Kent District Library (MI)'s Blog, page 119

Today is the Day!

Today marks the start of Summer Reading @ KDL, Michigan’s No. 1 library summer reading program last year with nearly 28,000 participants. Can we beat that this year? Tell your friends! Sign up at any KDL branch to take part in a summer of programs, prizes and fun for all ages, from babies (yes, babies) to retirees.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnV_Yrtbg3E

Early Lit Bits: App Review — Bob Books

If you have an emerging reader in your life, you may have heard of the book series called Bob Books. This popular series also has an app where you can have a fun, interactive experience with the books. It can be a new way to help a child learn to read. The app focuses on spelling and letter knowledge in stages that build. An interactive format like this can help motivate and encourage children who are more reluctant to begin reading.  If you are a fan of the BOB series or looking for something to aid a child in early reading, try the free Bob Books Reading Magic Lite app for Apple. You can also purchase the full version for $3.99.

 

This article originally appeared in our Early Lit Bits eNewsletter. Read the most recent issue online or sign up to receive this monthly update highlighting early literacy tips and resources for parents and caregivers.

 

KDL Top Ten – 5/31/2013

June is Audiobook Month! To view 10 of the  most checked-out eAudiobook titles at KDL this month, click on the link to the KDL Top Ten List! These titles and many more are available on KDL’s Downloadable eBook site!

 

Best Websites 2013

Many of us tend to visit the same websites every day: email, Facebook, the news, KDL , etc. But sometimes it’s nice to see what else is out there in cyber-land, especially when the sites come recommended. Time Magazine publishes an annual list of Best Websites, and the 2013 update came out recently.

Not quite sure you want to use Google Drive for your documents? Try Microsoft’s Office Web Apps. Looking for a free photo editing service? Give Pixlr a try. Curious about just about everything? Try the web version of the magazine Mental Floss. (Several KDL branches carry the print version of this magazine, and KDL cardholders can also access the full magazine through Zinio!) And finally, do you sometimes wonder if you’ve allowed certain social media and other websites to know too much about you? Try MyPermissions to find out just how much you’ve shared.

These are just a few of many fun and useful sites to explore. Have fun poking through the list!

              

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Programs Just for Teens

We’ve got a stellar line-up of cool programs from June through August that make the library the place to be during summer vacation. From Mexican food-tasting to Hunger Games-like survival to music and art, we’ve got something for everyone — bring your friends!

Click on each event title for dates, times, locations and the event description:

Teen Zone
Beneath the Electronic Surface
Beneath the Surface: Marble Magnets
Uncover Your Hidden Artist
Under the Radar: Dystopian Survival
The Great Quesadilla Taste-Off
Underground Music
Game On!

Photography: Digging Beneath the Surface
World War II Re-enactor
DIY at the Library
Introduction to Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro Intermediate
Kentwoodpalooza

 

 

EightWest: Summer Reading @ KDL

This morning, Director Lance Werner and Program and Outreach Specialist Allison Brito promoted Summer Reading @ KDL on WOOD TV’s eightWest. Check out the segment to learn more about our reading programs, prizes and the benefits of summer reading!

Don’t forget to sign up for Summer Reading @ KDL starting June 1.

Dig into Reading at Your Local Library

EightWest Segment: Summer Reading @ KDL

This morning, Director Lance Werner and Program and Outreach Specialist Allison Brito promoted Summer Reading @ KDL on WOOD TV’s eightWest. Check out the segment to learn more about our reading programs, prizes and the benefits of summer reading!

Don’t forget to sign up for Summer Reading @ KDL starting June 1.

Dig into Reading at Your Local Library

Classic Rock Fan?

Time is running out to get your free tickets for the WGVU Real Oldies Concert at the Ball Park on Saturday, June 1 at 6:00 PM at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park. Featured bands are The Grass Roots, The Eschelons and The Westside Soul Surfers.

You do not have to have a KDL library card to get a free concert ticket at any one of our 18 branches.

Can’t make the concert? You don’t need a ticket to download free oldies music 24/7 from Freegal (but you do need a KDL card).

As part of this fundraiser to help support WGVU Real Oldies and the West Michigan Whitecaps Inner City Youth Baseball/Softball program, a classic car show in the parking lot starts at 3:00 PM.

 

Don’t Miss Out!

We are getting ready for Summer Reading @ KDL. Are you?

 

Don’t miss out on a summer of programs, prizes and fun. Sign up starting Saturday June 1 at any KDL branch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnV_Yrtbg3E

MeLCat Unavailable Tuesday, May 28

MeLCat, the service that allows KDL cardholders to request items from libraries around the state, will be unavailable starting at 7:00 PM Tuesday, May 28 to perform a software upgrade. Searching, placing requests, and renewing MeLCat items will not be possible during this time. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.