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Did you know that while July 4, 1776 was the day the 13 colonies approved the wording of the Declaration of Independence, only John Hancock and Charles Thomson actually signed the document on that day? People lived at great distances and travel was not easy. The final signer penned his name in January of 1777!
You might also be interested in learning that George Washington did not sign it. He was not a member of the Continental Congress and was busy in New York commanding the Continental Army! The document was not read publicly until July 8th, as the printer needed time to typeset and print copies.
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July 8th was also a day when large crowds were gathering in Philadelphia for local elections. Two hundred copies were printed for the day, and it was read by Colonel John Nixon in what is now called Independence Square in Philadelphia.
Soooo … Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
Peninsula Community Library invites you to join us on July 8th at 6 p.m. on our back porch for a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Scouts of America from Troops 34 and 35. The reading will be preceded by the Scouts’ Color Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance, as well as a patriotic song played by Old Mission native Jane Boursaw, who will also play a song afterward. And, while George Washington did not really cut down a cherry tree, we hope you will stay for free cherry pie afterward!
Note that the reading is part of the Sharing the Spirit of America, a nation-wide event, and 6 p.m. is a synchronized time across the State of Michigan. The event is supported by Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Hope to see you there! Rain venue is the Community Room.
(Note from Jane: I’ll be playing “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” and “America the Beautiful” – please sing along! -jb)
Summer is Filled With Things to do at PCL!
Unearth A Story. Summer Reading Club at PCL is hands on and in person! Register now at the library! Kids’ programs at 11 a.m.:
- 7/7 – Dino Stomp with the music of Miriam Pico.
- 7/14 – Paleontologist for a Day, art and more with PCL staff.
- 7/21 – Ancient Reptiles with Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary.
- 7/28 – Jurassic Magic Show with Joel Tacey & our finale picnic.
Teens & Pre-teens RSVP to assemble and paint a wood dinosaur skeleton 7/9, and design a journal and learn to use a glass ink pen you can keep 7/30, both with pizza, 4-6 p.m.
All ages earn a free Buchan’s ice cream cone and surprise gift when you complete your adventure! Summer Reading Club is for kids, teens AND grownups!
Sound of Music – Summer Concert Series
- 7/23 @ 7 p.m. – Doc Probes and the Riptides are All About Jimmy Buffet.
- 8/18 @ 7 p.m. – Genna & Jesse, an Americana duo known for rich harmonies with a blending of soul, jazz, folk & vintage pop.
- 8/26 @ 11 a.m. – A special Kid’s Concert with OMP’s very own Mary Sue Wilkinson.
Pack a picnic, chairs or a blanket. Rain venue is the Community Room! “Where words fail, music speaks,” Hans Christian Anderson
Upcoming Events
7/17, 5 – 7 p.m. Red, White & Blue & PCL Too! Bring a picnic to our 250th celebration. Enjoy the music of Johnny Keys, Peninsula Fire Department vehicles, the Traverse Area District Library Bookmobile, a kids’ bike parade & more. Free cherry sundaes too! Co-sponsored by the Friends of PCL!
8/7, 11 – 12:30 p.m. Outdoor Explorers. Rain or shine, kids ages 5-12 join the Woodsy Dude to learn hands on outdoor skills to carry through life! An RSVP is required, as well as a signed release and waiver form.
8/24, 2 – 4 p.m. Thinking Creatively. Adults paint a watercolor card suitable for framing with Becky Dykstra.
8/17, 3:30 p.m. Staff helps showcase a vintage style floral postcard with a framed mat you decorate. Teen to adult – RSVP! Materials provided.
Used Book Sale
August 6 – 12 BFFs! Used Book Sale! 8/6 kick off day is just for Friends members – you can join that day! Book donations are accepted at the Carriage House on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month from 4 – 6 p.m. Last day to donate is 7/20. In the meantime, support the Beach Reads mini sale in the foyer. Friends general meeting is 7/15 @ 1:30 p.m.
Note that we ARE open July 3rd, but closed July 4th and July 11th. July 11th is the Festival of Races, and it’s hard for staff to get to the library!
Actually, the Continental Congress declared its freedom from Great Britain on July 2nd and adopted the wording on the 4th. In the fictional movie, National Treasure, there is a secret message on the back of the document, and there really is! Not as dramatic as the film, however, it reads simply, “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776.”
Hope to see you soon! And remember, when there is a power outage like yesterday’s, the library’s generator is up and running. We are a great place to hang out and cool off!
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July celebration!
– Vicki Shurly, Director, Peninsula Community Library
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