Manistee Library Hosts Author’s Visit to Wagoner Community Center | New

MANISTEE – The Manistee County Library will present “Leelanau Kayaking,” a library talk to be held at the Wagoner Community Center at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The library’s deputy director, Julie Cirone, is sure that this event will appeal to a wide audience, from nature photographers to kayaking enthusiasts and enthusiasts of the “North”.

The library’s latest talk will feature author and photographer Jon R. Constant discussing his illustrated book “Leelanau by Kayak: Day Trips, Pics, Tips and Stories of a Beautiful Michigan Peninsula.” The author plans to share photos and stories about his experiences at this free, public family event.

Constant has been kayaking for over 25 years. He became even more serious about the sport after retiring from teaching. He credits co-author and longtime friend Larry Burns as the true kayaking expert, while Constant’s background in geography and history has made him the travel navigator.

The author also enjoys taking pictures while kayaking, mostly using a smartphone to capture views. Constant says there was never any intention of writing a book.

“But living in Leelanau County, we did a lot of kayaking – a hundred miles around the shoreline, lakes and rivers. So I thought maybe there was a book in there somewhere,” he said.

Constant initially planned to create a purely pictorial work, but his interest in the peninsula’s past led him to broaden his idea.

Constant hopes his presentation will encourage people to get out and experience nature.

“I’m retired in my 60s and still trying to get by,” says the author. “Kayaking is very relaxing if you choose the right day, are careful and keep an eye on the sky.”

The presentation will include a time for questions and answers, and Constant is happy to discuss topics ranging from kayaking to photography to the book editing process.

No reservation is required for this event. For more details on “Leelanau by Kayak” and other Manistee County Library programs, go to www.manisteelibrary.org or call (231) 723-2519.