Kent District Library (MI)'s Blog, page 59
June 7, 2014
Movie Night?
Check out these favorites from the staff at the Krause Memorial Branch in Rockford:
Blast from the Past
COM DVD BLA
After being raised in a bomb shelter for 35 years by his parents, Adam emerges into the modern world of Los Angeles.
Gone with the Wind
DRA DVD GON
Scarlett O’Hara, the daughter of a wealthy southern plantation owner, must learn to adapt when the Civil War hits the South. Of course, Rhett Butler does not make things any easier.
Imitation of Life
DRA DVD IMI
In the search for success as an actress, Lora neglects her daughter, while the daughter of her black housekeeper repudiates her mother by trying to pass for white.
Rear Window
DRA DVD REA
While watching his neighbors through the windows of the building next door, a wheelchair-bound photographer becomes convinced one of them has been murdered. Is it just his imagination? Or a case of a room with a view… to die for?
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
DRA DVD SEC
When his job, along with that of his coworker, are threatened, Walter takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.
Despicable Me 2
FAM DVD DES
Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help deal with a powerful new super criminal. An all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of former super-villain Gru, his adorable girls, the unpredictably hilarious Minions, and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.
Megamind
FAM DVD MEG
Metro Man constantly thwarts Megamind’s plans to conquer Metro City — until the day he actually defeats Metro Man. Suddenly the fate of Metro City is threatened when a new villain arrives and chaos runs rampant, leaving everyone to wonder if the world’s biggest “mind” can actually save the day?
The Silence of the Lambs
HOR DVD SIL
When FBI agent Clarice Starling is assigned a case involving a monstrous serial killer, she seeks counsel from an imprisoned cannibalistic psychiatrist, Dr. Hannibal Lector, whose fascination with the young woman is as great as his hunger for murder.
Toy Story
KIDS DVD TOY
Woody is a pull-string cowboy doll and is the leader of the toys until the latest, greatest action figure, Buzz Lightyear, enters the picture. When the toy rivals are separated from their owner, they learn to put aside their differences and work as a team to get back home to the boy they love.
Newsies
MUS DVD NEW
When the distribution price of newspapers rises in 1899 New York, the newsboys organize a strike led by Jack “Cowboy” Kelly and David Jacobs.
The Sound of Music
MUS DVD SOU
As Nazism takes over Austria, a governess and a widowed father fall in love and escape the country with his large family of musically-talented children.
New Adult Booklists
Looking for a good read to kick off the summer? Check out some of the new booklists we’ve put together:
Festival of Faith and Writing
If You Like “Call the Midwife”
If You Like “The Goldfinch“
If You Like “True Detective“
Remembering Our Soldiers
For these booklists and more, be sure to check out the KDL Recommends page.
June 6, 2014
KDL Top Ten — Children’s Picture Books
Summer Reading @ KDL is underway! This week’s Top Ten shows off 10 of our most popular Children’s Picture Books:
Be Amazed by the Magic!
Libraries can be magical places, especially when you make room amongst the stacks for a magic show that’s fun, funny, educational and entertaining! Since Summer Reading @ KDL isn’t complete without some magic, we have a great line-up of magicians visiting our branches this summer. Families with children of all ages are invited to these programs that are sure to leave them feeling happy and amazed.
Magic with Tom Plunkard
An amazing program filled with live animals and loads of audience participation.
Wednesday, June 11, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Wednesday, June 11, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch
Thursday, June 19, 6:30 PM – Tyrone Township Branch
Thursday, June 26, 7:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Wednesday, July 9, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Thursday, July 10, 1:30 PM – Alto Branch
Thursday, July 10, 6:30 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Thursday, July 17, 6:30 PM – Wyoming Branch
Thursday, July 24, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch
Stormy the Magician Presents the Magic of Science
Go on an entertaining adventure into the magic of science and the science of magic.
Wednesday, June 25, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Monday, July 7, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Wednesday, July 9, 6:00 PM – Alpine Township Branch
Thursday, July 10, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Thursday, July 10, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch
Thursday, July 24, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch
Saturday, July 26, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake/Nelson Township Branch
Thursday, July 31, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Thursday, July 31, 7:00 PM – Cascade Township Branch
Baffling Bill the Magician
POOF! In a brilliant flash, Baffling Bill the magician arrives to amaze with illusion, comedy, audience participation and Gus the Bunny to celebrate summer reading.
Tuesday, July 15, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
Thursday, July 24, 7:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Click here for branch locations.
June 5, 2014
New Teen Booklists
KDL Staff in the News
Did you see KDL employee Tammy Schneider on the news last night? Both WOOD TV8 and FOX 17 featured a story on how she saved her son from choking just days after receiving CPR training. All KDL employees recently completed training in basic first aid, CPR and how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED) machine. We also have AED machines installed in all 18 branch buildings and the Service Center. We hope we never have to use them, but thanks to KDL’s training, we’re prepared if necessary. Way to go, Tammy!
June 4, 2014
Cool Science Programs for Kids and Teens
With our Summer Reading theme being Ignite Happiness @ KDL, it’s no wonder we have a great line up of fun and educational science programs taking place at our branches this summer! Click each program’s title for dates, times and locations.
The Science of Us with the World’s Coolest Nerd
Miss Cari’s interactive science demonstration on the five senses will have children laughing and learning about how they are a walking piece of science. For Children & Families
Stormy the Magician Presents the Magic of Science
Go on an entertaining adventure into the magic of science and the science of magic. For Children & Families
Super Fun Science Party!
You’ll have such a great time playing, making and doing that you may not notice you’re exploring the principles of science at the same time. For Children & Families
Let’s Explore Geodes!
Join geologist Steve Tchozeski to learn about the mysteries of geodes and a hands-on chance to explore what is inside. Participants will select a geode to take home with them! For School-Age Children
Rockets are a Blast!
Learn all about building and launching model rockets from Matt Johnson, of the local SMASH rocketry association and National Association of Rocketry. Participants will collaborate on a rocket build and learn about upcoming launch opportunities in the area. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited. For School-Age Children
Bust That Myth!
Can soda pop really clean a gross penny? Can you separate two intertwined phone books? Can you make your own bouncy ball? Test out these myths and more to determine whether they are confirmed or busted! For Teens
Mind Boggle Science Workshop
Dr. Boggle leads you through amazing hands-on experiments and endless possibilities. Learn science the fun way through a series of mind-boggling experiences. For Teens
The Science of the Paranormal: Where the Werewolf Got Its Bite
Tess Grant, former forensic anthropologist and author of teen suspense and adult thrillers, will talk about where and how the myth began. For Teens
Teens: Cool Summer Programs @ the Library
Save this post to find out fast what’s happening all summer long.
Teen Crew Orientation: Enthusiastic and energetic volunteer teens are wanted to help with Summer Reading @ KDL. Fun times are guaranteed, with the added benefit of service experience! Registration is required via a paper application. Visit your local branch for details. Where? When? Click here.
Teen Zone: Teen-only fun for you and your friends. Stop by for activities that may include board games, food and more. Click here to find out where and when.
Kent County Teen Film Festival 2014 Encore: If you missed it the first time or just want to relive the awesomeness, here is your chance. Plus, learn how you can enter the 2015 Festival.
DIY Spa Products: Create everything you need for your own spa day! Make your own pampering products like foot scrub, bath salts and body glitter and take some home. Which branches have this awesome program?
Bust That Myth! Can soda pop really clean a gross penny? Can you separate two intertwined phone books? Can you make your own bouncing ball? Test out these myths and more to determine whether they are confirmed or busted. Where? When?
Flash Fashion: KDL’s twist on Project Runway. Hot messes you create in a FLASH using paper, plastic and other unconventional materials and techniques. We provide the stuff and you dish out the creativity. You’ll work with a team to create a runway look in just 30 minutes by snipping, draping, taping and even accessorizing. Here’s where and when.
Nuts & Bolts: Jewelry from Hardware: Stop by these branches to create one-of-a-kind, edgy, indie jewelry. Make a keychain, necklace, bracelet or earrings from unexpected materials.
Mind Boggle Science Workshop: Dr. Boggle leads you through amazing hands-on experiments and endless possibilities. Learn science the fun way through a series of mind-boggling experiences. Click for details.
Kentwoodpalooza: Thursday, June 12, 2:00 – 8:00 PM. A festival-style celebration of the arts, the end of school and the beginning of Summer Reading @ KDL with music, film, poetry, food and more. This activity is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts and sponsored by the Friends of the Kentwood Library in partnership with the city of Kentwood.
DIY Tie-Dye: Bring a white or light colored T-shirt to this program and try a new way of tie-dye — with permanent markers! All other materials will be provided to help you create a one-of-a-kind shirt to wear.
The Science of the Paranormal: Where the Werewolf Got Its Bite: Tess Grant, former forensic anthropologist and author of teen suspense and adult thrillers, will speak at these branches about where and how the myth began.
Minute to Win It: Pit your skills against the clock and against your peers. Set a personal record or challenge a friend. Prizes for all! Details here.
Veggie Nutrition: Join Kim Kyunghee from Veg West Michigan and learn about a healthy and happy lifestyle with vegetarian and vegan cooking. Her program includes a cooking demonstration, food sampling and tips on eating green. Click here to find out where and when.
June 3, 2014
One eBook, No Holds
Join millions of readers around the world reading one eBook. As part of Overdrive’s Big Library Read program, we are pleased to offer our patrons unlimited access to the eBook A Pedigree to Die For by Laurien Berenson June 3 through 18. No matter how many KDL patrons are reading this eBook, we will have a copy available for you to download — no holds, no waitlists!
Book Description: When her uncle, a kennel owner, dies of an apparent heart attack, Melanie Travis is talked into investigating. She learns that the only clue is a missing pedigreed poodle, a situation that has Melanie hounding Connecticut’s elite.
We encourage you to join this global “library book club!”
Win Whitecaps Tickets
Each KDL branch is giving away a pair of tickets to the West Michigan Whitecaps baseball game taking place on Monday, June 30 at 12:00 PM. Stop by your local branch by June 14 to enter to win!
Want to increase your chances of winning? Leave a comment on this blog post and share your favorite Whitecaps memory or what you enjoy most about going to a Whitecaps game. One lucky commenter, chosen at random, will also win a pair of tickets.
There’s also a special promotion for all KDL cardholders: Show your library card at the box office to enjoy buy one-get one free on reserved seats at the June 30 game. There will also be special kid-friendly activities at the game.
Good luck to all!
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