Tag Archives: Kent District Library

KDL Summer Reading Program opens doors and possibilities

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Alesha (left) and Melissa Steele stay active during Summer Reading Month
Alesha (left) and Melissa Steele stay active during Summer Reading Month

Thirteen-year-old Alesha Steele’s passion for reading not only allowed her to discover new places from the pages of books, but the opportunity to explore her own neighborhood by winning a bike. Now she hopes to help someone else discover a passion for reading as a volunteer for the Kent District Library Summer Reading Program.

 

Throughout the summer, the Kent District Library hosts the most popular reading program of any public library system in Michigan. The program had more than 33,000 participants last year and engages kids, teens and adults with reading activities and prizes.

 

“This is my third year volunteering with the library,” said Alesha. “My first two years I volunteered over in Grandville and now I’m helping out at the Richard L. Root Branch in Kentwood. I help people sign up and I hand out prizes.”

 

While some kids spend the summer months buried in technology, that’s never been the case for Alesha and her 11-year-old sister Melissa, who has her own affinity for books with animals, especially wolves. For both girls, unlocking a new adventure, a new world, is as simple as turning the page.

 

“You can go somewhere in a book, somewhere that isn’t here,” explains Alesha. “It’s always different and exciting.”

 

Melissa is quick to chime in, “You feel like you’re in the world.”

 

Another thing both girls agree on, it’s more satisfying turning a physical page than an electronic one.

 

“We both like real books instead of reading on a Kindle,” said Alesha. “There’s something about being able to actually turn the page and see when you’re getting to the end of the book. The electronic books don’t have that same feel.”

 

Both girls have been traveling to different worlds since they could understand and comprehend how letters make up words, words that become powerful when paired together. The girls gained their love for reading from their mother, Jessica, who has encouraged reading be a staple in her kids’ lives. Jessica home schools all four of her children – Alesha and Melissa are the oldest – and has stressed the benefits of reading.

 

“Reading has always been a big part of my life,” said Jessica. “The benefits of reading are limitless and it broadens vocabulary.”

 

Kentwood LibraryWith those benefits in mind, Jessica and her daughters keep active in the KDL Summer Reading Program. The program is aimed at keeping kids’ minds fresh throughout the summer months. Studies show that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of the summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of summer vacation. The KDL Summer Reading Program encourages learning while children and teens are away from school.

 

However, knowing the benefits of reading and having a dedicated and encouraging family and library doesn’t necessarily mean the love for reading is going to be a smooth ride.

 

“I used to hate reading,” said Melissa before sharply transitioning, “but now I love it! It helped that I continued to read and that made me become a better reader. The more I read, the easier it was, and it made me realize that I love reading.”

 

Reading has not only taken Alesha and Melissa to new worlds, but it has better prepared them for this one.

 

The KDL Summer Reading Program runs through August 13. Get started now, it’s not too late!

Kent District Library Hosts International “Disability Rights” Dignitaries

3-bottom, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , ,

wyoming library

By: Andrea Mantakounis

The Wyoming Branch of Kent District Library will host a tour of international leaders to discover how the library offers an inclusive environment and accessible spaces for disabled community members.

 

The group of eight visitors represent disability rights organizations in seven countries: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Sudan. They will tour KDL’s Wyoming Branch on Monday, April 11 from 1-3 p.m. The visit is part of an international professional development project that stems from a partnership between Colleagues International (CI) – a non-profit organization based in Kalamazoo, Michigan – and the U.S. Department of State.

 

In 2015, Kent District Library was awarded the Community Champions Award by Disability Advocates of Kent County for assessing all 18 KDL branches and the service center headquarters for accessibility. Kent District Library operates the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for residents in Kent, Ionia, and Montcalm Counties

 

“We are so humbled to see this recognition for our accomplishments in serving the disabled community. We have learned so much from our partners at Disability Advocates of Kent County and their assistance has helped us become the best library we can be for all members of our community,” says Lance Werner, KDL’s Executive Director.

 

The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

 

·         Examine federal, state, and local laws and programs intended to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
·         Explore government and private sector funding of services and programs for persons with disabilities;
·         Discuss how various organizations, associations, and NGOs influence policy and raise awareness of disability issues through advocacy, media and grassroots organizing; and
·         Provide professional networking opportunities that facilitate long‑term dialogue among the visitors and their American counterparts.

 

The Department of State specifically requested these guests have a tour and meeting with Kent District Library. This event will include KDL staff and community members, including those with disabilities, highlighting how the library has created an inclusive environment and accessible spaces for the community.

Wyoming KDL to Host Vegan Cooking Demo and Tasting

Food, How-To's, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

Wyoming LibraryBy: Carrie Bistline

The Wyoming Branch of the Kent District Library will host a vegan cooking demo and tasting workshop this Saturday, February 27, 2016, at 2 PM.

According to the KDL website event description, it is possible to embrace—or dabble in, if you’re like me—veganism, without forgoing “comfort foods like macaroni, pesto and chocolate cake,” and bacon. Ok, maybe I added bacon to the lineup. (But PETA says there really is vegan bacon!)

Why vegan? Aside from the animal activist portion (disclaimer: this is in no way a statement for/against/towards animal activism), you may be surprised by the health benefits spelled out in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition like “a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.”

The “Vegan-ize Your Favorite Comfort Food” event at Wyoming KDL promises an entertaining and informative Saturday afternoon to all who join, from the devout vegans to the skeptic foodies with one toe testing the waters.

VeganMaybe you’ll leave a born-again vegan. Or maybe you’ll go grill a steak. Either way, you’ll go home with a few party-pleaser recipes and the kind of satisfaction only learning new things can bring. Take it from a professional dabbler.

Carrie Bistline is a freelance writer, blogger and marketer with an MFA in Creative Writing. She divides her free time amongst family, work, sports and Jane Austen, and uses what’s left to chip away at her every-growing bucket list. 

KDL Looking for a Wyoming Resident to Join the Board

Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, ,

Kent District Library 2The Kent District Library is looking for a Wyoming resident to fill an open position on the board. The board term will end December 31, 2017 and applicants must live in the City of Wyoming.

 

Any prospective board member must be able to meet monthly at District Headquarters – 814 W. River Center – in Comstock Park. Monthly meetings may also be held at other participating libraries.

 

In order to apply for the position, you must be a Wyoming resident and complete an online application form on the county’s website. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged and may be attached. Application deadline is this Friday, Jan. 22.

 

For further information, call the Board of Commissioners office at 616-632-7580.

Trunk or Treat 2015 brings Seasons Treatings

Citizen Journalism, Holidays, , , , , , ,
Tractor rides at Trunk or Treat

brett_wiesenauer

On the morn of October 24th, a truckload of cute ghouls and characters appeared outside the Kentwood Public Works Garage. They shambled and moved in unison with a hunger, for seasonal treats. It was Halloween time and that meant Trunk or Treat had arrived.

The event was put on by Kentwood Parks and Recreation in association with many local organizations including Kent District Library, the Fun Spot, and the local police and fire departments, of course.

The event had much to offer for all in attendance. There were the treats, of course, but also warm cider and donuts for sale, a bouncy castle, a clownish DJ playing assorted holiday favorites like “Thriller” and the “Addams Family Theme”, and tractor rides on the way out.

100_0973
Mr. President!

In attendance that crisp morning was Mayor Stephen Kepley, or rather, Mr. President. Dressed in deluxe Abe Lincoln attire, the mayor was most gracious in handing out treats and goodie bags for the festive multitudes. Asked afterwards about his thoughts on this year’s event, “It was a really great turnout. We only expected around eight-hundred or a thousand, but I surmise we at least doubled that estimate this morning.”

There had been a warning of rain that morning, so the event had actually been moved from its original location to an indoor locale, just in case the weather made a turn.

Representing the police department, Officer J. Morningstar dispensed candy to passing minions, ninjas, superheroes, and even a cupcake!

Attendance proved so numerous that halfway into the two-hour showcase, a supply run had to be made, as sweets were in such high demand!

A miniature horse was also in attendance, representing Karin’s Horse Connection, a group who specializes in equestrian riding as well as vaulting, gymnastics on top of moving horses.

‘Twas a fantastic event that got the community involved and cemented a genuine Halloween atmosphere in the township. Good job, Kentwood Parks and Rec.

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Have a Grand Ol’ Time at ‘Fun With Grandkids!’

Area Education, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

Kent Distric LibraryFor kids and the kids at heart ages 6 to 96, Kent District Library is proud to introduce the new series Fun with Grandkids!. The series includes three programs:

  1. DIY Spa — where participants make their own pampering products to take home
  2. Zentangle Connect — a class on creating intricate, black and white, abstract art through the Zentangle method intended for children ages 8 and up
  3. Nostalgic Gaming — where we provide the classic games like Jacks, marbles, checkers and more.

“We’ve created hands-on programming, aimed at an intergenerational audience and scheduled for the weekend hours so that out-of-town grandparents, as well as local grandparents, can participate in fun, library-centered activities with their grandkids,” said Lynda Austin, Youth Services Paraprofessional at KDL.

The program is open to children with a parent, grandparent or guardian. Pre-registration is required for DIY Spa and Zentangle Connect and can be completed by calling (616) 784-2007.

Schedule

DIY Spa

Saturday, October 3, 10:00 AM – Gaines Township Branch
Saturday, October 17, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch
Thursday, October 22, 4:00 PM – Tyrone Township Branch
Saturday, November 7, 1:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Saturday, November 14, 1:00 PM – Englehardt (Lowell) Branch
Saturday, November 21, 10:30 AM – Nelson Township/Sand Lake Branch

Nostalgic Gaming

Saturday, September 19, 10:30 AM – Nelson Township/Sand Lake Branch
Saturday, October 3, 1:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Saturday, October 24, 1:00 PM – Englehardt (Lowell) Branch
Wednesday, November 18, 4:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Saturday, November 21, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch
Saturday, November 28, 10:00 AM – Cascade Township Branch

Zentangle Connect

Saturday, September 19, 1:00 PM – Englehardt ( Lowell) Branch
Saturday, September 26, 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Wednesday, October 7, 4:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Saturday, October 24, 1:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Monday, October 26, 6:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Saturday, November 14, 10:00 AM – Alto Branch
Saturday, November 28, 1:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch

Kent District Library is a public library system comprised of 18 branch libraries in 27 governmental units throughout Kent County, Michigan. It is supported by millage dollars and private donations. KDL serves 395,660 people in all areas of Kent County except the cities of Grand Rapids and Cedar Springs, the village of Sparta, and Solon and Sparta townships.

Kent District Library presents Calendar of Events for February

Area Education, Local Entertainment

Take the time to read

By Kent District Library staff

kids_headingBooks KDLCardHappiness 

This calendar contains program highlights. Most KDL branches offer additional programs including Book Discussions, Storytimes and a variety of computer classes. Please visit www.kdl.org for more information.

 

Programs for Children and Families

 

Life-Sized Candied Land
Everyone’s invited to play a giant version of a favorite childhood board game. Follow the colored squares as you walk across the gumdrop bridge and voyage through the candy cane forest… but don’t get stuck on a licorice spot! For all ages.
Saturday, February 1, 2:00 PM – Byron Township branch
Saturday, February 8, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township branch
Saturday, February 22, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch

 

Heart to Heart Craft Party
Roses are red, violets are blue, join our Valentine event, just for you! Celebrate Valentine’s Day with snacks and crafts. For all ages.
Monday, February 3, 10:00 AM – Walker branch
Wednesday, February 5, 10:00 AM – Walker branch
Saturday, February 8, 10:30 AM – Alto branch
Saturday, February 8, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch
Monday, February 10, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township branch
Monday, February 10, 6:30 PM – Byron Township branch
Monday, February 10, 7:00 PM – Plainfield Township branch
Tuesday, February 11, 10:00 AM – Cascade Township branch
Tuesday, February 11, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township branch
Tuesday, February 11, 6:30 PM – Comstock Park branch
Wednesday, February 12, 10:00 AM – Cascade Township branch
Wednesday, February 12, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township branch
Wednesday, February 12, 10:00 and 11:00 AM – East Grand Rapids branch
Wednesday, February 12, 10:00 and 11:00 AM – Caledonia Township branch
Wednesday, February 12, 10:30 AM – Comstock Park branch
Thursday, February 13, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township branch
Thursday, February 13, 10:00 and 11:00 AM – East Grand Rapids branch
Thursday, February 13, 10:30 AM – Englehardt branch
Thursday, February 13, 6:30 PM – Tyrone Township branch
Thursday, February 13, 7:00 PM – Caledonia Township branch
Saturday, February 15, 10:30 AM – Gaines Township branch

 

Sensory Storytime
Join us for rhythm, movement, stories and sensory-friendly fun. Designed for children with special needs, especially children who may have a hard time sitting still or focusing in big groups. Kids ages 3-10 and their families are welcome! Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited.
Tuesdays, February 4 – 25, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial branch
Saturday, February 8, 10:00 AM – East Grand Rapids
Thursday, February 13, 6:30 PM – Cascade Township branch

 

Fancy Nancy Soirée (That’s Fancy for Party!)
Come dressed in your fanciest regalia and baubles (clothes and jewelry) as we celebrate the magnificent Fancy Nancy! Join your friends at the bibliothèque (library) for a Fancy Nancy Storytime, complete with glamorous crafts and tasty surprises. For all ages. Sponsored by Karl Orthodontics.
Saturday, February 8, 10:00 AM – Alpine Township branch
Thursday, February 13, 10:00 AM – Walker branch
Saturday, February 15, 2:00 PM – Alto branch
Sunday, February 16, 2:00 PM – Cascade Township branch
Wednesday, February 19, 6:30 PM – Grandville branch
Tuesday, February 25, 6:30 PM – Englehardt branch
Tuesday, February 25, 6:30 PM – Wyoming branch

 

Beyblades
Test your skills and have fun competing in KDL’s Beyblade Battles! Bring your own Beyblades and arenas, or train and compete using the library’s equipment. For ages 6 and older.
Saturday, February 15, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township branch
Monday, February 17, 4:30 PM – Cascade Township branch
Wednesday, February 26, 6:30 PM – Englehardt branch

 

Mush!
Tun-Dra Kennels owners will talk about sled dogs, mushing equipment and the Iditarod. Families can meet the dogs and watch a demonstration outside, weather permitting. For all ages.
Monday, February 17, 1:00 PM – Grandville branch

 

Programs for Teens

Game On!
Join the West Michigan Table Top Gamers the third Saturday of each month to play some fun-filled board games. Assorted “gateway” games will be on hand, along with someone to teach them. In partnership with West Michigan Table Top Gamers. For teens and adults.
Saturday, February 15, 12:30 PM – Grandville branch

Happy — The Movie: Special Teen Showing
Join us for a free “teens only” showing. “Happy” combines cutting-edge science from the new field of “positive psychology” with real-life stories of people from around the world whose lives illustrate these findings. For teens grades 6-12.
Tuesday, February 18, 3:30 PM – Wyoming branch

 

Kent County Teen Film Festival
Lights! Camera! Action! All Kent County teens grades 6-12 are invited to enter the Kent County Teen Film Festival. Deadline for submission is Friday, January 17, 2014. Selected films will be screened Saturday, February 22 at Celebration! Cinema North (2121 Celebration Dr. NE). Check www.kdl.org/teens for more information. Sponsored by CompuCraft and Kent District Library.
Saturday, February 22, 10:30 AM

Programs for Adults

 

Craft Away the Winter Blues
Shake off the winter blahs with Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood, crafter extraordinaire. Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited.
Saturday, February 1, 10:30 AM – Gaines Township branch (Valentine Crafts)
Saturday, February 8, 11:00 AM – Englehardt branch (Do-It-Yourself Party Planning on a Budget)
Tuesday, February 11, 6:00 PM – Byron Township branch (English Paper Piecing)

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Teaching Science with Toys
Discover ways to help children learn science on their own with fun activities that are great for school readiness. Use storybooks, toys and other simple items to teach science concepts. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided.
Monday, February 3, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial branch

 

Healing with Green Smoothies
Presenter Linda Carrington demonstrates using natural plant oils with natural green smoothies to help target health challenges such as weight loss, allergies, infections, inflammation, cravings, blood sugar problems and more. Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited.
Monday, February 3, 6:30 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch
Monday, February 24, 6:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township branch

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Fun Activities in GR for Free
Presenter Annette McBride shares many ideas for free or low cost fun in the Grand Rapids area. Tap into local resources for child-friendly seasonal activities. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided.
Tuesday, February 04, 6:30 PM – Caledonia Township branch

 

KD aLe: Home Brewing 101
Join the GR Makers as they lead a lively presentation on the ins and outs of brewing beer at home. Learn what ingredients and equipment you need to homebrew a pint that will rival anything you can get at the store.
Wednesday, February 5, 6:30 PM – Grandville branch
Monday, February 17, 6:30 PM – Cascade Township branch
Wednesday, February 19, 6:30 PM – Alpine Township branch

 

KD aLe: Schmohz Brewery Tour
Get a “backstage pass” and see how Schmohz Brewery makes its signature beers such as Hopknocker Imperial IPA, Treasure Chest ESB and Bonecrusher Stout. After the tour, show your library card to get a special deal on beer tasting and learn about KDL materials for loan that focus on beer and home brewing. Tour and talk will be held at Schmohz Brewery, 2600 Patterson Ave. SE.
Wednesday, February 5, 7:30 PM

 

Happy — The Movie
Join us for a free showing. Happy combines cutting-edge science from the new field of “positive psychology” with real-life stories of people from around the world whose lives illustrate these findings.
Sunday, February 9, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Inexpensive Green Early Literacy Activities
With just a little imagination, you can provide fun, inexpensive and green activities that build early literacy skills in young children. With an emphasis on reusing and repurposing, these activities are especially suited to individual or small group stations, but can be adapted for any situation. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided.
Monday, February 10, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial branch
Saturday, February 15, 10:00 AM – Cascade Township branch

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Getting Ready to Write, 0 – 3 Year Olds
This interactive session explores what young children must understand before they become interested in drawing, coloring and writing their name. Learn to encourage interest and fine motor coordination for writing. Part 1 will focus on birth through three years old. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided.
Tuesday, February 11, 6:30 PM – Caledonia Township branch

 

KD aLe: Books & Brews with “Beervangelist” Fred Bueltmann
Fred Bueltmann, part-owner of New Holland Brewing Co. will talk about his book, “Beervangelist’s Guide to the Galaxy.” Adults will get to sip a few of Fred’s favorites. Registration is required for those age 21 and older who want to taste, and participant spots are limited. Sponsored by the Friends of the East Grand Rapids Library.
Thursday, February 13, 6:00 PM – East Grand Rapids branch

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Finding Balance in Everyday Life
How do you balance the needs of everyone in your life and still have time for yourself? Annette McBride, employee at Pine Rest and Grand Rapids Community College, shares simple ways to create balance in your life. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided.
Monday, February 17, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial branch

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Getting Ready to Write, 3 – 5 Year Olds
This interactive session explores what young children must understand before they become interested in drawing, coloring and writing their name. Learn to encourage interest and fine motor coordination for writing. Part 2 will focus on , the stages of writing and the use of creative spelling by children. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided.
Tuesday, February 18, 6:30 PM – Caledonia Township branch

 

KD aLe: Rockford Brewing Company Tour
Get a “backstage pass” and see how Rockford Brewing Co. makes its signature beers such as Rogue River Brown, Sheehan’s Irish Stout and Hoplust IPA. After the tour, show your library card to get a special deal on beer tasting and learn about KDL materials for loan that focus on beer and home brewing. Tour and talk will be held at Rockford Brewing Company, 12 E. Bridge St.
Wednesday, February 19, 6:30 PM

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Discovering Play
Christine Burns, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum trainer, identifies the valuable skills children learn during play and explains how to foster positive play interactions. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided.
Thursday, February 20, 6:30 PM – Byron Township branch

 

Early Childhood Essentials: Discovering Play
Christine Burns, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum trainer, identifies the valuable skills children learn during play and explains how to foster positive play interactions. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided.
Monday, February 24, 6:30 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch

 

How to Self-Publish Your Book on Amazon
This one-hour discussion will detail the nuts-and-bolts of how to get your book published on Amazon.com. From book formatting tips to taking your book “live” for purchase, this fast-paced presentation walks you through the process for self-publishing eBooks and traditional print book formats.
Monday, February 24, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township branch

 

Got Headaches? Let’s Talk!
Join us for this insightful headache help seminar with physical therapist Jeffrey S. Carter, owner of Apogee Therapy Center in Grandville. Jeff has been treating patients with headaches and neck pain for over 28 years, and is the former headache specialist at Mary Free Bed’s Chronic Headache Program.
Tuesday, February 25, 6:30 PM – Grandville branch