Kent District Library
June 2014 Calendar of Events • 784-2007
Visit www.kdl.org for more programs and information.
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
Teddy Bear Clinic
Bring your teddy bear or favorite stuffed animal friend to the library for a quick check-up. Learn ways to keep them healthy and happy and even get a clean bill of health. For ages 6 and younger.
Tuesday, June 3, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Thursday, June 19, 10:00 AM – Englehardt Branch
Monday, June 23, 10:30 AM – Alto Branch
Summer Carnival
Celebrate Summer Reading @ KDL with carnival games and activities. For all ages.
Monday, June 9, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch
Thursday, June 12, 3:00 PM – Wyoming Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch
Thursday, June 19, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Sport Stacking with “Mr. Jim” Merrills
Sport Stacking (formerly called Cup Stacking) is fast and fun! Bring your friends and learnhow to do it — it’s a blast! For ages 6 and older.
Tuesday, June 10, 10:30 AM – Grandville Branch
Radical Reptiles
Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary engages young minds with fascinating facts and real-life encounters with snakes, alligators and turtles. For all ages.
Tuesday, June 10, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
Thursday, June 12, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch
Monday, June 16, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 10:30 AM – Grandville Branch
Wednesday, June 18, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Thursday, June 19, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch
Thursday, June 19, 7:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Wednesday, June 25, 6:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Thursday, June 26, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch
Thursday, June 26, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Saturday, June 28, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Magic with Tom Plunkard
An amazing program filled with live animals and loads of audience participation. For all ages.
Wednesday, June 11, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Wednesday, June 11, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch
Thursday, June 19, 6:30 PM – Tyrone Township Branch
Thursday, June 26, 7:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Let’s Explore Geodes!
Join geologist Steve Tchozeski to learn about the mysteries of geodes and a hands-on chance to explore what is inside. Participants will select a geode to take home with them! For ages 6 and older.
Wednesday, June 11, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Wednesday, June 11, 6:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch
Thursday, June 19, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids
Thursday, June 19, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
Thursday, June 26, 1:30 PM – Alto Branch
Thursday, June 26, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch
Take It Apart
Like to tinker? Are you curious about how things work or what is inside? Old telephones, keyboards and other gadgets will be provided for children to take apart and explore. Spark your child’s interest in what makes things tick! For ages 6 and older.
Thursday, June 12, 2:00 PM – Walker Branch
Art Attack
Exercise your creativity! Make paintings, sculptures, prints and mosaics to take home with you. Sponsored by Karl Orthodontics. For all ages.
Thursday, June 12, 10:00 AM – Englehardt Branch
Thursday, June 12, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township Branch
Monday, June 23, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Thursday, June 26, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
John Ball Traveling Zoo
Come learn about animals and even get a chance to meet some. For all ages.
Thursday, June 12, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Pet Show
Is your pet a star? Every critter’s a winner in this unique show designed to put the spotlight on your furry, scaly or feathered friend. All acts must pre-register. Visit the library for more details. For all ages.
Thursday, June 12, 6:30 PM – Tyrone Township Branch
Thursday, June 26, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch
Super Fun Science Party!
You’ll have such a great time playing, making and doing that you may not notice you’re exploring the principles of science at the same time. For all ages.
Saturday, June 14, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Thursday, June 19, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch
Thursday, June 26, 2:00 PM – Walker Branch
Monday, June 30, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Amazing Bats
Can you fly with your hands? Bats can. Meet and learn about the Organization for Bat Conservation’s live bats from around the world. For all ages.
Tuesday, June 17, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Wednesday, June 18, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Wednesday, June 18, 6:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Touch-a-Truck
Are you wild about trucks? Get up close! Some of our municipal vehicles including fire trucks, police cars, front loaders and more will be stopping at the library, along with the pros who operate them. Decorate your own hard hat and other crafts. For all ages.
Tuesday, June 17, 1:30 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township Branch
Native American Dancers
Dancing, drumming and stories! Watch traditional Native American stories come alive through a storyteller and dancers, including a hoop dancer. For all ages.
Tuesday, June 17, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
Thursday, June 19, 7:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Rockets are a Blast!
Learn all about building and launching model rockets from Matt Johnson, of the local SMASH rocketry association and National Association of Rocketry. Participants will collaborate on a rocket build and learn about upcoming launch opportunities in the area. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited. For ages 6 and older.
Wednesday, June 18, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Thursday, June 19, 1:30 PM – Alto Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 10:30 AM – Grandville Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 1:30 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Out of This World Party
Join us for galactic games, stellar stories and alien activities. Come dressed as an astronaut or space creature and enjoy the fun! For all ages.
Thursday, June 19, 2:00 PM – Walker Branch
Wednesday, June 25, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Kevin Kammeraad and The Cooperfly Puppet Troupe
Don’t miss this quirky crew of characters examining some various components and styles of puppetry. You’ll laugh and learn, while having a great time in this musical, interactive show for all ages!
Thursday, June 19, 6:30 PM – Wyoming Branch
Book Buddies
Ever want to read to a princess, race car driver or a dinosaur? Now you can! Come check out a Book Buddy from the library and spend 10 minutes reading your favorite book together! There will be lots of special characters to choose from and each one is excited to hear you read. This is a special partnership between the United Way, the Grand Rapids Public Library and Kent District Library. For families.
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 AM – Englehardt Branch
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township Branch
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 AM – Wyoming Branch
Saturday, June 21, 1:00 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Saturday, June 21, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch
The Science of Us with the World’s Coolest Nerd
Miss Cari’s interactive science demonstration on the five senses will have children laughing and learning about how they are a walking piece of science. For all ages.
Tuesday, June 24, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch
Thursday, June 26, 10:00 AM – Englehardt Branch
Stormy the Magician Presents the Magic of Science
Go on an entertaining adventure into the magic of science and the science of magic. For all ages.
Wednesday, June 25, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Kids and Teens Craft Show
Arts and crafts for sale by local kids and teens. Stop in the library to register as a seller or just come to shop. You’re sure to find some great bargains. For all ages.
Thursday, June 26, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Farm on the Go
The Critter Barn of Zeeland brings a little of the farm to the city in a program featuring the cutest barnyard animals around for you to touch and pet. For all ages.
Saturday, June 28, 11:00 AM – Tyrone Township Branch
For Teens (Grades 6-12)
Kent County Teen Film Festival 2014 Encore
Due to popular demand, KDL is proud to offer another screening of the 2014 KCTFF! If you missed it the first time or just want to relive the awesomeness, here is your chance. Plus, learn how you can enter the 2015 Festival. While you are here enjoy some pizza from local pizzerias.
Tuesday, June 10, 1:00 PM – Englehardt Branch
Thursday, June 26, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
DIY Spa Products for Teens
Create everything you need for your own spa day! Make your own pampering products like foot scrub, bath salts and body glitter and take some home.
Tuesday, June 10, 3:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Thursday, June 12, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
Thursday, June 19, 4:00 PM – Alto Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 1:00 PM – Englehardt Branch
Wednesday, June 25, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Bust That Myth!
Can soda pop really clean a gross penny? Can you separate two intertwined phone books? Can you make your own bouncy ball? Test out these myths and more to determine whether they are confirmed or busted!
Tuesday, June 10, 3:00 PM – Wyoming Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 3:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Thursday, June 19, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 4:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Wednesday, June 25, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch
Flash Fashion for Teens
KDL’s twist on “Project Runway.” Fashion you create in a FLASH using paper, plastic and other unconventional materials and techniques. We provide the stuff and you dish out the creativity. You’ll work with a team to create a runway look in just 30 minutes by snipping, draping, taping and even accessorizing. Make it work!
Tuesday, June 10, 4:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 3:00 PM – Wyoming Branch
Thursday, June 26, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Nuts & Bolts: Jewelry from Hardware
Create one-of-a-kind, edgy, indie jewelry. Make a keychain, necklace, bracelet or earrings from unexpected materials.
Wednesday, June 11, 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 4:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 3:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Mind Boggle Science Workshop
Dr. Boggle leads you through amazing hands-on experiments and endless possibilities. Learn science the fun way through a series of mind boggling experiences.
Wednesday, June 11, 2:00 PM – Byron Township Branch
Wednesday, June 18, 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Thursday, June 19, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 3:00 PM – Wyoming Branch
Thursday, June 26, 2:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Kentwoodpalooza
A festival-style celebration of the arts, the end of school and the beginning of Summer Reading @ KDL with music, film, poetry, food and more. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kentwood Library.
Thursday, June 12, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
DIY Tie-Dye for Teens
Bring a white or light colored T-shirt to this program and try a new way of tie-dye — with permanent markers! All other materials will be provided to help you create a one-of-a-kind shirt to wear.
Thursday, June 12, 2:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Tuesday, June 17, 2:00 PM –Gaines Township Branch
Wednesday, June 25, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Thursday, June 26, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
The Science of the Paranormal: Where the Werewolf Got Its Bite
Tess Grant, former forensic anthropologist and author of teen suspense and adult thrillers, will talk about where and how the myth began.
Thursday, June 19, 2:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Wednesday, June 25, 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Minute to Win It
Pit your skills against the clock and against your peers. Set a personal record or challenge a friend. Prizes for all!
Thursday, June 19, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
Veggie Nutrition
Join Kim Kyunghee from Veg West Michigan and learn about a healthy and happy lifestyle with vegetarian and vegan cooking. Her program includes a cooking demonstration, food sampling and tips on eating green.
Tuesday, June 24, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
For Adults
Foraging: Wild Plants for Food and Medicine
Join herbalist and forager Lisa Rose Starner to learn about local plants and “weeds” that can be used for food and herbal medicine.
Monday, June 2, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch
Wednesday, June 18, 6:30 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Monday, June 23, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Monday, June 30, 6:30 PM – Wyoming Branch
Designing a New Kitchen Garden
You can have a very productive garden even if you have only a small area to work with! Connie Hanson of Grand Shire Farm will present design ideas for raised beds, container gardening, companion planting and information on vegetables and herbs that grow well in small spaces.
Wednesday, June 4, 6:30 PM – Grandville Branch
Wednesday, June 11, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Monday, June 16, 6:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Wednesday, June 18, 6:30 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Monday, June 23, 6:30 PM – Alto Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 6:30 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Monday, June 30, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Bicycle Maintenance 101
The Spoke Folks will bring their mobile bike shop and demonstrate tips on how to keep your bike in tip-top shape so you have a great ride every time you go out.
Monday, June 9, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Wednesday, June 18, 6:30 PM – Grandville Branch
The National Park Service Presents the North Country Trail
Learn about the longest trail in the nation, right in our own backyards, from Mark Weaver, the National Park Service superintendent of the North Country National Scenic Trail.
Monday, June 9, 7:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Monday, June 16, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch
The Art and Science of Canning
Join Annette McBride as she explains the science behind canning fruits and vegetables at home and demonstrates how to get started with basic canning.
Tuesday, June 17, 6:30 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Tuesday, June 24, 6:30 PM – Walker Branch
Trail Hiking 101
Chuck Hayden, of the West Michigan Chapter of the North Country Trail Association, tells you everything you need to know about boots, poles, safety and etiquette to begin your trail hiking journey.
Tuesday, June 17, 7:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
The North Country Trail and the Kitchen Sink
Author and Ludington Daily News columnist Joan Young, the first woman in history to complete the North Country Trail, will regale us with tales of her experiences. Sponsored by Friends of the Cascade Library.
Tuesday, June 24, 7:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
