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Library News from the Traverse City and Greater Northern Michigan Area Libraries

Tempted by the either the turquoise waters of Lake Michigan or the endless blue forests of the our pristine state parks, one might assume the abundance of recreational activities associated with Michigan summers would slow the pace of library activities. Evidently, this is not true! Below are some library activities reported from the Traverse City and greater Northern Michigan area libraries.

Interlochen Center for the Arts reports to be discussing future plans for a new building that will hold a music library and academic library, with one floor designated for each.

Mackinaw Island Public Library reports huge traffic over the summer for their Michigan Room, a special collection of Michigan authors, artifacts, and most famously, the Anthony Collection of Durant Indian Rules. This resource allows patrons to research their Native American heritage and discern the percentage of Native American they may have in their lineage. All Native American bands are recognized.

Michigan Technological University’s J. Robert Van Pelt Library reports new additions and renovations of their existing library will be made possible by funding from the State of Michigan and over $5,000,000 in private donations from John and Ruanne Opie. The new addition will add 54,000 square feet to the current 80,000 square feet facility. Renovation plans include a new 24 Hour Study Space and Technology Center Information Wall that will provide the latest news about local weather conditions, world events, campus events, and library activities. The building will have 50 public computer workstations and will also provide wireless computer access. In addition to adding 26 small group study rooms, the Van Pelt Library will have a new digital studio that will enable students and faculty to integrate print, internet, sound recordings, and film into their projects. Renovations are planned to be complete by the year 2005.

Northern Michigan University’s Lydia M. Olson Library reports playing a significant role in Registration and Set-Up, a university program providing laptop computers to students. Library faculty, staff, and student assistants participated in issuing 3,200 IBM Notebook laptops to students. Working in the Superior Dome, library employees offered assistance in unpacking the laptop, installing software, and registering computers for wired and wireless computer networking.

Peninsula Community Library in Traverse City reports their Friends of the Library are planning Frost Over Fall FunFest, a fundraising program on October 11, 2003. Local farmers from Old Mission Peninsula donated pumpkins and crisp apples for public purchase. Cider, doughnuts, and caramel apples will also be sold. Profits from Frost Over Fall FunFest will be used to assist Old Mission Peninsula Elementary School, which houses this library.

Sault Ste. Marie Public Library reports a new building has been completed, thanks to public donations and foundation grants targeted towards their Cedarville Branch, previously residing in Township Hall. The new library was renamed Lef Cheneaux Community Library, formerly Clark Township Library. The Friends of the Library had raised monies to assist with collection development and are planning an open house in celebration of the new library.

That’s it for library news from the Traverse City and greater Northern Michigan area libraries!

By Yvonne N. Boudreau, Senior Information Research Specialist, Munson Medical Center - Health Sciences Library, yboudreau@mhc.net

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