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Kids learn about color at the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library

Kids Dive into the World of Colors at Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library

ISHPEMING, Mich. – In the heart of Upper Michigan's picturesque Ishpeming, the Carnegie Public Library transformed into a vibrant palette of learning and creativity on July 25, 2025. Dozens of young children, accompanied by their families, gathered for an engaging program titled "Colors of Wonder," designed to introduce kids to the fascinating science and art of colors. This event, part of the library's ongoing summer educational series, aimed to spark curiosity and foster early learning through hands-on activities, interactive storytelling, and artistic exploration. As the sun filtered through the historic library's windows, the air buzzed with excitement, laughter, and the occasional "ooh" and "aah" from wide-eyed participants discovering the magic of mixing hues.

The Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, a cornerstone of the community since its establishment in 1918 with funding from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, has long been a hub for educational initiatives. Built in the classic Carnegie style with its red brick facade and grand reading rooms, the library serves as more than just a repository of books—it's a vibrant center for cultural and intellectual growth in this small mining town. Programs like "Colors of Wonder" exemplify the library's commitment to early childhood education, especially in a region where access to specialized learning opportunities can be limited. Library Director Emily Hargrove explained the motivation behind the event: "We wanted to create something fun and educational that ties into the natural beauty of Upper Michigan. Colors are everywhere—from the reds and oranges of our fall leaves to the blues of Lake Superior. Teaching kids about them helps them appreciate the world around them."

The program kicked off at 10 a.m. in the library's spacious children's section, where colorful banners and posters adorned the walls, depicting rainbows, color wheels, and famous artworks like Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night." About 40 children, ranging from toddlers to elementary schoolers, sat cross-legged on a rainbow-striped rug as storyteller and educator Mia Thompson began with an animated reading of Eric Carle's classic children's book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." The story, with its vivid illustrations of fruits and foods in every shade, served as a perfect icebreaker. Thompson paused frequently to ask questions: "What color is the apple? How does it make you feel?" The kids eagerly shouted responses, their enthusiasm palpable as they connected the narrative to real-life colors.

Following the storytime, the group transitioned into hands-on activities that delved deeper into the science of color. One station featured simple experiments with prisms, where children held up glass triangles to sunlight streaming through the windows, watching in awe as white light split into a spectrum of colors. "It's like making your own rainbow!" exclaimed 7-year-old Liam Johnson, a local resident attending with his mother. His mom, Sarah, added, "This is such a great way for him to learn without realizing it's educational. He's been talking about rainbows all week." The activity was guided by volunteer scientists from nearby Northern Michigan University, who explained basic concepts like refraction and the visible light spectrum in age-appropriate terms. They emphasized how colors are not just pretty but are waves of light that our eyes perceive differently.

Another highlight was the color-mixing workshop, where kids donned smocks and gathered around tables laden with non-toxic paints, watercolors, and droppers. Under the supervision of art instructor Lena Kowalski, participants experimented with primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—to create secondary shades like purple, green, and orange. "Start with a drop of red and add yellow—what do you get?" Kowalski prompted, encouraging trial and error. The room filled with giggles as mishaps turned into discoveries; one child accidentally created a muddy brown, leading to a teachable moment about tertiary colors and the importance of balance. Kowalski, who has been leading art programs at the library for over a decade, shared her philosophy: "Color education isn't just about art; it's about problem-solving and expression. Kids learn to communicate emotions through shades—blue for calm, red for energy."

To incorporate a sensory element, the program included a "color hunt" scavenger game throughout the library. Children were given checklists and sent on a mission to find objects matching specific colors: a green book on the shelves, a yellow pencil in the craft corner, or a purple flower in the library's small garden outside. This activity not only reinforced color recognition but also encouraged physical movement and observation skills. For the younger attendees, there was a tactile station with colored playdough, where toddlers squished and molded shapes, learning through touch how colors can blend and change form.

The event also touched on cultural aspects of color, broadening the children's horizons. A guest speaker, cultural anthropologist Dr. Raj Patel from Michigan Technological University, discussed how different societies perceive and use colors. He shared stories from around the world: how red symbolizes luck in Chinese culture, or how indigo dyes were historically significant in African textiles. "Colors tell stories," Patel told the group. "They connect us to our history and to each other." This segment was particularly eye-opening for parents, many of whom appreciated the multicultural perspective in a predominantly rural area like Ishpeming.

Parental involvement was a key component, with moms and dads actively participating alongside their children. Jessica Ramirez, a mother of two, praised the program's inclusivity: "My daughter has sensory processing issues, and the library staff made sure there were quiet zones and adaptive tools. It's wonderful to see her light up when she mixes colors without feeling overwhelmed." The library provided take-home kits, including color wheels, crayons, and activity sheets, ensuring the learning continued beyond the event. These kits were sponsored by local businesses, highlighting community support for educational outreach.

As the two-hour program wrapped up, the children showcased their artwork in a mini gallery setup in the library's foyer. Proud parents snapped photos as kids explained their creations—a swirl of blues representing the sky over Marquette, or a fiery mix of reds and yellows inspired by Michigan's iron ore mines. Library staff distributed certificates of participation, each adorned with a colorful sticker, reinforcing a sense of achievement.

Events like "Colors of Wonder" are part of a larger initiative at the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library to combat summer learning loss, often called the "summer slide." Research from organizations like the National Summer Learning Association shows that children can lose up to two months of academic progress during breaks, making programs that blend fun with education crucial. Hargrove noted that attendance has grown steadily, with this year's event drawing nearly double the participants from last summer. "We're not just a place for books anymore," she said. "We're a community space where families can learn, create, and connect."

The success of the color program has inspired plans for future themes, such as "Shapes and Patterns" in August and "Sounds of Nature" in the fall. For families in Upper Michigan, where harsh winters can limit outdoor activities, the library serves as a vital indoor haven for enrichment. As one child, 5-year-old Emma Thompson, put it simply while holding up her painted rainbow: "Colors make everything happy!"

This event underscores the enduring role of public libraries in fostering lifelong learning. In an era dominated by digital screens, hands-on experiences like these remind us of the joy in analog discovery. The Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library continues to paint a bright future for its young patrons, one color at a time. For more information on upcoming programs, visit the library's website or stop by their historic location on Main Street.

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