Clinton library awarded IMLS grant and more

Try out some new technology, learn some new skills, and have fun at the Clinton Library! Classes coming soon. Photo courtesy of T. Denby

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

It’s May. The weather's getting nicer every day. And the Clinton Township Public Library has some fun ... exciting ... downright awesome things in store for our neighbors and friends! First things first: YES, we are open to the public. Come in and visit. A friendly reminder: please don’t forget your mask. Speaking of which, thank you! Your willingness to adhere to current MDHHS orders enables us to continue uninterrupted service to the community during this challenging time.

Second, we have some wonderful news! The Clinton Township Public Library was awarded an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant by the Library of Michigan for ProjectCREATE.

What is ProjectCREATE? We were hoping you’d ask! ProjectCREATE is the brainchild of Clinton Library Director Tamara Denby, and it is intended to provide interested library patrons with hands-on training using technology to both have fun and create new digital masterpieces. Attendees will learn how to use manual settings on their DSLR camera to capture perfectly exposed images; how to edit photos with free software, a computer, and a digital tablet; how to shoot and edit a stop-action movie using iPads, a green screen, and your favorite action figures; how to record and edit a podcast with a computer and microphone; and how to use digital drawing tablets to illustrate your own Anime characters. This is your chance to try out some new technology, learn some new skills, and have fun! Classes will be 100% free and taught in-person this summer. Most of the technology will be available to use for free. Details on dates will be available soon.

We ask anyone interested in one or more of the classes to please fill out a quick survey so we know how many materials to prepare. The survey can be accessed at: https://tinyurl.com/CTPLgrant

Now, onto more news...This month’s themes include May the 4th, Lego May-nia, and Mother’s Day. Our activities include:

Mother’s Day Shop — Children "shop" for the perfect gift for Mom and make a card for her special day! May 3 - 8 during regular library hours. (We wish to express a very special thank you to the Clinton Lions Club for sponsoring this year’s Mother’s and Father’s Day gift shops!)

Lego May-nia — Grab a Lego May-nia bingo card and get building. Did you get a BINGO? Terrific! Turn it in to win a prize!

In-library Storytimes — By appointment on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please see the library’s Home page to register.

Quilt Block of the Month — Learn how to make this month’s quilt block by tuning in to our YouTube channel.

Book Clubs for (almost) all Ages — “Pizza and Books” for adults (virtual) May 6 at 7:30 pm; 1st-4th grades (virtual) May 10 at 4 pm; Adult Book Club (in-library) May 13 at 1 pm; K-1st grade meets on May 24 (in-library) at 4 pm.

May the 4th Activities (all month!) — Fighter pilot training, interactive movie kits to take home, weekly grab-and-go craft kits, a Star Wars fictional name generator, an in-library scavenger hunt, and more!

As always, we have public computers available for use, as well as printing, copying, and faxing services, and small in-person library gatherings are permitted (social distancing and masks are required).

Need details about our programming or services? Check our website (https://www.clintontownshiplibrary.org/), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CTPL.Lenawee), or pay us a visit during regular hours.

We hope to see you soon!

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.