There’s a lot to do at Herrick District Library in the coming weeks, from learning how to discover home’s genealogy to the sharing of spooky stories.
Story of your house
What: Local resident Meagan Heyl will teach participants about resources at the library and online that can help them learn more about the places they live and who lived there before they did. The program was inspired by requests from library patrons looking for information about their historic homes, says Herrick librarian Lindsay Zrull.
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25.
Where: Herrick District Library, 300 S. River Ave.
Did you know: The library has an extensive genealogy section that includes local architecture as well as family records. People visit HDL from all over the country — and around the world — to learn more about their family members who lived in Holland. “Many people already know that Herrick District Library is a great resource for learning about your ancestors, but it’s also helpful for researching local places,” Zrull says.
Spooky stories
What: Spooky stories will be the focus of the library’s Community Campfire Stories series. The campfire-themed open mic night is aimed at adults. Due to the spooky nature of the adult event, teens are welcome at their guardians’ discretion.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28
Where: North Branch lawn, 155 Riley St., Holland Township
Come prepared: Participants will be able to share the spooky spirit of Halloween with a spine-tingling story or a spooky poem around the campfire or just listen to others’ stories.
“Our librarians are also excited to read some short scary classics from the likes of Neil Gaiman and Alvin Schwartz, of “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” fame — yes, the book that gave you nightmares when you were a kid,” Zrull says. “It’s going to be a fun time.”
HDL will provide the campfire as well as treats. Participants need only bring their favorite blanket or chair and maybe a story or poem to share.
Write your novel
What: National Novel Writing Month (also known as NaNoWriMo) is an opportunity for budding and potential writers to get started and for experienced writers to hone their craft. Through the month of November, writers from around the world participate in NaNoWriMo and attempt to write the novels that have been on their minds. It’s a time to gather with other writers, get inspired, and get typing. The goal for each NaNoWriMo participant is a 50,000-word novel by the end of the month. “At Herrick, we’re committed to helping local writers meet their writing goals,” says Zrull, HDL librarian and author of the young adult novel, “Goth Girl, Queen of the Universe.”
When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1 (HDL NaNoWriMo kickoff event)
Where: Main library, 300 S. River Ave., Holland
What to expect: The event will start with a panel discussion, “I’ve written a novel, now what?” with five recently published authors, who will share all they’ve learned about how to get books published. The night will conclude with activities, writing inspiration, and lots of prizes.
Panelists include
Jen Ferguson (“The Summer of Bitter and Sweet”),
Elisa A Bonnin (“Dauntless”),
Lora Senf (“The Clackity”), and
Charlene Thomas (“Seton Girls”), with
Zrull (“Goth Girl, Queen of the Universe”) as the moderator.
Registration is not required unless participants plan to attend the author panel virtually (register at
herickdl.org/events and a link will be emailed). The event is open to adults and teens who enjoy writing, whether they are just starting out or they’ve been writing for decades.
“The greater Holland area has a thriving writer community, from self-published authors to international bestsellers,” Zrull says. “No matter where you are on your writing journey, having colleagues to workshop with helps strengthen your craft and keep you inspired to write.”
NaNoWriMo write-ins and workshops
What: HDL will host NaNoWriMo write-ins and workshops. The writing workshops will feature moderators with advanced degrees in creative writing and/or authors of trade-published books, so there will always be someone there to help participants strengthen their craft.
When: Every Tuesday evening throughout November, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Main library, 300 River Ave., Holland
Follow-up: Workshops will continue every other Tuesday evening after November, so writers can stay connected and keep doing what they love best — writing stories.
Story Project
What: Ben Hatke will speak as part of the North Branch Story Project.
When: Thursday, Nov. 17
Where: North Branch, 155 Riley St., Holland Township
For several weeks, young authors have been working on their individual writing projects.
Hatke, author of “Zita the Spacegirl” and “Julia’s House for Lost Creatures,” will help the 6- to 11-year-olds celebrate the conclusion of the North Branch Story Project. Attendees will meet Hatke and the Story Project authors, and listen to a short Q&A. Hatke’s books will be available for purchase, and the Story Project books will be available to check out. The visit is in partnership with Big Read Lakeshore.