Event / Class Registration

Register here for events or classes requiring pre-registration. See specific event for details

ACT Prep Workshop
The workshop includes content review, reading comprehension techniques, testing tactics and specific ACT strategies. Wendy Marty, professional Academic Coach, will show you techniques and tips to raise your ACT score. This free program is limited to the first 50 high school juniors and seniors who register. Must be a resident of the City of Grand Rapids and have a Grand Rapids Public Library card to participate.

Ruff Readers at Yankee Clipper Branch
Sign up today to be paired up with a trained therapy dog for a weekly 15-minute animal assisted reading session. Children are encouraged to come every week at the same time for four weeks. West Michigan Therapy Dogs and their handlers provide an encouraging and non-judgmental environment in order to develop confidence in reading. For the sessions to be most effective, parents and siblings are asked to wait in another area of the Library. This program is for independent readers of any age and is especially recommended for children who need to develop confidence in reading aloud or for English as a second language learners. This is not a remedial reading program. For more information, call 988-5415.

Ruff Readers at West Leonard Branch
Sign up today to be paired up with a trained therapy dog for a weekly 15-minute animal assisted reading session. Children are encouraged to come every week at the same time for four weeks. West Michigan Therapy Dogs and their handlers provide an encouraging and non-judgmental environment in order to develop confidence in reading. For the sessions to be most effective, parents and siblings are asked to wait in another area of the Library. This program is for independent readers of any age and is especially recommended for children who need to develop confidence in reading aloud or for English as a second language learners. This is not a remedial reading program. For more information, call 988-5416.

Ancient Greeks Modern Lives: Reading Groups
This book discussion series will be led by Diane Rayor, Professor of Classics at Grand Valley State University. She teaches ancient Greek, mythology, women in antiquity, classical world, and classical theatre workshop in the department she co-founded in 2000. Rayor most recently translated Sophocles' Antigone (Cambridge University Press, 2011) and is currently translating Euripides' Medea for Heritage Theatre Group's 2012 summer season in Grand Rapids. Space is limited to 20 participants. Readings will be provided at the first meeting. Dates/Texts: March 7, 6:30-8:30 pm* *Sophocles’ *Antigone*, newly translated by Diane Rayor (2011). March 14, 7-8 pm *Herakles Gone Mad*, based on Euripides' *Herakles* March 21, 7-8 pm Sophocles' *Ajax * March 28, 7-8 pm Aeschylus' *Agamemnon*

Humorous Speech Contest
Can you tell a funny story? Do you make people laugh? Come join the Grand Rapids Public Library, Toastmasters International and LaughFest in a humor contest. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. Contestants can choose whether they have an improvised stand up performance or a prepared 5 minute routine.

Early Childhood Essentials: Sensory Development
Have you ever wondered why certain children are so sensitive to light, sound or movement? Does a child you care for have any food aversions? Have you wondered what keeps that active child craving more activity? Come explore the fascinating world of sensory differences. You may find out something about yourself in the process! Earn 1.5 hours of professional development for attending this class.

Early Childhood Essentials: Food Allergies
In the past decade there has been an increase in childhood food allergies. Are you prepared to work with a child that has an allergy? This workshop will prepare you by describing the difference between food allergy and intolerance, how to prepare your environment, how to help a child that has had an exposure and how to prevent cross contamination. Earn 1.5 hours of professional development for attending this class.

Early Childhood Essentials: Science for Preschoolers
Learn activities and get great ideas for teaching different areas of science to young children. Earn 1.5 hours of professional development for attending this class.

Early Childhood Essentials: How Children Learn to Read
Learn about all the processes involved as a child learns to read. Earn 1.5 hours of professional development for attending this class.

Ruff Readers at Main Library
Sign up today to be paired up with a trained therapy dog for a weekly 15-minute animal assisted reading session. Children are encouraged to come every week at the same time for four weeks. West Michigan Therapy Dogs and their handlers provide an encouraging and non-judgmental environment in order to develop confidence in reading. For the sessions to be most effective, parents and siblings are asked to wait in another area of the Library. This program is for independent readers of any age and is especially recommended for children who need to develop confidence in reading aloud or for English as a second language learners. This is not a remedial reading program. For more information, call 988-5402, ext 5477.

Ruff Readers at Seymour Branch
Sign up today to be paired up with a trained therapy dog for a weekly 15-minute animal assisted reading session. Children are encouraged to come every week at the same time for four weeks. West Michigan Therapy Dogs and their handlers provide an encouraging and non-judgmental environment in order to develop confidence in reading. For the sessions to be most effective, parents and siblings are asked to wait in another area of the Library. This program is for independent readers of any age and is especially recommended for children who need to develop confidence in reading aloud or for English as a second language learners. This is not a remedial reading program. For more information, call 988-5413.