Kent District Library (MI)'s Blog, page 150

Did You Win the Sony eReader?

Kentwood branch patron Molly Frendo recently took home a Sony eReader thanks to her entry in our “Share Your Story” contest. Her story will soon be shared here.

Hundreds of KDL cardholders have shared their library stories this year, from a grandfather who connected with his granddaughter at the Kentwood branch while his grandson faced a life-threatening illness to a teen Walker branch  patron who found in books answers to an issue that had proven too overwhelming to search for on the Internet.

Please share your story by clicking here.

See How Many People Entered Our Short Story Contest

Submissions are closed for the inaugural Write Michigan short story contest, the numbers are in and the semi-finals judges are limbering up for what appears likely to be some late nights. In total, 551 writers entered the contest — 256 adults and 295 wordsmiths younger than 18. Yay everyone!

Writers: congratulations for getting your stories in.

Sit tight until January 10, then tell your friends, neighbors, relatives, co-workers, the guy who rings up your coffee at the gas station, your ex-girlfriend, teachers, pedicurist, surgeon, classmates, grandparents, coaches, doula and fellow writing group members to go to the Write Michigan website and click on “vote” January 11-31. Finalists will be included in a book published by Schuler Books & Music’s Chapbook Press and invited to an awards ceremony March 19 at the Grand Rapids Public Library, and top vote-getters in each category win cash prizes!

Free Computer Classes & Job Seeker Workshops

Whether you’re a computer novice or looking to update your skills, KDL’s free computer classes and workshops for job seekers can help you learn something new! Registration opens today for our January classes:

Computer Basics: Mousing and More
Computer Basics: Where’s My Stuff?
Digital Photos: Online Photo Editing Fun
Gadgets: BYO eReader & Tablet Users Group
(pre-registration not required)
Hot Tech Topic: Gadget Petting Zoo

(pre-registration not required)
Internet: Create Your Own Website or Blog
Internet: Email Basics
Internet: Internet Basics & More
Internet: Online Genealogy Research I & II
Internet: The 24/7 Library: Resources for Book Lovers
Job Seekers: Career Transitions Workshops: Developing Your Personal Brand (pre-registration not required)
Job Seekers: Career Transitions Workshops: Communicating Your Brand (pre-registration not required)
Job Seekers: Career Transitions Workshops: Networking (pre-registration not required)
Job Seekers: Career Transitions Workshops: LinkedIn Bookcamp (pre-registration not required if you bring your own laptop)
Job Seekers: Career Transitions Workshops: Behavioral Interviewing & Effective Negotiating (pre-registration not required)
Job Seekers: Office Programs for the Job Seeker
Microsoft Excel Basics I & II
Microsoft PowerPoint Basics
Microsoft Word Basics I, II & III
Speak to a Geek (pre-registration not required)

For class descriptions and schedule, please see our brochure or search our events calendar.

Unless otherwise noted, pre-registration is required and will begin the month before the scheduled classes on the first Monday of each month for KDL cardholders and the second Monday for non-KDL cardholders (if space is still available):

January classes: Registration begins Monday, December 3 for KDL cardholders
(Monday, December 10 for non-KDL cardholders)
February classes: Registration begins Monday, January 7 for KDL cardholders

(Monday, January 14 for non-KDL cardholders)

To register, please call 616-784-2007.

Early Lit Bits: KDLville Early Literacy Play Spaces — Sand Lake / Nelson Township Branch

The KDLville play space in the Sand Lake / Nelson Township branch opened just before our busiest time — Summer Reading 2012. The kickoff on May 15 was a wonderful way to celebrate early literacy and get kids excited to visit the library. KDLville has continued to attract our youngest patrons with exciting activities that encourage the five early literacy practices of talking, writing, singing, playing and reading. It is amazing to watch the way parents engage with their little ones while they make an imaginary meal, put on a puppet show or play with the many games in KDLville. Whether using stringing beads, wooden blocks or rhyme-and-find bean bags, conversation abounds!

Themes and activities vary by season. This fall we are celebrating nature with woodland animals. As you walk into KDLville, make sure to “measure up” to our giant ruler — see which woodland animal you can reach! Match up the animal pictures with the close-up of their eyes on Katie’s footprints back to our play area. Color a fall leaf at our writing center to add to the giant tree in our reading nook. See if you can find all five baby elephants and their special words in our play area — what letter do the words start with?

If you’re out exploring, head north to Kent District Library’s very own big red barn in Sand Lake. Stop in for a visit and enjoy special time with your little ones in KDLville! 

 

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.

 

Suggested Reads: Teen Murder Mysteries

With all the NCIS and other murder investigation shows on TV, it isn’t surprising that books are following this trend as well.  James Patterson, the well-known author of the Maximum Ride series, and author Maxine Paetro have started another teens series with detective and starts to have flashbacks that could help her figure out who killed her parents.

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga takes a more personal look at the life of a serial killer through the eyes of Jazz, whose father is in prison for a series of murders.  When copy-cat murder victims start appearing in Jazz’s home town, he needs to find out who, besides himself, knows the small details about his father’s victims.

For a more “Bones” feel, The Body Finder series by Kimberly Derting fits the bill. Violet has a strange ability to sense the presence of the dead, usually small animals or beloved pets. But when a serial killer starts working in her hometown, she feels compelled to use her talents to find out who the killer is before he can find another victim.

App of the Week: Spotify

Spotify gives you access to millions of songs for free! You can also listen to the radio or pay to use Spotify Premium, which will let you make multiple playlists and listen to them anytime with no mobile or Internet connection. Try the premium version for free for 48 hours by downloading the app and signing in with your Facebook account. 

 

December Hot Titles

If you want it, we’ve got it! At KDL, we are committed to providing the popular materials you want to read, listen to or view. Look what’s new this month:

Shadow Woman by Linda Howard

Shiver by Karen Robards

The Dark Knight Rises (DVD)

Ice Age: Continental Drift (DVD)

Hope Springs (DVD)

Make sure to check out our lists of future releases. All of these items have been ordered and are available for holds — just click on the title you want, then place your hold in the online catalog. Lists are updated monthly.

Place a hold on one (or several) today. Enjoy!

KDL Top Ten – 11/30/2012

KDL knows whodunit…

View 10 of the most popular Adult Mystery titles at KDL this month–click on the link to our Top Ten List! 

What’s your favorite mystery, suspense novel or thriller?  Please comment below!

 

Meet Sled Dogs!

Welcome to the world of mushing! Tun-Dra Kennels owners will talk about sled dogs, mushing equipment and the Iditarod. Families will even have the opportunity to meet the dogs and watch a mushing demonstration outside (weather permitting)! Don’t forget to bundle up!

Schedule

Saturday, December 8, 10:30 AM – Plainfield Township branch

Saturday, December 22, 10:30 AM – Alpine Township branch

Saturday, February 2, 10:30 AM – Byron Township branch

It’s Time for a Prehistoric Party!

Don’t become extinct! Attend our Dinosaur Romp party taking place at several KDL branches this winter. Kids of all ages will have loads of dino-mite fun during this prehistoric program. They can go on a dinosaur themed scavenger hunt, play a dino memory card game and make some dinosaur crafts!

Schedule



Tuesday, December 4, 10:30 AM – Wyoming branch

Wednesday, December 5, 10:30 AM – Wyoming branch

Wednesday, January 9, 10:00 AM – Gaines Township branch

Saturday, January 12, 10:30 AM – Alto branch

Tuesday, January 15, 10:00 AM – Cascade Township branch

Wednesday, January 16, 10:00 AM – Cascade Township branch

Tuesday, January 22, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake branch

Saturday, February 2, 10:00 AM – Krause Memorial branch

Sunday, February 3, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids branch

Tuesday, February 26, 6:30 PM – Comstock Park branch