IRRC Launches 2025 Summer Community Read:
A Season of Connection, Renewal, and Shared Wisdom

LANSING, MI — The Immigrant and Refugee Resource Collaborative (IRRC) invites readers across mid-Michigan to take part in its 2025 Summer Community Read, a seasonal invitation to explore powerful stories of hope, care, and wisdom. This year’s selections center around the question:

“What’s the smartest habit you’ve got that others could learn from?”

The featured teen/adult title, “The Immigrant Advantage: What We Can Learn from Newcomers to America about Health, Happiness, and Hope” by Claudia Kolker, celebrates the traditions and practices that families cultivate that help communities thrive. For younger readers and families, the IRRC has selected “In Our Garden” by Pat Zietlow Miller — a beautifully illustrated children’s story about kindness, belonging, and shared growth.

Books are available now at local libraries and independent bookstores. Readers are encouraged to engage with the texts over the summer and join an author’s visit, and series of storytelling and community events in the fall. These books celebrate everyone - whether you are new to Greater Lansing or have lived here for generations. Afterall, everyone has something to teach us about health, hope, and happiness.

“This is more than just a reading initiative,” said IRRC organizers. “It’s a chance to rediscover the strength and wisdom in our communities and learn from each other’s everyday practices of care and resilience.”

Participants can request a free Companion Guide through the IRRC website and are invited to share photos or reflections by emailing irrcmidmichigan@gmail.com.

Let’s read, grow, and connect—together.

In partnership with community organizations across the region.