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After the Library Board meeting last Thursday, the group held a celebratory gathering for longtime Library Trustee Nikki Sobkowski, who is retiring.
Nikki has been on the Peninsula Community Library Board for 19 years. Joining in 2006, she has seen the library through many changes over the years, including moving into their new building at the corner of Center Road and Island View Road in 2019.
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Library Director Vicki Shurly notes that while Nikki is stepping down from the Board, “she will always be a part of our story here at PCL.”
“When I was asked to fill a vacancy on the Peninsula Community Board of Trustees in January of 2006, I never imagined I would serve on the Board for 19 years,” notes Nikki. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with director Vicki Shurly, the library staff, and the different members of the board over these many years. Please know that this library and everyone associated with it will always have a special place in my heart.”
Nikki will serve through March, at which time, Erin Kosch has been appointed to take her place. Fair winds, Nikki, and welcome, Erin!
Bookery Takes Shape
In other library news, the Friends of PCL and the Board are putting together funds to build a “Bookery” — a place to store books for the annual book sale. In recent years, books have been stored in the basement of the Township Hall, but it’s time they had their own space. Friends President Marcia Decker says they hope to have the building done by the end of the year.
Click here for more info about the Friends of PCL and how to become a member. They support the library in a number of ways, including capital improvements, adult and child activity bags, newspaper subscriptions, holiday community events (Santa!), purchasing items for the PCL Library of Things, funding improvements to the Children’s Garden and other requests from the library director.
Teddy Bear Tea and a Coloring Party
The Friends are hosting a “Teddy Bear Tea Party” on Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the PCL community room. This is for little ones ages 3 to 6 years old, who must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your favorite stuffed animal and dress fancy! Photos will be available. RSVP to the library at (231) 223-7700.
The Friends also hosted a coloring party for adults last Thursday, which looked super fun! I’m definitely going to try and make the next coloring party.


Peninsula Insights at PCL
The next Peninsula Insights meeting is scheduled for this Wednesday, March 19, 7 p.m. at the library. This month’s speaker is Lieutenant Robert Watrous (USNR), current Strategic Sealift Officer, First Assistant Engineer, and Instructor of Naval Science at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy (the big blue boat in West Bay) in Traverse City.
Lt. Watrous will discuss how GLMA prepares students for entering the commercial shipping industry with a Bachelor of Science Degree and the most significant U.S. Coast Guard License for Deck and Engineering Officers on the oceans or Great Lakes.
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