The Plymouth District Library is no longer waiting for residents to walk through its doors. It's rolling crafts, games, books and frozen treats directly into neighborhood subdivisions.
The library's "Popsicles in the Park" outreach program, launched in summer 2025, expanded for summer 2026 after residents asked for it. Community Relations Specialist Heather Pacheco put a call out in the library's print newsletter inviting subdivisions to host the program. Three neighborhoods responded.
"This year, we did things a little differently," Pacheco said in a July 29 library blog post. "We put a call out in the newsletter to see if anyone wanted to invite the program to their subdivision."
The first subdivision event, held in June, drew 90 residents. That's a 20 percent jump from the 2025 average of 75 attendees per event, when the library held the program at two City of Plymouth parks and two Plymouth Township parks.
Each stop brings the same lineup: crafts for kids, tabletop and lawn games, a reading tent stocked with books, and popsicles handed out by staff member Patty. The goal is reaching community members who may not be regular library visitors and giving neighbors a reason to meet each other outside. Pacheco wrote in the post that she hopes the program helps neighbors get acquainted or reconnect over popsicles and family activities.
Parks still have one practical edge over subdivision sites: built-in gazebos and tents that provide shelter if weather turns. Subdivision locations lack that infrastructure. Pacheco said she plans to offer the program at both parks and subdivisions in 2027 to give residents the best of both options.
Two more subdivision events remain on the 2026 schedule, though specific dates have not been announced. Residents can check the library's online events calendar at plymouth.librarycalendar.com for updates.
Upcoming library community events
- August: Book swap with Foregrounds Coffee (date to be announced)
- Friday, September 18: Astronomy at Golfview Park, 8–10:30 p.m., Beck and Powell Roads, Plymouth Township. Free, all ages. Registration is required; the event is currently full. Check the library calendar for waitlist availability.
- September: PDL at Fall Fest (date to be announced)
- October: Downtown Day and PumpkinPalooza
