Ross Richardson, author and treasure hunter, will present a live virtual program via ZOOM at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 10.

News Release

MILFORD — Ross Richardson, diver/historian and author, will present the program, “Michiganmysteries.com” at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 10, via ZOOM. This program is based on the popular website of the same name. How many missing persons, missing aircraft and missing ships are there in the Michigan Region? Dozens? Hundreds? Try thousands! Explore some of Michigan’s most mysterious disappearances and learn how some of these baffling cold cases get solved. Includes shipwreck stories and documentation and updates on current searches for missing aircraft.

Warning: This program contains stories of real crime and images possibly containing human remains. Contact the library at (574) 658-4312 for information on how to watch this interesting program from your home on your computer or device.

Richardson is the author of two books the library has added to its collection. “The Search for the Westmoreland” is about a shipwreck that took place on Dec. 7, 1854, when the Propeller Westmoreland foundered in deepwater near Sleeping Bear Dune, killing 17 of her crew and passengers. Seventeen crew and passengers lived, however, and landed in lifeboats on the shore of Platte Bay. Soon after the passenger steamer’s sinking, rumors began of gold coins in her safe and barrels of whiskey in her hold. For the next 150 years the ship was one of the most sought after shipwrecks in all the Great Lakes.

The Westmoreland was discovered July 7, 2010, by Richardson of Lake Ann, Mich. He has done a very professional job of documenting the 168-year old wreck site and sharing his discoveries with the rest of us.

The second book is “Still Missing.” What do a mild-mannered grocery store manager and the infamous skyjacker D.B. Cooper have in common? How can an entire aircraft and its two occupants vanish into thin air while flying over a populated area? What happened to an old freighter that keeps it hidden for nearly a century, even after half its crew drifted back to their homes dead? Join Richardson in taking a fresh look at some of America’s most baffling disappearances, and join the search for those who are still missing.

March Lego Challenge

The March LEGO Challenge is to make a snowman. Send a picture to the email below to be considered for this month’s prize drawing. Your snowman can be tall or short, or anything else you want. Use your imagination. The library staff is excited to see what you make. After you’ve built your snowman, submit a photo to [email protected] by March 28 for a chance to win a new LEGO kit. The winner will be picked by staff vote. No library card needed. This challenge is for children ages 18 and under.

Adult Reading Club

This year’s Adult Reading Club Theme is Oceans of Possiblilities. The club is open to anyone 18 years of age and older. It is simple to join the Reading Club, and it’s free to participate.

For every book or ebook you read or audiobook you listen to, you can put your name into a weekly drawing to receive a prize. The books can be from the library or ones you have purchased privately, but we suggest that you try and read materials that are new to you. You could win a $25 gift card just by enjoying books, eBooks or audiobooks. Sign up today for your chance to win.

The Adult Reading Club ends on March 31, so there is plenty of time to sign up and win.

Beginning Feb. 21, interested adults may pick up a craft kit to make sea urchin planters for artificial succulent plants. Supply is limited, so pick one up today. A sample of the craft is on display at the adult circulation desk. The craft kit includes everything you need.

Virtual Winter Story Time

This week is the last virtual Winter Story Time. The library is offering two Virtual Story Times — one at 10:30 a.m. and the second at 1:30 p.m. Miss Trisha will be reading stories written by children’s author Mo Willems. Story Time packets can be picked up the week before each story time. You will receive an email reminder with a link to story time and a list of things you need to complete the craft In the packet (scissors, glue, etc.). Call (574) 658-4312 and register your children for Story Time today.

Parttime Job Openings

Like many other businesses during COVID, the library has been experiencing a staff shortage. The library has two parttime openings. Both are 29 hours a week and start at $9 an hour. One evening (until 8 p.m.) a week and at least one Saturday a month are required.

The first position is in the children’s department. Duties would include being a partner in Story Time and taking care of all overdues.

The second position is for a shared clerk, which means you would work two days upstairs in the adult and teen departments and three days in the children’s department. You would learn to catalog children’s materials and promote the library’s services through newspaper articles and social media. Applications are being accepted now. Apply at the adult circulation desk.