Did you get an eBook reader for Christmas? We can help you put it to good use. KDL cardholders have access to more than 5,000 free eBooks! KDL’s eBook collection is available 24/7, and since items are “returned” automatically, you’ll never have to worry about late fines.
 
Got a question about your Kindle or anything eBook-related? Check out our downloading instructions, frequently asked questions or technical troubleshooting, or stop by your local branch for some help.

If you do not have a KDL card, you cannot download eBooks from our site. However, most other libraries also subscribe to the OverDrive eBook service, so you probably have access to eBooks through your home library’s site:

• Grand Rapids Public Library:
  http://overdrive.grpl.org
• Fremont, Hastings, Herrick (Holland), Loutit (Grand Haven), and Spring Lake Libraries:
  http://ebooks.mcls.org
• Other Lakeland Library Cooperative Libraries:
  http://lakeland.lib.overdrive.com
• Search for Your Library Nationwide:
  http://search.overdrive.com

Happy downloading!

Show off your Wii bowling skills — without those funny rental shoes or slippery lanes — at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 11, with others age 55+ who want to stay fit, socialize and have fun.

Prizes and snacks included. The event is at the Cascade Township branch.

If you want it, we’ve got it! At KDL, we are committed to providing the popular materials that you would like to read, listen to, or view. Look what’s new this month:

Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich
Deadline by Fern Michaels
Taken by Robert Crais
The Hangover Part II (DVD)
Moneyball (DVD)
Dolphin Tale (DVD)

Place a hold on one today. Enjoy!

Boys are falling behind girls when it comes to reading. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Education, boys have scored worse than girls in every age group, every year, for the last 30 years on reading tests. This has prompted KDL to join the national Guys Read initiative by launching our own program here in Kent County. Our goal is simple but ambitious — to help boys become self-motivated, lifelong readers.

In order to accomplish this goal, we have launched a new Guys Read section of our website, complete with booklists, blog entries, videos, and a whole lot more. Perhaps most important is a page where guys can sign in and write their own book reviews to share with others. In addition to the website, we will host a series of programs throughout the winter, including a variety of book groups for guys, and a Kick-Off party at the Cascade Township branch on Sunday, January 29, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. 

Please take some time to explore the site and check out this brochure for more details. Listen to the WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin on Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. for more information about the initiative, or email us if you have any questions. Here is a brief clip of Jon Scieszka, the man behind the national Guys Read movement, and former “National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature” introducing our guys book groups:

Take a trip on the wild side and hunt for your favorite letters — safari style! This virtual journey to the savannah and jungle will let you experience the alphabet in a new and exciting way through interactive and creative activities. For ages 6 and younger.

Safari activities include creating a “crocodile” using old jewel cases and fishing for letters at the watering hole, then making your own binoculars and using them to find the letters needed to spell the names of jungle creatures.

Tuesday, Jan. 10, 10:30 a.m. — Sand Lake / Nelson Township branch
Thursday, Jan. 12, 10:30 a.m. — Englehardt branch
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 10  and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – East Grand Rapids branch
Thursday, Jan. 19, 10  and 11 a.m. — East Grand Rapids branch
Saturday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m. — Krause Memorial branch
Tuesday, Jan. 31, 10:30 a.m. — Alpine Township branch
Monday, Feb. 6, 10:30 a.m. — Alto branch
Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m. — Byron Township branch