At 72, Verta Odziana’s feet have never been happier. “I’m very excited about raising money for our new library and community center. It’s not just a place to access resources, it’s the social hub of our community.”

It’s where Verta and her friends line dance on a regular basis, but Swingshift and the Stars, she says, is the big time. “I can’t wait to show those young people my moves,” she said.

TEAM SUPPORT: Swingshift supporters dress to reflect their favorite books for young people. Back row (from left): Sue Egelus as the Mad Hatter, Library Director Renee Kelchak, Dancer Verta Odziana, Patty West as the Cat in the Hat. Front row (from left): with Pat Tallman as Harry Potter, and Rudy Odziana as Joe the Backhoe.

Based on a Dancing with the Stars model, Swingshift is part dance-off and, more importantly, a platform for area non-profits to gain awareness, foster new relationships and raise funds for their organizations. An unprecedented 23 non-profits will participate in the 2017 fall season, marking the effort’s 10th anniversary. High Impact Productions, producers of the event, is raising the bar with a $1 million goal for the season.

Here is how you can help support our Swingshift team:

Make a donation, with 100% going to the library campaign. Donate now online or Donate at the event using provided envelopes.

Buy a table or a ticket for a balcony seat. Contact Mary Beth Hardwicke, info@newinterlochenlibrary.org or 231-276-5775.

Hundreds of supporters and patrons gathered Aug. 23 to witness the official groundbreaking for the new Interlochen Public Library. Campaign Co-Chair Mary Beth Hardwicke thanked donors and applauded area residents for their support, calling the effort “a community success story.” Leaders from the library and township, as well as major contributors, took shovels in hand for the event. Represented in the photo above are (from left) Campaign Co-Chair and major donor Mary Beth Hardwicke, Board member Kellie Beaton and husband Jeff, head of in-kind supporter Williams Distributing, and major donors Dick and Carol Thompson of Interlochen, and Trustees, Allen Fdn. and Rollin M. Gerstacker Fdn., Gail Lanphear and Laurie Bouwman.

Supporters of the New Interlochen Public Library have a new way to contribute toward the campaign. Engraved paver bricks are available in 4″X8″ and 8″X8″ sizes for $40 and $80 respectively. Each brick will become part of the Library’s permanent landscape. “It’s a nice way to recognize the part you played in building the new library, or to recognize someone important to you,” said Beth Pennington, chair of the campaign’s Community Giving committee. “We also hope it can be a fun and affordable option for young families.”

The smaller bricks allow three lines of 15 characters each; the larger allow six lines of 15 characters. Forms can be downloaded here or at Interlochen Public Library. The Location Celebration 2.1 on July 31 will offer the opportunity to purchase a brick and view samples.

Liam Bauer is still in elementary school, but he has already learned a major life lesson — support what you believe in.

The Westwoods Elementary student, along with his sisters Alice and Madalyn, spent a recent weekend tending a lemonade stand to raise money for the new library. The trio raised $209.25 which they donated to the campaign. The donation is the latest from young philanthropists who have donated proceeds from garage sales or their hard-earned savings.

In a letter to the committee, Liam expressed his reason for giving.

I love Libraries and I love books. My favorite type of book is nonfiction books about ancient times and shipwrecks such as the Titanic and the Edmond Fitzgerald.

My hopes are that the Library will provide a place for people around the area to share my love of books. I appreciate all of the hard work you are doing for the community!

I know you can do it!

After more than three decades of support, the Friends of the Interlochen Library are ready to take it to the next level. Below: Long-time member Jane Hardwicke (seated) and current Friends president Ken Eshelman review plans for the new Interlochen Public Library.  Read More

The Consumers Energy Foundation has awarded $15,000 to the Friends of the Interlochen Public Library to support of the new library. The campaign has received more than $700,000 in major grants from around the state, awarded with recognition of the diverse role the library plays in the Interlochen community.

PHOTO: Members of the New Interlochen Public Library campaign cabinet recently received a $15,000 check from the Consumers Energy Foundation. Pictured are (left to right) Library Director Renee Kelchik, Campaign Co-Chair Mary Beth Hardwicke, Consumers Energy Public Affairs Director Doug DeYoung, Campaign Co-Chair Mark Payne, Sarah Thompson, Beth Pennington, and Ken Eshelmen

Rumpled Quilts Kin, a local quilt group in Interlochen, has donated 32 art quilts to benefit the Interlochen Public Library New Building Campaign. The visually stunning quilts, including wall hangings and table runners, will be on display at the library for a silent auction July 20 – Aug. 18. Bids will be accepted during   the library’s regular hours, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Mon., Tues., Fri., Sat., and 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. Wed. and Thurs. Proceeds will be donated to the campaign.

Students at Interlochen Community School showed their affection for their local library during a two-hour read-a-thon in March. Students read or were read to during the all-school event, earning money through pledges from family and friends. In total, the students raised $2,767.25 for the New Interlochen Public Library.

Students proudly presented a ceremonial check during a celebration that included principal Angela Camp dancing to the song “YMCA” with Beach Bums mascot Suntan. The celebration also included a drawing for two $25 Target gift cards.

All students were rewarded with a gift certificate for Sunday brunch at Interlochen’s Hofbrau. In turn, the students honored owner Brian McAllister with a special plaque for his generosity.

The event was made possible through the hard work of teachers and staff and coordinators Nan Lewis and Sue Shipman. Lewis told students, “When you walk through the doors of the new library building, you will know you helped to build it.”

A blog by Beth Gourley, Director of Libraries at Interlochen Center for the Arts and a member of the new Interlochen Public Library campaign cabinet. Share your library dreams by commenting on this blog or email Beth at beahgo@gmail.com

Why Interlochen Patrons Love Their Library

February is Love Libraries Month, and patrons of Interlochen Public Library LOVE their library! From a sampling of Interlochen patrons, we’ve learned they value the library’s community engagement, free access to information and safe environment.

Specific assets noted by patrons include the following:

-free access to computers and Wi-Fi
-story times for children
-book clubs
-meeting spaces
-newspapers and magazines
-e-books
-audio books
-dvds, cds and video games
-community blood drives
-online databases
-the TADL system
-quick response to requests
-information services
-programming for all ages—euchre tournaments, Lego club, yoga, and more!

Why do YOU love our library?

Perhaps you can relate to this Guardian article. Here, Neal Gaiman, author of Coraline and several other books, reminds us that library’s are a place for reading and dreaming.

Happy Love Libraries Month!
Beth Gourley
Skype/twitter/diigo: beahgo