Troy Library shows off end-of-summer programming

TROY — The Troy Public Library is promoting its new programs for August and inviting the public to join them before the summer ends.

Connie Doherty, the library’s head of adult information services, hopes the public will drop by the library or go to its website to see if there’s something that interests them.

“We always have programs going on and starting up,” she remarked. “There’s always something coming up.”

For the history-minded patron, there is an upcoming presentation on the historic Hamtramck Stadium.

“We have a great program on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 7 p.m. on historic Hamtramck Stadium, which was built in 1930 for the Negro League baseball teams and is only one of five stadiums built for the league from that era remaining,” said Doherty. “That should be very neat. We are requesting they register by calling or signing up online.”

Those looking to spruce up their home and garden can try out the “Your House Planned and You” event.

“We also have Your House Planned and You. A gardener will be talking a lot about planting and gardening in the home,” Doherty said. “Sara Poradish is our presenter, and she will be talking about daily plant care, the meaning behind plant colors, propagation and more. People can even bring their own plant so she can diagnose issues. That is on Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 7 p.m.”

Music aficionados might get a kick out of the library’s presentation by musician Leonardo Gianola.

“On Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 6:30 p.m., there is a music program for fans of country and Delta blues. The presenter is Leonardo Gianola, and he is a Detroit Blues Society blues guitarist. He will show off some of the earliest blues recordings from the 1910s and talk about blues music up through how it influenced postwar music.”

Those looking forward to the football season can sign up for a new fantasy football league being run through the library.

“We have our first-ever fantasy football league. It is a program you can do from home,” said Doherty. “Players of all levels are welcome, from newbies to veterans. We are using the Fleaflicker app to run and organize it. The winner gets a $50 gift card to Loaded Dice Brewery in Troy. People need to register by Aug. 20, before the season starts. It’s a somewhat passive program, but something open for everyone.”

Keegan Sulecki, the head of youth services, said there also is a variety of activities for young readers, adding that they have been having a strong summer so far.

“Our kick-off event for the summer reading program had 3,000 people this year,” she explained. “We were really pleased with how it turned out.”

One of the new programs Sulecki is excited about is the Middle School Hacks program, an opportunity for students entering middle school to speak to some older students about what advice and tips they would give.

“We had Tuesday night matinees each Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m.,” she said. “We have a Middle School Hacks program for kids going into sixth grade in the fall. This will let them talk with older students about what they can expect as they enter middle school from kids who have just been through it. We have ukulele lessons in our Uke Can Play program on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m. Middle School Hacks is at 6 p.m. on that same day.”

Other programs are returning to give young library patrons a chance to take advantage of the summer weather.

They have a sidewalk chalk program 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 12, “and we also want to highlight our storyboard trail adventure program from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 15, at Raintree Park,” said Sulecki. “Participants can read the story on the trail and take part in activities to compete for a prize. We do this one every month on the trail.”

Sulecki added that there is plenty to do for library patrons of all ages.

“The library tries to have items of interest for all of our users,” she remarked. “Staff is always available to help young readers find something they are going to enjoy. We have so much going on that we think people should check out.”

Registration is requested for all adult programs at the library. More information on the programs can be found at www.troypl.org. They can be reached by phone at (248) 524-3538.