Kent District Library is launching new booster packs that will help kids develop an early love of reading – and is asking for community assistance!
“Early literacy is the foundation for so many aspects of life and developing an early love of reading helps children in school and throughout life,” said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner in supplied material. “This, in turn, has a huge impact on our community. By supporting activities that are fun and effective, you are transforming lives.”
About KDL booster packs
(Courtesy, KDL)
Each $100 gift covers the cost of a typical booster pack, which is tailored for preschool and school-age kids in home-based activities. They include educational games, books and activities that make learning fun for children in kindergarten through third grade.
According to the KDL website, booster packs were created in response to the Read Before Grade 3 law, opens a new window. The kits were crafted to help improve specific reading areas including fluency, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension.
The 600 booster packs KDL already provides across their 20 branches are exceptionally popular, which means that the activities are well used and need to be replaced from time to time so they are fresh.
Also, additional funding can help KDL expand the availability of booster packs. Currently, most booster packs are checked out and have a waiting list, so having the ability to add more packs will have a profound impact.
How to sponsor booster packs
To sponsor one or more booster packs, give online and designate your gift for “Booster Packs.” For more information, contact Randall Goble, Kent District Library Director of Engagement, at rgoble@kdl.org.
Kent District Library and the KDL Board of Trustees are proud to offer a $5,000 KDL Community Impact Scholarship.
This scholarship will recognize high school seniors and adults returning to school who have worked hard to improve their communities and show potential to make long term impact. Both trade-bound and college-bound students are eligible to apply. All candidates must live within the KDL service area.
Making a difference
Strong candidates will be students who are passionate about making a difference, champions for inclusivity, innovators at heart and lifelong learners with a love for the library. These guidelines were shaped by those of the Library Journal Jerry Kline Award, an award KDL received in 2023 that afforded KDL the opportunity to begin this scholarship fund.
“Our mission at Kent District Library has always been to empower and uplift our community through education and opportunity,” said Andrew Erlewein, Chair of the Kent District Library Board of Trustees.
“By launching this Community Impact Scholarship, we’re thrilled to provide direct support to individuals in our area who are ready to pursue their dreams through college or trade school. We believe this scholarship can make a meaningful difference in the lives of recipients and in the community as a whole.”
Scholarship timeline
Applications will be accepted online at kdl.org/scholarship from Dec. 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025. Applications will include a form, two letters of recommendation, accepted enrollment letter, a library card number and optional supporting materials. Up to three scholarships will be given this year.
The scholarship recipient(s) will be chosen by the KDL Board of Trustees based on their overall impact on the community and alignment with the scholarship criteria as displayed in their responses.
Winner(s) will be announced May 1, 2025. The scholarship award in the amount of $5,000 will be disbursed directly to the recipient’s chosen college, university or trade school to be used for tuition, fees, books or other educational expenses.
On the Same Page will feature “Wandering Stars” by Tommy Orange and “Martyr” by Kaveh Akbar (Courtesy, KDL)
Kent District Library (KDL) is encouraging adults to get “On the Same Page” with reading.
KDL is thrilled to announce the books that will build community as everyone reads and discusses the same titles ̶ Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange and Martyr by Kaveh Akbar.
“Join us for On the Same Page, where our community comes together through the shared experience of reading,” said Hennie Vaandrager, Programming and Outreach Manager at KDL. “Dive into two thought-provoking books and engage in enriching discussions with fellow readers.
“Don’t miss this chance to connect, reflect and explore new perspectives.”
Book discussions and programs
On the Same Page will include book discussions and programs this spring focused on the themes in the books.
A meet the authors event will take place at the Godwin Heights High School Auditorium on Wednesday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Godwin Heights High School Auditorium. The author event will feature both Orange and Akbar, who share a long-standing friendship.
Wandering Stars has been described as “a lyrical, multigenerational exploration of Native American oppression” by Kirkus Reviews. The Washington Post said Martyr “approaches big questions about personal and civilizational death with a glorious sense of whimsy.”
How to participate!
Because Wandering Stars and Martyr are now the books that everyone will be reading, KDL has purchased many copies to keep the hold times as short as possible. Place your hold today.
A local young reader dives into a story (Courtesy photo)
Free registration for the author event will be required and will open on Monday, March 17 at 9 a.m. Sign up for updates and reminders at kdl.org/same page.
On the Same Page participants should also sign up for KDL’s Let It Snow Winter Reading Club, which runs from Dec. 1 – Feb. 28.
Adults and teens (grades 6 and up) who read six books in various categories will receive a collectible mug. The categories include “Tommy Orange Title” and “Kaveh Akbar Title.” Those who read an additional four books will be entered to win a Kindle Scribe. Learn more at kdl.org/snow.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) raises several ethical and controversial questions regarding topics such as privacy and surveillance, human autonomy, job displacement, the role of human judgment – and many more.
Kent District Library (KDL) is hosting the Next Nexus Summit: AI for Business to provide community members with an opportunity to hear unbiased information presented by local AI leaders. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the Summit ethics panel.
“Even though the focus is on how AI impacts your business, this is a good way for everyone to get a somewhat unbiased approach of what AI really means,” said Hannah Lewis, KDL Community Engagement Librarian.
“AI just kind of came out of nowhere, and you can’t escape it. That’s scary, and it’s okay to feel that.”
AI is impacting libraries and several educational fields (Courtesy, KDL)
Lewis went on to say that the Summit evolved due patron feedback and AI impact on education.
“A lot of patrons have been coming in to ask questions about AI,” Lewis said. “AI is impacting libraries too; they’re impacting the educational fields a lot.”
Bright local minds in artificial intelligence, technology, innovation, and legal considerations will come together to explore the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on our world and business.
Local AI leaders are willing to answer questions and provide clarity for the community (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Those minds include:
Joe Chrysler With a deep background in machine learning and AI ethics, accelerator manager and software consultant at Atomic Object Joe Chrysler will discuss how you can leverage AI in marketing and business development using AI tools that are available today.
Amy Baddley A leading data privacy attorney, Amy Baddley will address the legal implications of using AI as part of your business model and the concerns of AI, intellectual property, and privacy.
Jessica Bratt An advocate for inclusive technology, Jessica Bratt, an instructional designer from Casual Simulation, will provide a visionary outlook on where AI is headed and how you can stay ahead of the curve.
Morgan Hanks Kent District Library’s User Experience Manager and a pioneer in bringing AI to the library to support staff and patron needs, Morgan Hanks will introduce each speaker and moderate the closing panel discussion on the ethical concerns related to the use of AI.
“This is a group of people that are not Google, they’re not Microsoft, they’re just telling you the pros and the cons without mega corporation baggage behind it,” said Lewis.
A safe place for conversation
The event ethics panel is prepared to answer tough questions regarding AI (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
There will also be an ethics panel where these experts will answer honest questions people have been asking, Lewis continued. Questions such as: how can we avoid issues and build trust? How do we determine what’s true and what’s not true? Will this take over the world?
“We’re totally experienced in handling any questions, especially those tough ones,” said Lewis. “Part of what [the event] is about is being able to ask those questions.
“I do think that, for the most part, this is going to be a very positive and optimistic experience. We know this is something that’s on a lot of people’s minds.”
Through the Next Nexus Summit, KDL is providing avenues for community members to gain information and clear takeaways while in a safe environment.
Registration details
Each event can accommodate 100 patrons, and both event programs feature identical content.
Interested participants can register themselves and one other person using a KDL account. Registration can also be completed using an email address.
Those unable to attend but who have questions for the presenters about AI can submit questions on the event website.
Business owner attendees are invited to bring business cards and/or other promotional items to give away.
In November 2023, Kent County voters approved a 15-year renewal millage for the award-winning Kent District Library system. However, the approved ballot language does not give KDL the authority to assess the new millage until December 2025, resulting in a one-year funding gap.
KDL will ask voters to consider a one-year nonrenewable millage at a rate of 1.1 mills on the Aug. 6 ballot that, if approved, will support the system’s 2025 operations.
Gap millage details
The gap millage is at the same rate property owners pay now, and there is no overlap with any other KDL millage.
If approved, the millage will generate $27.6 million, which will cover the expense of physical and digital collections, employees, programs and events, tech tutoring and other library services, rent and other expenses in 2025.
KDL Outreach and Programming Specialist Susan Erhardt reads to children (Courtesy, KDL)
The average homeowner in the KDL service area would pay $145.75 annually for access to its broad array of services – or about $2.80 per week, less than the cost of most cups of coffee, which is the same as what they are paying now.
“More than 90% of KDL’s operating costs are paid by millage dollars,” KDL Executive Director Lance Werner said. “An issue with the 2023 millage dates occurred inadvertently and has resulted in our need to go back to voters for a one-year millage to fill this funding gap. There’s no overlap and no double-dipping.
“If the gap ballot question does not pass voter approval in this election cycle, KDL will be forced to make substantive cuts to our team, hours, branches, services and programs in 2025.”
If passed, the millage will be used for KDL operating costs (Courtesy, Sophia Rolfe)
The millage will be levied Dec. 1, 2024 to fund 2025 library operations until the 15-year renewal millage can be accessed in December 2025.
This is a one-time request to bridge the funding gap in 2025. KDL will not ask for a renewal of this millage.
How KDL serves the community
KDL serves more than 440,000 residents in 27 municipalities through 20 branches, an Express Library, a bookmobile, its main service center, 5,000-plus annual in-person programs and a host of patron-focused services, from in-branch printer/Wi-Fi access and loanable mobile hot spots to early literacy initiatives and an extensive assortment of talking books and Braille resources.
KDL Grandville Branch Library Jocelyn talks with a patron about book selections (Courtesy, KDL)
Early literacy and education partnerships are a cornerstone of KDL service for the community. KDL has a long-standing tradition inspiring students to continue their learning through the summer. In addition to helping students and their families directly, KDL provides a wide array of resources to teachers, which can be found online here.
KDL’s collection is comprised of more than 700,000 physical items and 15.6 million digital items. These include books, e-books, apps, magazines, movies, television programs, audio books, video courses, video games, music, online databases, research materials and at-home learning materials, as well as access to statewide materials and collections.
KDL works to provide a variety of resources and materials for the community (Courtesy, KDL)
In 2023, total circulation rose 8% to more than 7.6 million while public computer usage grew 18% and Wi-Fi usage grew 6%. KDL is in the top 50 libraries worldwide for OverDrive digital circulation.
Known for family-friendly programs, KDL offers more than 6,400 programs and outreach events each year, from popular baby/toddler/preschool storytimes, learning labs and craft classes to book clubs, concerts and special activities.
The system employs more than 340 people and receives 5,900-plus hours annually from more than 650 volunteers.
Resource links
“KDL remains committed to fostering a lifelong love of reading, learning and critical thinking,” Werner said. “Funding from this millage is critical in order for us to continue to operate and provide resources for all in our community throughout 2025.”
More information on the one-year millage proposal and a millage calculator can be found here.
More information on KDL and the services and resources they offer can be found here.
Using 10,000 hand-painted LEGO bricks, artist Aaron Liepman created the seven-foot hummingbird mosaic, Pixels of Life, that now hangs at the Wyoming Branch of Kent District Library (KDL).
The ruby-throated hummingbird is set to a 10-foot backdrop of a giant pink coneflower painted in a pixel style by Ann Arbor Visual Artist Katie Hammond.
Aaron Liepman (left) and Katie Hammond with their creation, Pixels of Life (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Liepman entered the piece in ArtPrize 2023 and is happy the piece is now on display for the public.
“Pixels of Life was created to be shared and to be seen,” said Liepman. “I hope that library patrons, young and old, enjoy interacting with it as much as Katie and I enjoyed creating it.”
Art and science…together?
Liepman and Hammond share more than artistic talent – both artists also love science.
A biology professor at Eastern Michigan University, Liepman says he was aware of an artistic side of his personality when he was young.
“I really enjoyed art class, but also went pretty hardcore into science.”
Hammond admitted to always having an interest in science. “I almost majored in biology instead of doing art in undergrad. The combining of science with art is something that I really enjoy.”
When Liepman reached out to Hammond about needing a backdrop for his hummingbird mosaic, Hammond couldn’t resist the opportunity to combine art and science.
“I love hummingbirds,” said Liepman. “They’re the most incredible creatures. So much color. The highlight of summer for me is watching hummingbirds at the feeders and appreciating how beautiful and agile and brilliant they are.”
Aaron Liepman with “Ruby” (Courtesy, Aaron Liepman)
Feathers on the neck of the male ruby-throated hummingbird can look either black or ruby red depending on the angle.
“If they turn, they can go from black to the greatest, most brilliant ruby that you’ve ever seen – and it’s immediate,” said Liepman. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Creating a Hummingbird mosaic, however, was not easy.
“It was so incredibly difficult because trying to reduce the color palette of this bird, of this flying jewel, down to a manageable number that I could create in my studio was just an exercise in futility.
“I did my best. This one has more colors than anything I’ve ever made before; it had 70 colors.”
However, Liepman knew his hummingbird was not complete – it needed a backdrop. But he did not have time to build an 8-foot flower out of LEGOs.
“When I was thinking of another way we could get a flower for this bird, I thought of Katie,” said Liepman. “I asked her what she thought of making a giant 10-foot painting. I thought it would be fun to have mixed media.”
A giant painting? No problem!
Liepman gave Hammond free reign over creation of the backdrop.
“Aaron giving me free reign, that’s always exciting, but it’s also intimidating,” said Hammond. “When you have the whole world of possibilities open, you have to think what’s going to look best in the end.”
She brainstormed for weeks before deciding to paint one of the hummingbirds’ favorite foods, the coneflower, in the style of Aaron’s LEGOs.
Hammond also wanted the backdrop to be modular.
“I wanted it to be made up of a lot of different little tiles, or pieces, so that it would mimic and mirror the feel of the Lego piece.”
However, painting a 10×10-foot canvas with squares the size of LEGOs was not feasible in the time allotted. Instead, Hammond chose to magnify the scale and paint much bigger squares.
“I painted all the squares different colors to match a photograph of a pixelated coneflower,” said Hammond. “I thought it was a fun way to relate to LEGOs. I wanted to do something that would connect them stylistically and thematically.”
Click on the slideshow arrows (located on right and left sides of each picture) below to view the complete process of creating the Pixels of Life backdrop (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Pixels of Life (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Pixels of Life (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Pixels of Life (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Pixels of Life (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Pixels of Life (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Pixels of Life (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Pixels of Life (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Pixels of Life (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Pixels of Life (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Pixels of Life (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Pixels of Life (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Pixels of Life (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Pixels of Life (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Every story has a beginning…
Liepman’s fascination with LEGO art began after seeing a LEGO wall mosaic in Chicago.
“I hadn’t seen anything like that before and was fascinated. I had never considered LEGOs as a 2-dimensional art form. I knew I wanted to try to create some art in that medium.”
Liepman decided to start with a small project, but quickly realized his “small” project needed to be quite a bit larger than expected.
“Watchful” (Courtesy, Aaron Liepman)
“This is a thing that many people don’t understand about this art form,” said Liepman. “A screen resolution, that’s 72 dots per inch. When you’re thinking about a LEGO brick, a LEGO pixel, you get approximately 3.4. Your smallest details – if you need a single pixel for something – that smallest detail relative to the overall size of your composition means that things are going to get bigger than you think.”
Liepman’s “small project” became 20 inches square – and consisted of 1,024 LEGO pieces.
He also realized that he needed more colors than the LEGO palette offered.
Liepman began to paint LEGOs, experimenting with spray paint, then airbrushing with craft paints. Finally, he settled on artist-grade acrylic paints.
“There were a lot of things I learned by doing that first piece,” said Liepman. “When I stepped away from it though, I was like, wow, look what I made. There were no instructions, and I figured this out myself. I bet I could do more. I bet I could do better.”
Each mosaic taught him a little bit more. “I was making them bigger and more complex, and they were looking better and better. I didn’t get here in a day; it took me a long time.”
Much of Liepman’s time is spent formulating colors.
His first grayscale mosaic, Watchful, is 45 inches square and has 12 levels of gray, black and white. With the increased levels of grayscale, Liepman realized he could make the mosaics appear lifelike.
“When you can step away from the actual piece by about 20 feet, it looks like the feathers are soft, which completely blows my mind because every single piece is a geometric angular thing.”
“TB10” – Tom Brady (Courtesy, Aaron Liepman)
Two of Liepman’s pieces have been auctioned at charity events – one being an autographed mosaic of Tom Brady.
“It’s been fun to be able to also give back to the community and to support good causes through my creativity.”
Commissions allow Liepman to afford the materials to continue creating and donate a piece from time to time to a good cause.
“These pieces really need to be seen and appreciated,” said Liepman. “It’s fun for me to have the opportunity to share these artworks with people because they don’t know what to think of them.”
20 years of funky…
Aaron Liepman (left) and Katie Hammond with Pixels of Life at Brush Studio in Grand Rapids (Courtesy, Katie Hammond)
Hammond says she has been an artist her entire life.
A dancer and visual artist as a child, Hammond then received a bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan art school, followed by a master’s degree in fine arts at the Art Institute of Chicago.
She is now the owner and manager of a communal studio called Ann Arbor Artist Studios.
Hammond describes her painting style as “funky.”
“What I mainly do is acrylic painting on canvas and velvet,” said Hammond. “I like to experiment with a mixed media or non-traditional painting approach, using things like glitter, markers, or more experimental fabrics.
“My painting style is representational but it’s not realistic. It’s stylized and fun and poppy and bright colors and simplified.”
Hammond has completed several commissioned works featuring families and animals, two of her favorite subjects. She also paints murals, completing a large exterior mural in downtown Ann Arbor.
Hammond appreciates the ability to express herself through art – but also the connection it brings.
“From little kids through elderly people…I really enjoy being able to connect with all types of people through my art,” said Hammond. “The most rewarding thing about [art] is being able to see people have a positive experience with your work.”
Hammond says she purposely creates art people can recognize and connect with on some level.
“Powerful” is a depiction of Wonder Woman and can be found at the Grandville Branch of KDL. It was a community project led by Liepman in 2022 (Courtesy, Aaron Liepman)
“Anybody can do this; I’m not a genius”
Liepman hopes his artistic journey encourages other people who love art.
“Anybody can do this; I’m not a genius,” said Liepman. “I started with no experience. “I figured out that I could do something, and I kept leveraging the lessons I learned, thinking my way through problems and trying to come up with solutions. Bit by bit I have come up with a process.
“But it didn’t happen right away. It took a lot of practice. I figured out a process, and I’ve refined it over and over. After a while, you get good at stuff if you keep doing it.”
“Revolutionary” (Courtesy, Aaron Liepman)“Revolutionary” (Courtesy, Aaron Liepman)“Revolutionary” depicts Martin Luther King Jr. and contains 24 levels of grayscale
How to find Pixels of Life
Pixels of Life can be viewed in the teen area of KDL’s Wyoming Branch.
Liepman encourages people to view Pixels of Life from up close and far away so they can appreciate various details.
Share in the wonder of art and science
Aaron Liepman shares his artwork via Brickmaniac.com and Instagram. Liepman is also accepting commissions.
More information and examples of Katie Hammond’s work can be found on her website, Instagram and Facebook. Hammond is available for murals and other commissions.
More than 1,150 writers across Michigan entered the 12th annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest that began accepting submissions in September 2023. Among the entrants were 441 adults, 461 teens and 260 youth.
Write Michigan’s annual short story contest provides a chance for all ages to be published (Courtesy, KDL)
Winners were chosen by public voting for the $250 Readers’ Choice award, and by a panel of judges for the $500 Judges’ Choice and $250 Judges’ Choice Runner-up awards.
Write Michigan winners will be honored at an awards ceremony on March 23. The ceremony will feature a keynote address from author Gary D. Schmidt.
WKTV Journal recently caught up with a few of the entrants for an inside look at the winning stories and the inspiration behind them.
Unique perspectives are a hallmark of Koroglu’s writing (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
A Long-Forgotten Memory: Told from the perspective of an old tree named Maple, the story is about the relationship between the tree and Amber, the new owner of the house where Maple lives. During the story, Maple and Amber uncover their forgotten past together and learn to appreciate themselves in new ways.
Eleven-year-old Leyla Koroglu entered the Write Michigan contest after seeing an advertisement at her local library.
“It inspired me to write a new story,” said Koroglu. “I like to write stories from unique perspectives.
“I wanted to explore the perspective of a tree in A Long-Forgotten Memory because trees can grow so old and experience so much, but they can never move. I also wanted to think about what kinds of feelings a tree might have.”
Koroglu has been writing pieces of stories she made up since she was very young.
“I like creating stories that have meaningful messages behind them,” said Koroglu. “A Long-Forgotten Memory shows that even if you feel helpless, you can still be very special to someone else.”
Winning the Judges’ Choice Award meant a lot to Koroglu because she didn’t expect to win. The young writer is excited to write another story for next year’s contest.
Teen Judges’ Choice Winner – Sonja de Wilde (Grand Rapids, MI)
A House with a Garden: “Werewolf of London” meets “Southern Gothic.” Two characters in a backwoods mining town have a dream to live a more peaceful life, but their personal demons get in the way. Though they love each other, it is not enough, and they end up succumbing to their environment.
All you need is…more than love (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Sixteen-year-old Sonja de Wilde entered the Write Michigan contest for fun when she found out a friend was also participating.
“I never actually expected to win,” said de Wilde. “It was just something fun to work on together. We read each other’s stories while we were writing them, and talked about our ideas and writing.”
De Wilde said she has been writing stories since she can remember, but had difficulty finishing them until recently.
“I’ve always had a difficult time following through on any one idea,” said de Wilde. “Perhaps because it’s too daunting at the moment, or I come up with another one that I think is better.
“One day I hope to write a novel or two, but I have a lot of work to do before I get there, I think.”
A House with a Garden was inspired by a modern Southern Gothic novel de Wilde read over the past summer.
Write Michigan has helped de Wilde see a writing project through to the end (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“That book had an enormous impact on me,” said de Wilde. “I still think about it almost every single day.”
The teen writer also finds inspiration in music, and she often writes while listening to specific playlists. De Wilde also writes music, and is working on a Southern Gothic-inspired album.
“The album’s story is very similar to this [story],” said de Wilde. “I’d say A House With A Garden encapsulates the third act of the album.”
De Wilde said she will never forget the moment she realized she had won the Judges’ Choice award.
“I was in my room, finishing homework, and I looked up and my inbox said (1). I opened the email, and I just remember a flood of shock and amazement,” said de Wilde. “I ran downstairs and told my mom right away, and we were both screaming and jumping around in the kitchen.”
“It really was such an incredible moment,” de Wilde continued. “I entered for fun, and all of a sudden the judges think my writing, my little story, deserves the top award in my category.
“I am just so proud of myself, and so grateful for the people around me who encourage me every day to know my worth, and the worth of my work.”
Gambler’s Rest: After his wife’s death during a poker game, a grieving card sharp finds his way to Gambler’s Rest—a dismal afterlife where the dead gamble for memories. To bring her back, he must play the highest-stakes card game of his life.
Ghouls and gambling – a high-stakes story (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Joshua Boers entered the Write Michigan contest after his cousin suggested they both submit stories.
“I find it so much easier to finish a story when I’m accountable to someone and I have a deadline, so this was a great arrangement for me,” said Boers.
Inspired by a They Might Be Giants rock band song about ghouls, Gambler’s Rest came to fruition after several weeks of planning.
“I spent a few months working and reworking the outline—trying to find the characters, tone, and plot,” said Boers. “I eventually took some inspiration from the poem Sir Orfeo, a medieval retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth where a king must rescue his wife from a fairy court.
Some stories take research and planning (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“After that, I just had to learn how to play poker, and then the writing could begin in earnest.”
Having written several poems and stories when he was younger, Boers picked up the hobby again in earnest after taking a creative writing class at Calvin University.
“[Writing] can be a slow process, but it’s exciting when you feel like you’re on the trail of something interesting,” said Boers.
That “something interesting” won Boers the Judges’ Choice award.
“It was a surprise,” said Boers. “I knew I’d be up against hundreds of people, so I didn’t expect to be selected as a semifinalist or to win the Judges’ Choice award.
“It makes me more excited and more confident as I move on to new writing projects.”
Published Finalist – Margaret VanHaften (Frankfort, MI)
Gristle, Witch Hazel, and the Kickball: Lizzy, a nine year-old in the 1950’s, wants to be part of the neighborhood kickball team. She thinks her birthday gift, a real kickball, will be the key to entry. But, Gristle, the neighborhood bully, gets the ball from her and kicks it into Witch Hazel’s yard. Witch Hazel is said to mush-up children who come into her yard and put them into her banana-nut bread, a definite deterrent to kids retrieving lost balls.
Lizzy, embarrassed, intimidated and angry, has to figure out how to handle her problem. She learns how to discern what people tell her and handle challenges.
VanHaften’s submission carries a message about overcoming adversity (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Though Margaret VanHaften has loved writing fiction since the 1950s and has an avid imagination, most of her school and career experiences required technical writing.
“Now I have time to write the fiction I love,” said VanHaften.
However, VanHaften admitted that she rarely sends her writing out for publication.
“Write Michigan is a safe way to start,” said VanHaften. “I like the way the scoring grid clarifies what the judges are looking for – I use it regularly now.”
Lizzy’s story came to VanHaften as many of them do – as soon as her head hits the pillow at night. A process that, though it does not help her sleep, helps her write.
“I don’t know where the stories come from, but I’m glad they arrive,” said VanHaften.
Upon learning she was a Published Finalist, VanHaften said she was surprised, but grateful her story resonated with readers.
“That is my goal, to connect to readers in a meaningful way.”
Link to full list of winners – and more!
To see a full list of Write Michigan 2024 winners, click here.
To learn about other Write Michigan events, click here.
Learn more about KDL opportunities and events for the community by visiting their website.
Chef Sweeney finds meaning in cooking (Courtesy, Sweeney)
Chef Syndy Sweeney of T. Rex & the Rabbit Foods will be at the Wyoming branch of Kent District Library (KDL) on Tuesday, March 26 to share her love of food and cooking with local residents.
For Sweeney, cooking is about more than just food. It’s about connection and comfort.
“For me, food has always been love,” said Sweeney. “My mom started teaching me when I was about four, and food was always something that I did for comfort and for connection.”
Combining books and cherries
At the Baking with Michigan Cherries KDL event, Sweeney will share the many ways to create delicious baked goods using Michigan’s seasonal cherry bounty.
The event is being held in conjunction with KDL’s On the Same Page community-wide reading initiative featuring the novel Tom Lake by best-selling novelist Ann Patchett. Patchett’s novel is centered around Michigan’s Traverse City cherry orchards.
“I read the book and have developed a lecture where we’re going to cover basic baking tips with regular flour and gluten-free flour, and incorporate as many different cherry products as possible,” said Sweeney.
Attendees will learn common-sense tips to successful baking, as well as favorite components, ingredients and baking equipment/utensils.
Sweeney encourages participation and questions during her demonstrations.
“I want people to feel engaged,” said Sweeney. “I want people to feel comfortable touching the dough and smelling the ingredients that I am using in my demonstration.”
Dinosaurs and rabbits
As a personal chef, Sweeney offers catering services for small events, meal prep, and several options for cooking classes through various community programs.
“Where you need a chef, I go,” Sweeney said. “I don’t have a restaurant, and I don’t have a storefront. But I have a lot of equipment, and a car and a cart. And muscles,” Sweeney added with a laugh.
Though Sweeney has been a vegetarian for over thirty years, her parents and her husband eat meat.
“I was always making substitutions,” said Sweeney. “I would make two versions of the same thing but with different proteins.”
(Courtesy, Syndy Sweeney)
T. Rex & the Rabbit Foods is a fitting name for Sweeney’s business due to the chef’s refusal to restrict herself to one practice of cooking. Whether vegetarian, a meat lover, vegan, kosher, gluten-free, halal, or dealing with food allergies, Sweeney is onboard.
“I don’t like when food is politicized,” said Sweeney. “I cook for everybody.”
Though Sweeney loved cooking, she doubted she would be able to make a living as a personal chef. However, Sweeney has been amazed at how her desire to help people connect through food has expanded into the successful business it is today.
“It’s been a lot of work, a lot of talking to people, testing recipes, and just word of mouth and hustling,” said Sweeney. “It’s a lot of fun, and it’s been very challenging and humbling at times.”
Sweeney enjoys the teaching aspect of her job, using her skills to highlight the ways food connects people rather than dividing them. That sense of community is something she strives for in each of her lectures and classes.
Registration and information links for a variety of fun upcoming events!
(Courtesy photo)
For more information about Sweeney’s Baking with Michigan Cherries KDL event, click here.
To register for Sweeney’s Cherries on Top hands-on cooking workshop at Kentwood Parks & Rec, click here.
KDL branches are hosting various events centered around the novel Tom Lake in preparation for author Ann Patchett’s April 24 visit to Covenant Fine Arts Center at Calvin University. Details for this event can be found here.
Kent District Library (KDL) is inviting the community to share in a week-long celebration honoring MLK and the Civil Rights Movement.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Weeklong Celebration will take place Jan. 15-19 at local KDL branches. Programs for all ages will feature powerful reflections and action that supported the legacy of MLK.
“We chose to do the week-long celebration because [we] wanted it to be a variety of programs that patrons could enjoy,” said KDL Volunteer Event Coordinator Debra Schultz. “We didn’t want to just tie it into one day.”
Selma: heart-wrenching and eye-opening
As part of the celebration, the Wyoming Branch will host a special viewing of the movie Selma on Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 5:30-7:45 p.m.
(Courtesy, KDL)
“We wanted something that would touch a whole family and be an educational piece – but also an entertaining piece – and so we chose the movieSelma,” said Schultz. “It’s a great movie about representation of the need to understand each other, and to find equality in what we do.”
Taking place in Selma, AL, the movie speaks to the fight that Martin Luther King and his followers went through while striving to be treated equally.
“[King] was really looking for voting rights back in the 60s when this took place,” said Schultz. “African American people just wanted the right to vote…and they did it in a peaceful march.
(Courtesy, KDL)
“But even though their intentions were peaceful, there was still violence because the governor of the town did not want them to come to his town.”
Many people who supported the rights of African Americans to vote traveled to Selma from across the United States to march with MLK.
“They wanted to be there to say, ‘We stand with you.’” said Schultz. “It’s powerful because I don’t think we realize [that] the ordinary person didn’t know what was going on. A lot of them did not realize that African Americans didn’t have the right to vote, so this was an eye-opener for them.
“It was also dangerous for them because the people they were fighting against were also fighting against anyone who agreed with [MLK]. Some white people that went down for the march did end up getting harassed and violated.”
Schultz continued, “This movie is very moving and dramatic, heart-wrenching, and an eye-opener.”
Original artwork available for viewing
“Road Towards Equality” painting by Paul Collins (Courtesy, KDL)
KDL has also procured the loan of an original piece of art from a local Grand Rapids artist for the MLK celebration.
Artist Paul Collins has agreed to have his original painting titled “Road Towards Equality” hanging at several of the branches to honor MLK. It will remain on exhibit through February in honor of Black History Month.
“The reason that [Collins] chose to have it displayed in the library is because he thinks the library atmosphere is the right type of place to have this picture,” said Schultz. “Everyone has the ability to go in and see it because we are open to all, and it’s free to walk into a library.
“He likes the idea that anyone who walks in will have that opportunity to see it – and hopefully ask questions and learn from it. Learn what our heritage is, learn what our freedom is, learn about the men and the women that made changes to help our freedom.”
(Courtesy, KDL)
“Road Towards Equality” can be seen at the Kentwood branch for the first two in January. Alongside the painting will be a postcard with a description of the artwork that patrons will be able to take home with them.
From Kentwood, the painting will be on exhibit at the KDL Caledonia Branch from Jan. 29 – Feb. 2. The Walker location will display the piece the following week, followed by a week at the Sand Lake location, and then at the Rockford branch for the last week in February.
MLK celebration events
Though usually closed on Martin Luther King Day, KDL decided to stay open on Jan. 15 in order to provide a wider impact with carefully curated events.
“We wanted to make sure that there were eventful and educational programs going on that would tie into Martin Luther King and his legacy,” said Schultz. “We worked with Darius Quinn from Quinn Consulting to come up with a good schedule of events that would touch on the heart of what Martin Luther King stood for, and why it’s important that we still carry that on today.”
Other MLK events include a presentation by Randal Jelks, author of Letters to Martin, Jan. 15; a presentation by author, podcaster and retired Calvin professor Dr. Michelle Lloyd-Paige, Jan. 16; “Fear Must Not Be Our Future” presentation by Pastor Joe Jones, Jan. 18; and a Letters to Martin book discussion Jan. 19.
Each KDL branch will have a display of passive craft projects for children and families. The crafts include a silhouette of MLK that can be decorated with paint, markers, crayons. Various MLK quotes that had an impact on society will be available to cut out and adhere to the silhouette.
A small booklet will also be available for children at certain KDL locations. The booklet focuses on who MLK was, why his speech of “I have a dream” is important, and how children can live that out today.
A selection of books that represent Martin Luther King, his beliefs and what he was fighting for at that time, as well as books with similar messages relevant to current times will be available at all KDL branches for visitors to read and enjoy.
Our mission
“Our mission is Ideas, Information, and Excitement,” said Schultz about KDL, “and I feel like we have the ability to help people become more aware of our history and what we can do to become more united as a nation.”
*KDL thanks Darius Quinn for his extensive work and help on the MLK celebration, as well as Kendra McNeil, owner of bookstore We Are Lit, who provided copies of Letters to Martin for the library locations.
Black Americans have shaped our country and community in a myriad of ways. Join Kent District Library to learn more about Michigan’s Black history and how history ranging from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement shapes our present and can influence our future.
KDL is pleased to present Honoring the Life and Legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Weeklong Celebration, which takes place from Jan. 15-19.
Schedule of Events
Monday, Jan. 15, Noon, Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Meditations on Democracy in Black America Join award-winning author, documentary film producer and former University of Kansas professor Dr. Randal Jelks as he provides a moving narrative on the highlights from his book Letters to Martin. This event will include a book signing, relevant topic discussion and a proclamation by Michigan State Representative Kristian Grant. Directly following our kick-off event, the City of Kentwood will host an excerpt recital from the “I Have a Dream” speech and a proclamation by Mayor Stephen Kepley.
Tuesday, Jan. 16, 6:30 pm, Grandville Branch King’s Six Principles for Non-Violent Direct Action: Are They Doable? Presented by author, podcaster and retired Calvin professor Dr. Michelle Lloyd-Paige, this call to action compels us to promote positive change and have a deeper understanding of society today.
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 5:30 pm, Wyoming Branch Selma Together with your library community, view Selma, a historical drama that features the troubling times of voting rights, equality and action in Alabama that will bring forth anger, grief and hope.
Thursday, Jan. 18, 1 pm, Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Fear Must Not Be Our Future Join Pastor Joe Jones, former city commissioner and current Assistant Pastor of Brown Hutcherson Ministries, for a presentation on how our nation can improve and move forward with faithful action, not fearful guidance.
Friday, Jan. 19, 2 pm, Plainfield Twp. Branch “Letters to Martin” Book Discussion Participate in this small group opportunity to discuss the relevance of action in the reflections of Dr. Randal Jelks’s “Letters to Martin.”
The scholarship program empowers individuals enrolling in college or vocational training programs. Your year-end contribution will help establish the fund and enable more individuals to achieve their dreams.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Why should you donate?
Contributions to the scholarship fund, KDL says, are an investment into the education of future local leaders, innovators and contributors. This helps strengthen and build a stronger local community.
Financial constraints often hinder individuals as they pursue higher education. Donations break down those barriers and provide opportunities to those who need it.
“Education is the cornerstone of a thriving community,” KDL says in supplied material. “By supporting our scholarship program, you are helping to build a stronger, more educated community that benefits everyone.”
Contributions and spreading the word
KDL hopes to raise $200,000 or more by June 2024. All contributions, no matter the size, make a difference.
“Every dollar brings us one step closer to supporting another aspiring student,” says KDL (supplied).
Sharing KDL’s message with friends, family and networks has the potential to increase lives impacted with the scholarship program.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Contact and donation information
Those with questions or requests for more information are urged to reach out to KDL at 616-784-2007 or contact@kdl.org.
KDL thanks the community for your generosity and commitment to the future of our community: “Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are eager to learn, grow and make a positive impact on the world.”
Kent District Library (KDL) is encouraging adults to get “On the Same Page” with reading. KDL is introducing a new initiative to bring people together around one book, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett.
“At KDL, we love reading and we love people, and On the Same Page will bring two of our favorite things together,” said Hennie Vaandrager, Programming and Outreach Manager at KDL. “Many people feel lonely, and this program is designed to provide connection and enjoyment.”
On the Same Page will include numerous events around Kent County. There will be book discussions, programs featuring themes in the book, and a Meet the Author event at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, April 24 at the Covenant Fine Arts Center at Calvin University.
Free registration for the Author Event will be required and will open on March 15. To sign up for updates and reminders, visit kdl.org/samepage.
Compelling storytelling and rich characters
Ann Patchett is a celebrated American author. Known for her compelling storytelling and rich character development, Patchett has received critical acclaim for novels such as Bel Canto and Commonwealth. With numerous literary awards and a reputation for thought-provoking narratives, she has made a significant impact on contemporary fiction.
Tom Lake has been described as both “quiet and reassuring” (New York Times) and “poignant and reflective” (Kirkus Reviews). It is a beautiful and moving novel about family, love and growing up that takes place on a cherry farm in Traverse City, MI during 2020.
How you can read Tom Lake
Because Tom Lake is now the book that everyone is reading, KDL has purchased many copies to keep the hold times as short as possible.
KDL has 670 regular print copies, 50 large print, 76 eBooks and 61 audiobooks in its collection. Tom Lake and Now is Not the Time to Panic are also available through KDL’s Talking Book and Braille Center in both audio and Braille formats.
On the Same Page participants should also sign up for KDL’s Let It Snow Winter Reading Club, which runs from Dec. 1 – Feb. 29.
(Courtesy, KDL)
Adults and teens (grades 6 and up) who read six books in various categories will receive a collectible mug. One of the categories is “Ann Patchett Title.” Those who read an additional four books will be entered to win a Kindle Scribe. Learn more at kdl.org/snow.
On the Same Page is offered in partnership with Calvin University’s January Series. To learn more, visit kdl.org/samepage.
KDL wins national award, plans to reinvest the prize money into the community (Courtesy Photo)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
The Jerry Kline Community Impact Award recognizes libraries as a vital community asset (Courtesy, KDL)
The Kent District Library Board of Trustees recently approved a plan to reinvest $250,000 in prize money into the community. The money will be used to support library expansion projects and to establish a scholarship fund.
As the recipient of the fifth annual Jerry Kline Community Impact Award, KDL receives the one-time prize as the 2023 winner of this national award.
Developed as a partnership between the Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation and Library Journal, this award recognizes the powerful synergy that results when a library works closely with both its local government and its community.
Funding Details
Four communities in the KDL service area currently have a library expansion project underway — the cities of Rockford and Walker and townships of Grattan and Tyrone. Thanks to this one-time prize for excellence, KDL is able to pledge $50,000 to support each of these projects.
KDL is also establishing a scholarship fund for KDL patrons who are a pursuing a college degree with plans to positively impact their community. The fund will be established with $50,000 from the Jerry Kline prize, interest earned from KDL’s Community Foundation Fund through the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, and private donations.
Scholarship applications will be announced and accepted late in 2024.
Community Impact
“The whole focus of the Jerry Kline Award is community impact, so it only seems fitting we use these funds to have a positive effect on the communities that we serve and love,” KDL Executive Director Lance Werner said. “This is an exciting opportunity to live out our mission of furthering all people thanks to the financial prize that comes with this recognition.
“This gives us a unique opportunity to invest in the physical growth of branches in our community and in personal growth for exceptional patrons. We are so pleased to give back to Kent County, whose residents so thoughtfully support our operations.”
People who would like to donate to the building projects can do so by contacting the government offices for Grattan Township, city of Rockford, Tyrone Township or city of Walker. For those who would like to donate to the KDL Impact Scholarship fund, visit kdl.org/donate.
Impact Award Highlights
(Courtesy, KDL)
The Jerry Kline Community Impact Award was created in 2019 to distinguish the public library as a vital community asset.
KDL was recognized for building relationships with local officials based on a foundation of trust and credibility.
All U.S. public libraries were eligible to apply for the prize whether in a single building in a small town or a multi-branch system serving an entire region.
Nominations were evaluated based the library’s impact on the community in areas such as engagement, inclusion, leadership development, sustainable thinking and inventiveness.
According to preliminary results, nearly 100,000 voters submitted ballots in the special election, supporting the ballot measure 77% to 23%. Voters approved the new, lower rate of 1.1 mills, which reflects a reduction of 10.9% off KDL’s current millage rate of 1.2355 mills.
“My team and I want to thank all those who came out to show their support for KDL,” said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner. “The community already shows how much it values the library every day, with record-setting attendance at programs and total circulation of materials. We’re thrilled to see validation of this in the approval by voters.
“This millage will simultaneously save taxpayers money while securing our future and allowing us to continue serving our wonderful community.”
How taxpayers will save
The KDL board approved Jan. 1, 2024 as the start date, even though the current millage is not set to expire until Dec. 31, 2024. This will provide taxpayers with immediate savings.
Taxpayers will see immediate savings (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
The millage will generate $26.6 million in its first year, covering the expense of physical and digital collections, employees, programs and events, tech tutoring and other library services, rent and other expenses.
With the new lower rate, taxpayers will save $3.1 million annually or $46.5 million over its life, with the average homeowner paying $145.75 annually for access to library services – or $2.80 per week.
About KDL services
The award-winning library system serves residents in 27 municipalities through 20 branches, an Express Library, a bookmobile, its main service center, 5,000-plus annual in-person programs and a host of patron-focused services.
KDL’s collection is extensive, with more than 700,000 physical items and 15.6 million digital items. Known for its family-friendly programs, KDL offers more than 5,600 programs and outreach events each year.
With over 1,200 submissions in 2022, Michigan’s statewide short story contest is already garnering new writers and seeing submissions from veteran entrants.
Open to Michigan residents of all ages, the Write Michigan (WMI) competition is accepting submissions through Nov. 30.
Author Joel Armstrong, and a WMI judge of the Adult English category, encourages all those with a love of writing to enter the contest.
“The beautiful side of [writing] is your story can affect people differently,” said Armstrong. “There could be people who are not drawn to the other stories, but really resonate with yours.
“That’s the really cool thing about putting your stories out there. Someone is going to read it and respond to it, they are going to be thinking about it, and that’s the whole point.”
The power of perspective
A publishing house content editor and product developer, Armstrong has written multiple novels, published short stories in science fiction and fantasy magazines, and has entered short stories in WMI for the last few years.
The written word draws people in different ways (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Armstrong said he has been writing since he was young.
“It’s always been what I’ve wanted to do,” said Armstrong, adding that the draw of the written word is “the ability to see different perspectives and worlds. I’ve personally always read fantasy and science fiction, partly because I want to get outside of my own perspective.
“I think it’s really the power of really putting yourself into someone else’s shoes, seeing the world from their perspective, and just understanding how different people’s lived experience can be.”
Wodehouse, Dante, and Shakespeare – oh my!
First time WMI entrant and Grand Rapids resident, Joshua Boers, said he entered the contest because he was looking for a new writing project, and “the contest will keep us accountable to actually finish a story.”
Boers likened his fantasy/humor/historical fiction submission as “P.G. Wodehouse meets Dante’s Inferno.”
Experimenting with different forms of writing can lead to great things (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“I was reflecting one day that Wodehouse’s stories are so relaxing because his characters are all obsessed with pointless, low stakes things, and I wondered what would happen if you gave a Wodehouse story the highest possible stakes,” said Boers.
Boers admits that he likes making people laugh, which has been the primary goal of his stories to date. Experimenting with tone and voice also intrigue the publishing editorial assistant.
That particular urge is satisfied by writing Shakespearean sonnets based on random Wikipedia articles once a week with his wife and cousin.
Taken hostage by voices
Frankfort resident, Maggie Roberts VanHaften, will be entering WMI for the second time this year.
“I enter to get used to putting my work out for review and judging by people I do not know,” said VanHaften. “It is important to be comfortable with the fact that the judges may not be drawn to my style. Also, because I write from my heart, it is important for me not to take rejections personally.”
Creativity from the heart can inspire others (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
And writing from the heart is what drives VanHaften to put pen to paper as she gives voice to others who are unable to find words to express their stories.
“Many of my short stories are about people who have faced challenges and found a way through them,” said VanHaften.
“I write because I have to,” VanHaften continued. “I don’t have a choice, really. My stories generally come to me as my head hits the pillow, with a voice saying ‘write my story,’ and I can’t rest until I get it written down.”
VanHaften admitted that she has tried to give up writing at times, feeling she “wasn’t any good.” But “the hiatus has never lasted long. I just need to do it.”
Addicted to creativity
Full-time writer and artist, Mary Jane Pories of Grand Rapids, says she enters writing contests because it is one more way for her to get her writing out into the world and receive feedback.
The creative process is an opportunity to learn and grow (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Reading the work of contest winners also helps Pories “gain insights into how to craft my work and discover what stories/poems are moving readers.”
Though Pories hasn’t yet decided on her WMI submission genre, she says her works usually fall among the literary fiction, bildungsroman, or realistic fiction/creative nonfiction categories.
“Mostly, I write because I am addicted to the creative process because when I create, I learn things about myself and my world,” said Pories. “At the very least, the process raises more questions and increases my empathy for others.”
But Pories admits that her connection with writing often borders on a love/hate relationship.
“It can be hard and confusing at times,” said Pories. “But when a piece works, or surprises me, or makes a reader laugh, cry, or discover something about themselves or the world, writing can be immensely gratifying.”
Understanding chaos through stories
Teacher and previous WMI Reader’s Choice Award recipient, Marcie Woods, has entered the WMI contest every year since its inception in 2012.
The written word can be cathartic (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“I took advantage of it to teach a short story unit with my accelerated middle school class,” said Woods. “And I believe in writing along with my students, so I wrote one, too.”
Woods said she loved reading student writing, especially student narratives, as a teacher.
“They are honest in their writing,” said Woods. “They pour out their souls on paper, and that is an awesome responsibility to read and to comment on.
“I myself love to write to help understand the chaos of my thoughts, to organize my life, and to tell myself stories.”
Winning the WMI Reader’s Choice Award, Woods said, was a boost to her spirits, but the real honor was knowing that “no one, without showing a good deal of quality and talent, can get into the semi-finals. [It was] sort of vindication of my right to teach writing.”
A WMI judge of Youth and Teen categories, Woods will judge in the Adult category this year as well.
The magic in our own backyard
Judging WMI contest submissions has been interesting and challenging for Armstrong, who currently works with non-fiction pieces every day. But Armstrong says he enjoys the contrast in genres.
“Fiction can be more subjective,” said Armstrong. “It’s more about how the story hits you emotionally. It’s an interesting change of pace from my normal work.”
The community aspect of the WMI contest and its submissions is why Armstrong looks forward to participating as a judge.
“Paying attention to what’s happening locally, and thinking about the writing that is happening in my own ‘backyard,’ is very exciting to me,” said Armstrong. “A lot of the writing is Michigan-specific, and it shows up in a lot of different ways. It’s interesting how location shows up for different writers, and what about Michigan they want to highlight.”
Believing the experience
Though there is a rubric for judging based on certain themes – such as character, themes and passion – Armstrong says for him, it’s all about believability.
Human connection is a large part of believability in writing (Courtesy Photo)
“Do I understand why the characters are doing what they are doing, do I understand their feelings…do I have that human-to-human connection with the people in the story?” said Armstrong. “And even if I don’t share their experience in the story – if I haven’t had what happened to them, happen to me – if I feel like I can experience it along with the characters, that’s often what I find most important in the story.
“That’s what is going to keep me reading and interested.”
To find out more about the WMI contest, or for guidelines on submissions, visit Write Michigan. The deadline for all submissions is Nov. 30.
The KDL millage offers a lower rate and immediate savings (Courtesy, KDL)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
On Nov. 7, Kent County residents in the Kent District Library service area will be asked to consider renewing the millage that funds its operations for another 15 years.
A lower millage rate and immediate savings
KDL works to save residents money while offering a variety of programs and services (Courtesy, KDL)
KDL is asking voters to consider a new, lower rate of 1.1 mills, which reflects a reduction of 10.9% off KDL’s current millage rate of 1.2355 mills. Taxpayers will see immediate savings as the KDL Board has committed to lowering the millage rate effective Jan. 1, 2024.
“Kent District Library is able to lower its millage because we are part of a thriving and growing community where new taxable real estate has produced more revenue,” said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner.
“As good stewards of your tax dollars, we can reduce the millage while still continuing offer our current slate of programs and services,” Werner continued. “The reduced rate will allow us to add new materials, programs, events and services as we have always done.
“If voters reject the millage, though, we would be forced to close our doors since the majority of our funding – approximately 90% – comes from millage dollars.”
How the millage will help KDL serve you
KDL serves residents in 27 municipalities through 20 branches, a bookmobile, its main service center, 5,000-plus annual in-person programs and a host of patron-focused services, from in-branch printer/Wi-Fi access and loanable mobile hot spots to early literacy initiatives and an extensive collection of talking books and Braille resources.
KDL is a multi-award-winning public library service (Courtesy, KDL)
If approved, the millage will generate $26.6 million in its first year, which will cover the expense of physical and digital collections, employees, programs and events, tech tutoring and other library services, rent and other expenses. The new millage will expire Dec. 31, 2039.
If approved, the lower millage will save taxpayers $3.1 million annually or $46.5 million over its life. With the new lower rate, the average homeowner in the KDL service area will pay $145.75 annually for access to library services – or $2.80 per week, less than the cost of most cups of coffee.
How KDL helps you save
KDL exists to further all people and is an open and welcoming hub for everyone. Last year, the award-winning library system logged more than 2.1 million interactions with patrons, including branch visits, event participation and virtual program attendance. KDL has nearly 140,000 patrons, adding 20,395 new card holders last year.
KDL Millage (Courtesy, KDL)
In 2022, KDL saved individual library users an average of $1,348 in value for physical and digital items they would otherwise have had to purchase. During that same period, library users saved $85.2 million by checking out physical materials and digital items.
KDL’s collection is extensive, with more than 700,000 physical items and 15.6 million digital items. These include books, e-books, apps, magazines, movies, television programs, audio books, video courses, video games, music, online databases, research materials and at-home learning materials, as well as access to statewide materials and collections. In 2022, total circulation rose 6% to more than 7.1 million while computer and Wi-Fi usage grew 26%.
Known for its family-friendly programs, KDL offers more than 5,600 programs and outreach events each year. Baby/toddler/preschool story times, learning labs and craft classes, book clubs, concerts, and special activity and interest groups are all part of KDL’s outreach.
Program and outreach attendance grew more than 61% in 2022.
A leader among libraries
KDL employs 346 people and receives more than 4,000 hours annually from more than 500 volunteers. KDL is governed by a board of trustees who are appointed by the Kent County Board of Commissioners for four-year terms and represent various geographic regions of the county.
Recognized as a leader among libraries, KDL has won numerous awards and accolades for its collections, programs, services and team.
KDL has offered the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program since 2015 (Courtesy, KDL)
By Kent District Library
deborah@wktv.org
Kent District Library (KDL) has offered the program 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten since 2015. This year, KDL is pleased provide a new and improved version with the same great outcomes.
The updated program introduces an online tracking option, includes a book with early literacy activities and features Michigan woodland animals.
Reading to children helps them learn early literacy skills (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
All children, infant to kindergarten, are encouraged to participate in this program designed to prepare kids for school. For every 100 books read, kids will earn an animal sticker for their tracking poster. When you reach 1,000 books, your child will be awarded a certificate of achievement and their very own book bag!
Repeating books, listening to audio books, paging through a board book, books read at storytime and reading books in any language all count toward the goal.
“Last year, we committed to creating new inspiration for this popular reading program to ensure that it would remain a fun, relevant and engaging way to encourage early literacy for this generation,” said Dawn Heerspink, Branch Librarian at the Byron Township Branch.
Completing the program is simple, Heerspink continued. “Start or continue reading at least one book a day with the child in your life and see how one book multiplies into many books, all helping that child learn the early literacy skills they need to grow into a reader who enjoys books.”
Stop in to any KDL branch to pick up a tracking and activity booklet for your child that includes a progress poster. Track your reading using the book, online at kdl.beanstack.org, or on the Beanstack app.
Learn more about 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten at kdl.org/1KB4K.
Native plants flourish in Andrea Belden’s urban garden (Courtesy, Andrea Belden)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Native plants not only beautify yards and natural habitats, they increase safe havens for pollinators and decrease effects of climate change.
A trillium flower flourishes in its natural habitat (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com, Nicholas A. Tonelli)
Friends of Buck Creek and Alysia Babcock, “The Garden Guru,” are hosting a free public event to teach the “hows” and “whys” of inhabiting land without damaging it.
“Gardens with native plants provide habitat for many organisms such as pollinators, birds, and small animals,” states Babcock on The Garden Guru Kzoo website. “These pocket gardens are safe havens that help reverse the effects of climate change. We need pollinators for our food crops, birds to distribute seeds, and small animals to keep garden pests at bay resulting in healthy viable plants.”
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, Babcock will give an hour-long presentation titled “Cleaning Our Watershed and Beautifying Your Property with Native Plants” at Grandville Kent District Library. This presentation will teach how to beautify personal properties while cleaning stormwater and providing food and shelter for pollinators.
“I have always been an advocate for nature and find nature’s beauty everyday,” said Babcock on her website.
Native plants and flowers provide a natural habitat for many organisms (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
An Advanced Master Gardener, Conservation Steward and Master Naturalist, Babcock also has a Master’s Degree in Education, and is part of a newly formed Strike Team with the Rockford Sustainability Committee. Babcock is also the owner of The Garden Guru Kzoo LLC, a company dedicated to designing and implementing garden makeovers that specialize in native plants.
“I’d say [that] using native perennials in a landscape is a win-win-win-win,” said Martha Stout Vermeulen, founder and former President of Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC). “Less money, less work, more beauty, healthier habitat.”
Vermeulen went on to explain that in the first year, native plants “sleep,” growing deep, water-cleansing roots. The second year they “creep,” beginning to beautify, and the third year they “leap” to their full glory.
Daisies come in several shapes, sizes, and colors (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
“Since caterpillars are a primary food source for our dwindling bird population, nibbled leaves mean the garden is doing its job,” said Vermeulen.
Native plants will be available for purchase after Babcock’s presentation.
Parking is available on the south side of the KDL Grandville Branch. The building is wheelchair accessible.
For more information or questions, contact Martha Stout Vermeulen at seasister8@gmail.com.
What’s Your Story: Write Michigan’s annual short story contest provides a chance for all ages to be published and win money (Courtesy, Kent District Library)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
Michigan writers of all ages are invited to enter the 12th annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest.
Kent District Library is pleased to present this annual contest that drew 1,250 entries in 2022. The Write Michigan contest offers separate categories for youth, teens and adults. Winning entries will be published, and the top writers will receive cash prizes.
“This contest gives writers the opportunity to reach their goal of getting published,” said Katie Zuidema, Marketing Communications Specialist at KDL. “Not only do writers have the chance to win $500, but their story could also be available to the masses on bookstore and library shelves across the state.”
Winners of the Write Michigan contest will be published and earn cash prizes (Courtesy, Kent District Library)
Stories can be submitted at writemichigan.org through Thursday, Nov. 30. Details include a 3,000-word maximum length; $10 entry fee for ages 18 and above, free for 17 and under; current Michigan residents only; all entries must be submitted online.
Three cash prizes will be given in each of the three categories ― Judges’ Choice ($500), Readers’ Choice ($250) and Judges’ Choice Runner-up ($250). The top ten stories in each category will be reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of published authors, editors, professors and literary agents. A public vote will determine the winners of Readers’ Choice.
Gary Schmidt, multiple award-winning author and Michigan resident, will be the keynote speaker at the 2024 Write Michigan awards ceremony in March. Schmidt will also be writing the foreword to the anthology, which is published by Chapbook Press.
“Write Michigan is truly a statewide effort,” says Josh Mosey, one of the organizers of the contest. “Kent District Library couldn’t put on the short story contest without our partners, including Schuler Books, Michigan Learning Channel, Capital Area District Library and Canton Public Library.”
Those who enjoy reading stories are encouraged to sign up to be a volunteer story reviewer at writemichigan.org/volunteer.
Those interested can join an online community of writers through Facebook (facebook.com/WriteMichigan) and Instagram (@write.michigan). Get encouragement, writing tips, challenges and more while you plot out your award-winning short story.
Kent District Library is offering a programming series geared towards writers and aspiring writers, covering topics like getting published, freelance writing, self-editing and creating compelling characters. For more details, including dates, times and locations, visit writemichigan.org/writers-conference.
Award-winning Kent District Library (KDL) will ask Kent County voters to consider a millage renewal at a reduced rate on Nov. 7.
If approved, the lower millage rate of 1.1 mills will fund KDL’s operations for 15 years, and taxpayers will see immediate savings as the KDL Board has committed to lowering the millage rate effective Jan. 1, 2024, even though the current millage doesn’t expire until Dec. 31, 2024.
“We recognized that if we were to stay with a straight renewal, we would end up with income we don’t need,” said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner. “We feel that we should only ask for money that we need and that we can use, and let the public keep more of their own money.”
The ability to offer a lower millage is partly due to a growing community where new taxable real estate has produced more revenue.
“As good stewards of taxpayer dollars, we want to lock in savings for residents now,” said KDL Board Chair Andy Erlewein.
(Courtesy, Kent District Library)
KDL serves residents in 27 municipalities through 20 branches with its extensive collection of more than 700,000 physical items, 15.6 digital items, a bookmobile, its main service center, 5,000-plus annual in-person programs, and a host of patron-focused services from in-branch printer/Wi-Fi access and loanable mobile hotspots, to early literacy initiatives and a large assortment of talking books and Braille resources.
These resources ensure the average KDL patron receives over $1,300 worth of service each year.
“The return on investment that we provide the public is unsurpassed,” said Werner.
Approximately 90% of KDL’s operating funds come from the millage with the remaining 10% funded through a series of Friends of the Library groups, dedicated volunteers who support their branches through book sales, and other fundraising activities.
In 2022, KDL saw an increase of more than 61% in program and outreach attendance, a 6% rise in total circulation, and a 26% rise in computer and Wi-Fi usage.
Werner attributes the increase in community use of KDL resources to dedicated staff and quality programming and outreach.
“One of the things we practice here is a constant environmental scan and a refusal to become complacent,” said Werner. “We are proud to represent everyone in the county…we are committed to helping them all. That is the spirit of what we do.”
Werner would like to remind residents that Summer Wonder is still in full swing.
“It’s not too late to sign up!” said Werner, adding that nothing makes KDL staff happier than seeing community members come in and utilize their services.
“At the end of the day, libraries are not about books, libraries are about people and transforming lives,” said Werner. “We are really excited to deliver [the millage] to Kent County residents and continue our tradition of excellence.”
The Ebony Road Players will present a reading of “Alabama Story” May 17 and 18 at the KDL Grandville and Cascade branches. (Courtesy, Ebony Road Players, photo by Brian Greenleaf)
Founder and Executive Director of Ebony Road Players, Edye Evans Hyde, and cast members will share a reading from the play Alabama Story and discuss its relevance today.
“When we heard the story about the play (Hyde) was putting on, it just seemed like a natural fit,” said KDL Director of Engagement Randy Goble. “It’s a topic we hear about in the current day and time…(and) it’s seeing how something from the late 1950s is relevant today.”
The six-actor, one-set play written by Kenneth Jonesgives voice to a little-known story about a librarian who was persecuted for protecting a children’s book titled The Rabbits’ Wedding.
The story of two rabbits
A children’s picture book written and illustrated by Garth Williams and published in 1958, The Rabbits’ Wedding depicts the love and wedding of two rabbits, one black and one white. The book was ridiculed as promoting interracial marriage, and Emily Wheelock Reed, director of the Alabama Library Service Division, became an advocate for The Rabbits’ Wedding.
KDL features a display about Loving Day, the anniversary of when interracial marriage laws were abolished. (Courtesy, KDL)
“We wanted to do (the preview) to support Ebony Road Players, but also because it is a very fascinating story that we want to help people and the community become more familiar with,” Goble said.
Alabama Story is being performed in conjunction with National Loving Day, an annual celebration held on the anniversary of the United States Supreme Court decision Loving v Virginia, which abolished interracial marriage laws on June 12, 1967.
“Unfortunately, a lot of things during the Civil Rights movement and this particular court case in 1967 is rearing its head again,” Hyde told WKTV. “I was searching for plays, and this one came up. I thought, this needs to be shown so people have an opportunity to see what’s going on now is not new.”
Telling multi-cultural stories
Since its inception as a non-profit theater organization in 2013, Ebony Road Players has provided a platform for narratives like Alabama Story that are not normally heard about or discussed.
Over the past 10 years, Hyde has not lacked for participants in ERP or viewers for their productions.
“It is a very multi-cultural group of people coming,” Hyde said. “They are understanding the need for these stories to be told on a consistent basis. People have been really open to it.”
A participant and one of only a handful of African Americans in Grand Rapids theater during the 1980s-1990s, Hyde began Ebony Road Players when she “realized the talent that is supposed to be here for telling these types of stories was not here. It hadn’t been cultivated.”
Hyde continued to say that she realized the real need was to build a talent pool that could be part of productions and opportunities that are not always given to people of color, and Hyde has been appreciative of the reception from the West Michigan arts community.
“We (Grand Rapids) have a pretty vibrant arts community, and we all work together,” she said.
A natural fit
Goble urges community members to come out for the Alabama Story preview. “If you would like a sneak peek, please come to the library at either of the two locations,” said Goble. “It’s going to be a fantastic introduction to the whole story.”
The May 17 performance will be at the KDL Grandville branch, 4055 Maple Ave. SW. The May 18 performances will be at the KDL Cascade branch, 2870 Jacksmith Ave. SE.
Ebony Road Players will be presenting the full production of Alabama Story June 8-11 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. Information and tickets can be found here.
ERP is also collaborating with the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave. NE, to host a Loving Day celebration for families on June 10 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. More information can be found here: Faces of Family: Growing Seeds of Love.
D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed Author
From the Sookie Slackhouse series.From the Aurora Teagarden series. From the Midnight, Texas series
You might not know the name Charlaine Harris but you have probably ran across one of the several made for TV series that were based off her books.
NBC’s short-lived “Midnight, Texas,” based off Harris’ “Midnight, Texas” series, followed the mysterious people of Midnight, Texas, as psychic Manfred Bernardo is busy solving the mysteries.
Or how about Hallmark Movies and Mysteries’ “Aurora Teagarden Movies,” which are based on Harris’ Aurora Teagarden series. The story follows librarian Aurora Teagarden as she solves murders in her town of Lawrenceton, in the state of Washington.
Finally, there is HBO’s “True Blood,” which ran for five years from 2009-2014 and was based off of Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Series. The mystery series features small-town waitress-turned-paranormal sleuth Sookie Stackhouse as she works with a variety of paranormal characters from vampires to werewolves in solving a series of murders.
Harris’ books are just some of the many you can find on the Kent District Library’s Books to Film selection for the KDL Let It Snow Adult Reading Club.
Adults and teens (11+) who participate in the Let It Snow and read a minimum of six books in different categories between Jan. 3 and March 31 will receive a collectible Let It Snow 2023 ceramic mug. Participants who finish an additional four titles will be entered into a Power Reader drawing to win an Amazon Kindle Scribe with stylus pen or other prizes.
KDL is looking for local champions in literacy for its KDL Literacy Champion award.
Jeopardy! champion James Holzhauer openly admits that it was the children’s nonfiction section of his library that helped him bring home big winnings and, as a thank you, he donated some of those winnings to local libraries in his area.
Country singer and musician Dolly Parton has always believed that not being able to read was what kept her own father from accomplishing his goals in life and for that reason she started Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in East Tennessee.
Former First Lady Barbara Bush’s work as an educator carried over into her public life as she became an advocate for literacy which lead to the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
Holzhauer, Parton, and Bush have been recognized as literacy champions, a person who has gone above and beyond to improve literacy within their own community.
The Kent District Library hopes to recognize and an individual and organization who have gone above and behind to improve literacy in the Kent County area through its newly created KDL Literacy Champion Award.
“Literacy is the foundation of all learning for our children and throughout life,” said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner. “There are many people and organizations who have exceptional passion for literacy, creating a profound impact on life in our community. The KDL Literacy Champion Award shines a light on and celebrates them.”
The award will be given to one individual and one organization who does or has done something exceptional to promote literacy. To find those individuals and groups, KDL has opened public nominations through July 31. Nominations may be submitted online at kdl.org/literacychampion.
Nominees should have demonstrated leadership and exceptional achievement in advancing reading. Individuals can be teachers, tutors, school librarians, authors, and others. Organizations can be schools, non-profit services, for-profit businesses, and government entities.
Nominations will be reviewed by a panel from KDL and its Board of Trustees. Winners will be publicly announced and celebrated on Sept. 15 at the eighth annual Literary Libations Gala. Each winner will receive $1,000 in cash, a crystal trophy and two tickets to the KDL’s Literary Librations Gala.
Ihonor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March has been designated as Reading Month. To celebrate and encourage reading, we are asking local officials, residents and WKTV staff and volunteers to tell us about a book that they enjoy. Happy Reading!
Today’s book selection comes from Randy Goble, Kent District Library’s Director of Engagement.
Book: Nina Simone’s Gum: A Memoir of Things Lost and Found Author Warren Ellis Genre: Biography
“Nina Simone’s Gum” is exactly that. If you’re into music, Nina Simone or chewing gum, I recommend that you read this book by Warren Ellis. It starts with well-chewed gum that she placed on the piano at a performance then takes you around the world and through decades of fascinating stories and insights that are all somehow connected by the gum. – Randy Goble, Director of Engagement for Kent District Library.
The ongoing COVID pandemic hasn’t stopped Kent County residents from reading library books, but it has influenced the way they get them.
Britt Bennett’s book was a popular digital download in 2021. (pubic domain)
The Kent District Library recently announced it reached a record-breaking one million digital book checkouts in 2021. KDL was one of 121 library systems worldwide to reach that milestone.
Randall Goble, director of engagement for KDL, said the increase was definitely related to the pandemic. While digital downloads had been increasing even before the days of COVID, they trended sharply upward when buildings closed in the spring of 2020, then remained high even after libraries reopened.
“Digital is still really strong,” he said.
Digital access is the fastest growing segment of public library resources, KDL officials said.
Even before the pandemic, circulation of physical materials was not increasing at nearly the same rate as digital materials, according to Goble.
“There has been an increase in the circulation of digital materials because they’re so much more convenient to access,” Goble said. “We’re constantly striving to provide what people can access most easily and have the most value, and digital materials fit the bill.”
Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library was a popular audiobook downloaded by KDL patrons. (free domain)
Readers in the Rockford area top Kent County in terms of digital downloads, he said.
“They absolutely are higher-than-average users,” he said.
According to figures provided by KDL, the following titles were the top five ebooks borrowed from their digital collection in 2021:
The 1 million figure includes mainly e-book downloads, but some audiobooks are also included, Goble said.
1. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett 2. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 3. The Four Winds by Kirstin Hannah 4. The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate 5. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
In terms of audiobooks borrowed in 2021, these five topped the list:
1. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 2. Atomic Habits by James Clear 3. The Guest List by Lucy Foley 4. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 5. The Four Winds by Kirstin Hannah
KDL residents with a valid library card can access digital books from KDL’s OverDrive-powered digital collection by visiting kdl.overdrive.com. KDL library card holders can also obtain books by downloading the Libby Library reading app.
The KDL is in the top 60 public library systems worldwide in total digital circulation, library officials said.
The Kent District Library 2019 Annual Report tells the story of another year of new initiatives and increases in the use of library resources. The annual report is available for download at kdl.org/2019AnnualReport, highlighting numerous community needs that are routinely met by the library, including:
Nearly 3,000 children (kindergarten through third grade) launched to reading success with Mission: Read.
The total number of active library card holders increased by 7 percent, bringing the total to 174,795.
KDL was the first library in the United States to offer MagnusCards, a resource for people with autism and other special cognitive needs.
A record number of people completed the annual summer reading program.
Late fines for unreturned materials are traditionally thought of as a way to encourage people to return items, but since going fine free, the library has experienced a sharp increase in the speed and volume of returns.
The KDL Bookmobile completed its first full year on the road, serving 22,421 people.
The library was recognized as one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to work for, an honor that was raised to the national level earlier this year.
“The needs in the community are constantly changing, and libraries are quick and agile in response,” said Lance Werner, KDL’s Executive Director. “Agility helped us to quickly respond to COVID-19. We’ve literally re-engineered the library, so people can enjoy nearly everything from the safety and convenience of their homes.”
Since closing the library to public visits, KDL has pivoted to shift all programming online and launch curbside pickup. Additionally, the annual summer reading program has been totally reconfigured so people of all ages can fully participate from home using a workbook that was mailed to all cardholder households or through the new Beanstack app.
In the months of May and June this year, circulation of digital materials increased 61 percent compared to the same months in 2019.
It will take a while for West Michigan recreation and entertainment venues to begin their reopening process, and even longer for them to get back to normal, but local attractions such as Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and the Kent County park system — as well as tourist destinations including Mackinac Island Parks — this week announced reopening plans.
WKTV brings you a wrap of what’s opening, what will open soon, and what is still up in the early summer air.
Meijer Gardens
Meijer Gardens will reopen Monday, June 8, at 9 a.m., with new and enhanced safety procedures. There will be extensive signage and way-finding icons to help people social distance, according to an announcement made this week.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is set to reopen on Monday. (Supplied)
“Meijer Gardens first closed our doors to the public on Friday, March 13, due to the global pandemic. It has been an extremely long and painful three months without seeing our facility full of members and guests,” David Hooker, president & CEO of Meijer Gardens said in supplied material. “We are looking forward to welcoming back guests beginning on Monday and can’t wait for people to once again experience our masterpieces of art and nature.”
The planned, but delayed, exhibition “George Segal: Body Language” will open in approximately one week, according to Meijer Gardens. But due to current social distancing and safety guidelines, certain areas within the main building and outside grounds will remain closed for the time being.
“However, the most important part of complying with the rules and guidelines established by Federal and State authorities will be the voluntary compliance of our guests. We sincerely request all our guests comply for the safety and benefit of all,” according to the statement.
For the most current Meijer Gardens information regarding enhanced safety procedures and a map showing areas that are temporarily closed, visit MeijerGardens.org/COVID.
Kent County Parks
Kent County will have a staggered reopening schedule for its beaches, campground, open shelters, picnic areas, public restrooms and splash pad facilities. (Supplied)
The Kent County Parks has started a staggered reopening schedule for its beaches, campground, open shelters, picnic areas, public restrooms, and splash pad facilities, the county announced this week.
“We are excited to welcome visitors back to Kent County Parks and for them to experience the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors,” Dan DeLooff, county parks superintendent, said in supplied material. “However, it is critical that visitors follow our new rules that prevent overcrowding and support social distancing to ensure our parks are safe for everyone.”
Opening immediately are swimming beaches at Long Lake Park, Millennium Park, Myers Lake Park and Wabasis Park; all playgrounds; the Kaufman Golf Course; all restrooms, open shelters and group picnic areas. The Millennium Park Splash pad will open on June 8 and the Wabasis Lake Campground will open on June 12.
Enclosed shelters and recreational fields remain closed until further notice from the Governor’s Office. For up-to-date information visit kentcountyparks.org.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum has not announced an opening date yet. (WKTV)
Other Kent County, regional Attractions
Kent District Library
KDL is taking this phased approach to reopening, introducing those services that can be immediately provided while staff make adjustments within the facilities to ensure safety and compliance. All Kent District Library locations will have exterior book drops will open on June 8. Curbside service for picking up items will start June 15 with branches opening with limited service July 6. For details about KDL, visit kdl.org.
Zoos
The John Ball Zoo was scheduled to re-open in May but has postponed those plans with no specific date given on when the zoo might re-open. However, the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. For details on Binder Park Zoo, visit binderparkzoo.org.
Museums
None of the local museums, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, or the Grand Rapids Public Museum, have announced opening dates yet. The announcements are expected soon.
Trails
While the facilities at Blandford Nature Center are closed, the trails are open. Actually many of the area parks have open trails.
Gilmore Car Museum
The Gilmore Car Museum, located at Hickory Corners, re-opens to the public on Friday June 12, but guests will “notice several new procedures, all mandated by the State of Michigan, and geared toward the Museum’s top priority of assuring the health and safety of their employees, volunteers and visitors,” according to a June 4 statement.
For details and more information visit GilmoreCarMuseum.organd the museum’s social media.
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse will open June 13. (Supplied)
State Openings
The state is also starting to open some of its parks. This week Mackinac State historic Parks announced it would be welcoming guests to historic sites and facilities starting June 12.
The first sties to be open in Mackinaw City will be Colonial Michilimackinac, the Colonial Michilimackinac Vistor’s Center, and the Michilimackinc State Park restrooms. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse will open June 13 and the Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park and the David A. Armour Vistor’s Center will open June 15.
On June 19, the Mackinac State historic Parks will open its buildings and facilities on Mackinac Island. This includes: Fort Mackinac, The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac ArtMuseu, Historic downtown Mackinac (Benjamin Blacksmith Shop and the American Fur Company Store and Dr. Beaumont Museum, the Mackinac Island State Park Vistor’s Center and restrooms, Mission Church, Bark Chapel, Fort holmes Blockhouse, British Landing Nature Center and restrooms, Arch Rock restrooms, and the Station 256 Conference Room. The Biddle House feating the Native American Museum, will be open later due to construction delays during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re excited to get our historic sites open for the 2020 season and offer the world-class living history programs and activities for our guests,” said Phil Porter, Mackinac State Historic Parks Director. “We have developed, using our Visitor First philosophy, a set of guidelines that will safely welcome guests to our sites while allowing for a fun and educational time.”
For details on the openings and other schedules, visit mackinacparks.com.
WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma contributed to this story.
The Metro Health Farm Market kicks off the summer season by opening Thursday, May 14. Due to COVID-19, the market will be a little different in that social distancing guidelines will be adhered to and those attending are asked to where masks and leave the personal shopping bags at home. The market will be open form 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more on the Metro Health Farm Market and other farmers markets, click here.
Music for Quarantine
Now on Blue Lake Public Radio: the Grand Rapids Symphony (Supplied)
Every Sunday in May, area residents can tune into a previously recorded Grand Rapids Symphony performance. Performances are on at 1 p.m. at WBLU-FM 88.9 in Grand Rapids or click here to access Blue Lake Public Radio online. For the complete line up, click here.
Remembering the Heroes of WWII
May 7 marked the 75th anniversary of when the Germans surrendered to the Allied Forces. This week’s KDL Staff picks features a selection of World War II books from Michael Bornstein’s “The Survivor’s Club to “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei (of “Star Trek” fame). For the complete list, click here.
Fun Facts
A botanist running around like Rambo? Well according to Tim Evans, a GVSU professor of biology, if that’s what it takes to get people to discover Michigan’s amazing natural beauty, well why not? We’re all for it. Here is Evans’ first in a series on “Dangerous Botany.” To check out Evans’ other videos, click here.
Editor’s Note: Make sure to check out KDL’s online resources that include eBooks, movies and more.
Adult
The Need By Helen Philips
“This story is sort of a blend of horror, thriller, and musing on the mundane joy of caring for small children. As a parent of a toddler and a baby, I read it at the perfect time because her language and descriptions of parenting ring so true. But even if you aren’t a parent, the tension around the plot is also very compelling and makes it a fascinating, creepy ride.”
– Anna at East Grand Rapids
Wanna Get Lucky? By Deborah Coonts
“If you’re a fan of Janet Evanovich you may enjoy this series by Deborah Coonts. Lucky O’Toole is head of Customer Relations in a casino and gets in plenty of situations.”
– Loretta at Wyoming
Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death By Caitlin Doughty
“One of my favorite nonfiction author. Answering questions asked by kids. (adult may not ask but equally wondering about them I’m sure …)”
– Yuko at the KDL Service Center
Children’s
Polly Diamond and the Magic Book By Alice Kuipers
“Polly loves writing and learning new words, and when she discovers a magic notebook where anything she writes inside instantly comes true, she’s thrilled to use all her favorite words to make some magical things happen. However, Polly’s about to learn that with great magical power comes great responsibility! Charming illustrations and large text make this an awesome new beginning chapter book series.”
“Look around,” Kiersten says as she stares me dead in the eyes. ‘We are the only Gods here.’” Being a reader (podcast listener and movie watcher) of all things murder and mystery I expected to like this book… I didn’t, however, expect to finish it in one sitting. The Grace Year tells the story of the girls from Garner County spending their 16th year, their Grace Year, in a distant wilderness camp to rid themselves of magic. It is thought that without doing so their “magic” will run rampant and men will not be able to control themselves around these girls. Nobody talks about what happens during the Grace Year but every year girls come back disheveled, missing body parts, or not at all. This is a fast-paced book that combines horror, survival, and a healthier dose of feminism than its counterparts; a truly dark read that will linger on your mind.
– Emily at Tyrone
Here’s to You, Jesusa!
by Elena Poniatowska
In the 1960s, Elena Poniatowska, one of Mexico’s most respected and celebrated writers, a woman of wealth and privilege, developed an unlikely friendship with an impoverished and illiterate campesina she called “Jesusa”. In telling Jesusa’s story, Poniatowska told the story of Mexico’s most impoverished and disenfranchised people, while at the same time drawing strength from Jesusa’s experiences and wisdom. Available as a Book Club in a Bag.
– Mark at Krause Memorial
Mrs. Everything
by Jennifer Weiner
Mrs. Everything is a story of two sisters who were raised in Detroit in the 1950s. The two sisters are so different from each other but I found myself relating to each of them in my own way. This story shares how each sister overcome hardships in their lives but manage to keep a strong relationship with each other through it all. This is a great and heartfelt story!
– Hollie at Wyoming
Teen
A Bride’s Story
by Kauru Mori
At 11 volumes so far the manga is a wonderful historical slice of life story that takes place in 19th century central Asia. It is about Amir, a bride from a nomadic tribe sent to be married to a groom who is eight years younger than her. The story focuses on the daily life of the new couple and the people around them. The books are beautifully drawn and full of incredible details. The artwork is amazing.
– Megan at the KDL Service Center
When We Were Vikings
by Andrew MacDonald
This book takes place in the mind of Zelda, a high functioning young adult diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome. This novel is funny, and very relatable. Zelda is obsessed with Vikings, and this make the novel super quirky and fun. If you want a feel good read, this is for you
In response to the COVID-19 — more commonly called the coronavirus — several organizations today have announced closures. Remember, if you have an event you are planning to attend, double check by calling or visit the event’s website to confirm the event will be taking place.
The Kent District Library (KDL) Kentwood Branch Library. (WKTV)
Kent District Library
In a statement released today, KDL officials said that in the interest of mitigating the impact of the virus, all branches are closed to the public. Programs, outreach visits, bookmobile visits, and book sales are cancelled. KDL is planning to reopen all its branches when schools are scheduled to reopen on April 6.
The staff is explored alternative ways to continue providing service. For updates, visit the KDL.org/coronavrius and the KDL social media pages. The library does provides many digital services such as:
Magazines, databases and other online resources at kdl.org/research
Online reading clubs: download the Beanstack application for your smartphones (search for “Beanstack” in your online app store).
For assistance or more information visit kdl.org or call 616-784-2007.
Grand Rapids Public Library
The Grand Rapids Public Library also has closed until further notice. For updates on the Grand Rapids Public Museum, visit grpl.org.
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
The plan was for Grand Rapids Civic Theatre to continue performances but this morning the organization announced it was suspending the rest of the run of “Matilda: The Musical.”
Civic will be offering all patrons who have purchased tickets a voucher for a future show. Officials are asking that patrons not call the box office at this time. All tickets have been recorded and staff will be contacting patrons individually to assist with rain checks. Patrons also will be given the opportunity to donate the cost of their ticket back to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre to help offset the company’s lost from the show. For pressing concerns about Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, call 616-222-6650.
Postponed: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Broadway Grand Rapids
Broadway Grand Rapids announced to patrons that due to the governor’s order to cancel or postpone gatherings of 250 persons or more, the organization has postpone the rest of the run for “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Patrons with tickets should hang on to those tickets as the BGR is hoping to bring the show back.
Performances of “Ecsape of Margaritaville,” which are May 26-31, are expected to go on as scheduled.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is closed until further notice. (Supplied)
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum has closed until further notice. Private events scheduled at the Pubic Museum that are under the 250 persons (guests and staff) threshold will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Earlier this week, the Museum had announced that its Free Day set for March 15 had been postponed.
While there has been no confirmed coronavirus cases connected to the Museum, officials have announced that staff been performing rigorous cleaning routines and there are plans to announce next steps soon.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has closed temporarily. Classes will continue unless otherwise notified. However, anyone signed up for a class through April 12, 2020 may request a full refund. Private events happening at Meijer Gardens during this time will take place if guests and staff are under the 100-person threshold. Event hosts will be contacted by their event coordinator.
Yesterday, the Grand Rapids Symphony announced it has cancelled all performances for the next 30 days, until April 10.
Ticket inquiries and requests will be answered by phone on a limited basis. Tickets for cancelled concerts maybe exchanged for upcoming concerts later this season or for the 2020-2021 season. Exchanges may be mailed to:
Ticket Exchange
Grand Rapids Symphony
300 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 100
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
LowellArts
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and in support of the Governor’s and CDC’s request the LowellArts has decided to cancel/postpone any live events for the next 30 days (including tonight’s LaughFest event). The gallery will remain open with officials stating their plans for future events subject to the conditions at that time. For more information, visit lowellartsmi.org.
There is a scene in “Kung Fu Panda 3” were Po for the first time sees a person who looks exactly like him. His reaction is of utter amazement and delight.
In a photo that went viral through social media, a boy in a wheelchair has a face of pure joy as he looks at a life-size ad of another boy in wheelchair.
Recently the Men of Color Read program expanded to Grand Rapids’ Martin Luther King Leadership Academy. (Supplied)
“We know how important it is to see people who look like you and that’s why diversity is so important in the classroom,” said Jon Covington.
It was one of the reasons that Covington decided to create Men of Color Read, to bring a person of color, who is a success in the community, into the classroom to read to students, especially those in urban areas. The hope is that by seeing people similar to themselves it will inspire the students to not only read, but achieve in school and beyond.
Covington started Men of Color Read 10 years ago in Los Angeles, where he was working at the time. The simple idea of having African-American men come into a school and read once a month quickly blossomed in Los Angeles with the program now hosting once-a-week mentoring programs. Five years ago, Covington brought the program back to his hometown of Muskegon and again saw tremendous success. This past January, he launched the Grand Rapids program at Martin Luther King Leadership Academy which quickly lead to a partnership with the Kent District Library.
“It is up to us to make reading cool again,” said Covington during a recent WKTV Journal interview.
And Covington understands just how “cool” reading can be. From kindergarten through 11th grade, he attended 10 different schools.
“Reading helped me get through all the hype of the things going on around me,” Covington said. “It helped me to dream and to know that there was a whole great big world out there.”
Reading programs like Men of Color Read become even more important to combat functional literacy, a person who is able to get buy knowing just basic English. He also sees the potential of young black boys being impacted by the Michigan law that states if a student is one grade level behind in reading they can be held back.
Martin Luther King Leadership Academy students listen to a story ready by the mentors from the Men of Color Read program. (Supplied)
The response to the Grand Rapids program has been amazing, according to Covington, who said people — of all colors and genders — have been signing up to read to the students.
And it has made an impression on the students as well.
“I came into the office at Martin Luther King Academy and there was a little girl there, I think she was just hanging out or something,” Covington said. “She said to me ‘How many of you were there?’
“I said ‘There was a lot of us wasn’t there? Do you mind if we come back next month?’ She just smiled.”
To get involved with the Men of Color Read program, visit the organization’s Facebook page, Men of Color Read, visit the KDL website, or call Martin Luther King Academy at 616-819-2600.
A terrific mystery set in a bookshop: Lydia’s favorite patron commits suicide, leaving her with a clever puzzle to solve. You’ll love this new heroine and the head scratching plot!
– Margo at Caledonia
The Dairy of a Bookseller
by Shaun Bythell
Ever wonder what it’s like to own a bookshop? Well Shaun does, and his bookshop diaries of daily interactions with his own staff and his patrons range from thought provoking to hysterical. A great read!
– Clyde at Spencer
Children’s
Notorious
by Gordon Korman
My third grader and I recommend Notorious by Gordon Korman. The setting is interesting, a small town with the Canadian/Michigan border running through it, and the mystery is fast-paced. Four paws up!
– Elizabeth at Plainfield
Edison: The Mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure
by Torben Kuhlmann
This is a gorgeously illustrated and timeless children’s tale worthy of becoming a modern classic. One of three books Kuhlmann has written and illustrated where he reimagines famous inventions from the perspectives of inquisitive and endearing mice, it’s a great pick for the whole family!”
Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive
by Stephanie Land
If you enjoy nonfiction books that are read like a story then you will love this book! Maid is an incredible story of how the author struggled to make ends meet but still managed to raise a child and get a degree. The author’s story sheds light on poverty, and the many hardships people have to overcome to provide for themselves or their families.
– Hollie at Wyoming
The Dutch House
by Ann Patchett
“Patchett tells an engrossing story of two siblings who grew up in the most beautiful house in town, a house that becomes almost a character in this novel about family, and how we often spend much of our lives trying to go back to figure out and make right our childhoods.”
– Penni at Cascade
Mighty Justice: My Life in Civil Rights
by Dovey Johnson Roundtree
Mighty Justice: My Life in Civil Rights by Dovey Johnson Roundtree is the life story of a Black woman born in 1914 whose strength, drive, and ambition were truly awe-inspiring. She prevailed in spite of overt and covert racism to graduate from college, become one of the first female officers in the armed services, go to law school, and answer the call to become a minister.
– Susan at Plainfield
Children’s
You Loves Ewe!
by Cece Bell
Oh my goodness! This book will win the hearts of elementary students and grammar police of any age. Hilarious twists on our weird English language make for a sweet and memorable story.
– Sara at Nelson Township/Sand Lake
Leyla
by Galia Bernstein
The book Leyla by Galia Bernstein is so sweet. Leyla, a young baboon runs from her large family and comes across a lizard who is busy doing nothing. The lizard teaches her how to seek out moments of peace during chaos. Leyla runs back to her family knowing that wherever she goes she can return to peace any time.
If you are interested in improving your English skills, make plans to attend the English Language Learners enrollment session presented by the Literacy Center of West Michigan. The program will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, at the Kelloggsville Branch of Kent District Library. Any adult who wants to learn English or improve their skills is invited to attend.
Attendees will learn about and can sign up for a free, 15-week community English class that will take place at the Kelloggsville Branch of KDL. The class will meet from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 10 – June 18. Anyone interested in taking the class should attend the enrollment session.
“Our goal in holding an English class at the Kelloggsville Branch is to provide English literacy instruction to adults in a context that is immediately relevant to their lives,” said Chad Patton, Director of Customized Workplace English for the Literacy Center of West Michigan. “We are excited to help adults in this community reach their literacy goals, and we think that this partnership with Kent District Library only makes sense.”
