Richland Township Library

Library Showcase:

It is hard to define why libraries are important. Depending on the size and needs of a community the definition varies. Those libraries that see the needs of their community and meet them on a daily basis help to define why libraries are important; their community wouldn’t thrive without them. The Richland Township Library, which is located in Vestaburg, is an excellent example of how libraries are not just a place that have books, they are community centers.

As a community center, the library serves many functions. One of their most unique features is that they have a bistro in the library. A local artist painted a Mural on one of their walls that has a Paris scene. The carpet in the area has been taken out and replaced with tile. One tall and one short bistro style table are utilized by patrons. Coffee and tea is available for adults and children can have fresh popcorn that is made using their large kettle style popcorn maker. In another area in the library, a creative, bright display of art is on the wall. The display includes red blades of grass that are made from handprints and large turquoise colored trees. Plans are in the works to add two more festive paintings to the walls. The Director, Linda Kilmer, held a contest in conjunction with the school art teacher for mural designs. As a result two winners of the contest will paint a dragon, fantasy wall as part of their art class.

The library’s popcorn maker is utilized not just in the Bistro area but also during the library’s movie nights. Teens and youth congregate at the library for movie night and each afternoon as well. They work on their homework, snack on popcorn, and use the computers.

People travel from as far as the North Pole to come to the library. For the last two December’s, Santa has been at the library. Throughout the Christmas season, children came to tell Santa their Christmas wish and have their picture taken. There is no fee to see Santa, but a donation jar has become a good source of revenue for the library. In addition to having Santa visit, the library holds a Christmas tea that is enjoyed.

The library is quickly growing out of their L-shaped building. They average over 100 patrons per day. Because of the space (and mess) an annual Back to the School celebration is held outdoors. The first year the back to school party was held, the adults had the advantage during the games. Kids where given squirt guns to play with, but then the library staff pulled out their super soaker squirt guns. The next year, the kids came prepared with their super soakers. Buckets of water are also utilized by the library staff during the water “war”.

The patrons that come to the Richland Library can not only read while at the library, they can read about the library. The library has been featured in two magazines, AgeWise and Middle of the Mit.

Although the library doesn’t have a formal Friends of the Library group, they have a book club that meets each month. The members of the club are the same people who volunteer their time to help with library events and programs. For those residents that want to learn a new skill, twice a month the library offers a craft class. The library also offers story hours, has a Summer Reading Program, and holds an annual Chess Tournament.

The Richland Township Library serves many functions, they provide educational opportunities, they are an economic resource, and are a place of recreation for their community. We salute the Richland Township 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: January 14, 2008