September 2022
The US Census: Data and Your Community with the West Michigan Research Network
The US Census: Data and Your Community with the West Michigan Research Network Monday, September 26, 2022, 6:30 - 8:30 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Join Jeff Williams, Director of Community Data and Research Lab at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy for a presentation on the 2020 Census, immediately followed by a panel discussion of West Michigan researchers moderated by Neil Carlson, Director of Datawise Consulting (Formerly the Calvin Center for Social Research). This program …
Find out more »Voter 101 with the League of Women Voters of the Greater Grand Rapids Area
Voter 101 with the League of Women Voters of the Greater Grand Rapids Area Tuesday, September 27, 2022, 6:30 - 7:30 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Curious or unsure about voting in the upcoming election? Join the League of Women Voters of the Greater Grand Rapids Area for Voter 101! The League of Women Voters, a non-partisan organization, will walk you through the voting process from registration to casting your ballot and everything in between. Opportunities to…
Find out more »Managing Your Digital Footprint
Managing Your Digital Footprint Wednesday, Sept 28, 2022, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Monday, Nov 28, 2022, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Have you ever forgotten a password? Do you wish you had a plan to manage your online information and protect your privacy? 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…
Find out more »Music in the Stacks: Cabildo
Music in the Stacks: Cabildo Thursday, September 29, 2022, 6:00 - 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE, First Floor Enjoy local music at the Grand Rapids Public Library! Featuring emerging and established talent, Music in the Stacks is a fun and lively event designed for all ages. Concerts take place in the book stacks on the first floor of the Main Library. Seating is first come, first served. Cabildo is a West Michigan based alternative Latin rock…
Find out more »Hispanic Heritage Game Day
Hispanic Heritage Game Day Fridays, September 30, 2022, 4:00 - 6:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Join the Grand Rapids Public Library for a classic Bingo game, Loteria, and test your knowledge with trivia about Hispanic history and culture. This family-friendly event is designed for all ages. Games will be played in both English and Spanish. Día de Juegos de la Herencia Hispana Viernes, 30 de septiembre, 2022, 4:00 - 6:00 pm Biblioteca Principal – 111…
Find out more »October 2022
Socktober
Socktober Monday, October 3 - Friday, November 4, 2022 All Grand Rapids Public Library locations during open hours. Did you know? November is National Runaway/Houseless Youth Awareness Month! In honor, we're partnering with Arbor Circle to collect socks for youth in need. Please drop off brand new socks to your favorite GRPL branch–or visit a new one! Donations will be accepted from October 3rd to November 4th.
Find out more »Family Storytime | Main Library
Family Storytime Mondays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14 10:30 am | Main Library – 111 Library St NE Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their children ages 0 to 5 years to this storytime featuring great books, songs, fingerplays, and hands-on fun. Classes end with an art activity and playtime designed to help your child's brain grow.
Find out more »Ready, Set, Play! | West Leonard Branch
Ready, Set, Play! Mondays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21 3:00 - 5:00 pm | West Leonard Branch - 1017 Leonard NW Free play helps build social skills, communication, creativity, and more importantly, confidence! If you have an elementary or middle schooler who wants to de-stress and have fun with games and activities at the library, this drop-in program is for you!
Find out more »Fiesta Storytimes | Seymour Branch
Fiesta Storytimes Monday, October 3, 2022 5:00 - 6:30 pm | Seymour Branch – 2350 Eastern SE Join members of the community and GRPL staff for a bilingual book reading! Latino music, snacks, and free children’s books will be available while supplies last at these events celebrating Hispanic Heritage.
Find out more »Pajama Time
Pajama Time Mondays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14 6:30 pm | West Leonard Branch - 1017 Leonard NW Get cozy in your pajamas, grab your favorite stuffed animals or blanket, and come to the library for a special bedtime event! Listen to stories, sing songs, and get those wiggles out before bed. Great for working parents of children age 5 and under!
Find out more »Toddler Time | West Side Branch
Toddler Time Tuesdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15 10:30 am | West Side Branch - 713 Bridge St NW 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.
Find out more »Family Storytime | Seymour Branch
Family Storytime Mondays, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16 10:30 am | Seymour Branch – 2350 Eastern SE This event will take place at our outdoor Library on the Lawn. In case of inclement weather, this event series will be moved indoors. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their children ages 0 to 5 years to this storytime featuring great books, songs, fingerplays, and hands-on fun. Classes end with an art activity and playtime designed to…
Find out more »Family Storytime | Van Belkum Branch
Family Storytime Mondays, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16 10:30 am | Van Belkum Branch - 1563 Plainfield NE Please note: This storytime takes place before normal open hours. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their children ages 0 to 5 years to this storytime featuring great books, songs, fingerplays, and hands-on fun. Classes end with an art activity and playtime designed to help your child's brain grow.
Find out more »Toddler Time | Yankee Clipper Branch
Toddler Time Thursdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17 10:30 am | Yankee Clipper Branch – 2025 Leonard NE 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.
Find out more »Music in the Stacks: Gabriel Estrada III
Music in the Stacks: Gabriel Estrada III Thursday, October 6, 2022, 6:00 - 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE, First Floor Enjoy local music at the Grand Rapids Public Library! Featuring emerging and established talent, Music in the Stacks is a fun and lively event designed for all ages. Concerts take place in the book stacks on the first floor of the Main Library. Seating is first come, first served. Influenced by music at an early age,…
Find out more »Family Storytime | Ottawa Hills Branch
Family Storytime Mondays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18 10:30 am | Ottawa Hills Branch - 1150 Giddings SE Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their children ages 0 to 5 years to this storytime featuring great books, songs, fingerplays, and hands-on fun. Classes end with an art activity and playtime designed to help your child's brain grow.
Find out more »Meet Me at the Library! | Yankee Clipper Branch
Meet Me at the Library! Saturdays, October 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19, 2022 10:30 am - 1:00 pm Yankee Clipper Branch – 2025 Leonard NE It's a play date at the library! Kids and caregivers are invited to the West Side or Yankee Clipper branches on Saturdays this fall. Drop in between 10:30 am and 1:00 pm for family-friendly fun and refreshments. Bring your friends or make some new ones at these weekly neighborhood parties featuring toys,…
Find out more »Meet Me at the Library! | West Side
Meet Me at the Library! Saturdays, October 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19, 2022 10:30 am - 1:00 pm West Side Branch - 713 Bridge St NW It's a play date at the library! Kids and caregivers are invited to the West Side or Yankee Clipper branches on Saturdays this fall. Drop in between 10:30 am and 1:00 pm for family-friendly fun and refreshments. Bring your friends or make some new ones at these weekly neighborhood parties featuring…
Find out more »Ready, Set, Play!| Madison Square Branch
Ready, Set, Play! Free play helps build social skills, communication, creativity, and more importantly, confidence! If you have an elementary or middle schooler who wants to de-stress and have fun with games and activities at the library, this drop-in program is for you! Saturdays, October 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19 11:00 am - 4:00 pm | Madison Square Branch - 1201 Madison Ave SE
Find out more »Adult Storytime
Adult Storytime Mondays, September 12, October 10, November 14, December 12, 6:30 - 7:30 pm Golden Age at Creston Brewery - 1504 Plainfield Ave NE Why should kids have all the storytime fun? Adults enjoy stories, too! Join us at the Golden Age at the Creston Brewery to sit back and relax as library staff and special guests read short stories aloud. Free appetizers are first come first served, and a full bar and menu are available for purchase. September…
Find out more »Social Justice Begins With ME
Social Justice Begins With ME Saturdays, September 24, October 15, November 19, December 10, 2022, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Join the Book Club! Each month, the Social Justice Begins with ME book club examines a different social justice topic. Children ages 4-8 listen to a book read by a volunteer and discuss the month’s social justice topics in small groups. Children ages 9-11 will read a book in advance and discuss the…
Find out more »Healthy Habits Book Club
Healthy Habits Book Club Wednesdays, September 14, October 19, November 16, 5:30 - 6:30 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Catherine's Health Center and the Grand Rapids Public Library are teaming up to bring you the Healthy Habits Book Club. Katie Hague, a Health Coach from Catherine's Health Center, will lead this monthly book discussion and provide additional strategies for making healthy choices. Participants will leave with more information about how to create new habits for a healthy…
Find out more »Fiesta Storytimes | West Side Branch
Fiesta Storytimes Thursday, October 20, 2022 5:00 - 6:30 pm | West Side Branch - 713 Bridge St NW Join members of the community and GRPL staff for a bilingual book reading! Latino music, snacks, and free children’s books will be available while supplies last at these events celebrating Hispanic Heritage.
Find out more »Creator Labs
Creator Labs Thursdays, October 20, November 17, December 15, 2022, 5:30 - 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Tweens and teens are invited to learn how to use GRPL's NEW maker equipment to create something cool to take home. Each month, we’ll explore a different art and design creation. For kids and teens ages 11-19. October 20: 3D Printed Keychains November 17: Green Screens & Photo Editing December 15: Personalized Vinyl Stickers
Find out more »Public Día de los Muertos Altars | Main Library
Public Día de los Muertos Altars Friday, October 21 – Thursday, November 3, 2022, during open hours Madison Square Branch - 1201 Madison SE Main Library - 111 Library St NE Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities’ Cook Library Center – 1100 Grandville Ave SW Experience altars created by talented artist Reyna Garcia. The altars highlight the significance of the Dia de los Muertos celebration within some of our Hispanic cultures. Printed educational material will be available for everyone that visits…
Find out more »Public Día de los Muertos Altars | Madison Square Branch
Public Día de los Muertos Altars Friday, October 21 – Thursday, November 3, 2022, during open hours Madison Square Branch - 1201 Madison SE Main Library - 111 Library St NE Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities’ Cook Library Center – 1100 Grandville Ave SW Experience altars created by talented artist Reyna Garcia. The altars highlight the significance of the Dia de los Muertos celebration within some of our Hispanic cultures. Printed educational material will be available for everyone that visits…
Find out more »Haunted Grand Rapids Tour for Teens
Haunted Grand Rapids Tour for Teens Monday, October 24, 2022, 5:00 - 6:00 pm Meet at the flagpole at the Main Library – 111 Library St NE Registration required. Join GR Crime Tours for a haunted walking tour of downtown Grand Rapids! Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, you'll have fun exploring the city and hearing its most notorious ghost stories. Just in time for Halloween! The tour will begin and end at the Main Library. For teens ages…
Find out more »Storytime After Dark: Tales and Treats | Ottawa Hills Branch
Storytime After Dark: Tales and Treats Tuesday, October 25, 2022 6:30 - 8:00 pm | Ottawa Hills Branch - 1150 Giddings SE Join us for special Storytimes After Dark! Put on your costumes, bring your friends and family, and join us at the library to hear ghostly stories. We’ll have Halloween crafts and tasty treats available while supplies last.
Find out more »Storytime After Dark: Tales and Treats | Madison Square Branch
Storytime After Dark: Tales and Treats Wednesday, October 26, 2022 6:30 - 8:00 pm | Madison Square Branch - 1201 Madison Ave SE Join us for special Storytimes After Dark! Put on your costumes, bring your friends and family, and join us at the library to hear ghostly stories. We’ll have Halloween crafts and tasty treats available while supplies last.
Find out more »Storytime After Dark: Tales and Treats | Seymour Branch
Storytime After Dark: Tales and Treats Thursday, October 27, 2022 6:30 - 8:00 pm | Seymour Branch – 2350 Eastern SE Join us for special Storytimes After Dark! Put on your costumes, bring your friends and family, and join us at the library to hear ghostly stories. We’ll have Halloween crafts and tasty treats available while supplies last.
Find out more »Friends of the Library Book Sale
Friends of the Library Book Sale Saturday, October 29 - Sunday, October 30, 2022 Main Library – 111 Library St NE Join us at our biggest book sale of the year! During this annual fundraiser, find bargains to help fill your home bookshelf, office, or classroom. Both cash and credit cards are accepted at this event. All proceeds benefit the Grand Rapids Public Library. Saturday, October 29, 2022 , 9:00 am - 4:00 pm All books are 50¢ each or…
Find out more »Grand Rapids’ Dia de los Muertos Festival
Grand Rapids’ Dia de los Muertos Festival Sunday, October 30, 2022, 3:00 – 7:00 pm Roosevelt Park - 1340 Godfrey Ave SW, Grand Rapids 49503 ¡Celebrate Día de los Muertos! Enjoy a community-created Día de los Muertos display at Roosevelt Park. Elaborate altars honoring family and friends who have passed away will be on display throughout the afternoon for attendees to view. Music, latino food, workshops, and crafts will also be available during this day-long festival. A Day of the…
Find out more »November 2022
Building Basic Computer Skills
Building Basic Computer Skills Wednesday, Sept 7, 2022, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Monday, Nov 7, 2022, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Are you often confused by computer terms and lingo? By learning the key concepts and basic terminology used in technology, you can build a foundation for digital literacy that will last a lifetime. In this class, you will begin the process of developing the skills you will need to navigate the Internet,…
Find out more »An Evening with Angeline Boulley
An Evening with Angeline Boulley Tuesday, November 8, 2022, 7:00 - 9:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Registration required Join the Grand Rapids Public Library for a lively conversation with #1 New York Times best-selling author, Angeline Boulley, about her celebrated book, Firekeeper's Daughter. The event will be followed by a book signing. Angeline Boulley is a Chippewa author and has worked to improve education for Indigenous children. Her debut work, Firekeeper's Daughter, was named one of…
Find out more »Discovering the Internet
Discovering the Internet Wednesday, Sept 14, 2022, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Monday, Nov 14, 2022, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Using the Internet can be an intimidating experience for many people. In this class, you will learn how the Internet works and basic definitions for the most common Internet terms. Discover tips and tricks on how to protect your information and identity while searching, shopping and surfing the web.
Find out more »Book Talk: Muslims of the Heartland
Book Talk: Muslims of the Heartland Thursday, November 17, 2022, 6:30 - 8:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Join us for an author visit with Dr. Edward E. Curtis IV, who will talk about his book "Muslims of the Heartland: How Syrian Immigrants Made a Home in the American Midwest". A Q&A session will follow this free event. Indie bookstore, Books and Mortar, will have Dr. Curtis' book available for purchase and signing. Refreshments provided. About the…
Find out more »Exploring Email
Exploring Email Wednesday, Sept 21, 2022, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Monday, Nov 21, 2022, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE The Internet is constantly evolving and developing new services and functions. But as services and social networks have come and gone, one tool has remained constant: email. In this class we will explore how to secure your email account and ensure you can always regain access should you forget your password. In addition, we…
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