January 2–February 28, 2025
Chelsea District Library, Dexter District Library, and Serendipity Books are proud to present the first annual Neighbors Read! Following in the tradition of community reads of years past, each year we will select one great book to read together. This year’s read is Tin Camp Road by Ellen Airgood. Through book discussions, complementary events, and a visit to Chelsea from Ms. Airgood herself, we can start a conversation across our towns and townships this winter.
Why a Community Read?
Even as a solitary act, reading has been shown to build empathy. When we read as a community, we can spread that empathy to our family, friends, and neighbors. A community read brings people together of different ages, backgrounds, and more to converse on a common theme. Neighbors Read will focus on books set in Michigan and/or Michigan-based authors.
2025 Neighbors Read Details:
Tin Camp Road, by Ellen Airgood
Tin Camp Road is set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in a fictional but realistic small town on the shores of Lake Superior. Single mother Laurel loves the lake and the town her family has resided in for generations, but the lack of job opportunities and housing starts affecting her daughter, Skye. As she struggles with rural poverty, Laurel learns that you need more than grit and determination to survive: you need community.
Books will be available to pick up from Chelsea District Library, Dexter District Library, and Serendipity Books beginning on January 2. Read the book and then join the conversation at one of our local events!
Neighbors Read Programs:
Shelter Association of Washtenaw County
Thursday, Feb. 6 | 6–7pm | Dexter District Library | Registration required
The State of Michigan is in a housing crisis. Many shelters in Michigan are either running at capacity or have become overcrowded. Here in Washtenaw County, we are expecting a 20% increase in homelessness this winter. Homelessness is at an all-time high. Join Dawn Gemler, Community Partnership & Volunteer Specialist for the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) for this informative program on homelessness in our community.
Housing in Washtenaw County: Where We Are, What We Can Do
Monday, Feb. 10 | 6:30–7:30pm | Chelsea District Library’s McKune Room | Registration required
It’s no secret housing prices have soared in recent years. While sky-high prices affect us all, it is particularly challenging for those on limited incomes to find safe homes. Join Tara Cohen, Housing & Infrastructure Manager at Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development, to learn about the current affordable housing challenges our county faces, as well as potential solutions.
Neighbors Read: A Conversation with Ellen Airgood
Thursday, Feb. 13 | 6:30–8pm | Dexter District Library | Drop-in
Serendipity Books owner, Michelle Tuplin, will interview Ellen Airgood, author of Tin Camp Road. Hear more about the inspiration behind the book and Airgood’s writing process. The interview will be followed by Q&A from the audience. This event is open to the public and does not require a ticket.
Hometown Book Club
Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 7–8pm | Serendipity Books | Registration required
Keep the conversation going at our favorite indie bookstore! Join CDL librarians and Michelle Tuplin from Serendipity Books as we discuss this year’s Neighbors Read title!
Thank you to the Friends of Chelsea & Dexter District Libraries for their support of the 2025 Neighbors Read.
