Calendar of Events
March 21, 2013
One Book, One City for Kids
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.
Pre-Reading Classes for Toddlers
Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their energetic toddlers, ages 18 months to 3 years, to 30-minute classes featuring hands-on, literacy-rich activities including stories, songs with fingerplays and other action, and sign language. Toddlers will develop pre-reading skills as they make connections between words and movement and have fun with related crafts and socialize during playtime.
Teens Step Up (TSU) Open House
Are you a teen who is interested in volunteering at the library, helping out with project ranging from flash mob participation to offering opinions on books, movies, music and library programs? Stop by and see how you can get connected. PS – win prizes and eat free food. Registration is required at grpl.org/register.
Pre-Reading Classes for Kids
Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their preschool children, ages 3 to 5, to 45-minute classes featuring literacy-rich activities such as interactive storytelling using puppets, dramatic play, and hands-on fun. Related songs, fingerplays, and activities are interspersed between books. Classes end with a fun and creative art activity.
Early Childhood Essentials Class: Learning Disabilities
“He seems so smart, but he is not doing well in school. Does my child have a learning disability?” Teacher and parent trainer of 30 years, JoAnn Hubach will use simulations to demonstrate what it looks like and feels like to have a learning disability. Get information on what you need to know if you suspect your child learns differently, discover warning signs and ways you can help.
Ruff Readers
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.
Adult Computer Class: Introduction to Computers
This basic course is designed to provide students with an introduction to various aspects of personal computing. Attention will be focused on understanding the basic hardware components and operating systems, using the mouse, and saving files to storage devices. If you are just beginning to use computers, start with this class.
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