeks. Other items that can be checked out include, DVDs, vox books, books on CD, music, hotspots, chrome books and more. They also provide services like Libby, hoopla, MeL (Michigan e-Library) and others.

Flat Rock also flaunts multiple activities for everyone. The main goals of their programs are to encourage people to read, and for people to discover all they offer.

Some fun activities for the youth are story time. Once registered, children aged 2-5 years can come on Tues., Wed. and Thurs., at 10:15 am. Children aged 5-7 years can visit on Tues. at 1 p.m. This program started June 11th and lasts until August 15th.

Teens and adults can look forward to building challenging puzzles, game nights, and board games. Some upcoming events for teens include making memory boards, on Thursday, July 18th and paracord bracelets on Thursday July 25th. Another is making bird feeders on August 1st. All of these events start at 6 p.m. and require registration.

Flat Rock also hosts various guest speakers and musicians. Recently the folk music duo Jackie & Gary performed at the library. This fall, they'll do pumpkin painting in October, decorate Christmas tree cones in December, and frost valentine hearts. "Anything with food really goes," said youth librarian Connie Biccum.

Some resources the library provides are faxing services. As far as they know, Flat Rock Public Library is the only place in the community to offer faxing services. People can also save time by scanning their emails through their copy machines. They also allow rooms to be rented out. Non-profit organizations can rent out a space for free. All other organizations would need to pay a small fine of $50.

"We just got a subscription to Comics Plus... it has graphic novels," said Biccum. The subscription provides three databases based on age ranging from children to teens and adults.

People can also venture into the local history room. Here visitors can discover interesting facts about the history of Flat Rock. Walk in or make an appointment on Wednesdays from 12-4 p.m. and Saturdays at 1-4 p.m., to meet with Flat Rock Historical Society members. The room also offers family services, through ancestry.com. "That's one I'd say a lot of people don't realize we have," explained Director Cummings.

Visitors also do not have to be residents to use the library. A person could use their local library card for check out of the library. They also do not have to be returned directly to Flat Rock either. To become a card holder, a person must pay their taxes to Flat Rock.

The Flat Rock Public Library is a great source for its community and should not be overlooked. Through their thorough programs visitors can build lifelong learning habits, grow to love reading, meet new people, and have limitless access to valuable knowledge through books and more.

Most importantly, the library is free. So, on those days when there's "nothing to do," plan a visit to the Flat Rock Public Library.