Washtenaw County Historical Consortium's 250th Anniversary of Our Nation Exhibit Project

This exhibit will run from January 10 through July 10.

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, the Washtenaw County Historical Consortium will be displaying five seminal documents from our nation’s history. The series will explore the historical context, authors, text, and effects of each document, and show how each has affected American governance and law into the modern day.

America250MI’s generous funding is enabling us to provide this project to our communities. This initiative is a testament to America250MI’s commitment to fostering community engagement and promoting education.

Programs

All Programs require registration unless stated. For a complete list of programs and services, visit our website at ssldl.info or scan the QR code.

Youth and Teen

• Drop Everything and Read
Saturday, April 11, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Join us for an all-day read-in honoring Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) Day. This national event promotes reading and falls on the birthday of author Beverly Cleary. Our meeting room will be arranged with cozy seating and inviting nooks for individuals and families to enjoy a good book. Treat yourself to a sweet treat and a warm drink while you’re here. Drop-in, no registration required.

• Summer Leadership Program

Do you want to build leadership skills and give back to our community? Join our Summer Leadership Program! You’ll gain hands-on experience supporting the library’s Summer Reading Program while practicing teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills. Open to students in grades 7-12 in fall of 2026. Applications will be available beginning April 13.

Adult Programs

• The ABC’s of DNA and Genealogy: A Layman’s Approach
Thursday, March 19, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

What can DNA testing tell you? What tests should I take? What does it all mean? Professional genealogist Jessica Trotter will give you a beginner’s overview on tests, testing companies and how to use your results.

• Straw Bale Gardening

Tuesday, April 7, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Advanced Master Gardener and Certified Straw Bale Garden Instructor John Keast will teach you how to get started!

• An Evening of the Blues with Leonardo Gianola

Tuesday, April 21, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Join us for a story of the beginning of blues music, but told with a timeline narrative and songs.

• Craft Swap

Donation Drop off: Monday, April 13 – Saturday, April 18

Ticketed Shopping: Tuesday, April 21 (The library will supply all shopping bags and there will be a bag limit) Public Swap Shopping: Wednesday, April 22 – Saturday, April 25

• Gardening for the Birds: Strategies for Optimizing Habitat

Thursday, May 7, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Advanced Master Gardener Cheryl M. English will teach how you can help at-risk native songbirds through plant selection, garden design and maintenance protocols.

• Document Shredding Event

Saturday, May 16, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

SSLDL has partnered with American Data Security, Inc., to provide secure, environmentally friendly disposal of your private documents. No registration required. Limit of four (4) boxes per vehicle. Please note, this event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., but the event will end early if the truck is full.