January 2020
Yoga Time
Bend and breathe in this yoga class for kids, led by an instructor from AM Yoga. Mats will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. For ages 4-11.
Find out more »Let’s Play!
Children 0-5 are invited to a playdate at the library! Let's Play focuses on child-driven play using STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) toys to ignite the imagination. Caretakers are invited to enjoy a hot beverage while meeting new people and learning helpful early literacy tips. Drop in for an hour of friends and fun. Saturdays, January 18 - May 2 11:00 am | Yankee Clipper Branch
Find out more »Let’s Play!
Children 0-5 are invited to a playdate at the library! Let's Play focuses on child-driven play using STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) toys to ignite the imagination. Caretakers are invited to enjoy a hot beverage while meeting new people and learning helpful early literacy tips. Drop in for an hour of friends and fun. 12:30 pm | Seymour Branch
Find out more »LEGO Block Party
LEGO Block Party 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Main Library - 111 Library St NE Free Kids 6 and up can explore engineering, art, math, and other core concepts using Legos and other building blocks. Each month will feature a building challenge to teach critical thinking, problem solving, decision making and more. This is a self-guided, drop-in event.
Find out more »Adventurers Guild
Adventurers Guild takes players on a tour through a dangerous fantasy world created by Dungeons & Dragons where they become the heroes of the story. Adventurers will be able to change the path of the narrative by their choices and interactions. Players ages 13 and up are welcome. Snacks provided. Free Registration is required. Register ⟶ http://bit.ly/AdventurersGuild25
Find out more »Let’s Play!
Children 0-5 are invited to a playdate at the library! Let's Play focuses on child-driven play using STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) toys to ignite the imagination. Caretakers are invited to enjoy a hot beverage while meeting new people and learning helpful early literacy tips. Drop in for an hour of friends and fun. Thursdays, January 16 - April 30 11:00 am | West Leonard Branch
Find out more »Toddler Time
Bring your toddlers, ages 18 months to 3 years, to share fun stories, songs, and rhymes and learn together! Toddler Time is a 25-minute long storytime followed by a hands-on activity and playtime designed to help your child's brain grow. Mondays, January 13 – April 27 6:30 pm | Main Library
Find out more »Bilingual Pajama Time
Join us for an evening of bilingual storytime filled with fun stories, movement, and music activities. The 30-minute English and Spanish storytime is followed by a hands-on activity and playtime. Wear your pajamas and get those wiggles out before bed! For families with children 5 and under. Mondays, January 13 – April 27 6:30 pm | West Leonard Branch
Find out more »Baby & Me Storytimes
Bring your baby, 0-18 months, and bounce along to fun stories, songs, and rhymes. Baby & Me is a 15-minute storytime followed by a relaxed playtime where you and baby will meet new friends. Tuesdays, January 14 – April 28 11:00 am | West Side Branch
Find out more »Toddler Time
Bring your toddlers, ages 18 months to 3 years, to share fun stories, songs, and rhymes and learn together! Toddler Time is a 25-minute long storytime followed by a hands-on activity and playtime designed to help your child's brain grow. Tuesdays, January 14 - April 28 11:00 am | Main Library
Find out more »Managing Your Digital Footprint
Have you ever forgotten a password? Managing your digital footprint may seem intimidating, but with a plan and the right tools you can stay safe and get the most out of your experience online. This class offers methods and tools to begin managing your online profiles, passwords and information.
Find out more »Art Attack with the DAAC
Our new neighbors, the Division Avenue Arts Collaborative (DAAC) is leading an after school art program at the library. Kids in grades 3-8 can kick back and get creative with local artists. Art Attack with the DAAC Tuesdays, January 7 - February 25, 2020 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Van Belkum Branch
Find out more »Toddler Time
Bring your toddlers, ages 18 months to 3 years, to share fun stories, songs, and rhymes and learn together! Toddler Time is a 25-minute long storytime followed by a hands-on activity and playtime designed to help your child's brain grow. Wednesdays, January 15 – April 29 10:30 am | Seymour Branch
Find out more »Baby & Me Storytimes
Bring your baby, 0-18 months, and bounce along to fun stories, songs, and rhymes. Baby & Me is a 15-minute storytime followed by a relaxed playtime where you and baby will meet new friends. Wednesdays, January 15 – April 29 11:00 am | Yankee Clipper Branch
Find out more »Baby & Me Storytimes
Bring your baby, 0-18 months, and bounce along to fun stories, songs, and rhymes. Baby & Me is a 15-minute storytime followed by a relaxed playtime where you and baby will meet new friends. Wednesdays, January 15 – April 29 11:00 am | West Leonard Branch
Find out more »Small Business Research Essentials
Join the Business Librarian for an informative journey through the Library's small business resources. Arm yourself with the best business information available and give yourself the upper hand whether you are starting or growing your business.
Find out more »Baby & Me Storytimes
Bring your baby, 0-18 months, and bounce along to fun stories, songs, and rhymes. Baby & Me is a 15-minute storytime followed by a relaxed playtime where you and baby will meet new friends. Thursday, January 16 – April 30 10:30 am | Seymour Branch
Find out more »Baby & Me Storytimes
Bring your baby, 0-18 months, and bounce along to fun stories, songs, and rhymes. Baby & Me is a 15-minute storytime followed by a relaxed playtime where you and baby will meet new friends. Thursday, January 16 – April 30 11:00 am | Main Library
Find out more »Toddler Time
Bring your toddlers, ages 18 months to 3 years, to share fun stories, songs, and rhymes and learn together! Toddler Time is a 25-minute long storytime followed by a hands-on activity and playtime designed to help your child's brain grow. Thursdays, January 16 – April 30 11:00 am | Yankee Clipper Branch
Find out more »57th Ann Arbor Film Festival Traveling Tour
57th Ann Arbor Film Festival Traveling Tour Thursday, January 30, 2020 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm| Wealthy Theatre - 1130 Wealthy St SE The Ann Arbor Film Festival has been showcasing independent and experimental films since its launch in 1964. This year, Wealthy Theatre, Cinema Lab, and the Grand Rapids Public Library are proud to bring the 57th Ann Arbor Film Festival Traveling Tour to Grand Rapids. The Pickle Fort Collective will be demonstrating some hands-on film manipulation techniques. ⟶Admission…
Find out more »Ready, Set, Play!
Thursdays, January 16 - April 30, 2020 6:30 pm | Madison Square Branch Free Free play helps build social skills, communication, creativity, and more importantly, confidence! If you have an elementary school student who wants to de-stress and have fun after school, this is the program for you!
Find out more »Storytimes for Families
Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their children 18-months to 5 years old to this 45-minute class featuring hands-on, literacy rich activities such as stories, songs, fingerplays, and hands-on fun. Classes end with a fun and creative art activity. Fridays, January 17 - May 1 10:30 am | Ottawa Hills Branch
Find out more »Toddler Time
Bring your toddlers, ages 18 months to 3 years, to share fun stories, songs, and rhymes and learn together! Toddler Time is a 25-minute long storytime followed by a hands-on activity and playtime designed to help your child's brain grow. Friday, January 17 - May 1 11:00 am | West Side Branch
Find out more »February 2020
Experimental Film Family Day
Experimental Film Family Day Saturday, February 1, 2020, 3:00 pm Main Library Free Lights, camera, experimentation! Join us as we showcase some of the most interesting and innovative short films you will ever see! Kids 8 and up can learn to create their own abstract films and animation. We will be showing the Ann Arbor Film Festival's "Almost All Ages" program. These innovative short films will inspire everyone to experiment with cameras, lights, and anything else that is at hand.…
Find out more »Backup Basics: How to Secure your Data
Whether it’s your family photos, business documents or digital media collection, your digital data is valuable. In this class, we discuss how to ensure your digital data is kept safe and secure. From thumb drives and hard drives to cloud storage, find multiple ways to backup your data, whether you use a traditional computer, smartphone, or tablet. Thursday, February 6, 2020 | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Main Library Free
Find out more »Backup Basics: How to Secure Your Data
Backup Basics: How to Secure Your Data Thursday, February 6, 2020, 11:00 am Main Library Free Whether it's your family photos, business documents or digital media collection, your digital data is valuable. Learn how to keep your digital data safe and secure. From thumb drives and hard drives to cloud storage, find multiple ways to backup your data using a computer, smartphone or tablet.
Find out more »And the Oscar Goes To . . .
And the Oscar Goes To . . . Thursday, February 6, 2020, 6:00 pm Main Library Free Whether you are a regular film goer or haven't been to a theater in years, join us for an overview of this year's Academy Award nominees just before Oscar's big night. Make your own call on who will win and who should win the film industry's most coveted award.
Find out more »Black Family History Series
Black Family History Series Saturdays, February 8, 15, 22, 2020, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm Main Library Free What parent or grandparent hasn't been asked where they came from, what their job was, or how they met their spouse? While these family history questions are universal, answers can be challenging to find. This is especially true for African Americans interested in their family history. Join us for a series of workshops that will help you learn about and document your…
Find out more »Finding Your Immigrant Ancestors
Finding Your Immigrant Ancestors Saturday, February 8, 2020, 1:30 pm Main Library Free America is a nation of immigrants, but it is not always easy to track our ancestors back to a boat, let alone their town of origin. Jessica Trotter will offer tips and resources for your search with ideas for types of records that might include origins, strategies for working with whole families, and important factors to keep in mind depending on the time period you are researching.…
Find out more »Adventurers Guild
Adventurers Guild takes players on a tour through a dangerous fantasy world created by Dungeons & Dragons where they become the heroes of the story. Adventurers will be able to change the path of the narrative by their choices and interactions. Players ages 13 and up are welcome. Snacks provided. Free Registration is required. Register ⟶ http://bit.ly/AdventurersGuild_Feb08
Find out more »BISSELL’s History Through Advertising and Design
BISSELL's History Through Advertising and Design Thursday, February 13, 2020, 7:00 pm Main Library Free Melville Bissell patented his first carpet sweeper in 1876, beginning a long history of cleaning innovation. Melville and his wife Anna began making and selling these sweepers out of the second floor of their crockery shop. The business grew and, in 1883, a factory was built in Grand Rapids specifically designed for manufacturing carpet sweepers. When Melville unexpectedly died in 1889, Anna took control of…
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Taste of Soul Sunday
Taste of Soul Sunday Sunday, February 16, 2020, 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm Main Library Free Join us as we celebrate African American history and culture at Taste of Soul Sunday. Sample African American art, music, literature, history, and food. Performances by Kevin Murphy, Lady Ace Boogie, Serita's Black Rose, and The Gospel Believers. Presentations by We Are Lit, Dr. Randal Jelks, the Ebony Road Players, and New Hope Baptist Live, Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives. Free food…
Find out more »Hustle/Step Soul Line Dance Party with DJ Andre Posey
Hustle/Step Soul Line Dance Party with DJ Andre Posey Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 6:30 pm Main Library Free Refreshments will be served Want to learn how to Hustle/Step? DJ and dance instructor Andre Posey will lead participants through both simple and complicated hustle soul line dances. Soul line dances are unpartnered line dances that are easy enough for anyone from kids to seniors of all shapes and sizes to join in on the fun. Soul or urban line dances such…
Find out more »Holistic Job Seeking at Your Library
Holistic Job Seeking at Your Library Tuesday, February 19, 2020, 7:00 pm Main Library Free Job searching can be hard. Decisions are maddening, research is a grind, and resume writing is no cakewalk. In this class, learn how to make your job search effective. Learn how to think about job research, how to present yourself in person and in writing, and how to plan for future work that might not yet exist.
Find out more »Internet Privacy: Protecting Yourself in the Digital Age
Internet Privacy: Protecting Yourself in the Digital Age Thursday, February 20, 2020, 11:00 am Main Library Free It seems everyday we hear about how governments, corporations and hackers are gaining access to individual accounts and personal information. There is a lot you can do to minimize risk when you go online. Discover how to secure information and manage your digital footprint. Learn how to secure your Internet connection and browser, create and manage effective passwords, and how to manage authentication…
Find out more »Music in the Stacks: FLUSHED
Music in the Stacks: FLUSHED Thursday, February 20, 2020, 7:00 pm Main Library Free FLUSHED is a three-piece garage rock ensemble from Grand Rapids. Their fuzzy, warm and sugar-coated riffs snuggle up for a hug with some minor chords. Their liner notes reveal reflections on heartache and friendship, and motifs centered on becoming, secrecy, and the inner self vs the outer self. FLUSHED has received two Jammie Awards from WYCE for their first studio album, Care Less, which was released…
Find out more »Yoga Time
Yoga Time Saturday, February 22 | 11:00 am Main Library Free Bend and breathe in this yoga class for kids, led by an instructor from AM Yoga. Mats will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. For ages 4-11.
Find out more »DIY@GRPL: Decorative Boxes
DIY@GRPL: Decorative Boxes Saturday, February 22, 2020, 1:00 pm Main Library Free Create a one-of-a-kind decorative box using book pages. All supplies are provided and space is limited.
Find out more »Adventurers Guild
Adventurers Guild takes players on a tour through a dangerous fantasy world created by Dungeons & Dragons where they become the heroes of the story. Adventurers will be able to change the path of the narrative by their choices and interactions. Players ages 13 and up are welcome. Snacks provided. Free Registration is required. Register ⟶ http://bit.ly/AdventurersGuild_Feb22
Find out more »Social Media Privacy: Taking Control of Your Profiles
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have revolutionized how we communicate and relate to one another. But at what cost? In this class, we cover how social media uses personal information and how you can regain some control over your online profiles. We also discuss important settings and features that help you control your social media profiles and online identity. Thursday, February 27, 2020 | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Main Library Free
Find out more »March 2020
Getting Started (or Restarted) in Genealogy
Getting Started (or Restarted) in Genealogy Mondays, March 2 - April 6, 2020 7:00 pm | Main Library - 111 Library St NE Free Whether you have been working on your family's genealogy for decades or are just getting started, this class is for you. In this six-week series, Susan Rabick and Sue Irvine will teach you basic and advanced research strategies, including four generation charts, family group sheets, and organizing your research. Learn new skills and brush up on…
Find out more »Adventurers Guild
Adventurers Guild Saturday, March 7, 2020 3:30 pm | Main Library - 111 Library St NE Adventurers Guild takes players on a tour through a dangerous fantasy world created by Dungeons & Dragons where they become the heroes of the story. Adventurers will be able to change the path of the narrative by their choices and interactions. Players ages 13 and above are welcome. Snacks provided. Registration is required. Sign up at www.grpl.org/register Questions? Call 616.988.5400.
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A Journey from Plaster to Community: The Story of the GUB
A Journey from Plaster to Community: The Story of the GUB Thursday, March 12, 2019 7:00 pm | Main Library - 111 Library St NE Explore the history of Grand Rapids' southwest neighboring community, starting in 1833, Often mentioned as an "urban-suburban neighborhood with a small-town attitude," the history of Galewood-Urbandate-Burlingame (GUB) is one that is historically rich in pride, loyalty, and changing culture. Beginning with the discovery and milling of plaster, the advent of the electric interurban, growth of…
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Genealogy Lock-In
Genealogy Lock-In Friday, March 13, 2020 6:00 pm | Main Library - 111 Library St NE Come to the Grand Rapids History and Special Collections department for a free after-hours program just for genealogists. Learn how to use the library databases, newspaper microfilm and other resources, and take advantage of free copying and printing during the event. Bring your family history questions or problems--volunteers from the Western Michigan Genealogical Society will be on hand to assist. Network with other genealogists--you never…
Find out more »Becoming a Successful Writer
Becoming a Successful Writer Monday, March 16, 2020 7:00 pm | Main Library - 111 Library St NE Join us for an evening with five award-winning authors from West Michigan. They will discuss the work and joy of writing. Discover inside information on the many paths available today to publishing, promoting, and distributing your book. Gain insight on how to excite readers. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. This event is designed for writers at all levels, including anyone…
Find out more »Adventurers Guild
Adventurers Guild Saturday, March 21, 2020 3:30 pm | Main Library - 111 Library St NE Adventurers Guild takes players on a tour through a dangerous fantasy world created by Dungeons & Dragons where they become the heroes of the story. Adventurers will be able to change the path of the narrative by their choices and interactions. Players ages 13 and above are welcome. Snacks provided. Registration is required. Sign up at www.grpl.org/register Questions? Call 616.988.5400.
Find out more »The Great Michigan Read: Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha
The Great Michigan Read: Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha Tuesday, March 24, 2020 6:00 pm | Loosemore Auditorium, GVSU - 401 Fulton St W Hear Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha's riveting account of her discovery that Flint's children were being poisoned by lead leaching into the city's drinking water. Her book, What the Eyes Don't See, was chosen as the 2019-2020 Great Michigan Read. It is an inspiring story of a shameful disaster that became a tale of hope--the story of a city on the…
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Music in the Stacks: Wicker Basket
Music in the Stacks: Wicker Basket Thursday, March 26, 2020 7:00 pm | Main Library - 111 Library St NE A manifestation of the Midwest, Wicker Basket has spent decades sharing his musical electronic explorations. You may have heard his work on WYCE, at Festival of the Arts, any Midwest venue, or in the tunnels under US-131.
Find out more »Friends of the Library Book Sale
Friends of the Library Book Sale Saturday, March 28, 2020 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday, March 29, 2020 | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Main Library - 111 Library St NE Huge used book sale! Find treasures, bargains, and more. On Saturday, all books are 3 for $1.00 or 50¢ each. On Sunday, fill a bag for $5.00. All proceeds benefit the Grand Rapids Public Library.
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Yoga Time
Yoga Time Saturday, March 28, 2020 11:00 am | Main Library - 111 Library St NE Bend and breathe in this yoga class for kids, led by an instructor from AM Yoga. Mats will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. For ages 4-11.
Find out more »Friends of the Library Book Sale
Friends of the Library Book Sale Saturday, March 28, 2020 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday, March 29, 2020 | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Main Library - 111 Library St NE Huge used book sale! Find treasures, bargains, and more. On Saturday, all books are 3 for $1.00 or 50¢ each. On Sunday, fill a bag for $5.00. All proceeds benefit the Grand Rapids Public Library.
Find out more »