By Eric Hansen
Linda Adams, office and community engagement manager of the Vicksburg District Library, is coordinating the first annual Library Hop among 11 libraries in the South County area and even further afield. The Hop is scheduled April 1-30.
The idea came from a conversation between Linda and a friend who had attended Quilt Shop Hops. Linda’s acquaintance suggested that a Library Hop would be a wonderful opportunity for patrons to take a road trip with family and friends. A passport will be issued for the hop by participating libraries, providing information about the facilities and programs during the month.
The Vicksburg District Library hopes to gain hundreds of additional visitors to the library; Linda hopes this will become a yearly staple to create tourism and socialization among residents of participating area towns. Linda also wants the program to encourage people to think about visiting local libraries while they are on vacation.
Welcome packets are available to visitors who come to Vicksburg District Library to obtain a passport. These include brochures from local businesses and flyers detailing services at participating libraries. Each of the libraries will provide programs to encourage travelers to schedule visits. The Vicksburg District Library is providing adult and children’s programs for visitors and local patrons.
Patrons can obtain a Library Hop Passport at any participating libraries and are encouraged to plan a road trip according to the hours of their destination library since they each have different hours.
At each library a patron will receive a stamp in the passport. At the end of the Library Hop program patrons may redeem their individual passports at Vicksburg District Library. Patrons who have at least eight stamps in their passports will receive a prize and become eligible for a drawing for a gift basket. Passports obtained at other libraries must be redeemed at those libraries. Patrons in neighboring districts are encouraged to contact their home libraries to learn what incentives are available.
By developing a regional Library Hop, Vicksburg District Library expects to showcase the charm of local communities and teach people about the range of services that libraries offer. Some of these services are not limited to in-District patrons, but are available to visiting patrons as well.
In Vicksburg, some of the services available to non-residents include free Wi-Fi access, access to desktop computers, drop-in Tai Chi classes for $5 each Thursday, Bridge Club meetings every Tuesday, Quilters Club meetings, Family Storytimes on Monday mornings, Family Movie showings, Button Collectors Club meetings and Knitting Club gatherings.
Library Hop programs at Vicksburg District Library include:
Egg Carving Art Show and Demonstration with Symon Olenezuk and Nancy Peterson on April 8th, 10 A.M. to Noon. Carved egg art will remain on display from April 8-30.
Destination Vicksburg Day on April 15, including a Birthday Celebration Open House hosted by the Ladies Library Auxiliary, from 2-4 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to visit local shops and restaurants, the Vicksburg Historical Village and the Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center, and to drive the Vicksburg Quilt Trail. Information about each of these is available at the library.
Participating libraries and their phone numbers are:
Burr Oak Township Library:
269-489-2906
Colon Township Library:
269-432-3958
Constantine Township Library:
269-435-7957
Lawrence Memorial Library:
269-746-4125
Mendon Township Library:
269-496-4865
Nottawa Township Library:
269-467-6289
Schoolcraft Community Library:
269-679-5959
Sturgis District Library:
269-659-7224
Three Rivers Public Library:
269-273-8666
Vicksburg District Library:
269-649-1648
White Pigeon Township Library:
269-483-7409