Summer is a busy time, and whether you have travel plans or are embracing a ‘staycation’ in the U.P., the Peter White Public Library has the resources to ensure it’s entertaining and enlightening.
From audiobooks for driving (via cd or on Libby) to shelves of travel books, you can find what you need to plan an adventure, decide what to pack, and, of course, be entertained along the way.
For the time here in the Upper Peninsula, we are planning to keep you and any visitors who come your way happy with these upcoming events.
June 2021 Events
1. Concert on the Steps: Troy Graham. Live music is back at Peter White Public Library! Join musician/singer/songwriter Troy Graham on the steps of the library for a concert celebrating the release of his new album, UnEarth Your Imagination, featuring new and classic Troy Graham tunes. CDs and 10” Vinyl will be available for purchase. Tuesday, June 2, 2021, 7 p.m. NOTE: Attendees are expected to bring their own chairs, practice social distancing, and wear facemasks out of respect for all concertgoers. This concert will also be livestreamed.
2. Digital Estate Planning. Samantha Ashby, Adults Services Department Head at Peter White Public Library, provides information on how to manage your digital assets (emails, documents, images, audio, visual) and accounts (email, social media, software, financial, file sharing) after your passing. Join in to learn more about this important topic, with recommendations for online resources and books. Monday, June 7, 2021, 7 p.m. via Zoom.
3. Authors Reading Virtually: Judith Kerman. Peter White Public Library hosts celebrated poet Judith Kerman for a reading from her newly released collection definitions. Author Eleanor Lerman says this of Kerman’s work: “With both wit and artistry, each of Kerman’s ‘definitions’ begin with clear prose and slowly flows into the realm of poignant poetry.” Wednesday, June 9, 7 p.m. via Zoom.
4. Women in Science: Doctor Sarah Mittlefehldt. In this monthly series at Peter White Public Library, Dr. Sarah Mittlefehldt of NMU’s Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences will discuss her background and work in environmental history, environmental justice and policy, geopolitics of energy, and coastal planning and development. Whether or not you’re a scientist, you’re sure to enjoy it! Thursday, June 10, 2021, 7 p.m. via Zoom
5. Chef Val’s Virtual Cooking Class: Brown Rice and Asparagus Sauerkraut Salad: Join Peter White Public Library for a virtual vegan cooking class. Whole grain salads make a balanced, perfect meal. Chef Val will teach you how to make this colorful, delicious, salad that features brown rice and asparagus. Plus, sauerkraut is naturally fermented, high in vitamin C, and full of healthy probiotics to help support your digestion. The recipe is vegan, whole foods, organic, and gluten-free. In the class, you will get step-by-step instructions on how to prepare the recipe.
6. 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, June 16, 2021. 7 p.m. via Zoom.
7. Reconnecting Through Crafts. As part of Art Week, Peter White Public Library hosts Teagan Olivia Sturmer, author of Floral Embroidery, for a crafting workshop. Stop by Peter White to pick up a Take & Make with all the supplies you will need for the class, including the design from Teagan’s book. Teagan will walk participants step-by-step through the creation of a beautiful embroidered piece. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited to 20 participants. Only one registration is required per household, and each household is limited to one Take & Make. Monday, June 21, 2021, 7 p.m. via Zoom.
8. Great Decisions. Join Peter White Public Library for our exciting new discussion group. “Great Decisions” is America’s largest and oldest foreign policy discussion group.
Prior to each meeting, participants can read up on the topic in the Great Decisions Briefing Book. Meetings will 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!
PWPL has a limited number of Briefing Books to give away for free to participants. The book will also be available at the library for checkout.
When: The fourth Tuesday of the month January-August 2021 at 6 p.m.
Where: Meetings will be held via Zoom unless safe to do otherwise.
Admission: Free
Contact: Dory Shaffer to sign up or get your briefing book phone: (906) 226-4311 email: refedsk@pwpl.info
This program is funded by the Michigan Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
9. Reconnecting Through Poetry Art Exhibition. As part of Art Week, Peter White Public Library will be hosting this exhibition of poetry broadsides in the Lower Gallery. Poets will display their work starting June 21st through the month of July. An Opening Reception is scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, 2021, starting at 6 p.m. with a concert by musician/singer/songwriter Troy Graham, followed by a reading at 7 p.m. by poets whose broadsides are part of the exhibit. This event will take place on the steps of the library on Front Street. NOTE: Attendees are expected to bring their own chairs, practice social distancing, and wear facemasks out of respect for all attendees. Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 6 p.m.
10. Pop-up Poetry Podium. During Art Week, Peter White Public Library will be hosting spontaneous Popup Poetry Podium readings. Area poets will pop up at various locations and times throughout the City of Marquette, set up a podium, a give free half-hour-long readings of their work. Your job is to figure out “Where in the world is the poet reading?” Clues will be posted every morning during Art Week on the Peter White Public Library Facebook page.
11. Stump the Poet. Peter White Public Library hosts the game “Stump the Poet” for Art Week. Poets Janeen Rastall and Marty Achatz will set up a table on Third Street in Marquette and challenge you to stump them. You walk up and give them a topic. In ten minute’s time, they will write you a poem on that topic or face poetic shame! Stop by and try to stump the poet. Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., on Third Street in Marquette.
12. Reconnecting Through Poetry & Music. To close out Peter White Public Library’s celebration of Art Week, U. P. Poet Laureate M. Bartley Seigel and musician Ani will perform a live, hour-long reading and concert on the steps of the library on Front Street. Come and reconnect through words and music. NOTE: Attendees are expected to bring their own chairs, practice social distancing, and wear facemasks out of respect for all concertgoers. Saturday, June 26, 2021, 1 p.m.
Don’t Forget About Summer Reading
This summer, PWPL has a reading program for adults as well as kids – and the prizes are just a reminder to keep logging your reading time. Learn more about our summer reading programs here: https://pwpl.info/2021-summer-reading-programs/