Sure, a good portion of our programs are for families, kids and teens, but we didn’t want you grown-ups to miss out on all the library fun! We have an exciting line-up of programs for adults taking place at our branches this summer. These programs will help you learn a new skill, plan a vacation or even determine if someone is trying to deceive you! Click on each event title for dates, times, locations and the event description. Don’t let the kids have all the fun!

• Book Sales
• Computer Classes and Technology Programs
• Sit-N-Stitch
• Midwest Travels with Steve Ellis
• Zen Design
• Cascade Writer’s Group
• Music on the Deck
• Beneath the Surface: Earth Shelter Project Michigan
• Digging for the Truth Using Linguistic Statement Analysis
• Author Visit: Scott Bitely
• Crossroads: Exploring Business Ownership Options

Join millions of readers around the world reading one eBook. As part of Overdrive’s Big Library Read program, we are pleased to offer our patrons unlimited access to the eBook The Four Corners of the Sky by Michael Malone now through June 1. No matter how many KDL patrons are reading this eBook, we will have a copy available for you to download.

The Four Corners of the Sky is master storyteller Michael Malone’s novel of love, secrets, and the mysterious bonds of families. Malone brings characters to life as only he can, exploring the questions that defy easy answers: Is love a choice or a calling? Why do the ties of family bind so tightly? And is forgiveness a gift to others…or a gift we give ourselves?

We encourage you to join this global “library book club!”

The school year is winding down, and that means we are gearing up for Summer Reading @ KDL. With programs for kids, teens and adults, we are inviting the whole family to get Grounded in Happiness @ KDL. And if discovering some great books isn’t enough of an incentive to participate, we have also got some awesome prizes up for grabs, including gift cards to nearly 20 different stores, John Ball Zoo memberships, iPods, NOOK eReaders and more!

Summer Reading @ KDL kicks off on Saturday, June 1. Stop by your local branch to sign up, and don’t forget to pick up a program guide while you’re there. Our summer line-up includes dinosaurs, magic, animals, food and music, just to name a few! Watch this video to amp up your excitement!

Thank you for helping us address childhood hunger in Kent County by supporting Kids’ Food Basket! During the month of April, KDL Gives Back sponsored juice box collection and bag decorating stations at all 18 branches. Together we were able to collect and donate 1,300 juice boxes and 2,500 brown paper lunch bags. Thank you for your generosity!

In addition to the donations, over 70 KDL staff, family and friends were able to spend two great evenings at Kids’ Food Basket making close to 4,500 sandwiches and packing just as many sack suppers!

Kids’ Food Basket is a nonprofit West Michigan organization whose mission is to make sure children in our community do not go to bed hungry. The group began more than nine years ago by serving 125 kids every school day through its Sack Supper program, and now serves nearly 5,000 kids every day.

*top photo courtesy Kids’ Food Basket

On Saturday, May 4, a team of KDL staff, friends and family participated in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in downtown Grand Rapids.

The KDL team raised over $1,500 to help fight breast cancer!

Thanks to everyone who supported our team!

Book Bash is just around the corner! Make plans to visit the KDL Service Center (814 West River Center Dr. NE in Comstock Park) on Saturday, April 27 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM or Sunday, April 28 between 1:00 and 4:00 PM.

Not only can you shop a giant warehouse book sale, but you can also enjoy free events for the whole family including face painting, Zumba classes, a children’s book swap, a local authors book fair and more! Proceeds will support library programs including Summer Reading @ KDL.

Find out more at www.kdlbookbash.org.

Don’t miss out on all the fun and good deals at Book Bash! Not only will the event include a giant warehouse book and media sale, but also a host of free programs for all ages. Sign up for a Grow Happiness Gardening Project taking place at noon on Saturday, April 27. Come join Cindy Wells from Home Depot as she teaches you how to enhance your gardening skills. Each attendee will be entered to win the potted plant that will be made during class!

Book Bash will take place at the KDL Service Center (814 West River Center Dr. in Comstock Park) on Saturday, April 27 from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday, April 28 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM.

We hope to see you there!

April is National Poetry Month, and that means KDL is hosting its 10th annual Word Wise teen poetry contest.

Through April 30, teens are invited to submit their original poems online or at their local KDL branch.  Winners will be announced mid-May, and each of the ten winners will receive a $50 gift card to Schuler Books & Music.  The winning poems will be published on the KDL website.  Take some time to check out our teen page for a complete list of rules and an online entry form.

We look forward to reading some great poems.  Happy writing!

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for Book Bash, taking place April 27 and 28 at the KDL Service Center, located at 814 West River Center Dr.  in Comstock Park. Watch this segment from FOX 17 to learn more about this exciting event!

Kent District Library Book Bash

Book Bash is less than two weeks away… don’t forget to mark your calendar! Not only will the event include a giant warehouse book and media sale, but also a host of great programs. Sign up for a free Zumba class taking place at 8:15 AM and 2:30 PM on Saturday, April 27. Take a break from shopping and enjoy a fun workout!

Book Bash will take place at the KDL Service Center (814 West River Center Dr. in Comstock Park) on Saturday, April 27 from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday, April 28 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM.

We hope to see you there!