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News
IRON RIVER — A small town can sometimes feel like a desert in terms of new and interesting activities to do as an individual or family. the West Iron District Library (WIDL) is an activity oasis, providing a fresh slate of fun, creative programs every month for all ages.
In 2023, the WIDL offered 288 programs centered around art, culture and education, featuring everything from small craft nights to a large-scale magic show. Kids and families enjoyed many themed crafts and game days, were challenged to write short stories and fairytales, took story walks along the apple blossom trail, and participated in a jaw-dropping Michigan Science Center experiments show.
Adults had the opportunity to learn new skills ranging from digital literacy to flower arranging, and complete creativity-sparking crafts like glass bead luminaries and focaccia bread mosaics. Experts shared presentations on beekeeping, archeology, service animals and other hobbies. There were also several weeks of book clubs, Swedish coffee socials, and live music lunches. All these programs were provided free of charge.
“The WIDL works hard to plan a wide variety of programs and events to appeal to diverse interests,” said Erika Sauter, Program Coordinator. “We also have incorporated the ideas of our patrons into our programming that have been met with great enthusiasm!”
One such success was the monthly Board Game Night, which started from a patron’s suggestion. The game nights (which will be offered in February, March and April 2024) encourage an intergenerational time of play with rounds of challenging, fun, and educational games.
The WIDL’s 2024 calendar is shaping up to be as busy and exciting as the last, with two special author events already on the docket: a book signing event with local author and Olympic gold medalist, Nick Baumgartner, on May 18, and a meet and greet with best-selling author and National Book Award finalist, Bonnie Jo Campbell, on July 18.
“It would take about 10,000 words to cover all that the library provides for free programs in one article,” Sauter explained,
“I’d say you just have to come see and experience a program for yourself!”
A full calendar of events is printed every month and available at the Circulation Desk, as well as in a digital format on the WIDL website and Facebook page. To learn more, visit westironlib.org, stop by WIDL located at 116 W. Genesee Street, call 906-265-2831, or email esauter@westironlib.org.