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Almost Adulting
Teens: get answers to your money questions! Learn how to find a job, figure out the smartest way to bank, and discover strategies for getting and using scholarships in this 3-part series. Because almost adulting is hard work, a snack will be provided. Spanish resources will be available. Get smart with your money now and set yourself up for a successful future. This week: Get Schooled. Turn scholarships into earned money! College is expensive and a little effort can go…
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.
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.
Find out more »Mind Meets Music
Celebrate learning through music! Mind Meets Music is an academic achievement program using music to improve literacy skills. Children in grades Kindergarten - 2nd grade will experience songs, games, movement, and core lessons centered around reading and writing music. Children learn music in new ways while expressing their own unique creativity.
Find out more »Learn to Code with Lynda.com
Do you want to learn to write computer programs, design websites, and create mobile apps for free and on your own time? With Lynda.com and your GRPL library card, you can get started right away. In this series of classes, learn how to begin coding and develop skills that are needed in the tech job market. First, discover the basic tools used in coding and some simple techniques to get started. In the following two classes, you will begin to…
Find out more »STEAM Ahead Storytime
Children ages 3-5 can discover the world around them through science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Join us for a 20-minute storytime followed by 25-minutes of hands-on activities.
Find out more »Cash-Flow for Small Business
The most important part of any business plan is the financial section. It’s where the rubber meets the road, but it’s also hard to understand. Serial entrepreneur and mentor Dennis Dornbush will teach the ins and outs of startup financials. Learn about break-even analysis, keeping up with cash-flows, budgeting, and other skills to make sure your start-up is on the right track. Basic spreadsheet skills are needed for this class.
Find out more »Grantseeking Research for Nonprofits
Designed for beginner fundraisers, this brief course shows how your organization can identify potential funders and prepare to seek grants. Using the Foundation Directory Online Platinum, a database of 140,000 funding sources, students will compile a list of foundation prospects that match their organization's needs. We'll also briefly touch upon other grant sources, such as government and business, and learn about various guidelines to proposal writing.
Find out more »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.
Find out more »WordPress for Small Business
Marketing is about the stories we tell, and the tools we use to tell them. In this series, learn how any entrepreneur can build a compelling website to connect with consumers and using WordPress.com, a free online content management system. Learn how to build an awesome site, write for the web, and basic tactics to help you connect with your customers.
Find out more »Building Basic Computer Skills
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 being developing your skills to navigate the Internet, mobile devices, and many types of software.
Find out more »In-Home Care and Senior Residences
Carol Hillman from the Michigan Attorney Generals office, will provide information about available resources for in-home care or senior residence care. Learn how to make the best decisions for yourself or a loved one who needs care. Light refreshments will be served.
Find out more »Grand Rapids Zine Artist Panel
Join GRPL and Vault of Midnight for a panel discussion with some of Grand Rapids’ best zine artists. Cody Flowers (Neighborhood Watch), Lydia VanHoven (The Bandit Zine), Frankie Johnson (Glass Crayon), Kim Nguyen (FLAP), and Scott Wygmans (Metal Heads) will discuss their art and how you can get started making your own zine. Each artist will be selling their artwork at the discussion and will be available to sign copies and answer questions.
Find out more »Block Party
Kids 6 and up can explore engineering, art, math, and other core concepts using Legos and other building blocks. Each month with 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 »Off to the Great War: West Michigan World War I Veterans
Many people from West Michigan served in World War I. Follow their experiences from the time they joined up through their service overseas. Learn the process of locating their records as well as how they can shed light on a veteran’s time during the Great War. Co-sponsored by the Western Michigan Genealogical Society.
Find out more »CHAOS Lab
Toddlers and preschoolers will explore the world through merry mess-making. Each month there will be a new set of activities to make kids squeal with glee! Create some chaos in the library, not in your home. Dress for a mess! This month: Monstrous Mess. Pretend you're a little monster and make a monster sized mess! Play with melting play dough, monster soup, and more.
Find out more »Discovering the Internet
Using the Internet can be an intimidating experience for many people. 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 »Evening Explorers
Do you like to build and discover how things work? Kids in grades 1-5 can have a unique, hands-on STEAM experience each month. Take part in science experiments and activities to learn how things work and explore the world around you. This month: Edible Architecture. Learn about the science behind buildings and build a structure with things you eat.
Find out more »The Building of 196
Seymour F. Beiloer took photographs in Grand Rapids during a time of great change. From north to south, the city was divided by a freeway. Not long after the roadway was finished, I196 was build from east to west. Both of these builds tore down houses and businesses. Neighborhoods were divided. They physical walls of the freeways put up visual and mental divides. The photographic documentation that Beiboer made shows the aftermath of the demolition, otherworldly landscape, and the construction…
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 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 State…
Find out more »How to Change a Mind
Rhetoric is a word that gets tossed around a lot, but what is it really, and what does it do? Very simply, rhetoric is persuasive communication. It’s everywhere, from everyday marketing to Facebook. Dr. Jillian Canode will share what rhetorical tools are, how they’re used, and how they affect how you think.
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, discover how social media uses personal information and how you can regain some control over your online profiles. We will discuss important settings and features that help you control your social media profiles and online identity.
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 a brief introduction to email, this class teaches you how to communicate with others online and offers tips on how to be safe while doing so. Learn the basics of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Find out what you need to get started with Skype, Google Hangouts and other video calling services.
Find out more »After the Bell on Thursday
After the Bell on Thursday (AtBoT) is your time to hang and do something at the library when school is out—a craft, activity, or movie. Each month will be something different. This month: PC Take Apart. For grades 6-12. Ride to Read passes will be available.
Find out more »Music in the Stacks: Valentiger
Have a musical interlude in the library! As you browse the collection, enjoy a performance by Valentiger. Carefully crafted and effortlessly orchestrated, Valentiger’s collective confidence is as deserved as it is tongue-in-cheek. Their infusion of wit and humor with an enlightened cultural outlook creates a product as reflective of their individual personalities as it is cloaked in surprising wisdom.
Find out more »Friends of the Library Book Sale
Huge used book sale! Find treasures, bargains, and more! All proceeds benefit the Grand Rapids Public Library.
Find out more »DIY@GRPL: Torn Paper Art
Create your own colorful masterpiece using torn paper. You might be surprised at how incredible this fun and relaxing project turns out! All supplies provided.
Find out more »Managing your Digital Footprint
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 your experience online. This class offers methods and tools you can use right away to begin managing your online profiles, passwords and information.
Find out more »Keep on the Grass: A Brief History of Grand Rapids Parks
There was a time when people flocked to city parks in the summer to escape the heat beneath the shade of large trees, to picnic on the lawns, to watch baseball games, play tennis, swim, and to socialize with their neighbors. Parks provided supervised games and activities six days a week throughout the summer for the city’s children. Dances and other activities were held in park buildings. In the winter, the parks offered skating and sledding. Michigan historians Chris Byron…
Find out more »Dìa de los Muertos: Celebrating Day of the Dead
Come celebrate Día de los Muertos with the Grand Rapids Public Library. Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that honors family and friends who have passed on. Loved ones come together to build altars that celebrate the life and memory of the dead. This is a time of celebration and joy, filled with talk and memories of those who have died. Altars from members of the community honoring family and friends will be on display. Every altar is…
Find out more »Basic Computer Maintenance
Have you noticed your computer slowing down? Have you had a virus or malware infect your machine? In this class, we demonstrate a few basic things you can do to keep your desktop, laptop, or mobile device running smoothly and efficiently. Learn about the various problems and threats that can completely disable or reduce the lifespan of your machine.
Find out more »CHAOS Lab
Toddlers and preschoolers will explore the world through merry mess-making. Each month there will be a new set of activities to make kids squeal with glee! Create some chaos in the library, not in your home. Dress for a mess! This month: Snow and Slush.Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow . . . in the library! Play with cool to the touch cloud dough, fluffy goop, and other things.
Find out more »Evening Explorers
Do you like to build and discover how things work? Kids in grades 1-5 can have a unique, hands-on STEAM experience each month. Take part in science experiments and activities to learn how things work and explore the world around you. This month: Toy Take Apart. Have you ever wondered what is inside your favorite toy? We will provide a variety of toys that you can take apart and see how they work.
Find out more »Internet Privacy: Protecting Yourself in the Digital Age
It seems every day we hear about how governments, corporations, and hackers are gaining access to individual accounts and personal information. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to minimize risk as you go online. Join us in learning how to secure information and manage your digital footprint. Topics include securing your internet connection and browser, creating and managing effective passwords, and using email aliases to keep your information secure.
Find out more »CHAOS Lab
Toddlers and preschoolers will explore the world through merry mess-making. Each month there will be a new set of activities to make kids squeal with glee! Create some chaos in the library, not in your home. Dress for a mess! This month: Patterns and Printing. Have you ever made a swirly picture using shaving cream? Print patters, make pictures, and have fun using paint, potatoes, and other messy things.
Find out more »How to Use the Library to Write a Business Plan
Do you have a great idea for a business? Take the first step to starting your own: write a business plan. A more advanced class designed for those who already have a working knowledge of computers and the Internet, this course will highlight library resources to assist students in crafting a well-written business plan. Both online and offline resources will be highlighted.
Find out more »Evening Explorers
Do you like to build and discover how things work? Kids in grades 1-5 can have a unique, hands-on STEAM experience each month. Take part in science experiments and activities to learn how things work and explore the world around you. This month: High (and Low) Tech Greeting Cards. Use math and circuitry to create fun and interactive greeting cards.
Find out more »