2026 Civics Programming

Library 2026 civics programming schedule, text repeated on page

March 2026: Voting & Elections Focus

Programs & Events

  • Mar. 10 - Voter Information Table with the LWVGTA, 11 am - 1 pm (Lobby)
  • Mar. 18 - Beyond the Ballot, 6 pm (Link)
  • Mar. 23 - Democracy in Action, 6 pm (Link)
  • Mar. 26 - Ranked Choice Voting Explained, 6 pm (Link)
  • Mar. 31 - Civility & the Role of Local News, 6 pm (Link)
     
  • Voting & Debate Exercise! There's a voting exercise by the self-checkouts: Is a hot dog a sandwich?!
    Have a little fun practicing your debate and voting skills - and check off some squares on your bingo card.

February 2026 - Federal Checks & Balances Focus

Programs & Events

  • Selections from our collection:
    • Government: How Local, State, and Federal Government Works (Hoopla)
    • Great Courses: The Power of the Presidency (Hoopla)
    • Great Courses: The Framework of US Federalism (Hoopla)
    • Great Courses: A Roadmap of the Federal Bureaucracy (Hoopla)
    • Government for Kids (Hoopla)
    • Executive Branch (Hoopla)

January 2026: State of Michigan Focus

Programs & Events

Reference & Suggested Reads

Government Explained

Short overview videos! (Access Video on Demand)

Bingo Card

Prints double-sided on a 8.5 x 11 sheet  Click here to download.

Prints double-sided on a 8.5 x 11 sheet  Click here to download.

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "All Ages" group
Library Branch: Main Library - Traverse City
Room: Display Case #5 Adult Services
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Civics & Community, Exhibits & Shows
Event Details:

In celebration of Women’s History Month, “A Cradle of Democracy, Women's Civic Groups Changing the Northern Michigan Community: From the Local History Collection highlights the women’s civic groups that have shaped Traverse

This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

2026 Monday Great Decisions: Community Conversations about Current World Affairs

1:00pm–3:00pm
Adults, Seniors
Main Library - Traverse City
Library Branch: Main Library - Traverse City
Room: Thirlby Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Civics & Community, Discuss, Listen
Event Details:

Want to talk about major world issues with others in our TC community? Join us for an eight week series to discuss current affairs topics that are timely and important talking points for our society. 

This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

2026 Wednesday Great Decisions: Community Conversations about Current World Affairs

2:00pm–4:00pm
Adults, Seniors
Main Library - Traverse City
Library Branch: Main Library - Traverse City
Room: Thirlby Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Civics & Community, Discuss, Listen
Event Details:

Registration for this current events and world issues 8-part discussion series will open at 9am on January 2, 2026.

Family Law Clinic - Legal Services of Northern Michigan

5:30pm–7:30pm
Main Library - Traverse City
Library Branch: Main Library - Traverse City
Room: Thirlby Room
Program Type: Civics & Community
Event Details:
Free Family Law Clinic
3rd Wednesday 5:30- 7:30
This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adults" group

Beyond the Ballot with League of Women Voters Grand Traverse Area

6:00pm–7:30pm
Teen, Adults
Main Library - Traverse City
Library Branch: Main Library - Traverse City
Room: McGuire Community Room
Age Group: Teen, Adults
Program Type: Civics & Community
Event Details:

This informative session is a deep dive into the voting process in Michigan. Learn the year-round safeguards, steps, and teamwork that make our elections possible, accurate and secure.

This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

2026 Thursday Great Decisions: Community Conversations about Current World Affairs

3:00pm–5:00pm
Adults, Seniors
Main Library - Traverse City
Library Branch: Main Library - Traverse City
Room: Thirlby Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Civics & Community, Discuss, Listen
Event Details:

Registration for this current events and world issues 8-part discussion series will open at 9am on January 2, 2026.