Calendar of Events

One Book, One City for Kids is an annual reading program that encourages all 4th graders in the city to read and discuss the same book. The program also strives to encourage a lifelong love of reading among students, to inspire readers to bring story ideas and themes to life through discussion, and to build collaborative ties between public libraries, school libraries, and area schools. This year the entire city will be reading Special Delivery! by Sue Stauffacher. 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.

During LaughFest, “Where the Sidewalk Ends” is at your very own Grand Rapids Public Library . . . but on the way make sure not to “Bump the Glump!” When thinking about the poetry of Shel Silverstein words such as absurd, amusing, ludicrous, ridiculous, hysterical and absolutely brilliant come to mind. Since his first book for children “Uncle Shelby’s Story of Lafcadio” was published in 1963, Uncle Shel’s books of poetry have become “must read” classics for children of all ages. Kids 12 and under are invited to come listen to his poetry and stories, and then create your own poetry or illustrate your favorite poems.

Are your kids hilarious?  Then bring them down to LaughFest 2013 Kids’ Joke Night for an evening of seriously funny jokes. Young comedians will have an opportunity to get on stage, step up to the mic and tell their funniest jokes.

Children in 5th Grade and younger are encouraged to participate.

Sign up today for kids joke night! Knock, Knock, who’s there? We don’t know but we’d love to find out.

Also, Mr. Picklehead will be there to get the party started with some Delightful and Sillysongs – dilly songs – that are fun to sing and sing along with!

Register at www.laughfestgr.org/show/kids-joke-night-grand-rapids/

During LaughFest, “Where the Sidewalk Ends” is at your very own Grand Rapids Public Library . . . but on the way make sure not to “Bump the Glump!” When thinking about the poetry of Shel Silverstein words such as absurd, amusing, ludicrous, ridiculous, hysterical and absolutely brilliant come to mind. Since his first book for children “Uncle Shelby’s Story of Lafcadio” was published in 1963, Uncle Shel’s books of poetry have become “must read” classics for children of all ages. Kids 12 and under are invited to come listen to his poetry and stories, and then create your own poetry or illustrate your favorite poems.

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. Children are encouraged to come every week at the same time for four weeks. Registration is required. Sign up for one time: 7:00 pm, 7:15 pm, 7:30, or 7:45.