I recently watched this fun promotion for summer reading from the Milwaukee Public Library and it made me think about summer bucket lists. What can I do locally that is free or relatively low-cost? When my kids were young, we would create a calendar of fun activities to fill our time—mostly summer camps, free local events, and a few day trips. Though most of us won’t be giving a monkey a shower this summer, we can build a summer bucket list with ideas from the Michigan eLibrary (MeL). 

There is a great bucket list with several inspirational example stories that can be modified to fit your lifestyle in "The Joys of a Family Bucket List" from Parents from MasterFILE Complete. The eBook K-8 Collection includes several eBooks that can help check the “Learn origami” item off the list. Titles include Origami Dinosaurs: Easy & Fun Paper-Folding Projects and Easy Origami Toys. Another fun item on that list is “Plant a seed. Check on it, and see it, often—and together.” "A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Veggies" from Food Network Magazine in MasterFILE Complete can help with this task. From reading seed packet information to basic gardening tools, this article can get anyone started even if you aren’t sure you have a green thumb.

If you want to discover more of Michigan, Michigan Blue in MasterFILE Complete published articles this spring to help adventurers check off some unique experiences. For example, those who love the water will want to check out "Superior Adventures: Guided five-Mile Kayaking Trips Take Upper Peninsula Paddlers Through the World-Famous Soo Locks," and "For Fun Rent a Pontoon: A 40-Plus-Mile Voyage Takes Boaters Through Michigan’s Longest Connected Chain of Lakes, Which Stretches Nearly Across the State’s Northern Tip."

My husband has a goal of visiting every major league baseball park. If venturing further afield is of interest, it will be made easier with the book series Travel Bucket Lists in the eBook Public Library Collection. Titles include information about exploring sports venues, natural wonders, outdoor expeditions, archaeological sites, and historical sites.

No matter if it’s an eco-friendly summer bucket list or a more manageable pocket list, the eResources from MeL are sure to get you dreaming of foods to eat, books to read, places to visit, activities to enjoy, and adventures to experience throughout each of Michigan’s beautiful seasons.

-- Laura Warren-Gross

MeL Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries 
Midwest Collaborative for Library Services