KDLville at the Plainfield Township branch opened officially in August 2011. There you will find a wonderful puppet stage, a fun dollhouse, Legos, and more. Everyday, kids have fun at our art and writing centers. To make room for the art and writing centers, computers had to be removed from the children’s area. Luckily, there has been a great response to this change and the kids have embraced their inner author/artist with great gusto.

This article originally appeared in our Early Lit Bits eNewsletter. Read the most recent issue online or sign up to receive this monthly update highlighting early literacy tips and resources for parents and caregivers.

Chat with KDL!

Do you have a question for us? You can use our new chat widget to connect with library staff during library open hours. Our Patron Services staff can help you find information, assist you with your library account  and renew or request library materials. Send a question our way through Ask KDL live chat!

As always, you can also reach us by phone (616-784-2007) or email (contact@kdl.org). We look forward to hearing from you!

If you are a Pokémon fan, this program is for you! Pokémon Madness will take place at three KDL branches this winter. Children ages 6 and up are invited to learn how to play the Pokémon Trading Card game. If they already know how to play, they can bring their cards along for some friendly competition. Kids will also enjoy other crafts and activities involving Pokémon.

Schedule
Tuesday, December 27, 2:00 PM – Cascade Township branch
Saturday, January 21, 1:00 PM – Grandville branch
Tuesday, February 7, 3:00 PM – Tyrone Township branch

We have a great collection of Pokémon books, DVDs and more. Check them out today!

At Kent District Library, our branches have deep roots in the communities we serve, and our patrons are deeply connected to our branches. The stories of all the ways you use and are invested in your libraries move, inspire and motivate us to share.

Those stories should be told. And now we’re telling them, in our new regular feature on our website: “Branches: Stories rooted in the KDL community.”

If you would like to share your library story, please contact us here.

Want to brush up on your job-hunting skills? KDL’s Kentwood branch can help with a series of Career Transitions Workshops on Thursday evenings this winter! 

Developing Your Personal Brand, scheduled for 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Jan. 5 and Feb. 2, is aimed at helping you identify — and thus develop and market — your innate talents and describe your key functional, technical and behavioral competencies to set the foundation for effective verbal and written communications.

Communicating Your Brand, to be held from 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Jan. 12 and Feb. 9, includes information about elevator pitches (getting your message across in the time it takes to ride an elevator a few floors), as well as résumés and online profiles, with emphasis on aligning your message with your professional value in the marketplace.

Networking, to be held from 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Jan. 16 and Feb. 16, is aimed at helping participants explore strategies and techniques in building and nurturing effective relationships with contacts.

At Behavioral Interviewing, presented from 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Jan. 26 and Feb. 23, participants will learn how to create a positive and lasting impression with potential employers, essential techniques of effective interviewing in today’s job market and how to effectively negotiate terms of employment.

The Career Transitions Workshop series is presented in partnership with Career Transitions Center West Michigan.

Registration is required, and participants can attend one or all events.

Christmas break is a time for parties, presents, baking and… boredom? If the thrill of the new toys has worn off and you are looking for something fun for your kids to do over break, we can help! Kent District Library offers a great line-up of programs to keep kids busy and entertained during their stretch away from school. And if your bank account took a hit from buying gifts and stocking stuffers, have no fear — all these events are free!

Reel Fun: A Family Movie Event
Come enjoy a family movie. Call or stop by the library for details on what’s showing. For all ages.
Monday, December 19, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township branch
Tuesday, December 20, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township branch
Wednesday, December 21, 2:00 PM – Caledonia Township branch
Tuesday, December 27, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park branch
Wednesday, December 28, 10:30 AM – Grandville branch
Wednesday, December 28, 6:00 PM – Sand Lake / Nelson Township branch
Thursday, December 29, 2:00 PM – Kentwood branch

Kidz Klub
It’s a special time for fun, interactive programs just for school kids! Join our Kidz Klub programs for crafts, storytimes, games and activities. For grades K-5.
Monday, December 19, 2:00 PM – Kentwood branch
Wednesday, December 21, 4:30 PM – Sand Lake / Nelson Township branch
Saturday, December 31, 10:30 AM – Alto branch

Teddy Bear Clinic
Bring your teddy bear to the library for a quick checkup! Learn ways to keep teddy healthy and happy and even get a clean bill of health! In partnership with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. For all ages.
Tuesday, December 20, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake / Nelson Township branch

Gingerbread Lane
Take a stroll down Gingerbread Lane and enjoy some tasty gingerbread stories. Each child will make a simple gingerbread house. Registration is required and participation is limited. For all ages.
Tuesday, December 20, 1:30 PM – Alpine Township branch

The Reindeer Are Coming!
Traveling all the way from the North Pole (via the Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farms), live reindeer will be visiting the library. Dress warmly and don’t forget the camera! For all ages.
Tuesday, December 20, 6:30 PM – Wyoming branch
Wednesday, December 21, 5:30 PM – Alpine Township branch
Wednesday, December 28, 2:00 PM – Kentwood branch
Friday, December 30, 2:00 PM – Byron Township branch

Chess Anyone?
Drop in and play chess at the library! All skill levels welcome. An adult will be available to help you with your game or match you up with a worthy opponent. For all ages.
Thursday, December 22, 4:00 PM – Kentwood branch

Pokémon Madness
Pokémon lovers unite! Learn how to play the Pokémon Trading Card game, or if you already know how to play, bring your cards along for some friendly competition. While you are here, participate in other activities and crafts involving Pokémon. For ages 6 and up.
Tuesday, December 27, 2:00 PM – Cascade Township branch

Lego Family Block Party
The library is the place for Lego fun! Drop in and make your own special Lego or Duplo creations. All materials are provided by the library, so come, design, and create! For all ages.
Wednesday, December 28, 2:00 PM – Byron Township branch
Thursday, December 29, 3:00 PM – Spencer Township branch

Be a Miner 49′er
Mosey on down to your library for some good, old-fashioned, Gold Rush-inspired fun! Enjoy crafts, games and activities for all ages.
Thursday, December 29, 2:00 PM – Plainfield Township branch

Snow Party
Celebrate the snow indoors with crafts, games, and activities! For all ages.
Thursday, December 29, 2:00 PM – Walker branch

These are just some of the many programs taking place over Christmas vacation. Don’t miss out on all the free fun!

This time of year can be a great time to get deals on electronics, but it is always a good idea to do your homework before you shop. KDL offers online access for our cardholders to the Consumer Reports Magazine. This is a great way to check out some comparisons! They have new reviews for digital cameras, e-book readers, GPS systems, humidifiers and TVs.

Kids will have the opportunity to become little doctors and nurses at the Teddy Bear Clinic program taking place at several KDL branches this winter. Who are the patients? The kids’ favorite stuffed animal, of course! Kids of all ages can bring their teddy bear to the library for a checkup. They will have the opportunity to weigh and measure the patient, examine them, bandage them and more! This program is presented in partnership with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

Schedule
Tuesday, December 20, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake / Nelson Township branch
Tuesday, January 17, 6:30 PM – Englehardt branch
Thursday, January 19, 10:30 AM – Englehardt branch
Saturday, January 21, 10:00 AM – Byron Township branch
Tuesday, February 7, 10:30 AM – Alpine Township branch
Wednesday, February 15, 10:00 and 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM – East Grand Rapids branch
Thursday, February 16, 10:00 and 11:00 AM – East Grand Rapids branch
Thursday, February 23, 7:00 PM – Caledonia Township branch
Monday, February 27, 10:30 AM – Alto branch
Tuesday, February 28, 6:30 PM – Krause Memorial branch

To view the 10 most checked-out Music CDs at KDL this week, click on the link to the KDL Top Ten List!

Beginning January 14, we will require patrons to enter their PIN number when checking out materials at our self check-out stations in addition to using their library card. This policy will add additional privacy and protection if someone’s library card is lost or stolen.

Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a unique four-digit code needed to access a number of library services, including your online library account information. The PIN you are originally assigned is the last four digits of your telephone number; however, you can update your PIN at any time through your online account.

If you cannot recall your PIN and you have signed up for email alerts, you can use the “Forget Your PIN?” feature to choose a new one. You can also contact your local branch or our Patron Services Department (616-784-2007 or contact@kdl.org) and a staff member can assist you.