Flowers, Friends & Fun

Cherryland Middle School's library has been closed this school year, so the Elk Rapids District Library has helped fill the gap by providing extra services and purchasing much-needed and updated books for middle school students. The Friends of the Elk Rapids Library allocated $3,000 last fall to help the library buy those books. They raised most of the money in October, and they're ready to raise the rest this month.

"We're only $642 away from our goal," said Myra Muth, Fund Raising Co-Chair for the Friends. "We've heard nothing but good things about this cooperative project between the middle school and the library, so we want to make sure it's fully funded."

Flowers, Friends & Fun will help them do that. Hosted by Pine Hill Nursery, the container garden demonstration will not only raise money for the library, it will also give year-round and returning residents a chance to get out and meet members of the Friends while supporting a local business, the library, and the middle school.

"After a cold, gray winter, we're excited for spring and getting back outside," Muth said. "But while we're gardening, we have to remember that school's still in session, and the library needs our help to meet those students' needs. Pine Hill is giving us the perfect opportunity to get ready for spring while supporting our library and school."

Flowers, Friends & Fun will be Thursday, April 20, 4-7 p.m. at Pine Hill Nursery, 886 US-31 N, Kewadin. The cost is $25 per person and includes a container garden demonstration, an event discount at the nursery, and a wine & cheese reception. All funds raised support the Elk Rapids District Library. Tickets are available online at the Friends website or at the library. For more information, contact the Friends at friendsoftheelkrapidslibrary@gmail.com.