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President's Letter
Books Are Home to Many Surprises
There are a lot of wondrous things in books...like, stories and pictures that transport us to places and feelings we might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit. But, not all the amazing contents of books are printed on their pages.
Throughout the ages, books have served as a hidden cache for the storage of money, special documents, personal secrets, and even pressed flowers that commemorate a special moment in someone’s life.
Having lived through the Great Depression, my grandparents often relied on books as a preferred alternative to banks to deposit some of their money. And, they weren’t alone. Not too long ago, one of our volunteer book sorters came across thousands of dollars in the pages of a book that was most likely donated to the Friends after an estate sale.
Even more recently I discovered a different type of treasure in a very old book that was rescued from the recycling bin at the library to become part of one of the “Christmas Book Trees” we sell to raise money for the library. It was a handwritten letter on a small piece of paper by an almost seven-year-old girl named Mary Mohr from Sherman, MI on January 13, 1902.
In the wobbly script of an eager child, she excitedly shared with her cousin, Lena, a description of the gifts she and other family members had received for Christmas. Simple items like a ring, a sled, a doll, a chair, and a cup and saucer that were undoubtedly treasures in a small rural town at the turn of the 20th century.
There were no telephones, social media or even cars to help connect them to each other. So, the simple act of receiving a scribbled note from someone was a cherished moment in Lena’s life. And, she treated it as such by storing it and several other notes, poems and schoolwork in one of the safest places she knew of...a book.
Somehow, the simplicity and sincerity of Mary’s words, written more than 123 years ago, and Lena’s book filing system simultaneously evoked feelings of gratitude for how far we’ve come and longing for the lost innocence that has accompanied that progress.
I’m fairly certain that Mary and Lena had no idea how they would affect a perfect stranger many generations removed from them. But, I thank them for their serendipitous reminder of the many roles books have played in providing a safe haven for the things that matter to us.
--Joe David
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Benefits of a Friend's Membership
When you become a Friend, you help support an important part of the social fabric of your community. Plus, you earn "Early Bird" privileges at most book sales, which means you gain entry to the sales in advance of non-members to have first shot at the books of greatest interest to you.
And, we will notify you of any scheduled book sales or special events. So, you'll never miss out on an opportunity.
Just for Books
Jeni Stamas: Making a Difference in the Lives of Our Children
“There is something magical about watching a child light up when you give them a book they can keep as their own.” Those words sum up the feelings Jeni Stamas has for the mission she is on to help connect children in need with books that can open up their lives to new possibilities.
Jeni is a mother of two teens in the Forest Hills School District who has been working with Maryann Lane, head of children’s books for the Friends of the Cascade Library, for the past seven years to collect and deliver high quality books to children in the immediate community and beyond.
Hers is a story of passion for libraries, books, children and the human community she is part of. She agreed to tell us about her vision, her operations and her partnership with the Friends in the following interview.
Friends: Why do you feel so strongly about getting books into the hands of children?
Jeni: The why is easy: We have a need. Approximately 1 in 5 of children live in poverty in Michigan, and this economic hardship is directly linked to lower academic achievement. Studies show a direct correlation between a child's family income and their reading proficiency, with economically disadvantaged students consistently scoring lower on standardized tests. We aren't just giving them books; we’re giving them a chance to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future.
Friends: So, once you realized there was such a strong need, how did you get started sharing books with children?
Jeni: When I first heard that there were extra books out there that needed to get into the hands of children, I thought, "I can help!" I am married to an educator (Cary), have a huge love of our local library, and feel that reading is truly fundamental to the overall health and growth of our budding readers and developing students.
As such, with my husband, my background working in schools (Kent ISD and FHPS) and at Just Between Friends (JBF)—a local mom/kid pop up consignment event—I had connections to people in our community who are doing the heavy lifting of working directly alongside of our local children. JBF's flagship charity partner is In the Image, whom I also had the privilege of working for a few years ago, which gave me tremendous insight on what to do with books. I simply overheard needs and wants for books from being in so many areas and knew I could get them from KDL and the Friends to these organizations. From there, it's grown.
Friends: How many books donated by the Friends have you been able to distribute to children?
Jeni: Maryann Lane and the team she volunteers with are amazing. They are wonderful at delivering books to me that are high quality and coveted. We meet about five times per year, and they share 8-10 paper sacks full each time. Each sack has about 30 books...and we've been doing this for at least 6-7 years. So that equates to about 9-10,000 books!
Friends: Once you get the books from the Friends, how do you get them to the children?
Jeni: I drive them to whomever needs them. Sometimes, I sort in my garage to get younger reader books to Head Start, Early On, Bright Beginnings, Family Assistance and more...and the advanced reader books go to schools and charity partners.
Friends: That’s a lot of books. Where do most of them wind up?
Jeni: They go in a myriad of directions. Some go to In the Image, which gives items for free to those in need. Others go to Family Assistance, a similar program. Books have gone to local neighbors posting that they need them for new teachers and programs where they volunteer and to newly made neighborhood “free little libraries.” Other books have gone to the ISD to be disbursed in their programs that support young children in Kent County. Many go to a retired reading specialist who lives in the far north of Kent County. Grand Rapids is blessed with many community partners - our fellow Michiganders in the north are not as supported as we are. So, it is a joy to get books as far and wide as we can. From the neighborhoods just surrounding the library to many, many miles away.
Friends: Obviously, getting books to children is a big part of what you do. Are there other causes you support?
Jeni: My partnership with Maryann, the Friends of the Library and KDL is just a part of me. I feel very strongly about supporting children. I generally keep all the rest of my support way under the radar screen. So, I'll just say it's my life's calling to help families in any way I can. I take your books and move them on. But I also work to support organizations in the trenches doing the work to come alongside economically disadvantaged families.
Friends: It might be difficult to pick just one thing, but what brings you the most satisfaction?
Jeni: While I love to bring books far and wide, it's answering the call to the quick posts in our community where there is a need (generally the Forest Hills Neighbors page on Facebook) that feels the best. It feels so impactful on a micro level. I love to see my little neighborhood kiddos light up when they see me unloading the bags and their joy when I can give them a book "to KEEP!" There is just something magical about it.
Friends: Do you have any final thoughts you want to share?
Jeni: I love kids. I want to help. I hate waste. I love repurposing. On the whole, parents want to do what's best for their kids, but many don't have access to some of the simple things that can make a difference. Books allow children to dream and hope and wish and grow. I can help get books into the hands of those parents and children. I can't think of a better thing to do with my life than to inspire a child.
Thanks for the chance to share what happens "after the cover is closed" on a book at the library. There are still many miles for those books to walk after they leave the library. Could we only hope to see into the future where Elephant and Piggie, Katy Duck, Matilda Wormwood, and Charlotte and her crew are walking hand-in-hand to the research lab, construction site, or beyond with the person that little reader grew up to be?
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Jeni Stamas is seen picking up books at the Cascade Library.
Your Donations at Work
From Grand Openings to Magical Soirees; It's All Happening at the Library
A Grand Opening to Remember
The Cascade Branch welcomed more than 650 enthusiastic community members on July 23 for the Grand Opening of our beautifully refreshed library. Guests were treated to sweet treats, music, and meaningful moments. Nothing Bundt Cakes generously donated 13 dozen Bundtinnis, while Culver’s delighted visitors with free ice cream.
Live music from Rabbit Fur filled the air, and a collaborative community art project—now proudly displayed in the kids' area—made the day even more special. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this joyful celebration!
Vibes Fest: Our Biggest Year Yet
Our annual Vibes Fest was a tremendous success! With nine talented artists and bands performing throughout the event, each set drew enthusiastic crowds and created a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. More than 1,000 people came out to enjoy the festivities, made possible by you through your donations to the Friends! Other generous sponsors and vendors included Consumers Credit Union, Greenridge Realty, Orange Theory Fitness, and Bier Distillery.
The Friends were proud to sponsor the professional sound system that brought the music to life. While this marks the final year that the library will be organizing Vibes Fest, the Township will be continuing the tradition. Their successful summer concert series trial proved they have the staffing and community support to keep the music going strong.
Coming Soon: Soirée in the Stacks
Mark your calendars! The library’s next signature event, Soirée in the Stacks, promises a magical evening just for adults. Step into a fairytale on October 24th from 6-8pm where guests can dress in their finest for a Cinderella-style fantasy ball. The night will feature a DJ, a live band, book bejeweling, creative crafts, mocktails, and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.
Adding to the magic, we’ll also host a Local Author Faire during the soirée, with more than 40 authors showcasing and selling their work. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet local talent, discover new reads, and support our literary community. See the full article on this event in this issue of the newsletter.
Your KDL Library Card Has Extra Benefits
Did you know that your KDL Library Card entitles you to six free passes per year to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park! If you haven’t used yours yet, you might want to plan a visit to experience the Annual Christmas Trees Display, running from November 26 to January 4. It’s a beautiful holiday tradition! So, check out your passes now at kdl.org/perkpass.
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Lulu Brown, Cascade branch director, is seen cutting the ribbon for the grand reopening.
Book Sale
Fall Used Book Sale Coming November 8-9
It’s almost time to stock up with an assortment of inexpensive used books to help get you through another long Michigan winter. The annual Fall used book sale will come to the Cascade Library’s Wisner Center on November 8-9 this year with the normal array of book categories and media.
The members-only presale will run from 9 am to 10 am on Saturday, November 8 followed by the public sale from 10 am to 4 pm. Then, the sale will resume for everyone from 1 pm to 3 pm on Sunday, November 9. You will be able to purchase a membership at the door on Saturday.
In addition to a wide assortment of book categories, the Friends will offer coffee table books, Christmas books and the popular Christmas book trees, which all make excellent gifts. Prices will remain at $2.00 for adult hardcover books, $1.00 for adult paperbacks, $0.50 for children's hardcover books, $0.25 for children's paperback books, and $0.50 for media.
Sales Event Chair Kathy Sullivan said that more volunteers for the sale would be welcome. “We have a lot of great volunteers that help with the sale,’ she said, “but a few more would take some of the strain off of the regulars.
“So, If you’re already on our volunteer list, watch your email ahead of the sale for an invitation to sign-up through Sign-Up Genius. And, if you’re not on the list but would like to be, send an email to cascadefriends47@gmail.com and we will add you.”
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Book shoppers are seen at a recent sale.
Volunteer Corner
Marti Chardon: It's All about the Kids
No one had to convince Marti Chardon to volunteer at the library after she retired from her career as an educator. She made a beeline to the Cascade Library, where she could continue to make a difference in the lives of children.
“I have always felt a strong pull towards books and libraries as far back as I can remember,” she said. “I’m drawn to being part of this amazing group of people who have the common purpose of helping the library grow and flourish.”
While firmly part of the West Michigan community today, Marti started life in Escanaba and then moved to Cadillac before spending most of her school years in Okemos. A 37-year career as an elementary school teacher followed, which explains why she has gravitated toward children’s books at the library.
“I mainly work in the children’s section sorting books and helping with sales,” she said. “What I enjoy most about being a Friends volunteer is helping to get books into the hands of kids. Plus, it helps me stay current on what’s new in the literary world of children since I left the classroom.”
Marti’s adult children have blessed her with four grandchildren between the ages of two and nine who are “a joy and delight” to her. Although busy as a doting grandmother, Marti still finds time to read extensively, with a particular fondness for fiction...especially historical fiction.
“Picking a favorite book would be tough, as I have read s many great books,” she said. “But, I’ve really enjoyed the Louise Penny series starring Inspector Armand Gamache. I am just starting the 19th book in the series, and I’ve listened to them all through Hoopla’s free digital and audiobook service...another great benefit offered through the library.
“We are blessed with an amazing library system, and I want to support this outstanding resource that serves our community!”
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Retired educator, Marti Chardon, still has kids at the center of her universe.
Scholarship Program
Friends to Award 2 Scholarships in 2026
If you know a graduating senior who attends Forest Hills Public Schools (FHPS) and is interested in continuing their education beyond high school, consider telling them about the Friends of the Cascade Library Memorial Scholarship.
Since 2009, the Friends’ scholarship has awarded more than $35,000 to FHPS students who have demonstrated outstanding civic/secular volunteerism in our community. This coming year, at least two scholarships of $1,500 each will be available to eligible candidates seeking to attend a two-year or four-year institution.
Past recipients include students who have volunteered their time and expertise to a wide variety of charitable organizations, groups that offer support to those challenged by illness and/or disabilities, programs that mentor children in need of academic and other assistance, and sports-related activities such as coaching.
Some past winners have even spent many hours at the library helping with special events, signing up patrons for the summer reading program, or working alongside members of the Friends to sort book donations and set up for book sales.
The deadline for submitting an application is February 15, 2026. For a complete list of guidelines and a printable application form, visit the Friends’ website at cascadefriends.org/scholarships or stop by the guidance office at any FHPS high school.
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Friends-Sponsored Events
42 Authors Will Be Part of a 'Soiree in the Stacks' Event October 24
The Cascade Branch of KDL is a leader in offering a wide variety of entertaining and educational programs for children and families. And, while parents are very appreciative of that, some have wondered out loud why a little more of the programming couldn’t be aimed at adults in the community, according to Leigh Verburg, branch outreach and programming specialist.
“We listened and agreed,” she said. “So, we put on our thinking caps, did some research, and reached out to local authors to put together an adult-oriented event that we think is going to be a lot of fun.”
The event she is referring to involves a magical Soiree in the Stacks and a Local Author Faire, which will both take place simultaneously at the library from 6-8 pm on October 24.
“Think of it as a fantasy ball with dancing, a disc jockey, mocktails from a local beer distillery, stringed instruments, and more than 42 authors who are anxious to tell you about their books,” Verburg said.
She said the event will have a fairy garden theme, with plenty of glitter to go around for attendees. “We’re encouraging attendees to dress as if going to a Cinderella or Bridgerton-type ball,” she said. “But, but that’s not required.”
The band Rabbit Fur will be performing in the outdoor pavilion in Friendship Park, with ethereal lighting helping to create a fairyland effect. Verburg said that attendees will be able to bejewel several different books: “The Duke and I,” “Fourth Wing,” and “A Court of Thorns and Roses.”
Bejeweling of books is a popular and growing trend within the book community, particularly on social media platforms, where creators and readers share their customized, sparkling book covers. It involves decorating books with embellishments like rhinestones, glitter, and beads to create personalized pieces of art that reflect a reader's style and connect them to the stories they love.
“We will have the books available for purchase,” she said. “But, people are certainly welcome to bring their own copies. Everything else at the event will be free to attendees.”
A caricature artist will also be on hand to do drawings for anyone interested. “We’re very excited to be hosting this event and hope that the community will join in on the fun,” Verburg said.
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Book Discussion
Next Up Oct 15: 'James' by Percival Everett
The book discussion season kicked off in September with a look at “No Two Persons” by Erica Bauermeister and will continue in October with an incisive exploration of race, freedom and humanity in the novel James by Percival Everett.
For many readers of Twain’s classic the “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” little thought was given to how the fugitive Jim felt about everything going on around him. But, Percival goes well beyond the traditional narrative to put himself in Jim’s shoes and imagine what he was thinking and feeling as he and Huck set off on their great adventure.
The book’s popularity stems, in part, from its blend of depth, humor, adventure, a quest for freedom, and the efforts of an enslaved man to reclaim his good name...something that is symbolized by changing his name from Jim to James.
On November 19 the book club will review We Are the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter, which tracks the lives of a Polish Jewish family separated by World War II as they move across continents and endure unimaginable hardships while remaining resolute in their determination to survive and reunite against the backdrop of the Holocaust.
Then, on December 17, the discussion group will look at Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green, which explores the history and impact of tuberculosis. It is a social commentary on how differences in socioeconomic status and our choices—not just bacteria—that perpetuates this preventable disease.
The book discussion group meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 10 am in the library’s Wisner Center. No registration is required.
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Join the Friends Book Discussion group on October 15.
Chapter Two Bookstore
'Chapter Two' Reopens with More Space, Books and Comfort for Library Patrons
The Friends’ Chapter Two Bookstore is open for business, again. And, it’s bigger and more inviting than ever, with a larger selection of books and comfortable seating for anyone who just wants to sit and read for a while, according to Joe David, president of the Friends of the Cascade Library.
“Just about every time I walk through the library, I see someone sitting on a soft chair in the corner leafing through a book, seemingly without a care in the world,” David said. “I think it says a lot about the welcoming feel of the expanded bookstore.”
In addition to increasing the store’s footprint by about 50 percent, see-through walls seem to make the store more accessible to library patrons looking for inexpensive used books to take home for themselves or gifts.
“A children’s area has been set aside to the right as you enter the store, with seating and floor space for kids to enjoy,” David said. “That helps keep the area to the left open for adults who want to browse or read.”
He added there are still a few more enhancements in the plans, including wall decorations, an electronic monitor to share information about the Friends, and additional seating.
David said that Friends volunteers continue to work hard to deliver a “corner bookstore” ambience for library patrons. “Marge Ohlman, Stephanie Doody, Maryann Lane and other volunteers have helped make Chapter Two a very pleasant experience for patrons,” he said. “I can’t say enough about their dedication and the creativity that they pour into the store.”
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The friends' bookstore is once again open for library patrons.
Book Donations
Books Wanted. No Experience Necessary.
Do you have cherished books or collections languishing in boxes in your attic, garage, or basement because no one in your family knows what to do with them? Would you like to find a new home for them but don't know where to donate them so that they won't be just thrown away?
If so, the Friends of the Cascade Library can help. The Friends have the resources and experience to research your collections or vintage books and sell them online or in our bookstore to people who would cherish them. The proceeds go directly to support programs and other resource needs at the Cascade Library.
In the past, the Friends have received Bibles, classics, Easton Press volumes, nature books, gardening, early editions, comic books, author collections, vintage books, signed editions and magazine collections. We accept all books: fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, children’s, etc. All donations are carefully researched and valued. Nothing goes into the trash!!
You can check out the Friends’ eBay on-line store and see the kinds of items that have been donated and are now waiting for their new owners. Every book helps! You can either drop off your books in the bin outside the Wisner Center towards the rear of the library or you can arrange for the Friends to pick up a larger collection by filling out a “Book-It” request on the Friends’ website.
You can drop off your used books in the bin outside the Wisner Center.
Membership
Is It Time to Renew Your Membership?
In every issue of the newsletter, we give you a reminder to check your membership card's expiration date to make sure your membership is active. That way you will be able to take advantage of the "Members-Only" presale at our next used book sale, which in this case is November 8.
Membership dues remain very low: $5 for seniors and students, $10 for adults (under age 60), $15 for a family, and $100 for a lifetime membership. You can purchase or renew a membership either on our website or at the circulation desk the next time you’re in the library.
Thanks for supporting the Friends and the library!
Your membership expiration date is on your card. Please make sure your membership remains active.