Kent District Library (MI)'s Blog, page 89

Grab a Holiday eBook!

It’s the time of year for reading a quick, feel-good holiday book. Many branches of Kent District Library will have special displays of holiday books, movies & music. But you can download an eBook from home as well! To enjoy an eBook right away (no waiting) go to KDL’s eBook site, then 1.) type in your search term (such as Christmas, Holiday, or Hanukkah) and hit Enter, 2.) change “My Library’s Collection” to “Only Titles With Copies Available,” and 3.) filter search by “eBook.” Now you have ebooks to borrow & download (or read in your browser) immediately!

And did you know that you can watch holiday movies on your computer through our eMovie service hoopla? You can also download 3 free songs per week through Freegal, and they’re yours to keep. (Try searching in Genres for “Christmas” or “Holiday.”)

If you run stuck and need help with these downloads, you’ll find information here.

 

Middle East History Booklist

Do you have an interest in the history, politics and recent wars in the Middle East? Well then KDL has a fascinating booklist for you, Middle East History, or, Turmoil and War. Some of these books examine the recent instability in Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Libya, and Afghanistan. The list also contains books from people who are very familiar with or from the region, such as reflections from a former CIA Chief, the tale of a staff member from the state department, a memoir of a Middle East historian, and the views and opinions of the general Arab public as well as current and former terrorists. No matter what level of depth or knowledge you have about the Middle East, as long as you have some sort of curiosity about the region you will find a book on this list to match your interests.

 

KDL Teams Up with Toys for Tots

Join KDL this holiday season in bringing cheer to a local child. Once again, KDL is participating in the US Marines’ Toys for Tots program, helping to provide toys to deserving children throughout the community.

Drop off your new, unwrapped toys now through Thursday, December 19 at any one of these KDL branch locations:

Byron Township
Cascade Township
Comstock Park
East Grand Rapids
Gaines Township
Grandville
Kentwood (Richard L. Root)
Krause Memorial
Walker
Wyoming

Thank you for your generosity!

 

ALERT: Power Outage at Kentwood Branch

The Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch is currently closed due to a power outage. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and hope to reopen soon.

UPDATE: Power has been restored and the branch has reopened. Thanks for your patience!

 

 

Winter 2013-14 KDL Kaleidoscope

The Winter 2013–14 issue of the KDL Kaleidoscope program guide is now available online, and printed copies will be available soon at your local branch library. You’ll find all you need to know about winter programs and get some great information on library resources and staff recommendations.

It’s sure to be an exciting season at KDL, and you don’t want to miss a thing. Check out the KDL Kaleidoscope today!

Help the Library by Shopping Online

Happy Cyber Monday , everyone!

While you’re busily hunting for those Christmas shopping deals online, don’t forget that you can help KDL with each purchase! Just click on the icon below, or go to http://www.kdl.org/books_and_more/go/purchase_books, then use the links on that page to continue on to Amazon.com and Schuler Books & Music’s websites. By using the links on that page, a percentage of the cost of the purchases made during your shopping session will be returned to the library.

For additional shopping options, check out GoodSearch’s GoodShop program, which includes over 700 online stores! Just enter “Kent District Library” as your charity, then use their links to your favorite online shopping sites. A percentage of your purchases will go to the library.

These are just two of the ways the Kent District Library is creating additional revenue in order to continue providing quality library service to our customers. If you’re interesting in finding out how you can contribute to the library, please visit www.kdl.org/donate. We appreciate your support!

Free Computer & Technology Classes

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

Computer Basics: Mousing and More
Computer Basics: Where’s My Stuff?
Computer Basics: Windows 8 — Learn to Use and Love It! (B.Y.O. Laptop)
Gadgets: B.Y.O. eReader & Tablet Users Group

(pre-registration not required)
Gadgets: B.Y.O. iPad Users Group

(pre-registration not required)
Gadgets: B.Y.O. Kindle Users Group

(pre-registration not required)
Gadgets: Get Appy with Your iPad

(pre-registration not required)
Internet: Create Your Own Website or Blog
Internet: Email Workshop
Internet: Facebook Basics
Internet: Google — More Than Just a Search Engine
Internet: More Than Just the Basics
Internet: Parents’ Tips for Homework Help
Internet: Pinterest Basics
Internet: Wikipedia, the Encyclopedia for Everyone
Microsoft Excel Basics I, II & III
Microsoft PowerPoint Basics
Microsoft Word Basics I, II & III
Career Transitions Workshop: Developing Your Personal Brand (pre-registration not required)
Career Transitions Workshop: Communicating Your Brand (pre-registration not required)
Career Transitions Workshop: Networking Strategies (pre-registration not required)
Career Transitions Workshop: LinkedIn Boot Camp

(pre-registration not required if you provide your own laptop)
Career Transitions Workshop: Behavioral Interviewing & Effective Negotiating Strategies

(pre-registration not required)
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 2 for KDL cardholders

(Monday, December 9 for non-KDL cardholders)
February classes: Registration begins Monday, January 6 for KDL cardholders

(Monday, January 13 for non-KDL cardholders)

To register, please call 616-784-2007.

KD aLe: Books & Brews @ the Library

Coming in January: We’re putting the “pub” in public library!

 

Rockford Brewing Co. Tour

Get a “backstage pass” and see how Rockford Brewing Co. makes its signature beers such as Rogue River Brown, Sheehan’s Irish Stout and Hoplust IPA. After the tour, show your library card to get a special deal on beer tasting and learn about KDL materials for loan that focus on beer and home brewing.

Tour and talk will be held at Rockford Brewing Co., 12 E. Bridge St.

Wednesdays, January 15 and February 19, 6:30 PM

 

Books & Brews with “Beervangelist” Fred Bueltmann

Fred Bueltmann, part-owner of New Holland Brewing Co., will talk about his book, Beervangelist’s Guide to the Galaxy. Adults will get to sip a few of Fred’s favorites.

Pre-registration is required for those age 21 and older who want to taste, and participant spots are limited. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Thursday, January 30, 6:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch

Thursday, February 13, 6:00 PM – East Grand Rapids branch

Click here to register for either (or both!) of the events above.

 

Home Brewing 101

Join the GR Makers as they lead a lively presentation on the ins and outs of brewing beer at home. Learn what ingredients and equipment you need to homebrew a pint that will rival anything you can get at the store.

Wednesday, February 5, 6:30 PM – Grandville branch

Monday, February 17, 6:30 PM – Cascade Township branch

Wednesday, February 19, 6:30 PM – Alpine Township branch

 

Schmohz Brewery Tour

Get a “backstage pass” and see how Schmohz Brewery makes its signature beers such as Hopknocker Imperial IPA, Treasure Chest ESB and Bonecrusher Stout. After the tour, show your library card to get a special deal on beer tasting and learn about KDL materials for loan that focus on beer and home brewing.

Tour and talk will be held at Schmohz Brewery, 2600 Patterson Ave. SE.

Wednesday, February 5, 7:30 PM

 

 

Early Lit Bits: Music Minute

Most young children love to make noise! Think of that happy smile a toddler wears when clapping loudly. Consider the remarkable energy preschoolers will put into stomping their feet or patting out a rhythm. Some of the most amazing fun can be had when children are encouraged to use their bodies to produce rhythms and music.

The recently released I Like Everything About You (Yes, I Do)! by Crosspulse Percussion Ensemble is a rousing collection of classic rhythm songs and unique body beat songs, generated by clapping, stomping and patting. After twenty years of educational outreach, concerts and workshops, Crosspulse Percussion Ensemble’s first CD of children’s music is an album that the whole family will enjoy! Part drill team, part multicultural rhythm section, this energetic team combines body beats and vocals with the unique sounds of hand drums, bells, bass, banjo, voices and found sound. This CD is being labeled as one of the best albums of the year. Check it out today!

–Sara M., 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.

 

Spellingcity.com Gets Great Reviews

Spellingcity.com and its free companion app are getting high marks from kids, parents and teachers. With the help of Spellingcity.com, kids can practice spelling words from customized lists designed to target their skill level. In addition, kids can choose the “teach me” tab to hear words spelled letter by letter or listen to words in context. Spellingcity.com offers lessons on compound words, analogies and sound-alike words that are helpful for kids and adults who are learning English for the first time. But the best news is that reluctant students will find the games and activities fun and engaging. They won’t even know they are studying spelling! Check out the “hangmouse game” for fun. Want a short preview? Here’s how to get started:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzBMvbpti_c