Grand Rapids Public Library

Children’s books are a unique blend of pictures and art.  This 75th anniversary of the Caldecott Medal celebrates the most distinguished picture book of the year.   The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott.  A committee from the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library [...]

Looking for something fun to do with your kids during spring break?  Bring them to the library for two free programs! Sing-along with Laz Slomovits of Gemini Wednesday, April 3, 2013 10:30 am | Yankee Clipper Branch | Lower Level 2:00 pm | Seymour Branch Thursday, April 4, 2013  10:30 am | Main Library | [...]

Sign up to read to a West Michigan Therapy dog.  Children are encouraged to come every week at the same time for four weeks this March.  They will get more practice reading and get to know the dog and trainer better.   Registration is required.  Sessions begin next week.  Spots are still open at Main [...]

I had the privilege of delivering a collection of 28 books to the winning classroom at Buchanan Elementary. The teacher won the classroom collection for entering the classroom book collection contest, which is the incentive to encourage teachers to pass out flyers with library card applications to their students. The teacher was appreciative and showed [...]

As Grand Rapids youth enter school, congratulations to the 5,162 kids and teens that participated in the Summer Reading Program this year!  T-shirts; a bike; trips; 32 day passes to the Kroc Center; gift cards to book stores, i-tunes, Gamestop and more were given to encourage youth to finish their reading goals.   Although some [...]

The library is excited to have a writing contest because reading and writing go together. Both are ways to represent spoken words and to communicate information. Thank you for sharing your dreams.  We enjoyed reading them.  All the entries were winners, but we chose three entries to award Pooh’s gift certificates. Here are the top [...]

Kids ages 5-12 are invited to describe their dream in 500 words or less. Limit one story per author.  Reading and writing go together and so the library is providing this writing contest.  For inspiration, check out the winning entries of the Tall Tale writing contest.  Submit entries by August 4, 2012.    Winners will [...]

Summer Learning loss is explained by Horizons National.   Whether you agree with the explanation, “The Dominican Study: Do Public Library Programs Close the Achievement Gap?” proves the following:  “Students who participated in a public library summer reading program maintained and increased reading skills.”  “Recreational reading outside of school made a difference in improving reading scores.” [...]

The members of the Great Lakes Garrison, a subdivision of the 501st Legion, battled Spring Break Intergalactic boredom. Thanks to the volunteers who shared their talents and costumes with the community of Grand Rapids!

Battle Intergalactic boredom…come to your library and enjoy tons of Star Wars fun! Complete Jedi Warrior trials, create a light-saber, and enjoy other activities and crafts.  Talk to members of the Great Lakes Garrison .  Great Lakes Garrison is a subdivision of the 501st Legion, the premier Imperial Star Wars costuming group in the world.  [...]