Upcoming Events
June 1, 2013 – August 31, 2013
GR Reads: Summer Reading All Grown Up
Summer is here and it is time to take another journey down the road of great books. Our smart librarians have picked ten books that will take you to unexpected places and have planned unique events that will have you exploring our exceptional community. So pack your library bag full of books and grab a friend, we are setting off down the road together and getting there is half the fun. The Grand Rapids Public Library has once again partnered with area organizations to present the fourth annual GR Reads, a summer reading program designed for adults. Come discover the ten interesting books that our smart staff have selected, or join your neighbors for fun, informative programs that are inspired by the books. For a complete list of books and events, visit www.grpl.org/grreads or stop by any GRPL library.
Construction Truck Petting Zoo
Is your child in awe of construction trucks? Would they like to see them up close and in-person? Come explore our petting zoo of real construction trucks on display in the streets in front of the Main Library and the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. A variety of trucks will be on display from the Kent County Road Commission, and the cities of Grand Rapids, Walker, Kentwood, Wyoming, Grandville and East Grand Rapids! Come, explore and learn. Hands on activities for the whole family!
June 3, 2013
TSU: Flash Mob, Dance Party
Teens, are you looking for a great event to kick off your summer? Wanna brag to your friends how you just showed up somewhere to dance? Need a fun way to earn community service hours? Look no further! The library will hold rehearsals in May and June for teens to participate in a community dance party event. Join Brandi Angelosanto from Artistic Grace for two nights of fun a week (at either location) to learn simple steps for our first flash mob. No dancing experience or skill required. Grab some friends and let’s make it a party!
June 5, 2013
TSU: Flash Mob, Dance Party
Teens, are you looking for a great event to kick off your summer? Wanna brag to your friends how you just showed up somewhere to dance? Need a fun way to earn community service hours? Look no further! The library will hold rehearsals in May and June for teens to participate in a community dance party event. Join Brandi Angelosanto from Artistic Grace for two nights of fun a week (at either location) to learn simple steps for our first flash mob. No dancing experience or skill required. Grab some friends and let’s make it a party!
June 6, 2013
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.
June 8, 2013
TSU: Flash Mob Dance Party Live Event
Teens, are you looking for a great event to kick off your summer? Wanna brag to your friends how you just showed up somewhere to dance? Need a fun way to earn community service hours? Look no further! The library will hold rehearsals in May and June for teens to participate in a community dance party event. Join Brandi Angelosanto from Artistic Grace for two nights of fun a week (at either location) to learn simple steps for our first flash mob. No dancing experience or skill required. Grab some friends and let’s make it a party!
June 12, 2013
Cocktails, History, and Practical Mixology for the Home Tippler
Join The Starving Artist Torrence O’Haire in a three-part series that explores creating classic cocktails with a foodie twist.
Bitters, Herbals, and Home Liqueur Making
Wednesday, June 12, 2013, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
What are bitters? Why are they important in cocktail culture? And why are they so dang bitter?!? Join The Starving Artist at SpeakEZ Lounge for a class and demonstration in understanding, buying, making, and using herbal liqueurs, from the classic to the modern, and discover how to take your cocktail parties to the next level!
Gin Style, Use, and Practice
Wednesday, June 19, 2013 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
“I hate gin!” “It tastes like pine trees!” “I’d rather drink cleaning products!” Join The Starving Artist at SpeakEZ Lounge and discover the true value of gin as a cocktail ingredient and as a modern artisanal movement. Not all gin tastes like juniper! Explore the different styles and varieties, and learn to make a classic gin cocktail unlike anything you’re accustomed to!
Whiskeys and their Possibilities
Wednesday, June 26, 2013, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bourbon, scotch, Tennessee, rye, corn, white, Canadian, Irish . . .how can you keep them all straight? Join The Starving Artist at SpeakEZ Lounge for a class and lecture on understanding and using whiskey in cocktails from the classic to the modern. Explore what each whiskey can do in a cocktail and exactly how to make your ingredients shine.
June 13, 2013
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.
Teen Board Gaming Group
It’s your move, teens! Join us every month to learn and play a variety of modern and classic board games. Bring your friends and show off your mad board gaming skills. Check out new games too.
June 13, 2013 – June 14, 2013
Sounds of Soul: “The Curator” Spins Motown
Join us at Harmony Brewing Company in Eastown where Steven Edelman, aka The Curator, will be spinning from his vast collection of vintage Motown and soul albums. Part of Harmony’s Vinyl Thursdays, this listening party will feature the sounds of Michigan’s very own Bettye LaVette and her peers in the format best suited for soul—the vinyl LP.
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