Roseville, Eastpointe libraries to continue with programs in new year

EASTPOINTE/ROSEVILLE — Staff at the Roseville Public Library and the Eastpointe Memorial Library are looking forward to bringing new programs to the public and 2024 and continuing some of the successful programs begun in the past year.

 

Roseville Public Library
Community members thinking of trying a new pastime, such as crocheting or playing the ukulele, but don’t know where to get started, might want to visit the Roseville Public Library.

The library now has “Curiosity Kits” that adults can check out as they pursue a new hobby. The kits include a pickleball set, a metal detector and bird-watching tools.

Along with checking out books and other reading materials, the library continues to offer a number of activities. Library Director Jacalynn Harvey and staff members are kicking off 2024 with some new programs.

This month, for instance, children 5 and younger and their caregivers are invited to “Mini and Me” at 10 a.m. on Jan. 12 and again on Jan. 26. There is no cost to attend the social and play program.

“Storytime at the Macomb Mall” with Miss Amanda will debut at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 10. Registration is not required for the activity that includes stories, songs and more.   

“Our youth librarian will be there,” Community Relations and Marketing Librarian Jason Novetsky said. “Jan. 10 is our first one, and we’re still working out the details.”

While almost all programs are held right at the library, “Storytime at the Macomb Mall” will be held at the mall, which is located at 32233 Gratiot Ave.

Something new at the Roseville Public Library in 2024 is “Homeschool Hangout.” The  monthly program will hold its first gathering from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 17. “Homeschool Hangout’’ is a chance for homeschool families to connect, share resources and participate in different activities. Registration is not required.

“This is something that our homeschool families have been asking for, so we’re going to try it out,”  Novetsky said.

Another program added in 2023 was “Tail Waggin’ Tutors.” Children ages 4-12 are invited to read with Prescott, a long coat German Shepherd. The program gives children the chance to read aloud to the therapy dog for 15 minutes.

“That’s been very popular,” Novetsky said. “The kids can pick which book they like, and they can sit with the dog and read.”

Registration is required for each time slot. Registration opens one week prior to the event. The next “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” is scheduled for Jan. 13 with the first slot beginning at 1 p.m., and the last slot at 2:40 p.m.

Library staff members hope patrons take advantage of the Winter Reading Challenge. All participants (or their guardians) must have a valid Roseville Public Library card. Those who enroll can track their reading progress at the website readsquared.com or stop by the library for a paper log. Just read five books or read for five hours between Jan. 16 and Feb. 10 to be entered into a drawing for prizes. The program is open to all ages.

Card sharks, here’s one for you: The “Deal Me In” social card games for adults will be held on two consecutive Mondays. The first evening is for learning the game and the second evening is to play cards. Euchre is the game for this month. Players can come to the library at 6 p.m. Jan. 22 to learn how to play euchre, and then return at 6 p.m. Jan. 29 to play.

Another service offered to patrons is hoopla, which can be found online at hoopladigital.com. All that is needed is a library card, and hoopla can be accessed to download eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music and more from a cellphone, tablet or computer at no charge.

And after being without a fax machine for a while, faxing is available again at the Roseville Public Library.

The Roseville Public Library is located in the City Hall complex at 29777 Gratiot Ave. For more information or to register for any programs, call (586) 445-5407 or visit rosevillelibrary.org.

 

Eastpointe Memorial Library
In the fall of 2022, the Eastpointe Memorial Library received a soundproof booth for the first time.

“The soundproof booth is working out well. Patrons use it daily to take and make phone calls, for online meetings and to study,” Library Director Sue Todd said via email. “The only drawback is it is for single use. We have requests for meeting rooms and hope to purchase a soundproof meeting room which holds up to four people in the next budget year.”

And while the Eastpointe Memorial Library is the place to check out books and other reading materials, it also has a number of interesting programs and activities. The library welcomed many authors in 2023, including Joe Grimm, of “The Faygo Book,” and Karen Dybis, who wrote “Detroit Style Pizza: A Doughtown History,” which featured Eastpointe’s Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant. Isle Royale, Rosie the Riveter and true crime in Michigan were also topics of discussion at different programs, and Ric Mixter, author of “Tattletale Sounds,” talked about the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Since computer classes with Mike Wilson were so successful in 2023, the  popular series of smartphone and computer basic classes will continue in 2024. One new program being offered in 2024 is a monthly game day featuring bunco, the social dice game. The inaugural game day will be Jan. 16, and the dice rolling will begin at 2 p.m. Register at the circulation desk or by calling (586) 445-5096.

In the new year, the library will partner with the city’s Economic Development Department for two new series of programs: “Spirit of Eastpointe!” and Eastpointe Entrepreneurship Connection, aka E2C. Patrons are encouraged to check the library’s newsletter for dates and times at the website cityofeastpointe.net. Just click on the library page.

“Spirit of Eastpointe!” will highlight local businesses. Through discussions and demonstrations, the establishments can share their histories, products, services and future plans. Eastpointe Entrepreneurship Connection is for small business owners or anyone interested in starting a business. The meetings will feature one or more business support organizations committed to sharing resources and funding opportunities to support entrepreneurs.

The Eastpointe Memorial Library also continues to offer fax services for 50 cents a page and notary service for $5 a signature.

In 2024, the Eastpointe Memorial Library will continue to partner with the Kiwanis Club of Eastpointe to collect food for local pantries. Customers can drop off nonperishable food items in the donation box near the circulation desk.

“Our patrons continue to generously provide food for our local pantries,” Todd said.

The Eastpointe Memorial Library is located at 15875 Oak Ave. For more information, call (586) 445-5096 or visit the library page at cityofeastpointe.net.