Big Rapids Community Library

Library Showcase:

Collaboration with area organizations has made Big Rapids Community Library’s long list of programs possible:

• Catch’em in the Cradle- Their Friends of the Library sponsors a “Catch’em in the Cradle” program that gives a new book to each baby born at the local hospital. Along with the book, they distribute a letter introducing parents to their preschool programs and summer reading program. Last year they gave away 700 books to newborns.
• New Literacy Center – The Local Rotary celebrated their 100 th anniversary by remodeling a space in the library to create a Literacy center which opened March 1 st. With donations from the Rotary and their FOL group new furniture, shelving, windows, work stations, and cabinets were added to make a room that is used every day.
• Literacy - The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the Friends of the BRCL, and the Library formed the Mecosta County Literacy Council several years ago. The Friends sponsor and provide materials for tutor training sessions, RSVP matches tutors and students, and the Library houses and circulates material with an extensive literacy collection and now, is able to offer a quiet place for tutoring. Funding from the literacy collection came from several grants.
• One Book Event – The library is currently working with eleven other libraries and the Humanities Council to offer the One Book program. (The program was outlined in the Barryton Public Library Showcase.)
• Guide for Giving – Their Friends of the Library pay the cost of printing a “Guide for Giving” brochure which encourages patrons to donate to the library. Last year $1,000 was raised because of the brochure. To view the brochure, follow this link : http://www.bigrapids.lib.mi.us/giving1.html
• Summer Reading Program – The Friends provide funds and volunteers to assist with the program, the Humanities Council provides grant funds to help several libraries offer special programs. This year it is Bats of the World offered by the Organization for Bat Conservancy.

Also in conjunction with the Summer Reading Program, two programs are planned. The first, John Ball Zoo is coming to the Library on July 6th with programs at 1:00 and 3:00. The second is the Flying Aces Pro Frisbee Team which will demonstrate on July 21 st. The programs are designed to bring new users into the library.

The library is part of the MeLCat project, which they are excited about. They are seeing about 20 requests per week.

The Director, Gaylynn Rorabaugh, is excited about the library’s community involvement. She would gladly speak to anyone who would like more information on their programs. Their website, www.bigrapids.lib.mi.us , is also a great resource.

We salute Big Rapids Community Library for all they have done for their community and are proud to have them as a member of the Mid-Michigan Library League.

Mid-Michigan Library League- 210 1/2 N. Mitchell- Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: 800-968-0046 Fax: 800-968-3297

Website design: Holly Mercer
Last Update: March 29, 2007