In the News: SOIS Alum to Walk 2,000-mile Trail Through Three States

(Matthew Weston, photo by Leader Publications)

As a librarian and library director, Matthew Weston MLIS ’02 has likely experienced his share of adventures through books.

Today, he’s embarking on an adventure in real life.

Leader Publications of southwest Michigan reported that Weston will be walking approximately 2,000 miles of the 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail. Weston will begin his walk outside Newaygo, Michigan and travel through the state’s Upper Peninsula into Wisconsin and Minnesota, wrapping up near Atasca State Park in central Minnesota, the news site reported on May 11.

The hike is expected to last six months.

Weston most recently served as director of the Dowagiac District Library in Dowagiac, Michigan, located 25 miles north of South Bend, Indiana. It was a position he held for 10 years before stepping down to take part in the North Country Trail walk, the Leader said.

In the article, he encouraged the public to support libraries.

“Everyone’s equal at the library,” he said. “People from all kinds of backgrounds can get together there. They’re looking for books but they’re also going there to chat …. It’s just a great way to connect to your community.”

Read the full article here.