A Second Home for Summer: One Family’s Story

By Taylor LaBash | Cascade Twp. Branch

The long, golden days of summer are finally here. As time stretches toward infinity and daily schedules slow down, the search begins for something meaningful to fill the hours. For one family of five, that “something” is found at the Cascade Twp. Branch of Kent District Library.

With three children under the age of 10, summer could easily feel overwhelming for the Westerhof-Peterson family. Endless energy, constant curiosity and the need for connection can test even the most patient routines. According to Dan Westerhof and Flannery Peterson, the library is more than a slot in their schedules. “It’s kind of like a second home in some ways,” Flannery shares with a smile. “I have an office at home, but I like to use the study rooms to get away.”

The library also creates a shared space for their three children: Wolfgang (8), Olympia (6) and Seneca (3). Each child experiences it a little differently, but together, their visits have become a defining part of the family’s summer rhythm.

Flannery and Dan have been bringing their family to the library since shortly after moving to Kent County. Wolfgang insists he’s been coming “forever!” and in many ways, he’s right. “We started bringing you here starting the May after you were born,” Dan reminds him. “You were just a baby!”

Over the years, visits have turned into tradition. “We would come here every Saturday morning for about seven years,” they share. “We would go to swim lessons and then come here. During the decent weather, we would walk over and sometimes stop at Sugar Mama’s [Bakery] for a treat.”

Another formative year was when Wolfgang broke his leg. “It was what helped him love reading a lot,” Dan recalls. In moments when options felt limited, the library became something more: a place of comfort, growth and excitement. “We were low on options for fun, so we tried to find anything he could do. He sat in his first storytime with his mouth completely open, totally taken away with the story.”

Now each visit begins a little differently, but always with excitement. The children scatter in different directions, pulled toward their favorite corners. Wolfgang heads straight for the graphic novels, proudly sharing his greatest literary achievements. “I finished the Wings of Fire series in one week,” he exclaims. Dan laughs, “I’ve found you asleep with a book on your face a couple nights.”

Nearby, Olympia dashes past with a scavenger hunt, her favorite part of the library: “I’ve fallen asleep with a book on my face too!” Meanwhile, Seneca settles into his toys. “I like the marble run,” he says proudly. “I asked for one for Christmas!”

Over time, these small moments build something bigger. Confidence grows. Curiosity deepens. A love of learning takes root in ways that feel natural and joyful. That sense of comfort started early. “We told Wolfgang when he was not even three yet that librarians are friendly,” Dan shares. “At one point, we couldn’t find him, and he had taken himself up to the librarian’s desk to ask for a book. He knew he could get help from the librarians right away.”

As the season continues, this family knows exactly where they’ll be. The library serves as a space that captures everyone’s interests. For families looking to make the most of these fleeting summer days, their message is simple. When asked what keeps them coming back, Wolfgang exclaims without hesitation: “EVERYTHING.”