Kent District Library (MI)'s Blog, page 76

Tyrone Twp. Branch Closed

Due to a building issue, the Tyrone Township Branch will be closed until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The eBook Everyone is Reading

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 Keys to the Kitchen: The Essential Reference for Becoming a More Accomplished, Adventurous Cook by Aida Mollenkamp now through March 5. No matter how many KDL patrons are reading this eBook, we will have a copy available for you to download — no holds, no waitlists!

Food Network and Cooking Channel star Aida Mollenkamp lays an invaluable foundation for cooks in Keys to the Kitchen. This comprehensive manual collects more than 300 innovative, contemporary recipes as well as color photographs, plenty of informative illustrations, a substantial technique primer, and helpful how-to information on subjects as wide-ranging as rust removal, throwing a cocktail party, and knife skills. For members of the tech-savvy new generation who can’t cook but want to, this essential reference guide makes an ideal starting place and for those already at ease in the kitchen it’s full of “who knew” moments for expanding their repertoire of great recipes.

We encourage you to join this global “library book club!”

 

Know a Teen Who Hates Reading?

At KDL, we believe that teens who don’t like to read just haven’t found the right book yet.  Fortunately, we can help with that. The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has released its yearly Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers list, and here is a link to their Top Ten titles. KDL has them all, so check one out today.

                                      

 

Good News: Increased Holds Limit

We’ve got some great news to share! Your holds limit has increased by five. You can now have fifteen items on hold at any given time. Good news for all of you with a reading/viewing/listening list a mile long.

Happy “holding!”

 

Early Lit Bits: Learning with Crafts — Alphabet Bead Threading Game

Alphabet Bead Threading Game

Children today spend a lot of time working with keyboards and touch screens. Writing the old-fashioned way, however, is still an important skill for children to master. Reading and writing go together and the process of writing is closely linked to the process of learning to read. In order to write, children must develop the muscles used to grasp a pencil. Here is an easy activity that can be made at home to help encourage children to learn the alphabet and develop fine motor skills at the same time.

Materials

Toothpicks (or pencils)
block of hard Styrofoam (old packaging works well)
alphabet beads (or large wooden beads if using pencils for toothpicks)
Paper
Markers/colored pencils

Directions

Cut the paper into small squares and write a letter of the alphabet (upper or lower case) on each piece of paper.
Attach each paper letter to the Styrofoam block by tacking it to the foam with a toothpick. Make sure that the letter is still visible.
Have children “thread” the alphabet beads onto the toothpicks with the corresponding letter.
Consider using pencils and large wooden beads in the place of toothpicks and small beads when working with very small children as small beads can pose a choking hazard.

–Anjie G. at KDL’s Walker 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.

 

African Folktales at the Kentwood Branch

Come enjoy a dramatic, energized storytelling experience! People of all ages are invited to African Folktales with Storyteller Miz Rosie, taking place at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 1 at the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. Miz Rosie involves her audience and young and old alike will be swept up into African and African-American folktales that teach cultural diversity, history and life skills. The engaging oral tradition performed by Rosie will be accompanied by songs and instruments. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kentwood Library.

We hope to see you there!

 

KDL on WJRW: Genre Derby

Recently, Linda Krombeen, Development Manager, went on WJRW to promote the Genre Derby. Listen to learn more about this exciting opportunity to stock our shelves (and eBook collection) with your favorite genre!

Download WJRW2-10-14.mp3

Teen Film Festival — One Winner’s Story

As the time draws near for the next Kent County Teen Film Festival on Saturday, February 22 at Celebration! Cinema North from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, one of last year’s winners, Emily Livermore of East Grand Rapids, reflects on seeing her work on the big screen and how it’s shaped her career aspirations. Read Emily’s story here. See you at the Festival!

 

 

 

 

KDL Top Ten — Romance

Happy Valentine’s Day, KDL!  If you’re looking for love, make eyes at this attractive booklist.  Here are 10 of the most popular titles in Romance at KDL this month:

For Your Listening Pleasure

If you are forced to travel this time of the year, it can be relaxing to listen to an audiobook (or downloading one).  One of my favorite authors, Bill Bryson, has a new book out, One Summer: America 1927. I love listening to his audiobooks because Bryson reads them and his quirky humor comes across well.

Another book I would recommend listening to is The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon. This is just a beautiful, touching story and would work great as a book discussion.

Lastly, for more humor, try The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz. This is a lighthearted mystery series featuring a crazy family who run their own private investigation agency.