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I know I do. My 4 year-old Sam can’t get enough of construction trucks and takes every opportunity to discuss the type of trucks he sees, what those trucks do, and what kind of construction trucks he will drive when he grows up to be a “construction worker-chef-teacher-superhero.” Oh, and he plans on being “the boss of everyone.”

Good news for Sam and everyone who digs construction–the library has partnered with the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and six area cities for our first Construction Truck Petting Zoo. On Saturday, June 1 from 10 am – 2 pm, kids (and grown-ups) will get to see all the different construction trucks up close and learn about what each one does.  There will be hands-on activities and snacks. You can even check out the new construction exhibit at the Children’s Museum.

The Construction Truck Petting Zoo is a great time to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at the library.  Each kid who accepts the challenge will get a jaunty construction hard hat plus a summer of fun and excitement. It is OK  if your child’s entire challenge record will be filled with books about trucks. Trust me, I asked.

None of this would be possible without the support of the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation and our friends at the Kent County Road Commission, and the cities of Grand Rapids, Walker, Kentwood, Wyoming, Grandville, and East Grand Rapids! Thanks for inspiring my son and all the kids that dig construction and reading. You guys rock!

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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 Association , awards the Caldecott Medal to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.   The members, usually librarians or professors, are elected and chosen to be on the committee.  These members have passion, knowledge, and love for picture books.  The committee reads all picture books published in the year.  The Association for Library Service to Children has developed procedures and rules throughout the years to aid and facilitate the choosing  of the award winner.   These structures do there best to produce a sincere and educated choice.

Here are some winners that may be favorites or considered a classic:

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Check out spring break book bundles!
Planning a stay-cation this year? Stop by the Main Library to grab a Spring Break Book Bundle! Each bundle has 3-5 items carefully selected by library staff for children, families, teens, or adults. From cooking to armchair travel, outdoor fun to thrillers—we have something to keep everyone busy this April. The bundles are ready to check out on our checkout machines, no need to untie!

Spring Break Fun: Sing-along with Laz Slomovits of Gemini
Come sing with Laz, one of the twins in the hit music group Gemini! Join in as he plays rousing sing-alongs, hand-motion tunes, folk tales, melodies from around the world, and his award-winning original songs about the everyday experiences of childhood and growing up. Laz combines wonderful singing with a stage full of instruments—guitar, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica, pennywhistle, spoons, limberjack, South American pan pipes, Native American rivercane flute, and even the whimsical slide whistle!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013
10:30 am    Yankee Clipper Branch – 2025 Leonard NE
2:00 pm    Seymour Branch – 2350 Eastern SE

Thursday, April 4, 2013
10:30 am    Main Library – 111 Library St NE
3:00 pm    West Leonard Branch – 1017 Leonard NW

Spring Break Fun: Geodes
What are geodes? How are they formed? Where are they found? Join geologist Steve Tchozeski of Great Lakes GeoScience to learn about the mysteries of geodes and a hands-on chance to explore what is inside. Participants will select a geode, break it open, and take it home with them. For kids 12 and under.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013
2:00 pm    West Side Branch – 713 Bridge NW

Thursday, April 4, 2013
6:30 pm    Madison Square Branch – 1201 Madison SE

Friday, April 5, 2013
10:30 am    Ottawa Hills Branch – 1150 Giddings SE
2:00 pm     Van Belkum Branch – 1563 Plainfield NE

The post Spring Break at Your Library appeared first on Grand Rapids Public Library.

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 | Ryerson Auditorium 3:00 pm | West Leonard Branch Come sing with Laz, one of the twins in the hit music group, Gemini!  Join in as he plays rousing sing-alongs, hand-motion tunes, folk tales, melodies from around the world, and his award-winning original songs about the everyday experiences of childhood and growing up.  Laz combines wonderful singing with a stage full of instruments -  guitar, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica, pennywhistle, spoons, limberjack, South American pan pipes, Native American rivercane flute, and even the whimsical slide whistle!.

Geodes Tuesday, April 2, 2013 2:00 pm | West Side Branch Thursday, April 4, 2013 6:30 pm | Madison Square Branch Friday, April 5, 2013 10:30 am | Ottawa Hills Branch 2:00 pm |  Van Belkum Branch What are geodes? How are they formed?  Where are they found?  Join geologist Steve Tchozeski of Great Lakes GeoScience to learn about the mysteries of geodes and a hands-on chance to explore what is inside.  Participants will select a geode, break it open, take it home with them.  For kids 12 and under.

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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 Library and Yankee Clipper Branch.   Reading to a Therapy dog is fun!  I’ve seen big smiles on kids before and after they read to a therapy dog.   West Michigan Therapy Dogs and their handlers provide an encouraging and non-judgmental environment for children to develop confidence in reading.  The program is for independent readers of any age and is recommended for children who need to develop confidence in reading aloud or for English as a second language learners.

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Did you know that you can get free admittance into the museum through the library? Through our Check it Out program, all you have to do is bring in your Grand Rapids Public Library card, and if the pass is available, check it out on your card. It is good for up to six people and can be used one time within six days. The pass does NOT cover the Titanic Exhibit fee, but it sure will help defer the cost of the adventure!

Finally, the library will be hosting a Titanic program in March. In partnership with the museum, you can learn to tie knots, learn to be a deck hand, experience icebergs and lifeboats and so much more. Be sure to check this out, too!

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In case you haven’t noticed we are smack dab in the middle of One Book, One City for Kids!

One Book, One City for Kids is a cool reading program that tries to get every single 4th grade kid in One City (that would be Grand Rapids) to read One Book (this year the book is Special Delivery! by Sue Stauffacher).

Special Delivery! by Sue Stauffacher is actually book two of the “Animal Rescue Team” series. If you want to start with book one you can. The library has that one too. We also have book three and four. In Special Delivery! ten-year-old Keisha and her family’s animal rescue center face more challenges involving a baby crow in a mailbox and a skunk found in the nearby community garden.

Plus – if you are a 4th grade student or teacher in the City of Grand Rapids you can sign up for your chance to win a free author visit with Sue Stauffacher! Your school may be randomly chosen for a visit to take place on either Monday, March 18, 2013, or Friday, March 22, 2013.

A lot of great partners and sponsors made this program possible, including the Hekman Fund of the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation.

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One Book, One City for Kids 2013 is kicking off with a party on Monday, January 28, 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Pooh’s Corner Bookstore in Breton Village Mall. Meet one great author (Sue Stauffacher) and two great animals (a real live raven and skunk!). Sue will sign books. The raven and the skunk haven’t learned how to write yet. There are lots of cool books in the store so bring your birthday money with you. This party is free and open to anyone who wants to come.

One Book, One City for Kids is a cool reading program that tries to get every single 4th grade* kid in One City (that would be Grand Rapids) to read One Book (this year the book is Special Delivery! by Sue Stauffacher). Special Delivery! is the second book in the Animal Rescue Series. In this book ten-year-old Keisha and her family’s animal rescue center face more challenges involving a baby crow in a mailbox and a skunk found in the nearby community garden.

Visit the official One Book, One City for Kids website to download a free poster and find more cool books to read. And, if you are a 4th grade student or teacher here in the City of Grand Rapids, you can enter to win a free classroom visit with author Sue Stauffacher!

*Secret! We’ll let you read the book even if you’re not in 4th grade!

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