Pere Marquette District Library Invites Book Lovers to visit with Author John Counts

Pere Marquette District Library is hosting John Counts at 6 p.m. Friday, April 17 at 6:00 p.m. at 185 E. 4^th St., Clare as part of the Library of Michigan’s 2026 Michigan Notable Books Author Tour. This year, 16 authors whose engaging works were chosen as 2026 Michigan Notable Books will visit 50 sites throughout the state. For details about this author event, call 989-386-7576 or visit https://www.pmdl.org/michigan-notable-book-author.  This event if free and open to the public. Registration for the event is not required, but to sign up to receive a reminder call regarding the event, register at https://form.jotform.com/260633988156064

“We are thrilled to welcome John Counts to the Pere Marquette District Library,” said Library Director Sheila Bissonnette. “Hosting a Michigan Notable author is a wonderful opportunity for our community to connect with an accomplished writer and celebrate the incredible literary talent that Michigan has to offer. We are excited to share this special evening with our community.” 

Each year, the Michigan Notable Books list features 20 books published during the previous calendar year that are set in Michigan or the Great Lakes or written by a Michigan author. This latest list continues that tradition by exploring the wildlife of Isle Royale, investigating the maritime tragedy that continues to impact Great Lakes shipping, reviewing the challenges and opportunities faced by past and present Michiganders, and so much more.

The 2026 Michigan Notable Books list has special meaning as it was the final year that included Michigan State Librarian Randy Riley as part of the selection process. Randy sadly passed away just before the 20 selected titles were announced in January. He was the key steward of the Michigan Notable Books program since the early 2000s. Randy’s passion for Michigan authors and the state’s rich subject matter helped connect countless people to Michigan writers and topics.

In addition to the Author Tour, the Library of Michigan Foundation is hosting the Night for Notables reception on Saturday, April 18^th to honor the 2026 Michigan Notable Books authors. Angeline Boulley, the two-time Michigan Notable Books award winning author of Firekeeper’s Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed will give a keynote and attendees will get a chance to meet many of the 2026 authors. For more information about this event taking place at the Library of Michigan in downtown Lansing, visit LibraryofMichiganFoundation.com/MNBNightforNotables.

The 2026 Michigan Notable Books program and Author Tour are made possible thanks to the generous support of the Library of Michigan, the Library of Michigan Foundation, and Michigan Humanities. For additional sponsors, visit the Library of Michigan Foundation’s website at LibraryofMichiganFoundation.com.