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November 2019
Mindstorm Saturdays
Kids ages 10 and up can explore robotics every Saturday at the library. Using Lego Mindstorms EV3 kits, these hands-on robotics teach essential coding skills, problem solving and more. This is a self-guided, drop-in event. Team members from Team Asteroids 14486 will be available to offer instruction on building and programming robots.
Find out more »Lego Block Party
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. This month’s challenge: Design a restaurant.
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 cup of coffee while meeting new people and learning helpful early literacy tips. Drop in for an hour of friends and fun.
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? Learn how social media uses personal information and how to regain some control over your online profiles. Discover important settings and features that help control your social media profiles and online identity.
Find out more »December 2019
Holistic Job Seeking
Study the job seeking process and build your understanding of yourself to create solid job seeking processes that will keep you on track. Walk away with a better understanding of the job seeking process and gain the confidence that comes with knowing what questions to ask, and how a good job seeker asks them.
Find out more »1,000 Photographs: A Visual Journey of Family Roots
In the mid-1980s, art collector George Bayard was amazed to find boxes upon boxes for family photographs his grandmother had squirreled away for years. He became interested in connecting the thousands of images to the names on his family tree. Out of all the photographs, only 100 were identified in the pictures. George began his journey to give the diverse group of images some context within his own family genealogy and folklore. He will share some of the incredible breakthroughs…
Find out more »Lego Block Party
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. This month’s challenge: Create a marble maze.
Find out more »Internet Safety Bootcamp
Each year, millions of people are victims of identity theft. While there is no way to ensure all of your data is completely safe, you can minimize the risk and contain data breaches by developing good online habits. Attendees will have a chance to test their passwords, sign up for an online password manager, and enable two factor authentication on their accounts. Bring any personal smartphones, laptops, email addresses, and passwords you will need to use in securing your online…
Find out more »Music in the Stacks: Perren
Perren is some guitars, a snare, a bass drum and a hi-hat. Sometimes Perren is three brothers from Michigan, sometimes it's just Jonah Yoshonis and some weird wires and a computer and a red keyboard. And sometimes Perren is three friends from the midwest playing their respective instruments, not saying much to each other but maintaining continuous eye contact for 20 or 30 minutes. Perren is My Friend's House. Perren is As You/Perren. Perren is Apples and Peanut Butter. Perren's…
Find out more »Social Justice Begins with Me: A Book Club for Kids
Children ages 4-11 can explore social justice topics that impact their daily lives through children's literature. GVSU, GRPL and community volunteers a will read children's books on that month's social justice topic (e.g. celebrating diversity, gender, equity, disability). After the book readings, we discuss the month's social justice topic in small groups and enjoy a snack and themed craft activity. This program is a partnership between the Grand Rapids Public Library and the School of Social Work at Grand Valley…
Find out more »DIY@GRPL: Felt Garlands and Wood Ornaments
Join us for two DIY crafts this month: felt garlands and wood ornaments! Supplies are provided and space is limited.
Find out more »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 »January 2020
Michigan Online: Family History Tools for the Great Lakes State
Kris Rzepczynski, Senior Archivist at the Archives of Michigan, will lead this session exploring important Michigan online genealogical resources, including both popular and lesser-known sites. He will also discuss effective strategies for genealogists conducting research specifically in the state of Michigan. Kris will draw on this years of experience as a genealogist with expertise in research in the Midwest. This program is co-sponsored by the Western Michigan Genealogical Society.
Find out more »Building Basic Computer Skills
Are you confused by computer terms and lingo? In this class you will develop the skills and terms you will need to navigate the Internet, mobile devices, and many types of computer software.
Find out more »Division Avenue: A Trip Back in Time (Part II)
In part two of this series, Ed Paciencia will look back at South Division between Wealthy and 28th Street, showcasing photographs and sharing stories from his book, The History of South Division. Ed will highlight more than seventy buildings that were located on this stretch of road. This part of South Division saw good times (booming businesses) as well as bad (bombings and bank robberies). He will also discuss the railroads that cross South Division and the Plaster Creek area.…
Find out more »Discovering the Internet
Learn how the Internet works and 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 »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 - 111 Library St NE
Find out more »Music in the Stacks: Zachary Trebellas
Fruit Punch is the musical project of Zachary Trebellas. The raps he creates are often homoerotic and confessional with topics ranging from comedic to serious. In both music and performance he is inspired by Kpop and British New Wave in equal measure. From start to finish Fruit Punch is a pop project and Trebellas works to create an entertaining show and connect with his audience.
Find out more »Exploring Social Media and Email
The Internet and social media have made it easier than ever to keep in touch with friends and family. Beginning with an introduction to email, this class will teach you how to communicate online and offer tips on how to stay safe while doing so. Learn the basics of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Discover how to get started with Skype and other video calling services.
Find out more »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 »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 »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.
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