Check It Out at CSPL - November 2026 Newsletter

Check It Out! Vol. 1, Iss. 3

November 2026 Newsletter

November is a time for gratitude, reflection, and a little holiday magic! In this month’s newsletter, our director will share an exciting new chapter of the CSPL story, we'll reflect on Library Appreciation Month, and share all the festive fun we have planned for this holiday season.

The holiday season is full of opportunities to make memories, discover something new, and enjoy a little festive fun! From finding recipes for your holiday baking to joining us for seasonal celebrations, Cedar Springs Public Library has something to make the season brighter for everyone. After all, you’re never too old to enjoy a little holiday magic. We're here for kids from 1 to 92!

 

From the Director’s Desk:

Honoring Jerry Hall: A New Space for Cedar Springs Teens

On Saturday, October 17, we celebrated the dedication of our new teen reading space honoring the memory of former Cedar Springs City Mayor, Jerry Hall.

Instead of flowers for his funeral in 2024, Jerry requested that donations be made to the Library, reflecting his unwavering commitment to the Cedar Springs community. Those contributions, combined with a matching donation from the Friends of the Cedar Springs Library, made it possible to create a welcoming space designed with our teens in mind.

The new area provides teens with a more comfortable place to make the Library their own. Whether they're working on homework, catching up with friends, or simply finding a quiet spot to sit and read, the space offers teens more opportunities to connect, learn, and enjoy their time at the Library.

Jerry's family joined myself along with current and former Library Board and City Council members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially dedicate the space. At the Library, we believe libraries are community spaces where people of all ages can gather, explore their interests, and feel a sense of belonging. This new teen space reflects that commitment while creating a lasting tribute to someone who cared deeply about our community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jerry's family, everyone who contributed in his memory, and the Friends of the Cedar Springs Library for helping make this project possible. Their generosity will continue to benefit local teens for years to come.

- James

A man in a blazer speaks to an audience while a younger man in a hoodie looks on, relaxed in a casual setting.
Our director, James Pugh, providing opening commentary for the Hall family.
A man in a blazer talks to an audience, likely at a library event, while engaged with attendees in conversation.
Comments from our director, James Pugh.
An elderly woman is smiling and gesturing near a library bookshelf, with a red ribbon likely marking a special event or opening.
Amy Hall, Jerry's widow, offered a few comments before the ribbon cutting.
The image shows two people indoors, smiling and engaged in conversation, with a cozy atmosphere and natural light.
The Hall Family shared fond memories of Jerry and his love for the Cedar Springs community.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place, with a crowd watching as two people, one using a walker, prepare to cut the ribbon.
Amy Hall and James Pugh cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
A celebratory gathering with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring a woman in a walker, surrounded by smiling attendees.
The ribbon is cut!
A plaque honoring Gerald Max Hall (1948-2024) for his love of reading and favorite author Louis L'Amour, featuring a quote about books.
This memorial plaque hangs in the Teen Area as a reminder of Jerry's legacy.
Three kids are sitting at a table, smiling and engaging with each other in a cozy, casual setting.
Jerry's grandchildren enjoy the new area.
Two children are sitting at a table in a library, with bookshelves and people in the background.
Jerry's grandchildren enjoy the new area.
A group of children playing cards at a library, with bookshelves and a person in the background.
Jerry's grandchildren enjoy the new area.
May contain: book, indoors, library, publication, adult, female, person, woman, male, man, accessories, glasses, clothing, hat, electronics, mobile phone, and phone
Family photo to remember the occasion.
Three men are discussing something in a library, with bookshelves and a modern table visible in a well-lit space.
Our director with Library Board and City Council members.
A man in a blazer speaks to an audience while a younger man in a hoodie looks on, relaxed in a casual setting.
A man in a blazer talks to an audience, likely at a library event, while engaged with attendees in conversation.
An elderly woman is smiling and gesturing near a library bookshelf, with a red ribbon likely marking a special event or opening.
The image shows two people indoors, smiling and engaged in conversation, with a cozy atmosphere and natural light.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place, with a crowd watching as two people, one using a walker, prepare to cut the ribbon.
A celebratory gathering with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring a woman in a walker, surrounded by smiling attendees.
A plaque honoring Gerald Max Hall (1948-2024) for his love of reading and favorite author Louis L'Amour, featuring a quote about books.
Three kids are sitting at a table, smiling and engaging with each other in a cozy, casual setting.
Two children are sitting at a table in a library, with bookshelves and people in the background.
A group of children playing cards at a library, with bookshelves and a person in the background.
May contain: book, indoors, library, publication, adult, female, person, woman, male, man, accessories, glasses, clothing, hat, electronics, mobile phone, and phone
Three men are discussing something in a library, with bookshelves and a modern table visible in a well-lit space.

 

Celebrating Library Appreciation Month

October was Library Appreciation Month, and our Library Director, James Pugh, joined fellow library leaders at the Kent District Library Service Center for a special celebration recognizing the invaluable contributions of our public libraries. During the event, Kent County Commissioner Ben Greene presented a proclamation honoring the vital role libraries play in our communities, from nurturing curiosity and expanding perspectives to protecting the freedom to read. We’re proud to see Cedar Springs Public Library represented alongside our fellow Kent County libraries as we celebrate the incredible impact libraries make every day!

Watch the celebration: Click here to see highlights from this special Library Appreciation Month event!

 

NEW! Mid-Week Meetup & Companion Care at CSPL

We are so excited to share we are expanding our partnership with Senior Neighbors of Kent County by offering TWO NEW programs for older adults in our community:

Midweek Meetup with Senior Neighbors(60+): Wednesdays between 10:30AM and 2:00PM. We'll have programs, social activities, refreshments, and opportunities to learn about resources available to older adults and caregivers. Meet Senior Neighbors staff, explore volunteer opportunities, and connect with services such as wellness programs, transportation, case management, and caregiver respite. No Registration Required.

Companion Care: This new respite project gives caregivers of older adults a four-hour break while trained volunteers offer 1:1 support and engaging activities for their loved ones. Offered the 3rd Wednesday of each month. NO COST TO ATTEND. No Registration Required.

 

Holiday Happenings 2026

CONGRATULATIONS! You're the first to see our Holiday Happenings guide for December 2026. Click the graphic below to download this handy helper. We can't wait to see you at all these special events - no registration or Library Card required!

Holiday events at Cedar Springs Library on Dec 5: meet Santa, storytime, crafts, and more. Closed for holidays; check website.

 

Upcoming Events

Click the links below for more information!

 

Other News and Resources from CSPL

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