NEA Big Read Lakeshore

"StrikeTime Performances Fall 2025 Little Read: JOURNEY"
2025-11-04 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-11-04 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Detroit) | Herrick District Library North Branch, 155 Riley St, Holland, MI, 49424, United States
StrikeTime Dance Theatre presents “Journey.” Inspired by the wordless picture book by author Aaron Becker, the show will take you on an adventure all powered by a crayon and your imagination. It’s an invitation to experience joy, risk, wonder, and collaboration through dance, play, and creativity. Join us as we move and imagine, inspiring your own adventure.

Escape Room Adventure
2025-11-04 15:00 - 16:00 | MADL Dalton Branch, 3175 5th St, Twin Lake, MI, 49457, United States
In this immersive escape room adventure, step into the world of A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat! Inspired by the daring journey of Pong and Nok, you’ll work in teams to solve puzzles, decipher clues, and unlock the secrets of the city of Chattana—all within one hour. Use your wits, courage, and teamwork to solve the clues before time runs out. Perfect for tweens and teens who love mysteries, challenges, and stories filled with light and justice. Registration required. This program is part of our Big Read Lakeshore Initiative, which is an annual fall community read and has been inspired by this year’s selected books: I Cheerfully Refuse, by Leif Enger; A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat; and Journey, by Aaron Becker. Visit the MADL website for registration information.

Fly High with Paper Hot Air Balloons
2025-11-04 15:30 - 16:30 | MADL Ravenna Branch, 12278 Stafford St, Ravenna, MI, 49451, United States
Let your imagination take off, making awesome paper hot air balloons! Using colorful paper, glue, and your creativity, design your very own balloon. Think about all the amazing places you and your balloon could go! Get ready for some high-flying fun! Missed or can’t make this day/time? Check other branch locations! Registration required. This program is part of our Big Read Lakeshore Initiative, an annual fall community read inspired by this year’s selected books: I Cheerfully Refuse, by Leif Enger; A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornva; and Journey, by Aaron Becker.

Vist the MADL website for registration information.

"StrikeTime Performances Fall 2025 Little Read: JOURNEY"
2025-11-05 14:30 - 15:30 | Herrick District Library North Branch, 155 Riley St, Holland, MI, 49424, United States
StrikeTime Dance Theatre presents “Journey.” Inspired by the wordless picture book by author Aaron Becker, the show will take you on an adventure all powered by a crayon and your imagination. It’s an invitation to experience joy, risk, wonder, and collaboration through dance, play, and creativity. Joinus as we move and imagine, inspiring your own adventure.

Journey Stone
2025-11-05 16:00 - 17:00 | MADL Montague Branch, 8778 Ferry St # 2, Montague, MI, 49437, United States
Like the girl in the book Journey, use your imagination! Create a rock “friend” who will be there for you throughout all your adventures. You’ll decorate, name, and start your Journey Stone off on your first experience together. Registration required. This program is part of our Big Read Lakeshore Initiative, an annual fall community read inspired by this year’s selected books: I Cheerfully Refuse, by Leif Enger; A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat; and Journey, by Aaron Becker.

Visit the MADL website for registration information.

Escape Room Adventure
2025-11-05 16:00 - 17:00 | MADL North Muskegon Branch, 1522 Ruddiman Dr, North Muskegon, MI, 49445, United States
In this immersive escape room adventure, step into the world of A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat! Inspired by the daring journey of Pong and Nok, you’ll work in teams to solve puzzles, decipher clues, and unlock the secrets of the city of Chattana—all within one hour. Use your wits, courage, and teamwork to solve the clues before time runs out. Perfect for tweens and teens who love mysteries, challenges, and stories filled with light and justice. Registration required.. This program is part of our Big Read Lakeshore Initiative, which is an annual fall community read and has been inspired by this year’s selected books: I Cheerfully Refuse, by Leif Enger; A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat; and Journey, by Aaron Becker. Visit the MADL website for registration information.

Tumbled Glass Suncatcher
2025-11-05 17:30 - 18:30 | MADL Dalton Branch, 3175 5th St, Twin Lake, MI, 49457, United States
Make a unique suncatcher out of tumbled Good Glass from Goodwill and CDs. A short presentation from Goodwill about their sustainable product will take place before instruction starts. Registration required. This program is part of our Big Read Lakeshore Initiative, which is an annual fall community read and has been inspired by this year’s selected books: I Cheerfully Refuse, by Leif Enger; A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat; and Journey, by Aaron Becker. Visit the MADL website for registration information.

I Cheerfully Refuse: Dystopian Deep Dive with MCC
2025-11-05 18:00 - 19:00 | MADL Norton Shores Branch, 705 Seminole Rd, Norton Shores, MI, 49441, United States
Please join us for a Muskegon Community College faculty-led, multi-disciplinary discussion on the 2025 Big Read Book, I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger. Faculty from various disciplines (Music, Literature, History, Philosophy, and Geography) will delve into book themes from their perspectives. This program is part of our Big Read Lakeshore Initiative, which is an annual fall community read and has been inspired by this year’s selected books: I Cheerfully Refuse, by Leif Enger; A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat; and Journey, by Aaron Becker. Visit the MADL website for registration information.

Author Visit: Isle Royale Stories with Vic Foerster
2025-11-05 18:00 - 19:00 | MADL North Muskegon Branch, 1522 Ruddiman Dr, North Muskegon, MI, 49445, United States
Vic Foerster, Michigan author of Naked in the Stream: Isle Royale Stories and Hidden in the Trees, An Isle Royale Sojourn, will reflect on his countless journeys to Isle Royale National Park on Lake Superior. For forty-five years, Vic Foerster has journeyed to Isle Royale National Park to hike and experience one of the world’s most wild and untouched islands. Hidden in the Trees is an account of a month-long stay, where he reflects upon the state of our lakes and their surrounding forests, and is told through his viewpoint as an arborist, comparing a mostly untouched land versus the “touched.” His stories will bring you up close and personal to what it feels like to cross the world’s largest lake, to reach a destination that people still seek today to find relief from a stress we often can’t describe – which according to Vic is to once again … feel, taste, hear, see and smell a land and water as it once was. During this discussion, Vic will not only share stories from his own book but will also explore connections to this year’s Big Read book, Leif Enger’s “I Cheerfully Refuse.” Discover how the real-world experiences of navigating Lake Superior, the enduring relationship between humanity and the environment, and the timeless themes of journey and resilience resonate across both Enger’s speculative future and Foerster’s vivid accounts of wilderness life. Sponsored by the Friends of the Walker Memorial Library. Registration required. This program is part of our Big Read Lakeshore Initiative, which is an annual fall community read and has been inspired by this year’s selected books: I Cheerfully Refuse, by Leif Enger; A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat; and Journey, by Aaron Becker. Visit the MADL website for registration information.

Mini Read Story Time 2025
2025-11-06 10:00 - 10:30 | Howard Miller Public Library, 14 S Church St, Zeeland, MI, 49464, United States
Join us for this free event for ages 3-6. Join Mrs. Russell as she reads the 2025 Mini-Read book “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”. There will also be fun and engaging activities to follow the story.
This event will take place in the Storytime Room at the Howard Miller Library.

Understanding Grief
2025-11-06 13:00 - 14:00 | MADL North Muskegon Branch, 1522 Ruddiman Dr, North Muskegon, MI, 49445, United States
Join Trinity Health at Home for a 10-week series exploring grief and healing. Participants will be guided through the text “Understanding Your Grief” by Dr. Alan Wolfelt. Registration required. Participants are expected to attend all sessions and must register before the series starts. This program is part of our Big Read Lakeshore Initiative, an annual fall community read inspired by this year’s selected books: I Cheerfully Refuse, by Leif Enger; A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat; and Journey, by Aaron Becker. Visit the MADL website for registration information.

Fly High with Paper Hot Air Balloons
2025-11-06 15:30 - 16:30 | MADL Norton Shores Branch, 705 Seminole Rd, Norton Shores, MI, 49441, United States
Let your imagination take off, making awesome paper hot air balloons! Using colorful paper, glue, and your creativity, design your very own balloon. Think about all the amazing places you and your balloon could go! Get ready for some high-flying fun! Missed or can’t make this day/time? Check other branch locations! Registration required. This program is part of our Big Read Lakeshore Initiative, an annual fall community read inspired by this year’s selected books: I Cheerfully Refuse, by Leif Enger; A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat; and Journey, by Aaron Becker.

Journey: Boat Adventure
2025-11-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Ransom District Library, 180 S Sherwood Ave, Plainwell, MI, 49080, United States
School-age children can have a special boat adventure! Ms. Erin will read the Little Read selection for this year, which is Journey by Aaron Becker. Draw a picture of an imaginary stop on a journey, then create a boat out of tin foil and test its seaworthiness in a tub of water. Children will be given a copy of the book to take home.

Fly High with Paper Hot Air Balloons
2025-11-06 17:00 - 18:00 | MADL Muskegon Township Branch, 910 E Apple Ave D, Muskegon, MI, 49442, United States
Let your imagination take off, making awesome paper hot air balloons! Using colorful paper, glue, and your creativity, design your very own balloon. Think about all the amazing places you and your balloon could go! Get ready for some high-flying fun! Missed or can’t make this day/time? Check other branch locations! Registration required. This program is part of our Big Read Lakeshore Initiative, an annual fall community read inspired by this year’s selected books: I Cheerfully Refuse, by Leif Enger; A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat; and Journey, by Aaron Becker.

Visit the MADL website for registration information.

Phelps Dining Hall Dinner Event
2025-11-06 17:00 - 19:30 | Phelps Dining Hall 264 Columbia Ave Holland, MI 49423
“Embark on a culinary journey inspired by Leif Enger’s Novel, I Cheerfully Refuse at Hope College’s Phelps Dining Hall on Thursday, November 6.
Join us for an evening that pays tribute to Rainy’s odyssey along the hauntingly beautiful shores of Lake Superior. Enjoy a menu as expansive as the Big Lake itself, featuring regional favorites like Smoked Whitefish, Poutine, Cudighi, Persian donuts, Nanaimo Bars, and much more. Come hungry for flavor, story, and a taste of the North.”
MENU:
Comfort Corner:

The Posterity Feast

Slow Braised Beef

Mashed Potatoes

Beef Gravy

Green Beans

Lark’s Cache Assorted Bread Rolls

Globe:

Ishpeming Cudighi Sandwiches

Roasted Peppers and Onions, Marinara, Mozzarella, House Made Pork Sausage, Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

Rainy’s Toasted Ravioli

Marinara Sauce

Dr. Girard’s Garden Vegetables

Butternut Squash, Corn, Carrots, Cherry Tomatoes, with Red Wine Vinegar)

Za’atar:

Canadian Poutine Bar

French Fries with Cheese Curds

Brown Gravy

Toppings: Sour Cream, Green Onions

The Zone station will also feature an assortment of the above menu.

Desserts:

Jack Labrino’s Last Scarlet Pie

Cherry Pie with Whipped Cream on the Side

Maudie’s Chocolate Brownies

Thunder Bay Persian Donut

Cinnamon Roll with Raspberry Frosting + Edible Flower

Duluth Style Nanaimo Bar with Maple Cream

Teen Night: Taste of Thailand
2025-11-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Georgetown Township Public Library, 1525 Baldwin St., Jenison, MI, 49428, United States
Join us to taste foods from the Thailand-inspired world of A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat. For those in 7th grade and up. Registration appreciated to plan for supplies.

Little Read Sing-Song Yoga
2025-11-07 09:30 - 10:30 | Georgetown Township Public Library, 1525 Baldwin St., Jenison, MI, 49428, United States
Join Deb Weiss-Gelmi for Sing Song Yoga and Literacy! Kids of all ages and their adults can join us for stories, songs and yoga. This special edition of Sing Song Yoga will integrate this year’s Mini Read selection: Row, Row, Row your Boat. Families, please bring yoga mats or beach towels for each person.

Big Read Book Chat
2025-11-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Van Wylen Library, 53 Graves Pl, Holland, MI, 49423, United States
Join us in the Granberg Room (second floor) for a casual book discussion of the NEA Big Read Lakeshore book, I Cheerfully Refuse, by Leif Enger. This one-hour conversation is open to everyone — students, faculty, staff, and community members. Bring your lunch if you’d like, and we’ll provide cookies and conversation. Together, we’re fostering a culture where reading matters! Hosted by Van Wylen Library.

Float Your Crafty Boat
2025-11-07 12:30 - 13:30 | MADL Dalton Branch, 3175 5th St, Twin Lake, MI, 49457, United States
Row, row, rowing your boat down the stream is easy and fun! Launch your imagination, creating a craft sailboat out of everyday materials. Sail away on your Journey! Missed or can’t make this day/time? Check other branch locations! Registration required. This program is part of our Big Read Lakeshore Initiative, an annual fall community read inspired by this year’s selected books: I Cheerfully Refuse, by Leif Enger; A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat; and Journey, by Aaron Becker.

Visit the MADL website for registration information.

"StrikeTime Performances Fall 2025 Little Read: JOURNEY"
2025-11-10 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-11-10 10:00 - 11:00 | MADL North Muskegon Branch, 1522 Ruddiman Dr, North Muskegon, MI, 49445, United States

Row Row Row Your Boat
2025-11-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Ransom District Library, 180 S Sherwood Ave, Plainwell, MI, 49080, United States
Preschool children can have a special boat adventure! Sing along as Ms. Erin reads the book Row, Row, Row Your Boat. Use a box for pretend play, experiment with things that sink or float, and make a paper boat for the bathtub. Children will be given a copy of the book to take home.

Mini Read Sing Song Yoga
2025-11-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Herrick District Library, 300 South River, Holland, MI, 49423, United States
Join Sing Song Yoga® founder Deb Weiss-Gelmi as she combines yoga, music, and literacy to introduce this year’s Mini Read selection, Row Row Row Your Boat by Annie Kubler. Deb’s programming for libraries not only engages children with Sing Song Yoga® but also makes books come alive by weaving yoga and song into stories. Copies of Row Row Row Your Boat will be given away to participants while supplies last.

Michigan-IO: Songs of the Lake and the Forest
2025-11-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Pillar Church, 57 E 10th St, Holland, MI, 49423, United States
There is a rich history of original folk songs from Michigan and the Great Lakes region, and Holland-based folk ensemble Michigan-IO has been carefully re-imagining many of these songs over the last several years. These songs tell the story of Michigan’s earliest days and the people who settled and lived there. These local songs are part of the broad and rich folk tradition that runs throughout our country and its diverse geography. And as we approach the 250th celebrations in 2026, the band will be offering a few more tunes from the earliest days and moments of these United States. All ages are welcome for this evening of music, story, and history.

NEA Big Read Lecture: Practical Sustainability with Local Author Dan Broersma
2025-11-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Howard Miller Public Library, 14 S Church St, Zeeland, MI, 49464, United States
This event is for adults, with no registration required. Did you know that sustainability offers far-reaching benefits for your home, workplace, and community, extending well beyond the environment? Just as I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger invites us to imagine a more hopeful and resilient way of living, local author Dan Broersma’s new book, Practical Sustainability, shows how everyday actions can help organizations and families thrive while caring for the world we share. Join us to hear Dan Broersma discuss his book and learn simple, practical steps you can take to build a more sustainable—and hopeful—future for yourself and your community.
This event is taking place in the Community Center Banquet Room at the Howard Miller Public Library.

Big Read Author Visit: Leif Enger
2025-11-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Winants Auditorium, Graves Hall, Hope College, 263 College Avenue, Holland, MI, 49423, United States
Join the Big Read team and author Leif Enger as we explore his novel I Cheerfully Refuse. Come prepared to hear all about his novel and his writing process. Bring open minds and lots of questions for Leif!

Float Your Crafty Boat
2025-11-12 15:30 - 16:30 | MADL North Muskegon Branch, 1522 Ruddiman Dr, North Muskegon, MI, 49445, United States
Row, row, rowing your boat down the stream is easy and fun! Launch your imagination, creating a craft sailboat out of everyday materials. Sail away on your Journey! Missed or can’t make this day/time? Check other branch locations! Registration required. This program is part of our Big Read Lakeshore Initiative, which is an annual fall community read and has been inspired by this year’s selected books: I Cheerfully Refuse, by Leif Enger; A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat; and Journey, by Aaron Becker. Visit the MADL website for registration information.

Lights & Legends
2025-11-12 15:30 - 16:30 | MADL Ravenna Branch, 12278 Stafford St, Ravenna, MI, 49451, United States
Create your own paper lantern, lotus flower tea light, and Gyotaku (Japanese fish painting) activity while enjoying tasty Thai-inspired snacks. Step into the glowing world of A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat. Middle Read Book selection! Inspired by the vibrant setting and themes of the book, like the magical lights that fill the sky in A Wish in the Dark! Registration required. This program is part of our Big Read Lakeshore Initiative, which is an annual fall community read and has been inspired by this year’s selected books: I Cheerfully Refuse, by Leif Enger; A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat; and Journey, by Aaron Becker. Visit the MADL website for registration information.

Lights & Legends
2025-11-12 16:00 - 17:00 | MADL Montague Branch, 8778 Ferry St # 2, Montague, MI, 49437, United States
