Upcoming Events
July 11, 2013
Animals Under the Surface
John Ball Zoo will bring live animals that dig, burrow, and/or live “under the surface.”
Animals Under the Surface
John Ball Zoo will bring live animals that dig, burrow, and/or live “under the surface.”
Steampunk Mousetrap Message Clips
Come test your knowledge or learn more about the subculture of Steampunk as you redesign mouse traps using the Steampunk theme.
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.
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 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.
Henna Runes
Come recreate the protection runes used by characters in The Mortal Instruments that help them fight creatures of the underworld.
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.
This library is a congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents.