Clinton Library paleontology event a success; more events coming up!

Young paleontologists and our friendly T-Rex smile for the camera.

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

On November 16, library visitors had a roaring good time at the library’s first official “Young Paleontologist Training Program.” Children earned an “official” Young Paleontologist certificate by learning fun Dino facts, excavating dinosaurs, touching real fossils, enjoying a special presentation from Dr. Ben Pawlisch and more! Thanks to the generous support of our community members and volunteers the event was a huge success. In particular, the library wishes to thank our hard-working VolunTeens, Dr. Pawlisch (Assistant professor of Biology at Adrian College), Kate Kardiff, our friendly T-Rex and generous prop donors, and the parents and caregivers who took time out of their busy day to bring their children to our evening of paleontology-themed fun.

Be assured the library has lots of activities planned for December as well. As always, there are book clubs for all ages and weekly story times. In addition, we have several special winter/holiday-themed events coming up, including:

December 3 at 4pm: Writing Club–Calling all writers! Are you looking for a writing group to inspire you, hold you accountable, or just chat about all the ins and outs (and ups and downs) of writing? Join us! Recommended for teens and adults.

December 4 at 10am-2pm: Christmas at the Library – Give the gift of reading and shop the Friends book sale, decorate an ornament, create a craft, write a letter (or postcard) to Santa, and play a real-life holiday-themed Clue game. All activities are open to the public and family-friendly.

December 7 at 11:30: Sensory Tuesday— Be prepared to get messy at this interactive, hands-on event for preschoolers with music, crafts and sensory play.

December 7 (6pm) or December 10 (12pm): No Sew Gnomes–Bring your glue gun, scissors, and imagination and create your very own no-sew sock gnome! Great for a gift or holiday decoration. Limited supplies/materials provided, and registration is required (https://tinyurl.com/ctpl-gnomes). Please note: attendance is limited to the first 25 individuals registered. Recommended for teens and adults.

December 8 at 6pm: Pajama Story Time—Come in your comfy PJs for a winter-themed storytime. All ages welcome!

December 20 at 7pm: Library Board Meeting—Open to the public.

December 24, 25, 31 and January 1: The library will be closed for the holidays.

The library is here to serve you! We welcome all members of our community to use the public computers or iPads, browse books, play games, attend activities and events, read a paper or magazine, and more. Details about our events and services can be found on our website (Clinton.lib.mi.us). Last, but certainly not least, the library staff wishes all members of our community a joyful holiday season!

Madden better move quick!

Sequoya learns about fossils from Dr. Ben Pawlisch.

Samson is checking to see if his arms are longer than the (life-size) pteranodon

Excavating baby dinosaurs from fossilized dino “eggs”.

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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.