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Frankenmuth News

Serving Frankenmuth since 1906

Volume 120 ~ No. 34

February 25, 2026

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Donations benefit Wickson Library's Children's Wing

  The Frankenmuth Wickson District Library is celebrating a fresh new look to its Children’s Wing, thanks to the generosity of the Frankenmuth Noon Rotary Club and an anonymous donor.

  Through a $1,500 grant from Noon Rotary and a matching donation from a donor, it made it possible for the library to update toys, enhance dramatic play spaces, and introduce new sensory features for area families.

  The library reached out to Noon Rotary, seeking support to modernize the well-loved play area. Toys in the Children’s Wing had not been purchased in quite some time, and many previous items were donated, heavily used, and in need of replacement. Library leadership was thrilled when Noon Rotary chose to support the project.

  “The Children’s Wing is a busy place daily and the toys were well loved. To be able to update the toys and give the room a fresh update is such a benefit for families,” Wickson Library Directory Michelle Duclos said. “We removed the computers from the Children’s Wing to create more room for free and dramatic play, which better supports early childhood development. In their place, we added a sensory light table and expanded our dramatic play areas.”

  Duclos noted that removing computers from the Children’s Wing was an intentional decision.

  𠇋y reducing screen-based activities, the library is creating more opportunities for hands-on exploration, imagination, and social interaction – all critical components of healthy childhood development. The room’s lively atmosphere encourages children to play together, explore new ideas, and develop appropriate social skills in a safe and welcoming environment,” Duclos stated.

  Noon Rotary Club President Mary Ann Hiles said this project fit what the club stands for in its youth development.

  “Supporting youth development and literacy initiatives in our community is central to Rotary’s mission. We are proud to partner with the library to invest in spaces that help children learn and grow,” Hiles said.

  The library’s Early Literacy Specialist Beth Emmons led the effort to thoughtfully evaluate and refresh the collection of toys and play materials. She reviewed existing items and selected high-quality toys designed to encourage cognitive growth, creativity, fine motor development, and sensory exploration. A small, designated area was also created specifically for the library’s youngest patrons to safely explore and play.

  Quarterly, Emmons transforms the dramatic playhouse into a new themed environment, giving children opportunities to explore different roles and real-world scenarios. Past themes have included a flower shop, coffee house, veterinary clinic, and eye clinic. The newest transformation invites children to run their own pizza parlor......

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