December 2022

Dear Friend,

This was an almost normal year at Interlochen Public Library. Meaning less improvising but more doing what we do best—acting as a conduit for information and a catalyst for creativity, understanding and experience in our community. Just like “the old days” except more so.

Attendance at Summer Reading Programs was over-the-top again. The addition of well-timed snacks helped avoid “hangry” meltdowns and kept the fun (and learning) going. Other recent events have seen triple and quadruple the expected attendance both in numbers and happy faces.

Our staff’s deep connection and profound commitment to our patrons remain steadfast. Recently a pint-sized princess in a pink ballerina outfit drug her feet as dad urged her out the door after Tot Time. She looked over her shoulder as Miss Sharon waved goodbye. “Is Miss Sharon going home?” she asked. “No, Miss Sharon gets to stay here all day,” dad replied. Big sigh from the princess, “She’s so lucky.” It’s what we do—help the littles down the path to being lifetime lovers of reading.

Another time a young mother came to IPL a day after her child was diagnosed with autism. She was looking for information to help forge a new path for her family. She found that knowledge but even more importantly, she found the staff willing to help - first by listening and then by creating special sensory experiences for her child. “I feel safe here,” she said later, “And my child will feel that, too.”

When we began fundraising for the new Library building we emphasized our goal of making it a gathering place for the community, our neighbors. You helped make that goal a reality. Even in fractious, uncertain times, IPL is where our community comes together on a daily basis. People come for a book or a class and receive a big portion of kindness too.

IPL is able to be “the best library ever” because of the ongoing support you and hundreds more provide. It’s not hyperbole or overstatement to say “it couldn’t happen without you.” We are humbled and grateful for your continued faith in our ability to keep growing our community forward. Thank you for joining us on this journey.

Sincerely,

Patty West, President

The Friends of IPL is a 501c3 tax exempt organization. Donations may qualify for tax deductions.