The Queens of 62 Days: Laura and Nichole

62 Days of Summer is CPL’s annual summer program full of activities, programs, and, of course, reading fun.

All CPL staff participate in making sure your summer is one to remember at the library. However, there are two people who play a special role in making summer much more fun for everyone: our very own programming librarians, Laura Fawcett and Nichole Welz. Laura has worked at CPL for 24 years, and Nichole for 13 years.

62 Days of Summer 2025 Key Dates

Kick-Off: June 16
Halfway Day: July 16
Final Party: August 16

What does being a program librarian at CPL entail?

A program librarian facilitates the creation of experiences rooted in the cultural wants and needs of the community. Both Nichole and Laura emphasize that it is a team effort. They support the CPL strategic vision and our librarians in response to the community’s wants and needs.

What is your favorite aspect of being a program librarian?

Laura: “Being able to create and implement the fun for and with the community. Seeing it come to fruition is satisfactory.”

Nichole: “I’m proud to work in such a supportive environment. CPL is special. My favorite part of programming is watching the community engage in programs and seeing them enjoy and appreciate what we create and provide.”

What are your top five summer programs done over the years?

Laura:

Fairytale Takeover in 2023 (“All staff members helped to make this come to life.”)
A Silent Disco on Halfway Day in 2023
An Ice Cream Celebration on Halfway Day in 2022
Poets in the Parking Lot in 2021 (“It was outdoors, and we brought poets from Detroit and a poet from the Spoken Word Club at P-CCS.")
Crafting programs (“We have a robust group of adult crafters.”)

Nichole:

A Dance Party on Halfway Day in 2023 (“A light-up floor is something unexpected at the library.”)
Baby Jumping (“Kids got to jump over baby dolls. It’s based on a Spanish tradition.”)
STEAM for Everyone (“It has evolved from age-specific STEAM events.”)
Wings of Wonder Storytime (“This helps families to get outdoors and enjoy storytime.”)
Tuesdays Are Terrific Concerts (“This is a partnership with Canton Leisure Services in Heritage Park.”)

How do you plan everything out to make 62 Days of Summer such a success each year?

December: Ask librarians to come up with and share their ideas for the summer.
January: Discuss the theme for the summer.
February through March: Talk with librarians to generate ideas and work on the execution of program ideas.
April: Finalize the program calendar for the summer.
May: Hold "Prep Rally" training sessions to update staff on what is happening, get them excited for the upcoming summer, and flesh out the Kick-Off and Final Party logistics.
All summer long: Execute programs and activities!

Between the annual Kick-Off Day, Halfway Day, and the Final Party, which is your favorite?

Laura: “I love the anticipation of Kick-Off Day. The whole summer is ahead of you, and you can strategize how to maximize summer fun. We give out 1,000 summer reading packets each summer, and the Kick-Off event gets 300 to 500 visitors!”

Nichole: “I love the Final Party. We coordinate the whole thing, and 500 to 600 people attend each year. There’s always lots to do! It’s a fun experience, generally with performers and live animals. Everyone comes together to celebrate the summer.”