The Sand Lake / Nelson Twp. Branch will host Tom Rademacher, long time columnist for the Grand Rapids Press, at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 6. He will discuss his new book Splitting Wood, a collection of 100 columns featuring stories “about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” Books will be available to purchase at the event, and a book signing will follow the presentation.
Are you addicted to your BlackBerry? Why not listen to free library audiobooks on it? Our OverDrive downloadable audiobook service recently announced the release of a BlackBerry audiobook app. After downloading the app, users will be able to download MP3 audiobooks directly to their smartphones from the eAudiobook website. (Note that this “beta” version is currently only available through the OverDrive website. Once the full release is ready, it will be available in BlackBerry App World.)
OverDrive has previously released a similar product for Windows Mobile and Android phones, and they are hard at work on an iPhone app.
• Download OverDrive Media Console for BlackBerry, Android or Windows Mobile
• Browse OverDrive’s collection of MP3 audiobooks (for a mobile-friendly version, click here)
The Lakeland Library Cooperative is currently experiencing some server issues, which may affect access to patron accounts online. Please be patient as they try to get this resolved as soon as possible.
If you need information about your account in the meantime, please call our Patron Services Department at 616-784-2007.
UPDATE: The connectivity problems has been resolved, and access to patron accounts has been restored. If you are still unable to access your account, please let us know. Thank you for your patience.
UPDATE, 2-25-10: Lakeland is once again experiencing connection issues. Please be patient as they work to replace a faulty piece of equipment and hopefully get everything back online soon. In the meantime, please call our Patron Services Department at 616-784-2007 if you need information about your account. Thanks for your continued patience.
UPDATE, 2-26-10: Lakeland is reporting that connectivity has been stabilized. They are continuing to monitor the situation, but online access to patron accounts should once again be available. We appreciate your patience during the recent problems.
Every profession has fun terms that don’t make sense to anyone else unless they are explained. Readalikes is one of those terms for the library profession.
Many patrons come into the library with a question like, “I just read all of Jodi Picoult’s books and I want something similar. What can you recommend?“ This is what librarians term a Readalike, a book or author that is similar to another book or author.
Don’t get me wrong, most librarians love these questions, so feel free to ask! But if want to try this on your own, this is what you can do. A quick and easy way is to type the term Readalikes into Google. This will give you a list of websites that offer readalike suggestions but is very general. Now try adding an author’s name, such as Jodi Picoult. Now you are getting specific websites with suggests for books that are similar (in their opinion) to Picoult’s. Now try it with a book title, like Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. Well, you get the idea!
Plus, don’t forget that we offer reading suggestions right on our website. Look under Books & More, Parents & Kids, as well as Teens.
In cased you missed them, check out the top three winners from this year’s annual Teen Filmmaking Contest:
First Place: Check Your Mailbox by Haley VanPortfliet
A mysterious caller pleads, “Check your mailbox.”
Second Place: Stand Up! March For Life 2010 by Samuel Klee
A short documentary chronicling the 2010 March For Life event.
Third Place: Get Bright by Leah Woltanski
A rousing spoof of the famous “Get Smart” television show.
Congratulations to our winners and a huge thank you to all who participated. Let’s make next year’s event an even bigger success!
Note: The views expressed in these films are those of the authors alone. They do not represent the views or opinions of the Kent District Library.
Families with children age six and up are invited to meet author and illustrator Susan Roth at 6:30 PM, on Wednesday, March 3 at the Grandville Branch. Susan, illustrator of Listen to the Wind and other picture books for children, will discuss her life as an award-winning author and artist. A book sale and signing will follow her presentation. This program is part of the Grandville Reads initiative, a community-wide program for all ages. Registration is required.
The snow may be falling, but KDL branches remain open!
All programs will take place as scheduled.
Please drive carefully if you choose to visit us today.
Effective March 15, 2010, Kent District Library will be adopting a new materials return policy. This policy was developed by the 41 member libraries of the Lakeland Library Cooperative, of which KDL is a member. For Kent District Library customers, this means that you will need to return KDL items to any KDL branch location.
For many years, West Michigan library patrons have enjoyed the ability to drop off their library materials at any Lakeland library. The Lakeland Cooperative truck delivery system ensured that the materials were returned to the owning library. The change in the materials return policy comes as a result of ongoing budget cuts, including a 40% reduction in State Aid to public libraries in fiscal year 2009-10. The goal of this policy change is to help contain the growing costs of staffing, transportation and fuel needed for the materials delivery system. Freeing up limited resources will also help retain popular library services such as interlibrary loan through the online holds system.
This change in policy WILL NOT impact your ability to place holds through the online catalog. You may still place holds on items in the online catalog and request that they be sent to the library of your choice. These interlibrary loaned items can then be returned to any library location. The exception is the Grand Rapids Public Library, which requires you to pick up and return loaned items only at their branches.
Key points to remember:
While we understand and regret that this may inconvenience our customers, we are working hard to ensure that we make the most of our resources while preserving many of the popular services that our customers have come to rely on.
We appreciate your cooperation and thank you for helping us make the most of our library resources. Questions? Please post below.
The Alto Branch is getting a makeover!
The branch will be closed to the public from Monday, March 1 through Saturday, March 6 for building renovations. The walls will be painted, new carpet and tile installed, and new book shelves will be added.
During this time:
Library materials may be returned. No overdue fines will be incurred due to the closing.
Items on the hold shelf that are not picked up will not expire during the time the library is closed.
Those with questions about their library accounts can call KDL’s patron services department at 616-784-2007 for assistance.
Thanks for your patronage and please come see the new and improved Alto Branch when it re-opens on Monday, March 8!
A common question heard at the library this time of year is: “Where are your tax forms?“ Well, you don’t have to go into the library to pick them up! KDL provides a handy link on our website to access Federal and Michigan Tax Forms. These can be printed off at home (or the library).
