The Pageturner: May 2026 Newsletter
There is a lot happening at Swanton Public Library this May, including adult programs, youth activities, teen clubs, book discussions, summer reading updates, and more.
Summer Reading Starts June 1
Summer Reading at Swanton Public Library begins Monday, June 1, 2026.
This year’s theme is “Unearth a Story,” celebrating stories found underground, from dinosaurs and cave art to gemstones and more.
SPL’s Summer Reading Program kicks off with an Ice Cream Party on Monday, June 1. Stop by anytime between noon and 2:00 PM to join the fun.
Preschoolers, kids, and teens are challenged to read 500 minutes during the summer for fun and prizes. More details will be shared in the June newsletter and on the library website.
Adult Programs in May
Intro to Tai Chi
Join Mark Butler, a certified instructor for Tai Chi and Qi Gong, to learn the basics of Tai Chi on Saturday, May 23, from 10:00 AM to noon.
Mark will cover health benefits, breathing and movement, forms, and how to create your own Tai Chi practice.
Please dress comfortably, bring drinking water, and wear sturdy, flexible footwear. No sandals or flip flops.
This program is free. To register, call the library or visit the website.
Art and Craft Supply Swap
Looking for new-to-you craft supplies? Stop by SPL’s Art and Craft Supply Swap on Friday, May 1, or Saturday, May 2.
Crafters around town have been dropping off extra supplies throughout April, and now it is time for the free take-what-you’d-like swap. Stop in to see what is available and take home anything you can use.
Diamond Art: Flower Power
Diamond Art is back.
Join us on Thursday, May 21, to create diamond art flowers and magnets, enjoy sweet treats, and listen to music.
Sessions are available at:
2:00 PM
6:00 PM
Participants may attend one or both sessions. Please register on the library website or call 419-826-2760.
Library Bingo Night
Grab your friends and join us for Library Bingo Night on Thursday, May 7, at 6:00 PM.
Prizes and light refreshments will be included. No registration is required. Just show up ready for a good time.
Cardmaking: Guy Greetings
Instructor Anna Geis will guide participants in making cards honoring the men in your life on Thursday, May 21, at 5:30 PM.
The class fee is $8 per person for three cards, and all supplies are provided.
Please call, stop in, or register on the website by Wednesday, May 20.
Color Me Calm
Adults are invited to color your stress away while listening to music and enjoying coffee or tea on Tuesday, May 12, at 1:30 PM.
All supplies are provided.
Storytimes and Youth Programs
May Storytimes
Storytime for preschoolers is held on Tuesdays at 10:45 AM.
Each storytime includes books, crafts, fingerplays, and more. Children age 2 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.
May storytime themes include:
Tuesday, May 5: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Tuesday, May 12: Soon-to-be Summer Fun
Storytime resumes on Tuesday, June 2 with summer reading fun. This summer’s theme will explore underground stories and activities, including a special Bluey storytime in July.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Congratulations to Baylor, who read her first 100 books, and Levi, who reached 500 books.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a nationwide challenge that encourages parents and caregivers to read aloud to their children. Families read in 100-book segments, with prizes and photographs along the way.
Visit the library website or 1000booksbeforekindergarten.org to learn more.
Pokémon Club
Are you a Pokémon fan? Whether you like the games, the show, the cards, Pokémon Go, or all of it, SPL’s Pokémon Club is for you.
Join the club on Saturday, May 2, at 11:00 AM to make your own Pokémon card.
STEAM Club Events
Join us Fridays at 4:15 PM for fun with community partners, science, creativity, and hands-on activities. STEAM Club is for students in grades K through 12.
May STEAM Club schedule:
Friday, May 1: STEAM Kits
Friday, May 8: Clay Creation
Friday, May 15: Build It!
Friday, May 22: Objects in Motion
Friday, May 29: DNA Necklaces
Teen Programs
BOLT: Board of Library Teens
Interested in joining BOLT? The next meeting is at a new time this month.
Join BOLT on Tuesday, May 5, at 4:00 PM.
Pick up an application at the library and bring it to the meeting. Members help with book selection, party planning, and more. Snacks are included. BOLT is for students in grades 5 through 12.
Club Club Afterschool for Teens
Club Club Afterschool for Teens meets every day after school from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM through Friday, May 22.
Teens can enjoy snacks, crafts, homework time, or just hang out together.
Prism Club
Prism Club meets on Tuesday, May 12, and Tuesday, May 26, at 3:30 PM.
Participants are encouraged to bring questions, an open mind, and be ready to play games and talk about favorite pride reads.
Retro Anime Club
Join us on Wednesday, May 27, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM to watch episodes of older, but great, anime chosen by attendees.
Japanese snacks will be included.
Storytime Kits and Virtual Book Clubs
Storytime Kits
Grab one of SPL’s do-it-at-home storytime kits.
Each kit includes shapes, magnets, rhymes, web links, an instrument, stickers, activity pages, a craft, and a free copy of the book. Supplies are limited.
This month’s kit features Apple Banana Cherry by Joy Cowley.
Youth Virtual Book Clubs
SPL offers do-it-at-home book clubs for all ages. Read the book, then do as much or as little of the added activities as you would like. No matter how much you complete, the book is yours to keep.
Each book includes links to explore, a review form, questions, and activities tied to the story.
May book selections include:
Grades K through 3: The Little Red Hen by Lucinda McQueen
Grades 3 through 5: Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
Grades 5 through 8: Chasing Space: Young Readers Edition by Leland Melvin
Grades 9 through 12: The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Supplies are limited, so stop by soon.
Adult Book Clubs
Gretchen’s Book Club
Gretchen’s Book Club meets on Thursday, May 14, at 5:30 PM to discuss The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah.
Book Discussion Club
Book Discussion Club meets on Monday, May 18, at 6:00 PM to discuss The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb.
Copies of both books are available at the front desk.
Ongoing Opportunities
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga meets Mondays at 4:30 PM.
Physical therapist Dawn Seigneur leads the class. Cost is $5 per person.
Dungeons & Dragons Club
Dungeons & Dragons Club meets on Tuesday, May 5, May 12, and May 19, at 4:30 PM.
Bring a fifth edition third-level character sheet if possible. New players should register on the library website calendar.
D&D Workshop
The D&D Workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 26, at 4:30 PM.
Participants can work on character creation, miniature painting, and more.
Mahjong Mania
Mahjong Mania meets:
Tuesdays at 2:00 PM
Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
Join players from the Senior Center for this fun game. Beginners are invited to register for an introductory class on Tuesday, May 5, at 1:00 PM.
Seam Rippers Sewing Club
Seam Rippers Sewing Club meets on Thursday, May 28, from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Bring your current sewing project. Packed lunches are welcome.
Fiber Arts Fiends
Fiber Arts Fiends meets on Wednesday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 27, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Fiber artists of all levels are invited to join.
ChessNuts
ChessNuts meets Wednesdays at 5:00 PM.
Adults of all skill levels are welcome to play.
Writers’ Group
Writers’ Group meets on Thursday, May 14, and Thursday, May 28, at 6:00 PM.
This group is for writers at every stage to gather, create, and connect. All genres, styles, and levels of experience are welcome.
Swanton Historical Society
The Swanton Historical Society meets Fridays at 10:00 AM.
Anyone who would like to volunteer, join, ask questions, or simply chat is welcome.
Board Report
At the Monday, April 20 Swanton Public Library Board of Trustees meeting:
Trustees formed a committee to review personnel procedures.
Trustees agreed to retain a lawyer for assistance with the upcoming levy renewal.
A strategic planning survey will be mailed soon to help the library better serve the community’s needs.
The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Monday, May 18, at 6:30 PM. The public is welcome to attend.
The Board of Trustees acknowledges the following gift with gratitude:
A memorial for Norene Patterson from Gretchen Gore
Swanton Public Library Board of Trustees
Tom Zimmerman, President
Heather Wegener, Secretary
Joey Braden
Brooke Chinni
Mona Dyke
Colin McQuade
Kevin Young
Marian Veld, Director
Kelly Truckor, Fiscal Officer
Easter Egg Hunt Thank You
The Easter Egg Hunt was a hit. Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible, including:
FOSPL for donating prizes and candy
SPL patrons for donating candy
Alpha Lambda for making the candy bags
LifeWise Academy, NOCAC, and Help Me Grow for providing activities and giveaways
NHS and SHS student volunteers for hiding eggs, setting up, cleaning, and helping throughout the event
Hot Dogs 2 Go food truck
Library Hours and Holiday Closing
Swanton Public Library hours:
Mondays and Tuesdays: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Fridays: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Saturdays: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sundays: Closed
The library will be closed Monday, May 25.
Share Your Program Ideas
SPL is working on programming for 2026 and would love to hear from you.
What types of adult programs would you like to see at Swanton Public Library? Call, stop by, or contact the library online to share your ideas.
Thank You to FOSPL
The Pageturner is sponsored and funded by the Friends of the Swanton Public Library.
Visit facebook.com/FOSPL for more information.
Comments