August Newsletter: Donations Needed for Library Pantry!
Check out what’s going on at the library in this month’s newsletter.
Spotlight: The Empathy and Equity Box!
Did you know we have a community pantry at the library? The Empathy and Equity (E2) Box, located outside the library’s front entrance, is available to “take what you need, leave what you can.” The E2 box is stocked with non-perishable food, personal care items, and small items of clothing. The inventory is running a bit low at the moment, so donations are very much welcome and needed! Drop off any donations in the collection bin inside the library, so we can sort and stock it as needed.
What items are acceptable for the E2 Box?
- Shelf stable beverages: instant coffee or tea, powdered or shelf stable milk, juice boxes, etc.
- Baking mixes: Waffle/pancake mix, muffin mix, bread mix, cookie mix, etc.
- Breakfast foods: instant oatmeal, Pop-Tarts, boxed cereal, syrup, etc.
- Snack foods: Nuts, granola bars, protein bars, applesauce, chips, crackers, etc.
- Dried or canned foods: beans, dried or canned fruits and vegetables, canned soup or dried soup mix, peanut butter, jelly, protein powder, etc.
- Personal care items: Toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash, lotions, shampoo/conditioners, disinfectant wipes, bandaids, period supplies, etc.
- Small items of clothes: socks, gloves, etc.
Note: Food donations cannot be expired. Expired foods will be thrown away.
How did this come to be?
In 2017 our teen librarian at the time, Jessica Lee-Cullin, won a grant to build it, and it was a team effort from there: C2AE, a Grand Rapids-based architecture, engineering, and infrastructure design firm, donated their time and talents to provide us with a design for the pantry; East Lansing's Department of Parks & Facilities delivered the parts; local engineers Ashley and Ryan Julien donated their skills and labor to construct the pantry; volunteers from MSU and East Lansing High School helped paint it; former library staff Jason Shoup and Emily Adams put on the finishing touches; and East Lansing's Department of Public Works completed the installation! These days, the pantry is stocked via generous donations from community members, local organizations, and library staff.
Please spread the word! If you know someone who would benefit from the E2 box, or if you know someone who has supplies to spare who could donate, please let them know! If you have questions about the Empathy & Equity box or have a large amount of items you would like to donate please reach out to library staff at 517-351-2420.
Featured: Upcoming Programs
Library programs are free and open to the public; you don’t even need a library card! Unless otherwise noted, no registration is required.
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- Explore the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden, and stop to listen to a children’s book as you come across each volunteer reader!
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- Earn your entry ticket as a prize for completing the summer reading program. Celebrate your accomplishment with a free book and other swag, a picture-perfect photo booth, games, crafts and sweet treats!
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- Explore a variety of vehicles up-close, including firetrucks, construction vehicles, police cars, and even a helicopter! We'll have a free hot dog cookout and tables with community resources. The first half hour (6-6:30pm) will be a sensory-friendly time, so visitors with noise sensitivities can enjoy the space before the vehicles start showing off their horns and sirens. The library and parking lot will close at 5 p.m. to prepare.
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- Join us for an introductory workshop about iNaturalist, a free app that allows everyone to collect observations of nature that can be shared with scientists around the world as it becomes part of a global network of research data. Weather permitting, we'll then head outside to survey the biodiversity around the Library in our own local BioBlitz!
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- Abrams Planetarium will be setting up their giant inflatable dome in the library’s large meeting room! There will be four showtimes. Since space is limited, please register for your session on our website!
Up and Coming Dates:
- The library will be closed Monday, September 2 for Labor Day. Labor Day weekend will mark the end of our Sunday summer closures.
Catch ELPL Next Month:
Be on the lookout for more excitement in September! ELPL will be sharing featured reading lists, book displays, and programs throughout the month. Some of the library programs will include:
- Library Card Sign-Up Month: giveaways, discounts at local businesses, and more!
- Banned Books Week
- Kids' Animation Club
- Page to Stage
- MSU Theatre Production: “Inherit the Wind”
- And more!
For more information, visit the library’s website or follow ELPL on social media!
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