Enjoy this post from WGVU Morning Show Host Shelley Irwin:

As a child, I read. And as a competitive first-born child, I entered the summer reading contests,and made the weekly trips to the library for book exchanges. Funny, I don’t remember a ceremonial “winning,” albeit maybe an 8 x 10 certificate… but I do remember the “doing”: the reading… in the car, at the table, in my purple bedroom.

I date myself, but reading the works of Beverly Cleary (Ramona and Henry rule!) and Laura Ingalls is a very strong memory.  I so enjoyed reading simple historical autobiographies — Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman and Daniel Boone stand out. Autobiographies and history still interest me today, plus I’ve had the opportunity to interview Beverly Cleary. Score!

Thus I believe in the power of a good read, a good library, and still must get my fix with the real deal… the book with real pages. Yes, today’s libraries do serve in unique ways, the digital world well immersed from checking out a book to a lengthy research project done in pajama attire.

But thanks to the operations of KDL, including their summer reading incentives and more, another young competitive first-born is reaching for a book by Beverly Cleary or reading the history of Harriet Tubman, making his or her own memories. But I wonder if the purple bedroom is still “in?”

Stay the course, KDL!

Shelley Irwin is one of the featured guests at our upcoming Book Bash, taking place at the KDL Service Center April 26 – 28. Find out all the details at www.kdlbookbash.org.

This morning, KDL Director Lance Werner was interviewed on FOX 17.  Lance promoted all the great programs taking place at our branches over spring break. If you didn’t take a trip to the sunny south, make sure to pay us a visit and enjoy some free family fun!

Staying in town for spring break? We can help keep your kids happy, busy and entertained… and we may even sneak in a little education (but they will never know)! Between Family Building Brick Parties, Garden Fun Storytimes, Minecrafting, Chess, Bayblade Battles, Science in the Stacks and much more, there won’t be any time for boredom. Click here for a complete list of our programs taking place March 29 – April 7.

And if you are heading to the sunny south for break, make sure to stop in your local branch and stock up on some great vacation reads. Pick up some audiobooks to make a long car ride more bearable.

Wishing everyone a safe and fun spring vacation!

Free books. Free movies. Free video games. Free eBooks and eAudiobooks. Free music (including downloads). Free programs. Free research databases. Free magazines (including downloads). The list could go on and on!

All this, plus a chance to win a slew of amazing prizes… sign up for a library card today! Our Find Your Happiness library card campaign runs until the end of March, so there is still time to get in on the fun! Those of you reading this probably already have a library card, so make sure to spread the word to your family and friends. They will thank you, I’m sure!

Just in case you’re wondering, the prizes for the campaign include an overnight stay at the JW Marriott, a three-month family membership at the YMCA, movie passes and free popcorn at Celebration! Cinema, gift cards for Schuler Books & Music, Meijer and Family Fare, a free birthday party at the Kentwood Fun Spot and so much more!

Kent District Library really is Your Place for Happiness!

Check out this great segment from WOOD TV’s eightWest! Anjie Gleisner, youth librarian at the Walker branch, shares some of the exciting programs taking place at the library, including our Find Your Happiness Library Card Campaign. Enjoy!

Spread the word! Now is the perfect time to sign up for a KDL library card.

If you sign up for a library card before March 31, you have the chance to win some amazing prizes including an overnight stay at the JW Marriott, a three-month family membership to the YMCA, gift certificates and more! All you have to do is sign up for a KDL card and participate in our Find Your Happiness Scavenger Hunt, which will introduce you to all the amazing free services KDL has to offer. Visit your local branch for more information or to sign up. Happy Hunting!

Check out all the vendors that donated prizes. If you visit any of these businesses, make sure to thank them for their generosity and community involvement.

Don’t forget… KDL is your place for happiness!

Award-winning author and diver Valerie van Heest will present “Lost on the Lady Elgin” at 6:30 PM on Monday, March 18 at the Sand Lake / Nelson Township branch.

Van Heest will share the  fascinating story of the Lake Michigan sinking of the Lady Elgin in 1860. Get a deeper look at the state’s maritime heritage! Sponsored by the Friends of the Sand Lake Library.

Place a hold on books and videos by Valerie here.

If your bookshelves are overflowing, let us take some off your hands. Please consider donating your gently-used books to our upcoming Book Bash, which includes a GIANT Book Sale. Your books are sure to find a great new home at this exciting event that supports library programming!

Book donations are being accepted during the month of March at KDL branches, Lake Michigan Credit Union locations, Celebration! Cinema locations, East Hills Athletic Club and Orchard Hills Athletic Club. Check out this map for more information including addresses.

Donate some books now, and you can restock your bookshelves at the Book Bash (April 27–28)! Thank you for your generosity.

The Cottage and Lakefront Living Show is coming to the DeVos Place March 15-17. Since so many of you will be thinking about your upcoming trips to the lake, we wanted to recommend some books to take along. We have created a list of Books for the Cottage, perfect for reading with your feet in the sand!

Enjoy!

Celebrate the  excitement of spring with garden-themed stories, crafts and activities. Children ages 6 and younger are invited to Garden Fun Storytime, taking place at many KDL branches this spring. Participants will even get to decorate a flower pot and plant seeds. It is sure to be a garden full of fun!

Schedule:

Saturday, March 16, 10:00 AM – Krause Memorial branch
Monday, April 1, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township branch
Monday, April 1, 10:30 AM – Alto branch
Monday, April 1, 6:30 PM – Byron Township branch
Tuesday, April 2, 1:00 PM – Byron Township branch
Wednesday, April 3, 10:00 AM – Gaines Township branch
Wednesday, April 3, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township branch
Wednesday, April 3, 1:00 PM – Wyoming branch
Thursday, April 4, 10:00 AM – Plainfield Township branch
Thursday, April 4, 7:00 PM – Cascade Township branch
Saturday, April 13, 1:30 PM – Sand Lake branch
Tuesday, April 23, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch
Tuesday, April 23, 7:00 PM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch
Wednesday, April 24, 10:00 AM – Tyrone Township branch
Wednesday, April 24, 10:00 AM – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch
Thursday, April 25, 10:00 AM – Walker branch
Tuesday, April 30, 10:00 AM – Alpine Township branch
Tuesday, April 30, 6:30 PM – Comstock Park branch
Wednesday, May 1, 10:30 AM – Comstock Park branch
Wednesday, May 8, 10:00 AM – Caledonia Township branch
Thursday, May 9, 10:30 AM – Englehardt branch