Upcoming Events › Adult Programs
July 9, 2013
Ordinary People Can Do Amazing Things
In 2011, Don Kern broke the world record for running marathons on all seven continents. He completed this challenge in 25 days, 18 hours, 10 minutes. Don has run 239 marathons, in all 50 states (twice) and all seven continents (four times). Have you ever wanted to challenge yourself to do something extraordinary? Don Kern will share his story of how he grew up as a non-athlete and went on to set a world record and how you can too!
July 10, 2013
Making Ice Cream with Love’s
Join Chris McKellar of Love’s Ice Cream to learn the process of making ice cream at home in a way that is easy to follow and fun. With a few simple tools, you will be able to transform milk, cream, sugar, and a flavor of your choice into luscious ice cream. Get tips on buying local and organic ingredients. Registration is required at www.grpl.org/register.
July 11, 2013
Making Ice Cream with Love’s
Join Chris McKellar of Love’s Ice Cream to learn the process of making ice cream at home in a way that is easy to follow and fun. With a few simple tools, you will be able to transform milk, cream, sugar, and a flavor of your choice into luscious ice cream. Get tips on buying local and organic ingredients. Registration is required at www.grpl.org/register.
Reading the Great Lakes
Come explore the Lakes with us! We’ll read a range of titles including mystery, history, fiction, and nonfiction all taking place in the Great Lakes region—from Chicago to Cleveland. This book club will be lead by our smart librarians and will take place the first Thursday of every month. Additional copies of the book are available to be checked out on Level 4 of the Main Library. July’s selection is Looking for Hickories by Tom Springer.
July 12, 2013
Genealogy Lock-In
Come to the Grand Rapids History and Special Collections department for a free after-hours program just for genealogists! Learn how to use the microfilm reader/scanner/printer, save images, and take advantage of free copying and printing during the event. Use the time to search databases—we will have plenty of computers available or bring your own laptop and use the library’s WiFi network. Bring your genealogy questions or Ancestry and Heritage Quest problems—volunteers will be on hand to assist. Network with other genealogists—you never know what you might find! Registration required: www.grpl.org/register or call 988-5400.
July 15, 2013
Talking to Rock Stars: Music Journalism Today
The film, Almost Famous made a rock journalist’s life look glamorous, gritty, and downright awesome. But those were the 70s, and we’re living in the 2010s. Rock journalism may be different (and possibly has less debauchery), but it’s still exciting. Come listen to professional (and local!) rock journalists Brian J. Bowe, Bill Holdship, Lindsay Patton-Carson, and John Sinkevics share their stories and give insights on what it’s like to talk to rock stars for a living.
July 16, 2013
Confessions of a Record Collector
Record collecting—is it hoarding? No, not really, well maybe sort of . . . but records are irresistibly flat, black, circular solid gold. Music shapes, and is shaped by society. Records provide a rich history from old-timey to country, from the chitlin’ circuit to rock n’ roll, and jazz from hot to cool, See and hear the best of vinyl with record collector Jon VanderPloeg—78s, 45s, 33s and no MP3s.
July 18, 2013
Grand Rapids’ Secret Societies
The Sons of Malta, Knights of the Golden Eagle, Knights Templar—all names that ring forth from medieval times, right? Wrong! These are just a few of the secret societies of Grand Rapids that have helped make our city what it is today! Tim Gleisner, Manager of GRPL’s Grand Rapids History and Special Collections Department, will explore the various secret societies that have been a part of Grand Rapids history from the beginning of the city to present day. Find out which mayors and local personalities might have been members of these secretive bodies. Discover where the hidden groups might have met and held their secret and “ancient” rites!
July 20, 2013
GR Reads: The Movies – IMAX Under the Sea 3D
Under the Sea 3D transports moviegoers to some of the most exotic and isolated undersea locations on Earth, such as those found off the shores of Southern Australia, New Guinea, and elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific region, allowing them to experience face-to-face encounters with some of the most mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea. The first 50 attendees who show their GRPL library card will get in free.
July 22, 2013
GR Reads: The Movies – Bonnie and Clyde
When Depression-era drifters Clyde Barrow (Warren Beatty) and Bonnie Parker (Faye Dunaway) meet, Bonnie is bored and Clyde dreams of a life of crime that will free him from the hardships of the depression. They fall in love and begin a crime spree that extends from Oklahoma to Texas. They rob banks with skill and panache, soon becoming minor celebrities known across the country. Based on the true story of a pair of notorious bank robbers, the film personalizes them while still showing the violence that went along with them. Bonnie and Clyde is considered a landmark film in the history of cinema.
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