Have you been into the Bliss branch of the Mackinaw Library?  Located on Sturgeon Bay Trail, surrounded by green fields and forests, it is a lovely little oasis for book lovers of all ages.

My name is Deanna Eby, Dee to those who know me, and I have had the distinct pleasure of being your Bliss branch librarian since March of 2021.  I was born here in Emmet County and am cousin to many of the local residents.  My grandparents, Ruth and Dow Mallory, lived most of their lives in the house next door to the library/town hall, so I am in very familiar territory. 

 I grew up downstate and went to MSU where I earned my elementary teaching certificate.  I worked in the Lansing School District for over twenty-five years, first as a caregiver to preschoolers, then as a substitute teacher, and then in my own classroom.  I taught first through fifth grade over the course of my career and discovered many delights in working with young children.

I retired in 2013 and moved back north.  Since retiring I have tutored some, then my parents became ill and I cared for them in their last days.

I feel I have landed the best job possible for a retired teacher.  I love books.  I love meeting new people.  I even love packaging, a substantial part of my job.

 

At the library I have continued the book club that has been going on for a few years now.  We meet on the fourth Thursday of the month from 3:00-4:00. This month we are reading a book called Consider This, Senora.

I have also started a preschool story hour which meets from 10:30-11:30 Friday mornings.  I have done some rearranging and have a lovely open space for the little ones where they can access a variety of books.

Our library has a large collection of new books which we circulate monthly through our three branches: Mackinaw, Pellston, and Bliss.  (A card at one branch gives you access to all three.)  We have a permanent collection of Michigan authors and Michigan based books covering history, wildlife, vegetation, the lakes, and many other subjects.  We have locally written and published booklets on Bliss, Cross Village, Levering and other locales.

We also have a large collection of CDs, DVDs, and audio books.  We have WiFi and a computer and a printer available for your use.  There are comfy chairs for reading, games and puzzles to borrow and used books to purchase by donation.  We even have a pair of binoculars you can borrow. 

If you are digitally literate and/or technologically inclined, your card gives you access to all our digital resources as well.  You can download audio books, movies, television shows and more.

COME SEE US AT THE BLISS BRANCH!