Willard Library cardholders are encouraged to “share the library love” with friends and family with the library’s latest initiative, the “Refer a Friend” program.  The concept is simple: current library cardholders are encouraged to refer their friends and family to join the library and obtain their very own library cards. It’s easy! In addition, anyone who registers for a new library card during these months may enter into the prize drawing, even if they were not referred by a current user.  “The Refer a Friend program aligns with Willard Library’s purpose to spark discovery, growth, and connection,” said library director Matt Willis. “We often hear from guests how much they love the library, and we recognize the power of personal recommendations.” He continued, “we know library users will be happy to help friends and family discover the magic of the library, and connect to the incredible resources we have to offer.”   Beyond the extensive collection of books, the library offers many unique resources. A library card provides access to all of the library’s digital content: ebooks and audiobooks, movies, music,TV shows, magazines, and more, all at your fingertips. Both library locations have a Creative Space, with access to vinyl cutters, t-shirt and mug presses, VR headsets, a vocal recording booth (downtown), sewing machines, a 3D printer, and more. Check out the Maker Kits,with topics ranging from bike repair, to podcasting, to learning to play the ukulele.  Residents in all four school districts – Battle Creek, Harper Creek, Lakeview, and Pennfield – are eligible for a Willard Library card. Bring a photo identification with your current address to either library location to sign up.

Summer Reading 2023 begins Tuesday, June 6. “All Together Now” is the Summer Reading theme, and the library has programs planned that celebrate both the joy of reading and the importance of being a positive citizen in our community. Pick up or download a reading log, track your reading, and earn prizes! The last day to turn in reading logs and claim prizes is Friday, Aug. 11. Grand prize drawings will be held on Monday, Aug. 14. Click below to download Summer Reading logs in English, Spanish, and Burmese. Paper logs are available at both library locations. Babies and Toddlers School Age Teens Adults

Willard Library is proud to announce the launch of its newest mobile app, Tours of Battle Creek. This app provides users with an interactive and engaging way to explore Battle Creek’s fascinating history with a guided audio tour, slide show tours using archival video and photos, as well as in-depth supplemental materials including interviews, video excerpts, and more.  Tours of Battle Creek is available for download on both iOS and Android devices, and is completely free. It currently features tours of Oak Hill Cemetery, Battle Creek historical markers, and Old Maple Street, with more in development. Each tour is designed to immerse users in Battle Creek’s past, providing insight into the people, places, and events that shaped our city’s unique history. Users may download tours to their phone, so content is accessible even without a cell signal. Each tour includes an overview map with a starting point, and turning on a device’s location tracking while the app is in use enables directions and triggers audio content for some locations. Users will even get an alert when approaching a tour stop.  Here’s How to Use It: Step 1. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play store or visit the website at battlecreek.stqry.app.   Step 2. Download a tour. Once a tour is downloaded, it is entirely contained in your cell phone. Even if you lose cell service, you’ll have access to the tour content.  Step 3. Turn on your device’s location tracking. This way, the app can track your position (while the app is in use) using your phone’s GPS. This enables you to get directions to your next stop, and alerts when you are approaching a stop.   Step 4. Check for updated content.  Step 5. Start touring! Each tour includes an overview map with a starting point. Enabling GPS allows you to get directions from wherever you are and triggers audio content automatically for some stops.  Step 6. Enjoy the journey. Go at your own pace, and take a detour if you’d like. With Tours of Battle Creek with you, you won’t get lost.