The Clinton Township Public Library has some wonderful news to share!

In addition to using the Manchester District Library, Manchester and Bridgewater Township residents can get a library card for free to check out materials from the Clinton Township Library. Additionally, Manchester and Bridgewater residents are welcome to attend all library events at the Clinton Township Library. The Clinton Township Library is located at 100 Brown St. in Clinton. Questions? call 517-456-4141.

submitted by Tamara Denby, Clinton Township Public Library Director

After having been shut down since mid-March, the Clinton Township Public Library is able to offer more than virtual services again! Yes, this means you can finally stock up on some beach reads for the upcoming lazy, steamy summer days, and we are as happy and excited as you are! However, per the state and county health and safety regulations, the library will be following a phased reopening plan as we put safety measures in place to move into more expanded services.

On a serious note, we recognize that there may be some frustrations arising from the limited phased services, however, the CTPL administration, staff, and board are committed to promoting and protecting the health and safety of our community members. We will move from phase to phase in a safe and deliberate manner with a goal of providing the highest level of services in the safest way possible.

Beginning on June 8th, the library will be offering services included in Phase 2:

• Phone/email/online requests for books, periodicals, DVDs and other items

• Curbside no-contact pickup of holds

• Curbside printing and copying services

• Virtual programming, reference assistance, and patron account management (including library account updates and book renewals)

• Public WiFi access outside only

Please note: due to quarantine requirements, returns of all checkouts must be accepted in the dropbox indefinitely.

During Phase 2, the library’s operating hours will be limited to Monday-Thursday 11 am-5 pm, Friday 12-3 pm, and Saturday 10 am-2 pm.

Also, we ask the public to hold off on book donations until we are able to permit the Friends of the Library access to their space in the library.

Now, some fun stuff…

The CTPL staff has been working very hard to come up with some creative, educational, and just plain fun virtual programs for the upcoming weeks. We’re talking about … sewing, recipe swaps, cooking demonstrations, book clubs, and even a fire pit repair how-to. I encourage you to check them out. Information can be found on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Clinton-Township-Public-Library-118341441522417/) as well as our Events calendar (https://www.clintontownshiplibrary.org/events).

Yes, Summer Reading is ON and it’s better than ever!

With a consideration for the health and safety of our community members, we’ve had to plan a virtual Summer Reading Program, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on fun. There will be lots of great challenges, activities, programs … and, of course, PRIZES!

Kids complete challenges or read books to earn prizes and Library Bucks; and teens and adults complete challenges or read books to enter drawings for terrific prizes. Please visit our website for details (https://www.clintontownshiplibrary.org/).

Registration and our Summer Reading kickoff will be June 15th, outside, in front of the library from 4-5 pm. Kids will get to pick up their bingo cards, literacy kit, and enjoy a cool treat and visit from a groovy blue cat (care of Lenawee Great Start)! Teens will get a refreshing beverage and special treat for registering, and adults may also enjoy a cool treat and get one-on-one assistance with the program website.

*Please note: The SRP kickoff event will be contact free, and the library staff will promote social distancing between family groups. We encourage adults and teens to bring a smartphone to register on the SRP virtual program website.

This year’s program will run June 22- August 1. The virtual Summer Reading Program websites are:

Children: https://wandooreader.com/clintontownshiplibrary/summer-reading-program-children

Adults: https://wandooreader.com/clintontownshiplibrary/summer-reading-program-teens-adults

The Clinton Township Public Library would like to thank our generous sponsors: Clinton Inn, Clinton Lion’s Club, Demco, Lenawee Great Start, Phil’s Undercar, and Salsaria

Lastly, are you anxious to know when you can get back into the library? 

Our “Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan,” which includes our “Phased Service Plan,” provides a detailed road map for our reopening. That document is available to the public and can be accessed at: https://www.clintontownshiplibrary.org/s/Clinton-Township-Public-Library-Infectious-Disease-Preparedness-and-Response-Plan.pdf

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.