NEA Big Read Lakeshore

Celebrate Michigan Indian Day
2025-09-25 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Camp Jijak (Hopkins), 2558 20th St, Hopkin, MI, 49328, United States

Shared Waters: Conversations about Muskegon’s lakes, rivers, and community
2025-09-27 - 2025-10-21 | Hackley Public Library, 316 W Webster Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Join us this fall for Community Conversations: Shared Waters, a three-part series exploring the past, present, and future of water in the Muskegon area. Through a panel discussion, a community bike ride, and an expert-led presentation, we’ll explore how our lakes and rivers have shaped Muskegon’s history, their ongoing impact on daily life, and what it will take to protect them for future generations. Presented in partnership with Hackley Public Library, White Lake Community Library, Muskegon Area District Library, and WGVU.
Pedal for Progress: Muskegon Lake’s Comeback Ride
Saturday, September 27 @ 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Muskegon Area District Library

Lead the Way to Safe Water
Tuesday, October 21 @ 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Hackley Public Library

Fly High with Paper Hot Air Balloons
2025-10-01 13:00 - 14:00 | MADL Muskegon Heights Branch, 2808 Sanford St, Muskegon Heights, MI, 49444, 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.

Thai Beats & Bites
2025-10-01 17:30 - 18:30 | MADL Egelston Branch, 5428 E Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49442, United States
Create a musical instrument while exploring the sounds and flavors inspired by Thailand. Try traditional Thai treats—both sweet and savory—then build your own simple musical instruments. Discover how music, food, and culture bring stories like A Wish in the Dark to life in new and exciting ways! 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.

Recycle Crafts: Tumbled Glass Suncatcher
2025-10-01 17:30 - 18:30 | Library for the Visually and Physically Disabled, 4845 Airline Rd. , Suite 5, Muskegon, MI, 49444, United States
Join Sax for a fun craft made with recycled materials! This month, 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.

Lights & Legends
2025-10-01 18:00 - 19:00 | MADL Dalton Branch, 3175 5th St, Twin Lake, MI, 49457, 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.

Community Reading Hour: The Big Read Edition
2025-10-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Hope College Pine Grove, 141 E 12th St, Holland, MI, 49423, United States
Take a break from the hustle and join the Hope College library for a peaceful hour of silent reading in the Pine Grove. There will be snacks and drinks, a raffle for free copies of the 2025 Big Read book “I Cheerfully Refuse” by Leif Enger, and past Big Read books available to check out (with Hope ID). Bring your own blanket or chair, plus a good book, and come, slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy reading together as a community.

Location: Hope College, Pine Grove, behind Graves Hall (Rain backup: Bultman Student Center Fireplace Room, lower level)

Understanding Grief
2025-10-02 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, 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
2025-10-02 17:00 - 18:00 | MADL Muskegon Township Branch, 910 E Apple Ave D, Muskegon, MI, 49442, United States

Adventure Nature Journal
2025-10-03 15:00 - 16:00 | MADL Dalton Branch, 3175 5th St, Twin Lake, MI, 49457, United States
Get ready for an awesome adventure with our Adventure Nature Journal! Start your Journey by creating your own nature-inspired journals. You can decorate them and fill them with all your cool experiences noticing and being in nature. 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 MADL website for reistration information.

Adventure Journey with PJ Hoffmaster State Park
2025-10-03 16:00 - 17:00 | PJ Hoffmaster State Park, 6585 Lake Harbor Rd, Norton Shores, Michigan, 49441, United States
Journey with the folks from P.J. Hoffmaster State Park as they show you how to connect with nature, use your imagination, and learn about different plants, animals, and amazing things you’ll find outside. Using your creativity, you’ll decorate an outdoors-inspired journal that you can fill with your discoveries.
*NOTE: this program takes place at the PJ Hoffmaster State Park Visitor Center.

Big Read Kick-Off: Stories, Science & the Lake
2025-10-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Mart Dock, 560 Mart St # 1, Muskegon, MI, 29440, United States
Celebrate the power of stories, science, and community. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Muskegon at the Mart Dock shipping yard, this free, family-friendly event brings I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger—and other Big Read selections—to life through hands-on exploration and creativity. Inspired by the Great Lakes setting of Enger’s novel, the afternoon will feature: Science cruises aboard the W.G. Jackson research vessel, Tours of the historic LST 393 WWII shipLive performances and crafts on the LST’s top deckA bounce house and lake-themed crafts for kidsInteractive booths from local nonprofits focused on water, conservation, and communityA celebration of the recent delisting of Muskegon Lake as an “Area of Concern”—a major environmental milestone decades in the making Come connect with the stories that shape us and the waters that surround us. Let’s launch this year’s Big Read with curiosity, creativity, and community pride! 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 Soontornva; and Journey, by Aaron Becker.

Big Read Kick-Off: Stories, Science & the Lake
2025-10-04 12:00 - 16:00 | Mart Dock, 560 Mart St # 1, Muskegon, MI, 29440, United States
Celebrate the power of stories, science, and community. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Muskegon at the Mart Dock shipping yard, this free, family-friendly event brings I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger—and other Big Read selections—to life through hands-on exploration and creativity.
Inspired by the Great Lakes setting of Enger’s novel, the afternoon will feature:
-Science cruises aboard the W.G. Jackson research vessel
-Tours of the historic LST 393 WWII ship
-Live performances and crafts on the LST’s top deck
-A bounce house and lake-themed crafts for kids
-Interactive booths from local nonprofits focused on water, conservation, and community
-Food Trucks
-A celebration of the recent delisting of Muskegon Lake as an “Area of Concern”—a major environmental milestone decades in the making
Come connect with the stories that shape us and the waters that surround us. Let’s launch this year’s Big Read with curiosity, creativity, and community pride!

Family Storytime
2025-10-06 09:30 - 10:30 | MADL Egelston Branch, 5428 E Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49442, United States
Enjoy reading, singing, talking, and playing featuring stories, rhymes, music, and movement to entertain and educate your children. For children ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers.

Family Storytime
2025-10-06 11:00 - 12:00 | MADL Ravenna Branch, 12278 Stafford St, Ravenna, MI, 49451, United States

Thai Beats & Bites
2025-10-06 16:00 - 17:00 | MADL Holton Branch, 8776 Holton-Duck Lake Rd, Holton, MI, 49425, United States

Toddler Storytime
2025-10-07 09:30 - 10:30 | MADL Montague Branch, 8778 Ferry St # 2, Montague, MI, 49437, United States
Storytime for 2 and 3-year-old toddlers and their caregivers. Includes books, fingerplays, music, movement, and other activities.

Family Storytime
2025-10-07 09:30 - 10:30 | MADL Dalton Branch, 3175 5th St, Twin Lake, MI, 49457, United States

Toddler Storytime
2025-10-07 11:30 - 12:30 | MADL Norton Shores Branch, 705 Seminole Rd, Norton Shores, MI, 49441, United States

Thai Beats & Bites
2025-10-07 15:00 - 16:00 | MADL Dalton Branch, 3175 5th St, Twin Lake, MI, 49457, United States

Memory Jars
2025-10-07 15:30 - 16:30 | MADL Ravenna Branch, 12278 Stafford St, Ravenna, MI, 49451, United States
Join staff to make a sea glass-inspired memory jar! Use it to store your written memories, mementos, or small items that represent significant moments or people. Inspired by the 2025 Big Read Lakeshore novel, I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger, a dystopian novel set on Lake Superior, exploring themes of grief, loss, hope, connection, and resilience. 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.

Memory Jars
2025-10-07 17:30 - 18:30 | MADL Holton Branch, 8776 Holton-Duck Lake Rd, Holton, MI, 49425, United States
Join staff to make a sea glass-inspired memory jar! Use it to store your written memories, mementos, or small items that represent significant moments or people. Inspired by the 2025 Big Read Lakeshore novel “I Cheerfully Refuse” by Leif Enger, a dystopian novel set on Lake Superior, exploring themes of grief, loss, hope, connection, and resilience. 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.

Family Storytime
2025-10-08 11:00 - 12:00 | MADL Holton Branch, 8776 Holton-Duck Lake Rd, Holton, MI, 49425, United States
Enjoy reading, singing, talking, and playing, featuring stories, rhymes, music, and movement to entertain and educate your children. For children ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers.

Baby Storytime
2025-10-08 11:30 - 12:30 | MADL Norton Shores Branch, 705 Seminole Rd, Norton Shores, MI, 49441, United States
This is for babies up to 18 months old. We’ll sing songs, read a story, and play together. You can meet other families, and your baby will learn to listen and say their first words. Grown-ups, bring your little one for some special time!

Thai Beats & Bites
2025-10-08 14:00 - 15:00 | MADL Muskegon Heights Branch, 2808 Sanford St, Muskegon Heights, MI, 49444, United States

Adventure Nature Journey
2025-10-08 15:30 - 16:30 | MADL Montague Branch, 8778 Ferry St # 2, Montague, MI, 49437, United States
Journey with the folks from P.J. Hoffmaster State Park as they show you how to connect with nature, use your imagination, and learn about different plants, animals, and amazing things you’ll find outside. Using your creativity, you’ll decorate an outdoors-inspired journal that you can fill with your discoveries. 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.

The Durian: King of Fruits
2025-10-08 15:30 - 16:30 | MADL Egelston Branch, 5428 E Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49442, United States
The durian is a unique and fascinating fruit that divides opinion due to its strong smell, but is celebrated for its delicious taste and rich nutritional value by its many fans. Come to the library and learn about this fascinating fruit with tasting candies and cakes, creating a durian craft, and take home a fun gift. 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.

Lights & Legends
2025-10-08 16:00 - 17:00 | MADL North Muskegon Branch, 1522 Ruddiman Dr, North Muskegon, MI, 49445, United States

Shaping the Landscape: West Michigan's Environmental History
2025-10-08 17:30 - 18:30 | MADL Dalton Branch, 3175 5th St, Twin Lake, MI, 49457, United States
Join the Lakeshore Museum Center for a talk about the environmental past, present, and future of West Michigan. We’ll highlight the different industries that have impacted the environment and how the community has been working to clean and restore our natural environment.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.
