New Director Introduction, Library Title Feature, Summer Reading Program Update

New Library Director Introduction

I'd like to take this opportunity in my first library article to introduce myself. My name is Sydny Peterson, and I am honored to be serving as the new Library Director, following the retirement of Mary Hook.

I was born and raised here in Manistique, graduated from Manistique High School, and went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Education from Northern Michigan University. I've always had a love of reading. I proudly considered myself a bookworm as a child, and that love of books only grew while I was in college. Through my coursework, I had the opportunity to explore children's literature and learn the importance of selecting meaningful, engaging books that inspire young readers.

After graduating, I accepted a position at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, where I taught third grade for the past three years. One of my greatest joys as a teacher was reading class novels with my students and watching them discover a love for reading while sharing my own passion for books. 

Over the past two weeks, I've had the privilege of working alongside Mary, learning the many responsibilities of the director's role while also beginning my training to earn the Level 3 Library Certification required for the position. I am incredibly grateful for her guidance and the warm welcome I've received from both the staff and our patrons.

Although I've only been here a short time, I've already seen firsthand what an incredible resource our library is, not only for the people who call Manistique home, but also for visitors passing through our community. I always knew the library was a valuable part of our community, but working here has shown me just how much of a difference it makes. 

I look forward to welcoming familiar faces, meeting new patrons, and hopefully even seeing some of my former third-grade students in the library. It is truly an honor to serve this community, and I am excited to build on the library's strong foundation while exploring new ways to connect with and serve our community for years to come. I hope you’ll stop by, say hello, and discover all the library has to offer. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Library Title Feature - The Children, by Melissa Albert

The haunting new novel from New York Times bestselling author Melissa Albert, in which the estranged adult children of a legendary author, written into their dead mother’s beloved fantasy series, must contend with the vine-like creep of legacy, memory, and magic. “An extraordinary book. It’s a page-turner, full of mystery, but that’s the least of it. The language is dusted with magic. The Children reminded me of Ray Bradbury at his best.” - Stephen King 

Summer Reading Program-.Teens throughout the state are welcome to participate in MiLibrary Quest 2026! Teens (those entering 6th -12th grades) can go to milibraryquest.wixsite.com to enter. The quest runs from July 1st through the 31st and our library will give out a prize to one of our local entrants. 

July 8th is our next children’s program, “Dinosaur Bubble Safari” at 1pm. This will be a fast paced, interactive program all about bubbles! 

Don’t forget to bring your child in and fill out a Reading Log/bookmark to register them for prizes at the end of our Summer Reading Program. Everyone of all ages are welcome to sit down in the library with some crayons and work on our Community Coloring Page.

Library Hours:  Monday and Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

 Library Contact Information:  Phone: (906) 252-4316, Email: mspl@manistiqueschools.org, Website: https://www.manistiquelibrary.org.