May has finally arrived, but warmer temps have not made
it our way yet. Thankfully, there’s still lots to keep you busy at the Peter White Public Library. From star gazing to toe-tapping, these events are sure to entertain. Add these to your calendar, or, better yet, bookmark our Events Calendar, so you never miss an update.
Upcoming May Events to Add to Your Calendar
May 4
What’s Up? Is our monthly series on astronomy. Scott Stobbelaar of the Marquette Astronomical Society provides a monthly guide as to what can be seen in the skies of the Upper Peninsula. Join via Zoom as we reach for the stars at Peter White. Tuesday, May 4, 2021, 7 p.m.
May 11
May the Music Be with You: Harry South, Bill Carrothers, & Michael Waite in Concert. In celebration of the month of May at Peter White Public Library, bassist Harry South, pianist Bill Carrothers, and singer/songwriter Michael Waite will serenade us into Spring with a livestream concert of music and songs. Tune in for an evening that May just get your fingers snapping and toes tapping. Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 7 p.m. via Facebook livestream.
May 12
Authors Reading Virtually: Dr. Kia Jane Richmond. In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, Peter White Public Library hosts Dr. Kia Jane Richmond for its Authors Reading Virtually series. Dr. Richmond will read from and discuss her book Mental Illness in Young Adult Literature: Exploring Real Struggles through Fictional Characters. Join in for a thought-provoking evening focused on books and mental health. Tuesday, May 12, 7 p.m. via Zoom.
May 13
Women in Science: Doctor Amber LaCrosse. In this monthly series, Dr. Amber LaCrosse of NMU’s Department of Psychology and the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center will discuss her background and work in behavioral neuroscience, cognitive function, and cancer biology. Be ready to have your curiosity and synapses stimulated. Thursday, May 13, 2021, 7 p.m. via Zoom.
May 18
Alison Swan Reading. Peter White Public Library welcomes poet Alison Swan for a reading from her recently published collection of poems, A Fine Canopy and newer work written during the pandemic. Pulitzer Prize-nominee Diane Seuss says this of Swan: “Swan offers up poems of faith and resilience that arise from her deep, sustained perception of the natural world where ‘everything gives back light.’” Tuesday, May 18, 7 p.m. via Zoom.
May 19
The Joy of Yoga. A monthly Zoom evening of gentle meditative yoga for everyone led by Helen Haskell-Remien, owner of The Joy Center in Ishpeming and certified yoga instructor. Helen brings her 20 years of yoga experience to Peter White Public Library, allowing participants to find their own deep centers, clearing their minds and freeing their spirits. Wednesday, May 19, 2021. 7 p.m. via Zoom.
May 25
Great Decisions. “Great Decisions” is America’s largest and oldest foreign policy discussion group. Prior to each meeting, participants read up on the topic in the Great Decisions Briefing Book. Meetings feature a knowledgeable speaker or a PBS video, followed by a discussion on the month’s topic. At the end of the program, participants will have the opportunity to submit an opinion ballot that will be shared with government officials and decision-makers. No background knowledge on foreign policy needed! May 25 at 6:00 via zoom.
Contact Dory Shaffer to sign up: (906) 226-4311 email: refedsk@pwpl.info This program is funded by the Michigan Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
May 26
Thomas Lynch Reading. Peter White Public Library is proud to host American Book Award-winning writer Thomas Lynch for a reading from his recently published Bone Rosary: New and Selected Poems. The author of ten books of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, Lynch was described by Richard Bernstein of the New York Times as “. . . Forceful, authentic and full of a kind of ethical and aesthetic clarity.” Wednesday, May 26, 7 p.m. via Zoom.
Other Adult Services Events
Though that may seem like plenty to keep you busy this month, don’t forget about our weekly and monthly events, like meditation and yoga. June also begins our first Adult Summer Reading program in many years, so it’s a good time to start planning your next read.
Kids and Teens Programming for May
PWPL’s Youth Services Department has a fun-filled May planned. To start, don’t forget to grab your “May the Fourth Be With You” take and make kits. Summer Reading doesn’t officially start until June, but if you want to plan ahead, find the details here.
We’re also still doing Story Times for Preschoolers and Toddlers via Facebook Live, as well as Muggles for Potter events grouped by age. The Kindness Club that started last week continues to be a success. Learn more about this great afterschool activity on our Events Calendar.
It’s been a tough year for teens, but thinking outside of the difficulties of this pandemic and focusing on others can be great for an adolescent’s mental health. Talk with Ms. Amanda is Teen Services to learn how your teen can be an active member of the Teen Advisory Board or the Junior Teen Advisory Board; each meets once a week. Also meeting monthly is Outword, a group for LGBTQIA+ teens and allies. This safe space allows teens to be who they are without outside judgment.
Keep PWPL’s eLibrary in Mind in May
Get a start on your gardening and spring cleaning in May with an audiobook from Libby. There’s nothing like a thriller to keep you entertained during difficult tasks. You can also just relax and read with our digital library that includes eBooks and eMagazines for kids and adults.