Register To Win tickets to A Novel Experience evening with bestselling author John Grogan at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center on October 29, 2009.  Mr. Grogan will present “Life Lessons from Marley and Me.” 

Enter to win beginning on October 1st at any KDL branch location.  Drawing will be held on  October 21st.  Winners will be notified by email.

If you wish to purchase tickets they are only $10 (in advance) online, at any KDL branch location, or any Grand Rapids area Schuler Books & Music.

Proceeds from A Novel Experience will benefit KDL’s literacy programs for young children. 

Now you can wirelessly download audiobooks, music and video to your Windows Mobile phone from KDL’s eLibrary and play the titles with the same superior navigation features as OverDrive’s desktop software.

The free OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile application works with dozens of Windows Mobile phones. You can find a list of compatible devices on the Windows Mobile website.

Download the OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile today!

Last week I learned about Jing, a free online software you can use to add images to blogs, narrate vacation photos, or take a 5-minute video of what you are doing on screen.  To quote the website, “it’s the fastest way to show what’s on your screen to others.”  For instance, one of the success stories on the website is about a librarian using Jing to teach students how to use the catalog. She created a short video as she moused around the screen showing students where to click and what to type where on the catalog.  This way she could walk around the room and help students use the catalog while they were watching the video. 

If you would like to use Jing to create videos with a webcam, Jing Pro can be purchased for $14.95 a year. 

Although not yet approved by the State Senate, proposed reductions in state library funding have the potential to negatively affect some of the services utilized by KDL patrons, including the interlibrary loan system and access to certain online resources including ChiltonLibrary (auto repair), various professional journal and magazine databases, ebooks and more. While many of our library users have taken measures to voice their opinions by writing their local legislator or attending an advocacy rally, it’s never too late to let your lawmakers know just how important library service is to our communities.

For more information regarding the proposed cuts and possible outcomes, please follow the links below:

• Grand Rapids Press: Proposed 40 percent budget cut to Michigan libraries may hurt interlibrary loan system

• Michigan Library Association (MLA) Press Release: State lawmakers balancing budget on backs of local libraries, users

• Lansing State Journal: Library services riding on a budget

• Michigan Libraries for the Future

 

This week (September 26 – October 3) is Banned Books Week, an annual event each fall where we celebrate the right to read.  It is a great time to pick up a good book, and just enjoy your right to read it. You can read more about the week at the following sites.

• Banned Books Week
• American Library Association’s list of frequently banned books
• BBW Facebook
• BBW MySpace

In the hopes of helping each other find good titles, I thought we could share some of our favorite banned books or authors with each other.  I will start us off. One of my favorite banned books of all time is Fahrenheit 451, which I am currently re-reading in graphic novel form.  A favorite author of mine, who regularly finds his books facing challenges across the country, is Chris Crutcher.

What are your favorites?

Are you ready for winter? Is your car? Learn how to care for your car or light-weight truck and get it ready for winter with the Car Care Clinic at the Plainfield Township branch of KDL. On Monday, October 5 at 6:30 p.m. Ham’s Automotive, in business since 1978, will show you the basics of “winterizing” your vehicle and keeping it in good shape.

There is no cost for this program, and all attendees will receive a gift bag. Sponsored by the Friends of the Plainfield Library. Registration is required for all attendees.

Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read
September 26–October 3 

KDL invites you to celebrate your freedom to read during Banned Books Week. This event is observed each year during the last week of September and celebrated nation-wide. Since 1982, Banned Books Week reminds Americans not to take this democratic freedom for granted.

Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read as well as the freedom to express one’s opinion even when that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular. The current list of banned books is quite impressive, as is the conviction of those that choose to stand up for our freedom to read and never take that freedom for granted.

Be sure to check out these great Banned Books Week resources:

• Wikipedia’s list of books banned by governments
• American Library Association’s lists of frequently challenged books
• BBW Facebook page
• BBW MySpace page
• American Library Association’s BBW page

The Grandville branch of KDL invites you to Explore India with programs and activities for all ages. With yoga, stories, crafts and more, there is something for everyone in this cultural adventure.

Explore India programs include:

Teen Zone Special – Henna
Thursday, October 1, 3:00 PM

Beginning Yoga for Kids
Monday, October 5, 6:30 PM

Maple Street Book Club
Thursday, October 8, 6:30 PM

Mother/Daughter Book Club
Monday, October 12, 6:30 PM

Introduction to Yoga for Adults
Wednesday, October 14, 6:30 PM

Kids Culture Quest
Monday, October 19, 6:30 PM

If you haven’t already, be sure to buy your tickets to see Marley & Me author, John Grogan, on Thursday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m.

At the first annual A Novel Experience event, Grogan will discuss “Life Lessons from Marley and Me.” Tickets are only $10 and proceeds benefit KDL’s literacy programs for young children.

Purchase tickets online, at any KDL branch location or any Schuler Books & Music store in Grand Rapids.

Thursday, October 29, 7:00 p.m.
Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hill Avenue SE
A book-signing will follow.

What is a BiFolkal Kit?
It’s a packaged program for groups of people designed to invoke memories of a particular time or place. They provide stimulating activities for older adults or mixed-age groups.

How can I borrow a BiFolkal Kit?
Search the KDL catalog by kit title or the subject “BiFolkal.”

What do the BiFolkal Kits include?
Each kit contains a variety of items to help trigger memories through sight, touch and smell. They also include a program manual, DVD or VHS, 25 large print booklets with songs, poems and conversation starters, and tapes with songs, stories and radio programs.

What types of themes might I find?
You’ll find kits about automobiles, the Depression, music, train rides, the home front and much more!

If you’re interested in learning more about BiFolkal Kits and how to borrow and use them, check out this informational brochure.