Kent District Library (MI)'s Blog, page 46

Early Lit Bits: Music Minute – Transition Through Song

Transitioning from one activity to the next can be difficult for young children. Music is an excellent way to make these transitions easier. Singing the same song for a regularly repeated activity helps children know what’s expected of them and what’s coming next.

Singing a short song during every diaper change helps babies understand that this “down time” is temporary and will be over when the song ends. It’s a great way to prevent wiggles and frustration at the changing table.

Singing a clean-up song while putting away signals to children that play time is over, and that they are expected to pick up toys. Songs can ease many transitions such as saying goodbye to family after a vacation visit or getting ready to send older siblings off to school.

Check out some of the circle time songs available at the library such as Ready, Set, Move by Greg & Steve or Rockin’ Red by Eric Litwin.

Try singing the following song on the way to school or library programs:

Off to Class We Go

(Sung to the tune of “A-Hunting We Will Go”)

Off to class we go,

It’s off to class we go,

We’ll sing some songs and read along,

With everyone we know.

Off to class we go,

It’s off to class we go,

We learn our ABCs and more,

With everyone we know.

Try adapting this song to different activities such as “off to work we go” or “off to sleep we go” “…sing a song and read along, because I love you so.”

— Sara M. at KDL’s Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch

 

 

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.

 

October LibraryReads Staff Picks

You already know that your local KDL staff provide great recommendations when you’re looking for your next favorite book. Now library staff across the nation have connected to offer LibraryReads, a nationwide “Top 10″ list of favorite titles each month! Check out these upcoming titles that librarians across the country have read, loved, and want to share with you (including one recommended by KDL’s own Vanessa Walstra!).

A Sudden Light: A Novel by Garth Stein

“Garth Stein has given us a masterpiece. This beautiful story takes readers on a thrilling exploration of a family estate brimming with generations of riveting Riddell family ghosts and secrets. This is a true exploratory novel, taking readers through secret passageways, hidden rooms, and darkened corridors that engage all of the senses.”

—Whitney Gayle, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

 

Leaving Time: A Novel by Jodi Picoult

“Leaving Time is a love story—love between mother and child, love between soulmates, and love between elephants. The story is told from a variety of narrators, all of whom are broken and lost. Jenna is searching for answers to the disappearance of her mother, and seeks the help of a retired police detective and a psychic. Alice, Jenna’s mom, disappeared after a tragic accident at the elephant sanctuary, and her work with the elephants is fascinating and touching. The book is an ode to motherhood in all its forms—the good, bad and the ugly—and it is brilliant.”

—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX

 

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride
by Cary Elwes with Joe Layden

“Even if you don’t have a crush on Cary Elwes, you’ll enjoy this vivid behind-the-scenes account of the making of The Princess Bride. His stories, especially those involving Andre the Giant, will leave you in stitches. Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, and others also recount their experiences. An amusing account of a group of performers who came together to make a heartfelt film that is loved by many.”

—Emily Weiss, Bedford Public Library, Bedford, IN

 

Not My Father’s Son: A Memoir by Alan Cumming

“This memoir focuses on Cumming’s reaction to being told that his father was not, in fact, his father. An appearance on the UK’s Who Do You Think You Are was meant to reveal the mystery behind what happened to Cumming’s maternal grandfather. Instead, his father’s admission leads Cumming to resolve long-held memories of verbal abuse. Cumming is extremely open, allowing readers to share in his pain and understand his relationships.”

—Tracy Babiasz, Alachua County Library District, Newberry, FL

 

Some Luck: A Novel by Jane Smiley

“Smiley’s latest is a love song to American farms and the people who keep them. This glorious and heartfelt novel chronicles the lives of an Iowan farm family over 30 years, beginning in 1920. Family members are born, grow, change, and die. Readers follow their triumphs and crushing losses and, along the way, learn about the evolution of farming and society in the United States. Definitely one of the best novels of 2014.”

—Laurie Van Court, Douglas County Libraries, Parker, CO

 

The Boy Who Drew Monsters: A Novel by Keith Donohue

“Emotionally scarred by a near-drowning experience, young Jack Keenan spends all his time indoors, fanatically preoccupied with drawing strange things. While Jack’s parents chalk his drawings up to the imagination, Nick, Jack’s only friend, notices mysterious things happen whenever Jack picks up a pencil. This detailed coming-of-age tale with a twist offers unique insights into boyhood friendships and the complexities of adult relationships.”

—Courtney Block, Charlestown Clark County Public Library, Charlestown, IN

 

The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens

“In this well-crafted debut novel, Joe Talbert has finally left home, but not without guilt over leaving his autistic brother in the care of his unreliable mother. A college assignment gets the young man entangled in a cold case, racing to clear the name of a Vietnam veteran. Characters with layers of suppressed memories and emotions only add to the suspenseful plot. Looking forward to more from this Minnesotan author!”

—Paulette Brooks, Elm Grove Public Library, Elm Grove, WI

 

Reunion: A Novel by Hannah Pittard

“When Kate learns that her estranged father has committed suicide, she and her siblings travel to Atlanta to bury him and work out years of resentment. Life seems overwhelming to Kate as she battles with infidelity, divorce, and a massive debt. It’s only when she takes a good look at herself that she begins to heal the rift in her family. Unfolding like a saga, this short book packs a punch.”

—Elizabeth Kanouse, Denville Public Library, Denville, NJ

 

Malice: A Mystery by Keigo Higashino

“Detective Kaga is investigating the murder of best-selling author Kunihiko Hidaka. Hidaka’s wife and best friend both have rock-solid alibis, but Kaga discovers that the friendship might not have been what it seemed. A classic cat-and-mouse game with twists that keep the pages turning.”

—Vicki Nesting, St. Charles Parish Library, Destrehan, LA

 

Murder at the Brightwell: A Mystery by Ashley Weaver

“Lovers of Agatha Christie and Jacqueline Winspear will enjoy this elegant murder mystery set on holiday at the English seaside What starts out as a lark, intended to make Amory Ames’s misbehaving-but-oh-so-delicious husband jealous, turns into a dangerous and deadly game of whodunit for Amory and her friends. Love, jealousy, and revenge are tangled together in this smart and sophisticated British mystery reminiscent of the genre’s golden age.”

—Vanessa Walstra, Kent District Library, East Grand Rapids, MI

 

See http://libraryreads.org for more information and find your next great read!

 

Thank You for Your Generosity!

During the month of August, over 2,000 school items were collected at KDL branches for School Supply Santa. Thank you so much for your generosity during this most recent KDL Gives Back initiative! Local children were able to head back to school with all the items they need to succeed, thanks to your support!

“I want to thank KDL for promoting, supporting and collecting school supplies,” said Denise Kooiker, who runs School Supply Santa. “They played such a huge role in the program this year!”

 

 

KDL Top Ten — Easy Readers

This week’s Top Ten list features 10 of the most popular Easy Readers at KDL right now. Stop in and grab entertaining books for your beginning reader today!

Workshops for Job Seekers

Want to brush up on your job-hunting skills? We can help with a series of free Career Transitions Workshops occurring this fall! The series is presented in partnership with Career Transitions Center West Michigan. Registration is required. Please click the links below or call 616-784-2007 to register.

LinkedIn Boot Camp

Optimize your use of the professional networking website LinkedIn and develop your networking experience.

Thursday, September 25, 6:00 – 7:30 PM — East Grand Rapids Branch

Thursday, October 23, 6:00 – 7:30 PM — Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

Thursday, November 20, 6:00 – 7:30 PM — Walker Branch



Developing Your Personal Brand

Learn how to identify, develop and market your innate talents to best be able to “sell what you do well,” whether it’s through verbal or written communications.

Wednesday, October 8, 6:00 – 7:30 PM — Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

Communicating Your Brand

Learn how to best share your personal brand by focusing on elevator pitches, résumés and online profiles, with emphasis on aligning your message with your professional value in the marketplace.

Wednesday, October 15, 6:00 – 7:30 PM — Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

Networking

A lot of getting connected to job opportunities is about who you know.  Explore strategies and techniques needed to build and nurture effective relationships with contacts.

Wednesday, October 22, 6:00 – 7:30 PM — Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

Behavioral Interviewing

Create a positive and lasting impression. Learn essential techniques of how to ace interviews in today’s job market and how to negotiate terms of employment.

Wednesday, October 29, 6:00 – 7:30 PM — Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

 

New Fall Books for Kids

Dog and Bear: Tricks and Treats by Laura Vaccaro Seeger has three short, funny Halloween themed stories about friends Dog and Bear.

 

In Katy Duck’s Happy Halloween by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, Katy Duck is perfectly happy with her dancing unicorn costume until she sees Alice’s shimmering glimmering mermaid costume. Happily, all ends well as they skip off to trick-or-treat together.

 

Kelly DiPucchio has an amusing new book, Dog Days of School, in which young Charlie gets his wish to trade places with his dog Norman. Waking up in Norman’s bed, he is happy to sleep in, stare out the window for hours, and meet other dogs. Soon, however, he finds that being sent to the doghouse isn’t very fun.

 

Winter is Coming by Tony Johnston is a lovely, quiet story about a small girl who observes and sketches various animals getting ready for the coming of winter.

 

Ask your branch’s youth librarian for these stories or other new fall and Halloween books for kids.

 

Celebrate the Season with Fall Programs

Kent District Library is celebrating the fall season with a couple of programs that are sure to get the entire family into the spirit of autumn.  We hope you will join us for some fall fun!

Fall Mixed Up

Leaves float up and squirrels fly south! Celebrate this topsy-turvy season with zany stories, songs and activities centered around the book Fall Mixed Up by Bob Raczka. For ages 6 and younger.

Thursday, September 18, 10:00 AM – Englehardt (Lowell) Branch

Saturday, September 27, 10:30 AM – Gaines Township Branch

Saturday, September 27, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch

Sunday, September 28, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch

Tuesday, September 30, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial (Rockford) Branch

Tuesday, October 7, 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch

Tuesday, October 7, 1:00 PM – Byron Township Branch

Monday, October 13, 9:45 AM, 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch

Wednesday, October 15, 9:45 AM – Plainfield Township Branch

Thursday, October 16, 9:45 AM – Plainfield Township Branch

Thursday, October 23, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

Monday, October 27, 9:45 and 10:30 AM – Walker Branch

Tuesday, October 28, 10:00 AM – Alpine Township Branch

Wednesday, October 29, 10:00 AM – Walker Branch

Wednesday, November 5, 10:00 AM – Tyrone Township Branch

Monday, November 10, 10:30 AM – Alto Branch

Tuesday, November 11, 6:30 PM – Comstock Park Branch

Wednesday, November 12, 10:30 AM – Comstock Park Branch

 

Awesome Autumn Adventure

Celebrate the season with autumn crafts, pumpkin decorating, games and bountiful farmyard fun! Please bring your own pumpkin. For all ages.

Wednesday, October 15, 10:00 AM – Walker Branch

Saturday, October 18, 10:30 AM – Gaines Township Branch

Tuesday, October 21, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial (Rockford) Branch

Thursday, October 23, 6:30 PM – Caledonia Township Branch

Saturday, October 25, 10:30 AM – Alto Branch

Saturday, October 25, 2:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

Sunday, October 26, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch

Monday, October 27, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch

Tuesday, October 28, 6:30 PM – Comstock Park Branch

Wednesday, October 29, 10:30 AM – Comstock Park Branch

Thursday, October 30, 10:00 AM – Englehardt (Lowell) Branch

 

Branch locations can be found here.

 

Early Lit Bits: App Review – Beck and Bo

Have fun and explore while playing Beck and Bo. This attractive and well-designed app will stimulate your child’s creativity and logic skills.  Drag-and-drop items as you build a scene and move the characters “Beck” and “Bo” around on their different adventures. When all items are correctly placed, players are rewarded with a virtual “album” where they can hear and see the names of the objects in the scenes. This app is not only fun to play, but also helps teach cause and effect, association skills and creative thinking. Play together as you explore the ocean, go to the store, travel on a safari and more! This app is available for both Apple and Android devices for $2.99.

— Julie R. at KDL’s Caledonia Township Branch

 

 

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 on WGVU Radio — KDL Uncorked

Each month KDL staff join Shelley Irwin on the WGVU Morning Show to talk about what’s going on at the library. This month, listen to Communications Assistant Morgan Jarema and Stacey Faba from Pauly’s in Lowell talk about KDL Uncorked, a series of free winemaking and tasting programs held at various KDL branches, as well as discounted winery tours and tastings. Enjoy!

 

Download WGVU9-4-14.mp3

(photo courtesy of Shelley Irwin)

 

KDL Top Ten — Most Popular Items

Tell us: What’s the best book you’ve read or movie you’ve watched this summer? And while you’re here, take a look at this week’s Top Ten! These are ten of the most popular items right now at KDL: