Kent District Library (MI)'s Blog, page 77

Counting by 7s

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

This award-winning book will inspire you. Willow Chance is a 12-year-old genius, obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions. When Willow’s parents die in a car crash, she learns to push through the tragedy with a fascinating, diverse and fully surrogate family. Readalikes for this book include Wonder, Out of My Mind and Mockingbird.

 

 

 

 

Baseball at KDL

It’s hard to believe with all the snow on the ground and frigid temperatures that it is almost time to kickoff baseball season.  Exciting indeed!  Even though Spring Training starts at the end  of February and opening day isn’t until April 1, there is a lot of preparation that should go into the new season and KDL is here ready to help you in your preparation.

We have a wide array of books for kids who are just getting started with the game and are interested in its history, including fabulous books on the Negro Leagues such as We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball.  You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?! and You Never Heard of Willie Mayes?! are exceptional biographies about two of the best who ever played. We also have biographies on current players such as Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander or Bryce Harper.

If you are looking for something a bit more in-depth about advanced stats, we have the modern classic Moneyball as well as others such as The Extra 2%: How Wall Street Strategies Took a Major League Baseball Team From Worst to First or Hot Stove Economics: Understanding Baseball’s Second Season.

These and many more baseball books and DVDs are available at all of the KDL branches.  Baseball books are Guys Read Approved!

        

 

Miss Barb: A Hometown Hero

This morning, our very own Barb DeYoung was honored as 91.3 WCSG’s first ever Hometown Hero! Barb, beloved youth librarian at the Byron Township branch, was surprised with this accolade during her morning storytime in front of all her little fans! Don and Steve, DJs from WCSG’s Family Friendly Afternoon Show, recognized Barb as an ordinary person doing extraordinary things and making others’ lives better. Barb was nominated as a Hometown Hero by her longtime friend, Robin.

Congratulations Barb! We are so proud of you and all the great work that you do. This recognition was well-deserved!

March 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 Melissa DeWild!)

The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh

“The Dane family has been keeping secrets in the Ozark town of Henbane for years. An outsider steals the heart of one of the Dane brothers, and the secrets threaten to unravel. When sixteen-year-old Lucy’s friend is found murdered after being missing for a year, Lucy begins to ask questions — the answers to which may destroy her family. Atmospheric and visceral, McHugh’s story is vividly and effectively told.”

—Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, NJ

 

The Accident by Chris Pavone

“Kudos to Pavone for coming through with another captivating international suspense novel. How ironic that I couldn’t put down a book about Isabel, a literary agent who stays up all night to finish an unsolicited manuscript that’s so explosive, some will kill to keep it from being published. During the 24 hours that Isabel is on the run, readers will be on the edge of their seats. Be prepared to lose some sleep!”

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

 

The Divorce Papers by Susan Rieger

“When Sophie, a loveable 29-year-old lawyer, gets roped into working on a divorce case, her life takes an unexpected turn. Though this gives her a new perspective on life, it also forces her to confront some unresolved childhood issues. Except for a few tearful, poignant moments, I had a smile on my face for the entire book. Engaging and humorous, this debut epistolary novel has become a favorite read.”

—Jennifer Asimakopoulos, Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien, IL

 

The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths

“After the bones of the notorious Mother Hook are possibly uncovered in Norfolk, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway finds herself on TV. Was Mother Hook truly guilty of child murder? This is just one strand in a mystery that revolves around children and the people who care for them. One of the most addictive mystery series being written today.”

—Janet Lockhart, Wake County Public Libraries, Cary, NC

 

Panic by Lauren Oliver

“A deadly high-stakes game of Panic takes place in modern-day small town America, and Oliver does a wonderful job making all of it seem real. I loved that the book didn’t take place in a post-apocalyptic future like so many titles do nowadays. Oliver is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!”

—Carol Brumfield, Timberland Regional Library, Tumwater, WA

 

A Circle of Wives by Alice LaPlante

“When prominent plastic surgeon Dr. John Taylor is found dead, the police investigation uncovers his secret polygamous life. As the narration alternates between Taylor’s three wives and a young female detective, the story explores the characters’ motivations and relationships. Part psychological thriller and part literary mystery, the end result is wholly captivating reading.”

—Melissa DeWild, Kent District Library, Comstock Park, MI

 

Gemini by Carol Cassella

“After an unidentified hit-and-run victim is received in ICU, Dr. Charlotte Reese struggles to keep her alive, questioning how far medical technology should go to do so. Meanwhile, in an alternate story, teens Bo and Raney explore their budding friendship and attraction. Book groups will devour this compulsively readable novel with thought-provoking themes. Perfect for readers of Jodi Picoult and Chris Bohjalian.”

—Robin Beerbower, Salem Public Library, Salem, OR

 

Precious Thing by Colette McBeth

“Clara and Rachel have been friends since high school. Life has intervened and they’ve grown apart, so when Clara invites Rachel for drinks to catch up, it’s a chance to reconnect. But before that can happen, Rachel is called to cover a missing girl story, and the missing girl is Clara. Was she abducted, murdered or did she simply leave on her own? In the vein of Gone Girl and The Husband’s Secret, this is a fast read that is sure to entertain.”

—Robin Nesbitt, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Columbus, OH

 

Kill Fee: A Stevens and Windermere Novel by Owen Laukkanen

“In the third book in this series, Carla Windermere and Kirk Stevens find themselves reunited when people around the country seem to be dying from contract hits. Young war veterans, under the influence of a mysterious man, are turning into emotionless killers. Stevens and Windermere try piecing together who’s behind the crimes, but keep falling one step behind. Reminiscent of Thomas Perry’s novels, and fast-paced.”

—Lora Bruggeman, Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien, IL

 

Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered
 by Austin Kleon

“Show Your Work! is a wonderful follow-up to Austin Kleon’s first book, Steal Like an Artist. Utilizing the same fun, graphic novel-ish type of format, Kleon gives practical recommendations about using the Internet and social media to create a community. I particularly appreciate his advice to concentrate on process, not on product, and the rest will follow. A must-read for anyone involved in the creative process.”

—Rebekka Hanson, Madison Library District, Rexburg, ID

 

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

 

Librarians Save Lives, Vol. II

When KDL’s 300 or so staffers received hours of CPR and first-aid training in December, its value was well understood without ever having to use those newly acquired skills. Before the year was over, however, collection development librarian Tammy Schneider used what she learned to save her young son from choking during a family meal.

Then just last Wednesday, Jocelyn Yost, an adult librarian at the Grandville Branch, was shelving videos near the children’s area and noticed a mother on the floor with her toddler son, who was choking on a piece of candy. The mother called for help, and Jocelyn used her recent training to dislodge the candy from the boy’s throat and clear his airway.

“It all happened very quick,” Jocelyn recalled. “I have to say, I really felt comfortable just jumping in. The main thing they teach you in that training is ‘You can do it,’ that doing something is better than doing nothing.”

Let’s hope we never have to use these new skills again. But know that if we are called on to do so in the future, KDL staff are ready.

 

Get Tax Help at the Library

Davenport University is once again offering free tax filing for lower income families, seniors and those with disabilities, and both the Wyoming and Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branches are two of 16 sites in West Michigan where help is being offered until April 10.

For more information, click here or call 616-871-6147 to make an appointment for any of the partner sites.

 

 

Take FREE Online Courses Through KDL

 

We have another awesome new resource now available to KDL patrons

Learn4Life features over 300 instructor-led online courses focused on professional development, technology skills and personal enrichment. New sessions start every month, and each 6-week course offers well-crafted lessons, expert online instruction and interaction with fellow students in a lively discussion area.

These are the types of classes that may cost hundreds of dollars to take from a for-profit company, but they are available for free with your KDL library card! Here are just some of the wide range of courses available:

Computer Skills for the Workplace
Creating WordPress Websites
Enhancing Language Development in Childhood
Introduction to Windows 8
Keys to Successful Money Management
Luscious, Low-Fat, Lightning-Quick Meals
Mastering Public Speaking
Photoshop Elements 11 for the Digital Photographer
Prepare for the GED Test
Publish and Sell Your E-Books
Resume Writing Workshop
SAT / ACT Preparation
Start and Operate Your Own Home-Based Business

See a complete list of courses !

2 lessons are released each week during the 6-week class session, and each lesson is estimated to take 2 hours to complete. A certificate of completion is available at the end of each course, which may be accepted as proof of continuing education by some workplaces or institutions. There is no penalty for not finishing a course, and there are no limits on how many you can sign up to take.

You can watch a guided tour video of this new product or try it out yourself. If you see a course that interests you, there’s still time to enroll for the February session, which starts on February 19.

 

 

Les Mis Fan? You’ve Got to Read This…

From today until they are gone, KDL cardholders may pick up two vouchers per person at our Plainfield Township and Wyoming branches for the free dress rehearsal of Les Misérables on Thursday, February 27, 7:30 PM at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave, Grand Rapids.

When these much-coveted vouchers are gone, they’re gone. Go get them! And then go use them!

NOTE: This is a first-come, first-seated performance; having a voucher does not guarantee a seat as dress rehearsals include open admission sales. So arrive early; doors to the theatre open at 5:30 PM.

In the meantime, check out  for loan from KDL.

P.S: If you do get vouchers and find you cannot use them, please return them to any KDL branch as there is always high demand.

 

Local Films on the Big Screen

If you love short films, don’t miss out on our upcoming Kent County Teen Film Festival, taking place from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 22 at Celebration! Cinema North (2121 Celebration Dr. NE). Several teen film submissions will be shown on the big screen, and prizes in several categories will be awarded.

We hope to see you there!

 

Early Lit Bits: Music Minute

Classic children’s songs and rhymes build a network of shared experiences between the generations. Learning “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” or “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” is a rite of passage for little ones and a chance to share in the childhood memories of their grownups. This year make a habit of singing daily with your little one!

Afraid you won’t remember all those songs from your childhood? For inspiration, check out one of the many books or CDs of children’s songs at the library. Sharing both the book and the CD is a great way for you and your child to learn a song together. Try Itsy Bitsy Spider in both formats — very helpful in memorizing the many verses of this classic song! Once the words are memorized, your child will proudly show how they can “read” the book by singing the story.

– 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.