Take the time to read

By Kent District Library staff

 

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