Teen Discord Hangout

The Jackson District Library now has a teen Discord Server for Jackson County teens ages 13-18.
This is a space for teens to meet new friends and connect on topics like anime, art, books, gaming, and graphic novels with access to library resources on mental health, self-care and more.
Hangouts will take place Thursdays from 3-7 PM and teens can drop in at any point and stay as long as they like. We’ll also have bonus programs announced on Discord.
All you need to join is a JDL library card and a Discord account. To learn more and register, click here.

Community Listening Circle

Join Southeastern Dispute Resolution Services in a Community Listening Circle. A listening circle, is an formal and facilitated space to share thoughts around a specific topic or theme. As a participant, you will be coming together with people you may or may not know to share your experiences and perspectives. During the listening circle you have the responsibility to listen and an opportunity to be listened to.

This event will take place on Zoom and registration is required. Register here.

The goal of this listening circle is to create space for shared emotional connection on the topic of isolation.

 

In order to prepare for this experience, we want to give some structure to the event and ask you to reflect on the following questions:

– Am I prepared to listen deeply to those I may not agree with?

– Am I prepared to share my experience and perspective even if others disagree with me?

– Am I prepared to sit in discomfort?

– Do I have an apprehension about attending and if so can I share it with someone?

– Will I be able to address the apprehension and still participate?

– Do I have support if I am unable to continue with the process?

 

Resources:

What is a Listening Circle?

The Power of Listening Circles

 

17th Annual Young Poets Awards Ceremonies

Join us to celebrate this year’s Young Poets winners! This year, there will be three virtual ceremonies, each featuring a specific age group:

Grades K-5 Ceremony: April 20, 6 PM (Watch here)

Featuring: Kenn Nesbitt, Award-winning poet and US Children’s Poet Laureate (2013-2015)

 

Grades 6-8 Ceremony: April 21, 6 PM (Watch here)

Featuring: Madison Ganzak, Roosevelt High School (Wyandotte, MI), 2021 Michigan Poetry Out Loud State Champion

 

Grades 9-12 Ceremony: April 22, 6 PM

Featuring: Nikki Giovanni, Award-winning poet, NAACP Image Awardee and University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech.

 

You can watch these events on our Facebook page and YouTube channel. Each ceremony will premiere on the date and time listed above, and will also be available for later viewing if you are unable to attend.

JDL Board of Trustees Meeting

The Jackson District Library Board of Trustees will hold its Annual & Regular meeting at 6 PM Thursday, Jan. 28, virtually through Microsoft Teams. The public can attend the meeting by clicking here.
If you wish to speak during public comment please fill out the form here and you will be given instructions on how to participate during this time. Forms must be received by 5 PM Jan. 28.

Virtual Art Gallery

All ages are invited to submit an original piece of art for our virtual art gallery!

Submissions are accepted beginning January 1, and the gallery will be available for viewing beginning February 22. To learn more and submit your work, click here.

Author Discussion with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha

Join us for a live discussion with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, author of What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City.

This event will be livestreamed on Zoom as well as JDL’s Facebook page. Registration is not required, however it will allow you to submit questions for Dr. Mona beforehand. To register, click here.

 

This program is part of the Great Michigan Read. The 2019–20 Great Michigan Read is presented by Michigan Humanities and supported by national, statewide, and local partners, including the National Endowment for the Humanities and The Meijer Foundation.

Community Panel Book Discussion

Tune in for a live panel as community members discuss how the themes in What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City connect to local and statewide challenges.

This program will be livestreamed on Zoom as well as JDL’s Facebook page. Registration is not required, however it will allow you to submit questions for the panelists beforehand. To register, click here.

 

This program is a part of the Great Michigan Read. The 2019–20 Great Michigan Read is presented by Michigan Humanities and supported by national, statewide, and local partners, including the National Endowment for the Humanities and The Meijer Foundation.

Property Tax Foreclosure Forum

Information and resources for those facing property tax foreclosure.
Topics will include a detailed explanation of the property tax foreclosure process and a description of resources available in our community. Information provided for homeowners and renters.

Participating Organizations include:
Jackson County Treasurer Karen Coffman
Legal Services of South Central Michigan
Community Action Agency
Jackson Housing Commission
Southeastern Dispute Resolution Services

Intended for Adults and Property Owners.

Michigan Special Education Mediation Workshop

Join Michigan Legal Help and local experts to discuss and ask questions about special education and what the law says is required to provide.

Intended for Parents and Caregivers. For more information, please call the Meijer Branch at (517) 788-4480.

JXN Community Forum: November Ballot Candidate Forum

Come to the Carnegie Branch for a chance meet the candidates for the November ballot.

Join the Jackson District Library and the League of Women Voters for the Candidate Forum for the midterm elections. Get your chance to meet and question candidates on the November ballot in Jackson County including U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, Michigan Senate and Michigan House of Representatives in the 64th and 65th Districts, and Jackson County Commissioners.

The JXN Community Forums are free and open programs to facilitate dialogue about challenging issues of our day. The forums are co-sponsored by the League of  Women Voters and the Jackson District Library.

For additional information about this event, please contact the Jackson District Library via email at reference@myjdl.com or by phone at (517) 788-4087.