‘Unusual’ treasures await discovery

By Megan Kelley
Staff Writer
ORION TWP. — Looking to have fun this summer without breaking the bank? Throw out any preconceived notions of what you’ve known a library to be and take time to check out some of the incredible, unusual collections featured at the Orion Township Public Library.
“You can spend a whole day here and have a number of experiences that aren’t necessarily the way you thought about a library.” said Community Relations Specialist for the OTPL Chene Koppitz.
“Going back to the vision that we want to be known for more than books – I think we need to get away from the idea that libraries are just for quiet reading or for someone who has a very small child and isn’t necessarily the library of the 21st century,” Koppitz said.
Of course, the library has a large collection of books, CDs, DVDs and video games that can all be checked out, but among the items available for check out are some more “unusual” items like cake pans, board games, quilts, memory kits and bikes.
“Maybe you’re not a reader but you’d really like to have something that you don’t know if you’re ever going to use again,” Koppitz said. “It’s a great way to see if this is something you’re going to enjoy at the investment of your time.”
As far as niche interests go, the library strives to meet people where they are and offer services that go beyond books.
Members are also able to use the library’s Makerspace equipment to work on creative projects like video, audio and photo projects, as well as cutting and engraving, 3D-printing and other miscellaneous craft projects.
“That’s a good ‘get your feet wet’ if you’re like, ‘What’s a glowforge?’ or ‘How do you use a circuit machine?’” Koppitz said. “And we have enough programming that will not only lead you to be able to use the machines and create something that you probably want to have. It’s also a great space to think about how libraries are changing.”
With summer in full swing, library guests can also enjoy the outdoor patio space out back to read, listen to music, work, play lawn games (which are also available for patrons to use) or just enjoy nature.
They could also check out a bike during daylight hours and take a ride down the Polly Ann Trail that runs directly behind the library. The library has two bicycles availbe.
For students taking summer classes, there are meeting and study rooms available, and library staff can also administer exams at no cost.
Computers are free to use and iPads can be checked out for seven days at a time. Printing, photocopying and faxing are also available for a small fee.
Additionally, the James Ingram Room offers an extensive amount of both Lake Orion and Michigan history.
Koppitz notes that people who haven’t been to the library in recent years would likely be impressed by the amount of services and programs that the library now has available to patrons.
“I think that folks would not only be amazed at what is offered inside, they’d be equally blown away by what is outside. From the bat houses, to the bee houses, to the sitting area, to walking or riding on the Polly Ann Trail, spending the whole day here and then taking home a board game, taking home a cake pan, taking home a box of movies and having that continuing experience and letting that feed you. And everything is free to you,” said Koppitz
Orion Twp. Public Library has also recently launched its new app which is free and available on both iOS and Android devices. Just search “Orion Township Public Library” in the app store to download. The app offers most of the services available on the website including the option to browse the catalog, view the event calendar, pay fines, download audio books, view other online resources and more.”
The Orion Township Library is located at 825 Joslyn Rd. and is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays throughout the summer.
“This is such an amazing place to not only expand your personal horizons but expand your community horizons,” Koppitz said.
For more information about library services, visit orionlibrary.org or download the mobil app.