The Kent District Library always strives to bring exceptional programming for families and individuals. Check out all of the activities for March:
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.
For Children and Families
African Folktales with Storyteller Miz Rosie
Miz Rosie involves her audience in a dramatic, energized storytelling experience. Young and old alike are swept up in African and African-American folktales. The engaging oral tradition performed by Rosie is accompanied by songs and instruments. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kentwood Library. For all ages.
Saturday, March 1, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Mario Kart Tournament for Kids
Many will enter, but only one will be crowned champion! Join us for a Wii gaming tournament for school-age kids featuring Mario Kart, prizes and more. Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited. For grades K-5.
Saturday, March 1, 10:30 AM – Tyrone Township Branch
There’s a Mouse in the House
What could be more exciting than a mouse in your house? Celebrate all things “mousy” with stories, crafts, rhymes, fingerplays and puppets. For ages 6 and younger.
Tuesday, March 4, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake Branch
Thursday, March 6, 10:30 AM – Englehardt Branch
Wednesday, March 12, 10:00 and 11:00 AM – Caledonia Township Branch
Thursday, March 13, 7:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Saturday, March 29, 10:00 AM – Krause Memorial 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, March 8, 10:00 AM – Krause Memorial Branch
Wednesday, March 12, 6:30 PM – Grandville Branch
Monday, March 17, 4:30 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Saturday, March 22, 10:30 AM – Tyrone Township Branch
Wednesday, March 26, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch
Saturday, March 29, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake Branch
Rainbow Loom Creativity
Bring your Rainbow Loom and some friends to socialize and create. Rainbow Loom jewelry is fun, unique and great to give as gifts. The library will provide bands in a variety of colors. Don’t forget your loom! For ages 6 and older.
Saturday, March 8, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Spring Brings Very Hungry Caterpillars!
Enjoy stories and crafts featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other familiar characters from the works of Eric Carle. For ages 6 and younger.
Sunday, March 9, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Monday, March 17, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch
Saturday, March 22, 10:30 AM – Gaines Township Branch
Meet the Author: Luis Carlos Montalvan
Join us for a visit with Luis Carlos Montalvan, author of “Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him,” and his service dog, Tuesday, as they talk about animal-assisted therapy, the human/animal bond and their own heartwarming story. Sponsored by the Friends of the Plainfield Library. Book will be available for sale by Schuler Books and Music. For all ages.
Sunday, March 23, 2:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Programs for Teens
Teen Writing Workshop
Aspiring authors can develop their talent in this new writing community. Inspiration and instruction is available online through videos featuring local authors, writing prompts and critique worksheets. Five in-person discussion sessions led by Grand Rapids Community College writing professor Rachel Lutwick-Deaner will be held throughout the year focusing on peer-to-peer feedback. Pre-registration is required and participant spots are limited. For more information, visit www.kdl.org/teens.
Sunday, March 2, 3:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Cosplay Costume Workshop
Meet up with other fans and begin designing your cosplay look. Supplies and equipment will be provided to help you rock the runway at JAFAX or the KDL Anime Festival. For teens grades 6 – 12.
Saturday, March 15, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake Branch
Tuesday, March 18, 3:30 PM – Wyoming Branch
Thursday, March 20, 3:30 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
For Adults
Early Childhood Essentials: Coping with Conflict
Learn how teachers and caregivers can use circle time, small group activities and unstructured interactions to teach emotional literacy and reduce aggression among children. This workshop includes lessons from the Incredible Years Dinosaur Social Skills and Classroom Curriculum Friendship Units. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT.
Thursday, March 6, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Gardening from Soil to Bloom
Love of gardening is a seed that, once sown, never dies. Jeanne Hawkins of The Secret Ingredient will teach gardening fundamentals, including the basics of soil, plants, planting, weeds and how to tell good bugs from bad.
Monday, March 10, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Tuesday, March 18, 6:30 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Invasive Species in Your Neighborhood
What is the impact of alien plants? Naturalists from the Stewardship Network will explain how to identify and eradicate invasive plant species that are affecting West Michigan.
Saturday, March 15, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Sunday, March 30, 2:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Rivers and Rain Barrels
How do your daily activities affect the water quality of area rivers? The West Michigan Environmental Action Council will discuss what all of us can do to protect our treasured resources. Participants can also construct rain barrels for $30, which can be paid in cash or by check. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited.
Tuesday, March 18, 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. This session includes different information and activities than the program previously offered in Winter. Session offers one hour of professional development. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT.
Thursday, March 20, 6:30 PM – Byron Township branch
Monday, March 31, 6:30 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Write Michigan Short Story Contest Awards Ceremony
Celebrate the Write Michigan short story contest winners! Kentwood-based novelist Kristina Riggle will present the keynote address. Copies of the 2014 Write Michigan Anthology published by Chapbook Press will be available for purchase, and many of the contest winning writers will be available for a book signing. The Write Michigan Award Ceremony is sponsored by Meijer. For all ages.
Saturday, March 22, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Celebrate the Mitten Writers’ Conference
Local authors and publishing insiders will share tips for new and aspiring authors, leading sessions on traditional and self-publishing, how to stay motivated and more. All genres and skill levels are welcome. Separate pre-registration is required for morning and afternoon sessions and participant spots are limited. Co-sponsored by Baker Books, Credo Communications and Publish Savvy.
Saturday, March 29, 9:00 AM – Cascade Township Branch
Early Childhood Essentials Mini Day of Learning: Autism Emphasis
Learn about autism spectrum disorders including early intervention techniques and practical advice. Earn 3 professional development hours. This program will take place at the First Reformed Church (3060 Wilson Ave. in Grandville.) Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Adults only please; child care is not provided. Sponsored by Great Start CONNECT.
Saturday, March 29, 9:00 AM – Grandville Branch
Visit www.kdl.org for more programs and information.
