May 2021
Job Seeking Series: Resume Writing 101
Job Seeking Series: Resume Writing 101 Wednesday, May 19, 2021, 6:00 - 7:00 pm Virtual Event | Zoom Registration recommended In this series presented by GRPL’s Business and Career Librarian, learn tips and tricks to help you navigate your job search. Discover what employers are looking for on a resume and how to write and adapt your resume for the job you want. Find out how to stand out with a resume that highlights your unique skills. Register here: https://www.grpl.org/register
Find out more »Music (NOT) in the Stacks: Kissin Kate
Music (NOT) in the Stacks: Kissin Kate Premieres Thursday, May 20, 2021, 7:00 pm Virtual Event | GRPL’s Facebook page & YouTube channel. Vanessa DeCouto is a Grand Rapids based multidisciplinary artist and the creative mind behind the band Kissin Kate. Her work is inspired by highway landscapes, outer space, and the mystery of the in between.
Find out more »Weekends with Wimee
Weekends with Wimee Premieres Saturday and Sunday, Feb - May 2021, 1:00 pm Virtual Event | GRPL's Facebook Page Join Wimee every Saturday and Sunday for songs, rhymes, games, and more on the Grand Rapids Public Library’s Facebook page. Wimee, the lovable robot, and his friends will inspire kids to learn through creativity in this limited weekend series!
Find out more »Healthy Brain in the Golden Years: Understanding Alzheimer’s with Dr. Irving E. Vega
Healthy Brain in the Golden Years: Understanding Alzheimer’s with Dr. Irving E. Vega Saturday, May 22, 2021, 3:00 - 3:30 pm Virtual Event | Zoom Registration required In 2020, 5.8 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s Disease according to the Alzheimer’s Association, a number that will only grow in the coming years. Even though Alzheimer’s is scary, it’s only by understanding disease risk factors and symptoms that we can plan for and treat it during our golden years. Join Dr.…
Find out more »Cerebro Sano en los Años Dorados: Para Comprender Alzheimer’s con el Dr. Irving E. Vega
Cerebro Sano en los Años Dorados: Para Comprender Alzheimer’s con el Dr. Irving E. Vega Sábado, 22 de mayo de 2021, 4:00 - 4:30 pm Evento Virtual | Zoom Es necesario inscribirse En 2020, 5.8 millones de norteamericanos vivían con la Enfermedad Alzheimer’s según la Alzheimer’s Association, un número que sólo crecerá en los años venideros. Aunque Alzheimer’s da miedo, sólo conociendo los factores de riesgo y los síntomas de la enfermedad podremos planificar y tratarla durante nuestros años dorados.…
Find out more »Job Seeking Series: Creating a Cover Letter
Job Seeking Series: Creating a Cover Letter Wednesday, May 26, 2021, 6:00 - 7:00 pm Virtual Event | Zoom Registration recommended In this series presented by GRPL’s Business and Career Librarian, learn tips and tricks to help you navigate your job search. In this session, discover the best way to introduce yourself to a potential employer--by writing a clear and effective cover letter that reflects you. This in-depth session will break down cover letter writing and tactics to help you…
Find out more »Music (NOT) in the Stacks: Basic Comfort
Music (NOT) in the Stacks: Basic Comfort Thursday, May 27, 2021, 7:00 pm Virtual Event | GRPL’s Facebook page & YouTube channel. Basic Comfort is Kalamazoo, Michigan's Synth Pop, Indie Rock slap in the face for social justice. They tackle a wide range of issues from growing up with brown skin in America to gender fluidity. Their soul touching lyrics are woven between lush, jazzy synth chords and guitar licks that get stuck in your head for weeks. Basic Comfort is…
Find out more »Grand Rapids Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt
Grand Rapids Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt Monday, May 31 - Saturday, September 4 The Division Avenue Art Collective (DAAC) and GRPL have teamed up to bring you a city-wide scavenger hunt! Take a closer look at your neighborhood to find art in everyday life. Super sleuths may even find a few favorite Summer Reading Challenge characters from years past! Scavenger hunt participants will be entered automatically into a drawing to win prizes from local businesses. Pick up your scavenger hunt documents…
Find out more »June 2021
Storytime in the Park with StorytimeGR (Garfield Park)
Storytime in the Park with StorytimeGR Tuesdays, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 6:30 pm Garfield Park – 2111 Madison SE Join us this summer for stories, free books and ice cream, special guests, and a whole lot of fun! For all ages of kids and teens. StorytimeGR is a partnership of the Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Read GR, and Grand Valley State University.…
Find out more »A D&D Mystery with Mr. Mark Jemerson
A D&D Mystery with Mr. Mark Jemerson Friday, June 4 | 5:00 pm Wednesdays, June 23, July 21 | 5:00 pm Saturday June 12, July 10 | 5:00 pm Virtual Event | Roll20.net Registration required. Experience the fun of solving a missing persons case with your friends on this one shot D&D adventure game! Join librarian and Dungeon Master Mark to enjoy the adventure in a virtual environment. Mark has been playing, facilitating, and reading about roleplaying games for over…
Find out more »Outside Reading Club: Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come
Outside Reading Club Saturday, June 5, 2021, 12:00 - 1:00 pm Seymour Branch | 2350 Eastern Ave SE Space is limited. Registration required. This event is weather permitting. Calling all readers! Join us for a new outdoor book club that focuses on nonfiction titles. Each month we will meet on the lawn at select library locations to discuss celebrated titles. Seating will be available but guests are welcome to bring their own seating or blankets. Selected title: Sorry I'm Late,…
Find out more »Storytime on the Lawn
Storytime on the Lawn Mondays, June 7, 14, 21, 28, July 12, 19, 26 6:00 pm West Leonard Branch – 1017 Leonard NW (This is a bilingual storytime.) Storytime on the Lawn will be held on a weekly basis in the lawn space at four GRPL locations. Feel free to bring your own blanket for seating. To keep our outdoor storytimes fun and engaging they are limited to the first 20 participants. Weather permitting. For ages 18 months – 5…
Find out more »Storytime on the Lawn
Storytime on the Lawn Wednesdays, June 9, 16, 23, 30, July 14, 21, 28 10:30 am Seymour Branch – 2350 Eastern SE Storytime on the Lawn will be held on a weekly basis in the lawn space at four GRPL locations. Feel free to bring your own blanket for seating. To keep our outdoor storytimes fun and engaging they are limited to the first 20 participants. Weather permitting. For ages 18 months – 5 years old. Learn more. ⟶ https://www.grpl.org/summerreading/
Find out more »Storytime on the Lawn
Storytime on the Lawn Wednesdays, June 9, 16, 23, 30, July 14, 21, 28 10:30 am West Side Branch – 713 Bridge NW Storytime on the Lawn will be held on a weekly basis in the lawn space at four GRPL locations. Feel free to bring your own blanket for seating. To keep our outdoor storytimes fun and engaging they are limited to the first 20 participants. Weather permitting. For ages 18 months – 5 years old. Learn more. ⟶…
Find out more »Storytime on the Lawn
Storytime on the Lawn Thursdays, June 10, 17, 24, July 1, 15, 22, 29 10:30 am Yankee Clipper Branch – 2025 Leonard NE Storytime on the Lawn will be held on a weekly basis in the lawn space at four GRPL locations. Feel free to bring your own blanket for seating. To keep our outdoor storytimes fun and engaging they are limited to the first 20 participants. Weather permitting. For ages 18 months – 5 years old. Learn more. ⟶…
Find out more »Spy Moves with AM Yoga
Spy Moves with AM Yoga Mondays, June 14, 21, 28, July 12, 19 10:00 am Virtual Event | GRPL’s Facebook Page & YouTube Channel Bend, flex, and learn all of the best, top-secret moves to be a spy. AM Yoga will teach you some fun spy moves to help you dodge laser beam obstacles, hide in creative places, and more. Stretch your body and your imagination with us each week! Learn more. ⟶ https://www.grpl.org/summerreading/
Find out more »Outdoor Storytime with GRPL | Martin Luther King Jr. Park
If you love stories, songs, and rhymes join the Grand Rapids Public Library for a chance to get the wiggles out with your friends at the park on Monday mornings! For ages 0 – 5 years old. Storytime Kits are available for every child to take home (while supplies last). Martin Luther King Jr. Park - 900 Fuller Ave SE, 49506 Mondays, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, and September 13, 2021 11:00 – 11:30 am Learn more here.
Find out more »Spanish Storytime with the Cook Library Center
Spanish Storytime with the Cook Library Center Tuesdays, June 15, 22, 29, July 13, 20 10:00 am Virtual Event | GRPL’s Facebook Page & YouTube Channel Every week we will feature a new, exciting story read by our friends from the Cook Library Center! These Spanish storytimes will feature books and string stories read by members of the community. Let your imagination soar and have some fun en español. Learn more. ⟶ https://www.grpl.org/summerreading/
Find out more »Storytime in the Park with StorytimeGR (MLK Park)
Storytime in the Park with StorytimeGR Tuesdays, June 15, July 27, August 10 6:30 pm Martin Luther King Jr. Park – 900 Fuller Ave SE Join us this summer for stories, free books and ice cream, special guests, and a whole lot of fun! For all ages of kids and teens. StorytimeGR is a partnership of the Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Read GR, and Grand Valley State University. Learn more. ⟶ https://www.grpl.org/summerreading/
Find out more »Blandford Nature Center Presents Spies of Nature
Blandford Nature Center Presents Spies of Nature Wednesdays, June 16, 23, 30, July 14, 21 10:00 am Virtual Event | GRPL’s Facebook Page & YouTube Channel Did you know animals have some super secret tricks of their own? Join the Blandford Nature Center to learn about the way cool animals blend in with their world and secretly communicate with one another. Learn more. ⟶ https://www.grpl.org/summerreading/
Find out more »Comic Geek Out 2021
Comic Geek Out Saturday, June 19, 2021, 1:00 – 4:00 pm In-person | Yankee Clipper Branch – 2025 Leonard NE Virtual Events | GRPL’s Facebook Page & YouTube Channel Discover your inner hero at the library’s comic event. Celebrate the comic books you love, and geek out on your favorite fandom. Join us for hands-on activities, free books, a comic workshop, and other fun events! For a full schedule of events, visit https://www.grpl.org/comic-geek-out/.
Find out more »Outdoor Storytime with GRPL | Lincoln Park
If you love stories, songs, and rhymes join the Grand Rapids Public Library for a chance to get the wiggles out with your friends at the park on Monday mornings! For ages 0 – 5 years old. Storytime Kits are available for every child to take home (while supplies last). Lincoln Park - 1120 Bridge St NW, 49504 Mondays, May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, and September 20, 2021 11:00 – 11:30 am Learn more here.
Find out more »GR Crime Tours
GR Crime Tours Monday, June 21, 2021, 7:00 pm Meet at the flagpole at the Main Library – 111 Library St NE Learn about some of the most infamous crimes in Grand Rapids on this 1 hour walking tour. Led by comedian Eirann Betka-Pope, explore the streets of downtown Grand Rapids. You will visit local sites known for their historical crime and lore. Tours meet in the Main Library’s parking lot by the flagpole. Limit of 15 participants- first come…
Find out more »GR Crime Tours for Teens
GR Crime Tours for Teens Tuesdays, June 22, July 20, August 3 | 5:00 pm Saturdays, June 12 and July 10 | 5:00 pm Meet at the Main Library by the flag pole Join GRPL and GR Crime Tours for a fun and educational trip around the city. Explore downtown Grand Rapids and visit local sites infamous for historical crime and folklore. Led by comedian Eirann Betka-Pope, this light-hearted and educational program is perfect for young true-crime enthusiasts. Light refreshments will be…
Find out more »Curator Battle: GRPL v. GRPM
Curator Battle: GRPL v. GRPM Thursday, June 24, 2021, 4:00 pm Virtual Event | The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) Facebook Page Librarian vs. Curator. Who will win? Watch as a GRPL librarian goes head to head with a Grand Rapids Public Museum curator. This Curator Battle will showcase unique items in both institution's collections. This friendly competition is sure to educate and entertain. Share Your Library Story Public libraries have a special place in people’s hearts. From childhood memories to…
Find out more »African American Live Museum
African American Live Museum Saturday, June 26, 2021, 2:00 - 4:00 pm Campau Park - 50 Antoine SW Rain location: New Hope Baptist Church - 130 Delaware St SW Watch some of the most important figures in African American history come to life. as they share their life stories, struggles, and accomplishments. Portrayed by actors from New Hope Baptist Church, learn more about the notable figures featured in Black Bottom Saints. Please note: The cast does not interact with viewers.…
Find out more »Private Love, Public School: Gay Teacher Under Fire
Private Love, Public School: Gay Teacher Under Fire Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 6:30 pm Zoom - Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HrKJ15-dS2O2qAGoEguIxw Private Love, Public School by Christine A. Yared recounts the true story of Gerry Crane. Crane, a high school music teacher, was one of the best teachers at his school. In October 1995, Gerry and his partner married in a private commitment ceremony. Word spread that he had married a man and the much loved teacher came under fire from parents…
Find out more »Storytime in the Park with StorytimeGR (Lincoln Park)
Storytime in the Park with StorytimeGR Tuesdays, June 29, July 13, August 17 6:30 pm Lincoln Park – 1120 Bridge St NW Join us this summer for stories, free books and ice cream, special guests, and a whole lot of fun! For all ages of kids and teens. StorytimeGR is a partnership of the Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Read GR, and Grand Valley State University. Learn more. ⟶ https://www.grpl.org/summerreading/
Find out more »July 2021
Outside Reading Club: Being Mortal
Outside Reading Club Saturday, July 10, 2021, 12:00 - 1:00 pm Yankee Clipper Branch | 2025 Leonard St NE Space is limited. Registration required. This event is weather permitting. Calling all readers! Join us for a new outdoor book club that focuses on nonfiction titles. Each month we will meet on the lawn at select library locations to discuss celebrated titles. Seating will be available but guests are welcome to bring their own seating or blankets. Selected title: Being Mortal…
Find out more »GR Crime Tours
GR Crime Tours Wednesday, July 14, 2021, 7:00 pm Meet at the flagpole at the Main Library – 111 Library St NE Learn about some of the most infamous crimes in Grand Rapids on this 1 hour walking tour. Led by comedian Eirann Betka-Pope, explore the streets of downtown Grand Rapids. You will visit local sites known for their historical crime and lore. Tours meet in the Main Library’s parking lot by the flagpole. Limit of 15 participants- first come…
Find out more »GR Reads: The Movies – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
GR Reads: The Movies - Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Wednesday, July 21, 2021, 7:00 pm Wealthy Theatre - 1130 Wealthy St SE Ma Rainey was one of the most famous and prolific recording artists of the early 20th century. Known as the “Mother of the Blues,” this film follows Ma Rainey as tensions rise with her band, manager, and girlfriend. Featuring performances by Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman in his award-winning final role. Please follow COVID safety measures. Tickets are…
Find out more »August 2021
“Art of Spies” with the Division Avenue ArtCollective (DAAC)
“Art of Spies” with the Division Avenue ArtCollective (DAAC) Mondays, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 10:00 am Virtual Event | GRPL’s Facebook Page & YouTube Channel Want to learn how to camouflage, or create your own spy theme song? Being a good spy requires a lot of creativity. DAAC will help you flex your spy skills using art, music, and writing! Learn more. ⟶ https://www.grpl.org/summerreading/
Find out more »Panel on Modern Families
Panel on Modern Families Wednesday, August 4, 2021, 7:00 pm Zoom Gone are the days of a “traditional” family featuring a dad, a mom and 2.2 children. Families today come in all shapes and sizes, and all are valid and loving. Join us for a community discussion about what makes a modern family. Hear from local parents Carrie Stratton Burrows, Renee Orr Carr, Chazz Darling, and Jazz McKinney. They will lead this discussion and share their parenting insights and wisdom. …
Find out more »GR Reads: The Movies – Minari
GR Reads: The Movies - Minari Wednesday, August 11, 2021, 7:00 pm Wealthy Theatre - 1130 Wealthy St SE A tender and sweeping story about what roots us, Minari follows a Korean-American family that moves to a tiny Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream. The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. Amidst the instability and challenges of this new life in the rugged Ozarks, Minari shows the undeniable…
Find out more »Mastering the Art of Pho
Mastering the Art of Pho Thursday, August 12, 2021, 6:00 pm Zoom Join The Good Bowl restaurant for a fun and interactive cooking class with Executive Chef and co-owner Tony Vu. He will walk you through how to master the art of Vietnam’s national homemade pho VIRTUALLY in the comfort of your own kitchen. You’ll learn about the iconic dish's origins, its healthful benefits, and how to make and serve pho. You will also gain insights and history about Vietnamese…
Find out more »Outside Reading Club: The Fire Next Time
Outside Reading Club Saturday, August 14, 2021, 12:00 - 1:00 pm Seymour Branch | 2350 Eastern Ave SE Space is limited. Registration required. This event is weather permitting. Calling all readers! Join us for a new outdoor book club that focuses on nonfiction titles. Each month we will meet on the lawn at select library locations to discuss celebrated titles. Seating will be available but guests are welcome to bring their own seating or blankets. Selected title: The Fire Next…
Find out more »GR Crime Tours
GR Crime Tours Thursday, August 19, 2021, 7:00 pm Meet at the flagpole at the Main Library – 111 Library St NE Learn about some of the most infamous crimes in Grand Rapids on this 1 hour walking tour. Led by comedian Eirann Betka-Pope, explore the streets of downtown Grand Rapids. You will visit local sites known for their historical crime and lore. Tours meet in the Main Library’s parking lot by the flagpole. Limit of 15 participants- first come…
Find out more »Cerulean Sea Family Celebration
Cerulean Sea Family Celebration Saturday, August 21, 2021, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Riverside Park Bandshell - 3060 Monroe NE Come celebrate families of all kinds! Enjoy crafts, lawn games and refreshments. Local photographers will take free family portraits. Listen to special storytimes about diverse families like LGBTQ+, adoptive, and foster families. This program will be held rain or shine. Please follow COVID safety measures. Learn more. ⟶ https://www.grpl.org/grreads/
Find out more »GR Reads: The Movies – Clue
GR Reads: The Movies - Clue Wednesday, August 25, 2021, 7:00 pm Wealthy Theatre - 1130 Wealthy St SE Based on the popular board game, this comedy begins at a dinner party hosted by Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving), where he admits to blackmailing his visitors. These guests, who have aliases, are: Mrs. Peacock (Eileen Brennan), Miss Scarlet (Lesley Ann Warren), Mr. Green (Michael McKean), professor Plum (Christopher Lloyd), Mrs. White (Madeline Kahn) and Col. Mustard (Martin Mull). When Boddy turns…
Find out more »September 2021
Outside Reading Club: How to Change Your Mind
Outside Reading Club Saturday, Sept 11, 2021, 12:00 - 1:00 pm Yankee Clipper Branch | 2025 Leonard St NE Space is limited. Registration required. This event is weather permitting. Calling all readers! Join us for a new outdoor book club that focuses on nonfiction titles. Each month we will meet on the lawn at select library locations to discuss celebrated titles. Seating will be available but guests are welcome to bring their own seating or blankets. Selected title: How to…
Find out more »October 2021
Outside Reading Club: All About Love
Outside Reading Club Saturday, Oct 9, 2021, 12:00 - 1:00 pm Seymour Branch | 2350 Eastern Ave SE Space is limited. Registration required. This event is weather permitting. Calling all readers! Join us for a new outdoor book club that focuses on nonfiction titles. Each month we will meet on the lawn at select library locations to discuss celebrated titles. Seating will be available but guests are welcome to bring their own seating or blankets. Selected title: All About Love…
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