Willard Library invites the community to a special week of programming in celebration of Juneteenth, featuring author talks, local history, and a reflective workshop.  The week begins on Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m. with “Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery” with authors Joseph McGill Jr. and Herb Frazier. They will discuss the Slave Dwelling Project, founded by Joseph McGill Jr., which began as a project to sleep overnight in former slave dwellings that still stand across the country – and has since evolved into a non-profit to raise awareness, preserve extant slave dwellings and structures, educate the public, and engage in conversation.   Adult services librarian Brenna LaForge praised the book as “an enlightening story of McGill’s groundbreaking project…revealing the fascinating history behind these historic sites and shedding light on larger issues of race in America.” She continued, “the authors highlight the stories of real enslaved people who lived in these buildings, and show us all why it is so important to preserve history, especially the parts that aren’t pretty.”  The event will be held in the downtown programming room. Following the authors’ book talk will be a Q&A and book signing. New Story Books will be onsite selling copies of “Sleeping With the Ancestors” to those interested. The book is available to check out at both library locations, as well as through the Libby app.  On Thursday, June 19 at 5 p.m. in the downtown programming room, local author J.R. Reynolds will share stories of resilience in Battle Creek’s Black community in “Profiles in Perseverance: The Freedom Seekers and Freedom Fighters Who Helped Build Battle Creek.” He will spotlight several local families and individuals who “made their mark toward freedom and liberation in Battle Creek in very different (and often unique) ways.” Highlighted community members include Drs. Carl and Donna Powell; Viola Johnson (the first Black female administrator of a major VA medical center), classical performing artist Mattie Robbins Willis, and many more. Audience members will also be invited to share their own reflections and memories of those featured.   Friday, June 20 at noon (12 p.m.) rounds out the week of programs with a lunchtime workshop on the book “The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict.” During this discussion and reflection session, participants will explore how true liberation is reflected in our communities and relationships.  Participants will examine the book’s core message—that […]

The Seed Library at Willard Library’s Helen Warner Branch is now open! The seed library exists to provide community members with a variety of free seed samples to promote environmental awareness and sustainability while aiding in the conservation of local and heirloom plant varieties. In addition, according to Deputy Director April Dillinger, “the Seed Library also encourages people to grow their own food and learn about the seed saving process.”  Using the Seed Library is simple, Dillinger explained, “Browse through the collection of seeds and ‘check out’ your selections on the sign out sheet. Plant your seeds and enjoy!” In order to make this resource available to the greatest number of community members, individuals may select up to five seed packets per month. A wide variety of seeds are available, including many vegetables, as well as some herbs, flowers, and fruit.  Dillinger added, “at the end of the growing season, we welcome leftover seeds or mature harvested seeds back to the library. Seed donations ensure that we are able to continue the Seed Library in the future.” Donation forms are available in-person or on the library’s website.  The Seed Library has been in the planning stages for a number of years. Library staff spoke to several other seed libraries in Michigan as well as members of the Michigan Seed Library Network, and visited Portage District Library. Staff took everything they learned and “tailored it to fit our community” said Dillinger.  In addition, the library received donations from several seed companies that focus on providing open pollinated seeds and preserving heirloom varieties.  “I am so happy that our Seed Library is finally open,” Dillinger volunteered, “It felt like we had been in the planning stage forever. It is exciting to see people looking through the seeds and taking them home to plant.” So far, the library has processed nearly 3,000 seed packets, and the addition to library services has been popular among guests.  The Seed Library is located at Willard Library’s Helen Warner Branch, 36 Minges Creek Place. For more information, visit the Seed Library’s information page.