News and Information
Adult Summer Reading 2026
Adult Summer Reading 2026Why let kids have all the fun? This summer, "Unearth a Story" for the chance to win prizes!Participating branches:Bedford Branch Library Summer Reading for Adults | June 22, 2026 - August 31, 2026 Calling all adult book lovers! Read for any length of time for at least 3 days of the week and you could be a winner! Turn in your weekly reading tracker and be entered to win free books and Kroger gift cards. Pick up an entry card at the Bedford Branch 8575 Jackman | Temperance MI | (734) 847-6747 Don’t forget...
Teen Summer Reading 2026
Teen Summer Reading 2026Unearth a Story Running June 15, 2026 - August 31, 2026!How it Works:Grab an entry slip Read three books or six graphic novels to fill out an entry slip Download an entry slip or pick one up at any branch of the Monroe County Library System starting June 15, 2026 Once your slip is complete, redeem it at a branch to receive a scratch off prize ticket Receive a scratch off prize ticket! Every entry slip you turn in will give you a scratch off prize ticket! Scratch a space to reveal exciting prizes.
L.S. Navarre Branch Reopening
L.S. Navarre Branch ReopeningSame Location, Newly Renovated Space The Monroe County Library System is delighted to announce the reopening of the newly renovated L.S. Navarre Branch at its former location. Through vision and dedication, the City of Monroe's efforts to create a community campus has brought the Opportunity Center, the L.S. Navarre Branch Library, and the Learning Bank together under one roof. The new building includes a community living room, youth activity areas, media and creative spaces, community incubation areas,...
National Poetry Month Contest Winners 2026
National Poetry Month Contest Winners 2026Congratulations to this year's winners of the Monroe County Library System's National Poetry month poetry contest!Adult Category The Camel that Broke the Straw's Back By Gerald Rice The world is upside downAnd I absolutely love Being trapped between the edgesMy tongue right-sided with wrong words, Stretched across the narrow spaceWhere you used to love me, Held by a thingWith no arms, That stares outThrough empty sockets With the driest kissesThat ever told me goodbye Dream sweetlyWhile I...
Ellis Youth Maker’s Mart 2026
Ellis Youth Maker's Mart 2026Call for Artists and Crafters! Looking for young artists and crafters (Kindergarten - Grade 12) to sell their handmade creations at the Ellis Youth Maker's Mart.Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Ellis Library & Reference Center | 3700 South Custer Road | Monroe, MI | 734-241-5277Participation Guidelines: Applicants must be students (Kindergarten-Grade 12). Artists and crafters under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Applicants must send the following information to...
L.S. Navarre Branch Building Progress
L.S. Navarre Branch Building ProgressExciting Progress on the Library Renovation Thanks to the City’s diligent efforts to enhance Monroe, a new community campus will soon open in the Orchard East neighborhood. As part of this vision, the newly renovated L.S. Navarre Branch Library will be reopening at its former location. About the L.S. Navarre Branch Relocation: When will the library close at its temporary address? Starting Friday, May 8, 2026, the temporary branch site will close in order to pack and prepare to move to its new...
National Poetry Month Contest 2026
National Poetry Month Contest 2026The Monroe County Library System is celebrating National Poetry month with a poetry contest! Submit an original poem by turning it in at your local branch, or via email to [email protected]. Please make sure you have your name, age, and contact information on the page with the poem.Submissions Accepted April 1 - April 30, 2026Guidelines: Poems may be rhyming or non-rhyming Poems must be no longer than one typed page Include your name, phone number, age, and email on the entry Submit...
Black History Month at the Navarre Branch Library
From the Reference Desk November 2026: Black History Month at the Navarre Branch Library
This year, Black History Month celebrates its centennial anniversary. Established by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926, the celebration was originally recognized as Black History Week. Dr. Woodson served as director of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) and through his work there, created the long-standing tradition to recognize and celebrate Black history.
Honoring the Legacy of Melvin “Mel” Davis
From the Reference Desk November 2025: Honoring the Legacy of Melvin “Mel” Davis
Melvin “Mel” Davis left a tangible legacy in his wake filled with public service and a steadfast drive to make a difference. This month, From the Reference Desk would like to highlight the life and accomplishments of Monroe official and resident, Melvin Odell Davis.
Writers on the River – Call for Authors 2025
Writers on the River 2025 - Call for Authors The Monroe County Library System is seeking authors to participate in its annual Writers on the River event. On the first Sunday of November, the Ellis Library & Reference Center hosts Writers on the River, a celebration of writers, readers, and books. This unique event, held in the Ellis riverside expansion, gives attendees the opportunity to speak to local and regional authors and purchase personalized copies of their works.Frequently Asked Questions What is Writers on the River?...
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