ALPENA — Residents looking for free activities this month will find a full schedule at the Alpena County Library, with events planned for children, teens, adults and families. The lineup includes live music, educational presentations, creative workshops, clubs and recurring programs.
The schedule begins with Michigan singer-songwriter Troy Graham, who will perform Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Stillion Conference Room. Graham, a native of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, performs with vocals, guitar and harmonica. The library’s announcement says his career has lasted more than two decades and includes a dozen albums released as a solo artist and with various bands. His musical influences include folk, bluegrass, Americana, indie rock, alternative music and heavy metal.
September programs for adults and families
On Sept. 9, the library will host “Spotting Health Misinformation Online” from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Stillion Conference Room. The program is described as an informative session for people navigating health information on the internet.
“Michigan Sunken Secrets” is scheduled for Sept. 18 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Author and shipwreck hunter Ross Richardson will discuss Michigan’s maritime mysteries, including his discoveries of long-lost vessels and aircraft. The program will cover the “Golden Age of Shipwreck Hunting” and technologies such as side-scan sonar and underwater robotics, which are changing how researchers study the Great Lakes lakebed.
Adults and older youth can also use the library’s collaborative MakerLab, open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The space is intended for youth, teens and adults to play, tinker, discover and create.
On Sept. 24, the library will offer a free Laser Tag program from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Stillion Conference Room. Registration is required, attendance is limited to 16 players, and the program is open to teens and tweens ages 9 to 17. Participants will play multiple short team games.
Additional scheduled presentations include “Tales from Beyond,” set for Oct. 1 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Stillion Conference Room, and “Estate Planning Horror Stories,” planned for Oct. 7 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The latter program will feature local estate planning attorney Ben Harpe of Harris Law, P.C., discussing common planning pitfalls through real-life anecdotes and examples.
Youth clubs and recurring activities
The library’s youth calendar includes a Pokémon Club for ages 8 to 18. It meets Sept. 14 and Sept. 28 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the upstairs youth department. Participants can learn the game, battle, trade cards, make crafts and watch Pokémon. Registration is not required, and drop-ins are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own cards, although the library will have cards available for those who need them.
Beyond Differences, a friendship club focused on kindness, inclusion and acceptance, will meet Sept. 11 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Stillion Conference Room. It is open to ages 12 to 21.
The Lego Club is scheduled for Sept. 21 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the youth area for builders ages 6 to 13. Children may take part in building challenges, work with others or build freely. The library will provide bricks and base plates, and completed creations will remain on display until the next meeting.
Hands On Science will be held Sept. 26 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the youth area. The program will include investigations involving rocks, UV-reactive crafts, lasers and mirrors, slime and chemical reactions.
A D & D One Shot is also available for ages 12 to 18, with six spots listed as available. Registration information is provided through the library’s event page at alpenalibrary.org.
Weekly programs for young children
Early Connections offers free play and socialization for children ages 0 to 1 and their caregivers on Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Judith Stillion Conference Room. No registration is required.
Tinker Tuesday runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the MakerSpace off the Stillion Conference Room. The free program is open to participants ages 5 and older and may include projects using Makey Makey, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, 3D printing, Strawbees, littleBits, Snap Circuits and sewing.
Puppet Show Storytime takes place Tuesdays from 4 to 4:30 p.m. in the upstairs youth department. Weekly Storytime is held Thursdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. in the upstairs youth area and includes stories, music, crafts and snacks. The Thursday program is hosted by Ms. Lydia and welcomes children ages 0 to 5 with a parent or caregiver.
Program times, registration requirements and available spaces vary by event. Residents can check the library’s event page for registration details for programs that require advance sign-up.