The Leland Township Public Library has announced its “Leelanau Summinars” schedule for the 2024 season.

Launched in 2011, the Summinars programs focuses on “enriching the Leelanau Peninsula community by presenting a series of thought-provoking, educational, and inspiring seminars throughout the summer months.” Last year, the Leland Library took the reins of the program for the first time, “continuing its commitment to providing intellectually stimulating speakers and fostering community engagement.”

This year’s Summinars season kicks off later this month and runs through September 12. All events will take place in the Munnecke Room at the Leland Library and are free and open to the public.

The 2024 season is as follows. All events begin at 10am.

· May 23: “The Novels of Louise Penny,” presented by Dr. Robert VanDellen, professor of literature

· June 4: “The Evolution of Bridging the Digital Divide,” presented by Cody Cook-Parrott and Molly Moynahan

· June 24: “The Odawa People: History, Culture and Peacemaking,” presented by JoAnne Cook, educator and chief appellate judge for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians

· July 15: “The War in Gaza: An Historical Perspective,” presented by Dr. Christina Michelmore, professor of history

· July 23: “Addressing Food Insecurity: From the Heart,” presented by Michelle and Bill White and Emily Kanitz of 5Loaves2Fish

· July 30: “Addressing Food Insecurity: Coordinating Efforts and Empowering Communities,” presented by Taylor Moore of Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan, Christina Barkel of Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, and Rachael Cougler of the Northwest Food Coalition

· August 20: “Current State of Youth Mental Health Concerns,” presented by Dr. Joanna Quigley, child and adolescent psychiatry specialist

· September 12: “Farming in an Uncertain Climate,” presented by Dr. Nikki Rothwell, horticulturist

More information about each seminar, including additional details about the presenters, can be found on the Leland Library website.