Library Link, July-August 2013 by Kalamazoo Public Library

July-August 2013 LIBRARY LINK

meet Walter Dean Myers August 6, 6pm CEN August 7, 3 pm POW When Walter Dean Myers decided to drop out of high school, it was a teacher who told him to keep writing, no matter what. “It’s what you do,” she said. It was something the young Myers took to heart and years later, while working construction, he decided to start writing and hasn’t stopped since. Myers' books are inspired by his own challenging upbringing in Harlem and chronicle the lives of many urban teenagers, primarily young, poor African-Americans. His works include poetry, nonfiction and picture books for children. Myers was named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature in 2012. With this honor, Myers will travel for two years speaking at schools about reading and literacy. During his visit to Kalamazoo Public Library, Myers will speak about his upbringing, his books and the vital importance of reading to children. Books are not, in Myers’ words, “A Victorian pastime,” but rather integral for the intellectual development of all children, especially for our at-risk youth. Myers will also sign copies of his books. Refreshments provided.

summer = family fun @kpl Summer means spending quality time with the family. This issue of Link is full of fun programs and events sure to thrill all ages. Why go to the zoo, when the zoo can come to you? Kalamazoo Public Library is the summer destination spot for all creatures furred, feral or feathered. All summer long, join us at your local branch as we bring you up close and personal to all kinds of birds, ponies, llamas, ferrets, bats, and many other little critters. KPL staffer Beth Timmerman will introduce her pet pig Pipsqueak. Everyone’s favorite Schnoodle dog Bailey will be on paw to read to his two-legged friends. The Binder Park Zoomobile will also visit the Washington Square branch for even more animal fun! Check the Kids section for scheduled times and locations. While these events are all free, some require registration and/or tickets due to limited space. Grab blankets, popcorn, bug spray and a flashlight and join us for some big-screen fun at Movies Under the Stars at the Oshtemo branch. On July 18, bring a date and enjoy the golden era of Hollywood with the classic romance Casablanca. “Hey you guuuuys!” Relive your childhood and share the cult phenomenon Goonies with your own children on August 15th. Details on page 2. First Saturday this summer is all about creation! On July 6, explore STEM activities and stories with library staff. In August, professional artists from the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts will lead children in an art-themed program. Thank you for including KPL in your summer plans.

kpl’s 2nd annual lego building contest Enter your original LEGO creations in the KPL LEGO Building Contest. Be creative, have fun, and win great prizes! The whole family can enter the contest! Age brackets are: 0-5 years, 6-10, 11-14, 15-18, 19+. Entries accepted August 9-10 in the Central or Oshtemo Children’s Room. LEGO creations will be displayed August 12-17 for public voting. Winners will be announced on KPL's website Monday, August 19. Official contest rules are available at www.kpl.gov/lego/

contents books & more

tween/teen 3-4 kids 5-7 director’s note

Summer Reading Games Prize Pick-up Deadline We hope you have been keeping up with your summer reading! Please note that the deadline to redeem your prizes is Saturday, August 31 by 5 pm (sorry, no exceptions).

events music Gifts or Creatures August 21, 7pm, CEN Gifts or Creatures is the musical pursuit of husbandwife Brandon and Bethany Foote. The couple fuses a blend of Midwestern folklore, old world history and cinematic soundscapes to create a trove of antique Americana.

movies Movies Under the Stars July 18, 7:30, OSH Casablanca August 15, 7:30, OSH Goonies Enjoy family movies outdoors! Bring a blanket or lawn chair, bug spray, and a flashlight. Cosponsored by Friends of the Oshtemo Township Park. Weather permitting.

history & genealogy Intro to Genealogy August 13, 6pm, WSQ Learn how to start compiling your family tree through databases like Ancestry.com, Heritage Quest, KPL’s index to local publications, plus important print sources, major collections, and more. Registration required.

books Earl Sewell Author Visit July 30, 6pm, POW Meet urban fiction writer Earl Sewell! Sewell discovered his passion for storytelling while studying fiction writing and radio broadcasting at Columbia College. After receiving 40 rejection letters from publishers, Sewell started his own publishing company and has published nine young adult novels and ten titles for adults that have enjoyed international success and bestseller status.

& more We All Scream for Ice Cream July 9, 6pm, EAS Beat the heat this summer by making your own small batch ice cream. Red Tricycle Ice Cream Co. owner Ken Quayle will show you how.

Ask a Lawyer July 10, 6-8 pm, CEN Free legal clinics for persons of low to moderate income with Bar Association lawyers. Get help with most areas of civil law, including landlord-tenant problems, divorce, and family law. For a free 20-minute appointment, call your preferred clinic location: Central Library, 553-7920; Powell, 553-7960. You may make only one appointment per four months. Clinics do not include follow-up. Further consultation must be negotiated with an individual attorney.

Registration required. Call location listed or

Rick Ferrell: Knuckleball Catcher July 15, 6pm, OSH As a catcher during the Great Depression and World War II, Rick Ferrell caught the most deceptive pitch in baseball—the knuckleball! While in the Detroit Tigers front office, he led the Tigers to two World Series victories, two American League Eastern Division titles, and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Kerrie Ferrell, Rick’s daughter, will talk about the life and times of her Hall of Famer dad, while providing personal insight and glimpses into America’s recognized national pastime.

Hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis August 19, 6:30pm, OSH Jennifer Pharr Davis has hiked over 12,000 miles on long distance trails, trekked on six continents, and currently holds endurance records on three separate trails. In 2011, Davis became the first woman to claim the overall record for fastest thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail by finishing the 2,181 mile journey in 46 days, 11 hours, and 20 minutes— an astounding average of 46.9 miles per day. Davis, a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, will recount stories from her record-setting hike on the Appalachian Trail.

Origami Upcycling August 27, 6pm, OSH You don’t need expensive paper to create unique origami! Crafter Sara Baker will demonstrate how to think outside the origami box by using interesting materials to make a variety of origami projects.

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Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.) July 1 & August 5, 3:30 pm, CEN Plan programs and service projects, discuss books, movies, music, and web sites, eat snacks, play games, and have fun! Gr 7-12.

Tie Dye July 8, 2 pm, WSQ July 9, 2 pm, EAST July 10, 2 pm, POW July 11, 2 pm, OSH Shirts, bandanas, or socks. Choose a project and create! We supply the materials. Gr. 5-12.

Japanese Language Club July 9, 16, 23 & 30 and August 13, 20 & 27 6:00-7:15 pm, CEN Join this free class and learn a new language in a relaxed environment. No experience necessary! Cosponsored by WMU’s Soga Japan Center. Gr. 7-adult.

J-Pop Club – Summer Extreme July 15 & August 19, 3:30 pm, CEN Enjoy Japanese Anime, manga, Pocky and food. Gr 7-12.

Michael Jackson: The Experience July 16, 2 pm, EAST Play the Wii and win prizes. Dance like you’ve never danced before to your favorite Michael Jackson hits. Gr. 5-12.

Game Central July 25, 2 pm, CEN August 22, 2 pm, CEN It’s an afternoon of strategy, skill and fun. Choose from our video, board or card games, or bring your own! Gr. 5-12.

Registration required. Call location listed or

Pizza & Pages July 30, Slam, 4 pm, EAST July 31, Monster, 4 pm, POW Read Walter Dean Myers this summer! Stop by the Circulation desk at EAST and POW and pick up a copy of the selected book. Take it home, read it, then discuss it over pizza! Gr. 5-12.

Walter Dean Myers Author Visit – Details on Page 1

Movie & Popcorn: Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief August 5, 1 pm, CEN Sea of Monsters hits theaters this week! Take a break to refresh your memory and watch the first of this epic series on the big screen. Rated PG-13. Popcorn!

Sharpie Time August 8, 2 pm, EAST August 14, 2 pm, POW Create one of a kind back to school supplies with Sharpies! We supply the materials, you supply the creativity. Gr. 5-12.

Find more tween/teen events on the next page!

Iron Chef Kalamazoo: Sandwich Style August 19, 4 pm, POW We provide the ingredients, you create the perfect looking sandwich. Work in teams, prizes awarded and sandwiches will be eaten! Gr. 5-12. 3

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Kinetic Affect

P hysics Flight & Fun August 15, 2 pm, WSQ Join staff from the Air Zoo and learn about the physics of flight. Investigate Pascal’s Law and Bernoulli's Principle. Tweens only! Registration required.

July 24, 7 pm, CEN

Louder Than a Bomb July 18, 2 pm, CEN Louder Than a Bomb tells the story of four Chicago high school poetry teams as they prepare to compete in the world's largest youth slam.

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Starlab August 20, 5 -7 pm, OSH Take a look at the night sky before darkness falls in the Starlab portable planetarium. Each presentation will last 25 minutes and allow for 25 learners to see the Zodiac. Hands-on activities will take place outside the Starlab at the same time. Youth and their families of all ages! While you’re there, ask Oshtemo staff about the library telescope available for checkout!

Teen Services is excited to announce the performance of local spoken word artists Kinetic Affect! Giron and Latimer are committed to challenging beliefs, pushing boundaries, embracing differences, and—together—they seek to increase awareness of local and global issues. Kinetic Affect reminds us all that life is not a race against anyone but yourself…

Write Found Poetry July 22, 6 pm, OSH

50-Word Short Stories July 23, 6 pm, OSH Join area English teacher Tracy Derhammer for two days of writing workshops. Tracy will guide us through finding and creating poetry and short stories.

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Open Mic July 29 and August 26 2:30, POW Calling all performers! Sing, read, act at the open mic, or just hang out. Enjoy snacks, network with other performers. Gr. 5-12.

kids Pony Love

Summer Crafternoons

July 2, 2 pm, EAS August 19, 2 pm, OSH Meet Gloria Winslow from Paradise Ridge Ranch and her pony, Bud. Learn about the care and grooming of a pet pony and hear a story about Bud.

July 9, 23, August 8, 22, 2-4 pm, CEN, all ages Make a summer-themed craft or whatever else you can dream up with our craft supplies!

Toddler Talk July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 10 am, OSH August 7, 14, 21, 28, 10 am, OSH Toddlers play while adults share the joys and challenges of parenting 1-3 year olds. Connie Koning, RN, facilitator.

Baby Talk July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 1:30 pm, OSH August 7, 14, 21, 28, 1:30 pm, OSH Talk about care of babies up to one year with other parents. Connie Koning, RN, facilitator.

Read with Bailey July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 3:30-5 pm, CEN Enjoy a “pawsitive” reading experience. Read to Bailey the loveable Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle mix). Registration required, call 553-7804.

First Saturday July 6, August 3, 2-4 pm, CEN Take your family to the library the first Saturday of every month! Enjoy stories, activities, guests, and prize drawings! Hosted by KPL, Kalamazoo Public Schools. Explore STEM activities and stories with library staff in July and enjoy an art-themed program with the KIA in August.

Jim Merrills’ Magic Underground July 8, 2 pm, POW, all ages Dig into reading with Magic Underground. Mr. Jim will reveal some magical surprises, like the keys to Pharoah’s tomb and secret pirate treasures!

LEGO @the Library July 6, August 3, 10:30 am, OSH July 9, 6:30 pm, WSQ July 11, 2 pm, EAS July 20, August 17, 10:30 am, CEN July 24, 2-3 pm, POW August 15, 2-3 pm, EAS Build, create, inspire, and imagine with other Lego fans. Bricks provided, from Duplo to expert builder. Kids and caregivers welcome.

Page e h t n Tu r for more fun and e xc i ti n g kids events !

Jim Gill Concert July 11, 6:30 pm, Oshtemo Township Park Jim Gill, fantastic children’s artist emphasizing play and movement, will get your family moving and laughing together! Don’t miss this event!

Vehicle Day July 15, 2-3:30 pm, POW, all ages Visit with some BIG vehicles for an outside program! Bring your camera! This program will be held rain or shine.

Critter Connection July 18, 2 pm, EAS Claire and Michelle from the West Michigan Critter Haven, a non-profit rescue organization, will bring some critters and talk about small animal care and adoption.

Virtual Author Visit with Jarrett J. Krosoczka July 18, 4:30 pm CEN Visit with Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author/illustrator of the Lunch Lady series and a new series set in Kalamazoo City called the Platypus Police Squad. We’ll visit with Jarrett online and then make a craft related to the new book series. Book sales by Bookbug.

Tales on the Trail July 19, August 9, 10:30 am, POW, all ages Take a walk along the Kal-Haven Trail and listen to stories along the way.

Registration required. Call location listed or register online starting 30 days before event. Space limited; ticket required. Pick up FREE ticket at host location starting one week before event; one ticket per person. Call location with any questions. 5

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Binder Park Zoomobile

Avian Wonders July 23, 2 and 3 pm, WSQ Denise Heath’s colorful parrots and fine feathered friends will entertain, educate, and amaze. Meet Leo, Ruby and other members of her avian gang. Seats limited. Ticket required.

July 17, 2 and 3 pm WSQ, all ages Zoom on over to the library and get up close and personal with animals from the Binder Park Zoo. Fun for the whole family. Ticket required.

Bookworms July 25, August 22, 4:30 pm, CEN In July, read Walter Dean Myers’ picture book We Are America. In August, we’ll read Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. For kids in grades 1-4 and their adults.

Bats in the Library July 25, 1 pm, OSH Meet live bats, including a Vampire Bat! Learn how bats use sound waves to navigate, their role in the food chain, and how we can protect their ecosystem. Seats limited. Ticket required.

Movie & Popsicles Little Scientists

Where’s Waldo? Visits Storytime July 12, 10:30 am, CEN Meet Where's Waldo at storytime. Then all during the month of July, hunt for Waldo in the Library. This program is part of a series of Where's Waldo events in Kalamazoo, led by Bookbug. All ages welcome.

July 22, 10:30 am, CEN, 3-6 years Early literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) for preschoolers. Read stories and practice narrative skills. Explore scientific vocabulary with crafts and activities. Ages 3-6.

Rocks In My Bed with Cedric Liqueur July 22, 2 pm, POW, family Nationally known solo-performer will present the music of Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (1899-1974). This 90-minute recorded music and narrative presentation was written in collaboration with the Delabat School for the Blind in South Africa and Childvision, National Education Centre for Blind Children in Ireland, and is suitable for all ages and audiences.

July 30, 6:30 pm, WSQ, Mr. Popper’s Penguins August 13, 6:30 pm, EAS, Cat in Paris August 27, 6:30 pm, POW, The Croods

Pipsqueak the Pig! July 31, 2 pm POW| August 1, 10:30 am, OSH Meet Beth Timmerman and Pipsqueak, her very smart pet porker. Listen to a porcine story and learn some fun facts on pig health and care.

Birds of Prey August 1, 2 pm, EAS Meet a hawk, owl, and other avian predators from Kalamazoo Nature Center. Learn why they live at KNC and how they survive in the wild.

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Tablet Tales August 5, 10:30 am OSH, 2-5 years Family storytime with books, music, and rhymes with some digital elements added in via the library’s iPads and apps. Caregivers will also have a chance to receive information about using apps with kids and ask questions.

Cool Cooking for Kids August 5, 2 pm, WSQ, 7-11 years Stir up some excitement by making some scrumptious snacks that require no oven or hot plate. Space limited. Registration required. For ages 7-11; caregivers welcome!

Miss Lisa Ballerina August 8, 10:30 am, EAS, 3-6 years August 14, 10:30 am, POW, 3-6 years Movement and stories for preschoolers! Wear your comfortable clothing or your dance attire for an energizing time as Miss Lisa leads you through a series of dance movements and story fun. Space limited. Registration required.

Meet the Llamas August 22, 10:30 am, WSQ Llamas carry packs in the Andes. People cure their hides for leather and spin their wool into yarn. Meet breeder Ron Zechlinski’s llamas.

Ferret Fun August 13, 2 pm, OSH Meet Dee Gage and some of her furry ferret friends! Gage, who operates the West Michigan Ferret Connection—a rescue organization for, you guessed it, ferrets. A fun and informative program for the entire family.

storytimes Adult caregiver must accompany babies and toddlers. Siblings welcome.

Baby Lapsit Storytime Tuesdays, 9:30 am, CEN, birth to walking July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 August 6, 13, 20, 27 Stories, songs, rhymes and age-appropriate activities for babies from birth to walking.

Baby Steps Storytime Tuesdays, 10:30 am, CEN, walking to 24 months July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 August 6, 13, 20, 27 Stories, songs, rhymes and ageappropriate activities for babies from walking to 24 months.

Fresh Food Fairy Visits Storytime July 25, 10:30 am EAS, 0-5 years August 23, 10:30 am CEN, 0-5 years Meet the Fresh Food Fairy, Hether Frayer, at a special storytime celebrating healthy foods. Enjoy a smoothie from her blender bike!

Family Storytime Stories and activities designed for birth to 5-year-olds. Wednesdays, 10:30 am, POW July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 August 7, 14, 21, 28 Thursdays, 10:30 am, EAS July 11, 18, 25 August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Thursdays, 10:30 am, OSH July 11, 18, 25 August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Fridays, 10:30 am, CEN July 5, 12, 19, 26 August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Registration required. Call location listed or register online starting 30 days before event.

Special Storytime: Eyes, Ears and Stories August 9, 10:30 am, CEN Family Storytime with our friends from the WMU Audiology Department. Hear (and see) familiar stories with American Sign Language translation in this interactive storytime.

Space limited; ticket required. Pick up FREE ticket at host location starting one week before event; one ticket per person. Call location with any questions. 7

Kalamazoo Public Library 315 South Rose Street Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Non-Profit Org. US Postage

PA I D

Central Library – CEN

Kalamazoo, MI Permit No. 1224

315 S Rose St, 49007 553-7800

Friends of the Library Bookstore 315 S Rose St, 49007 553-7820

*****ECRWSS***** RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

Eastwood – EAS 1112 Gayle Ave, 49048 553-7810

Oshtemo – OSH 7265 W Main St, 49009 553-7980

director's note

Alma Powell – POW

Research shows that during the summer, kids lose an average of 25% of their reading skills. This is one of the many reasons why teachers usually spend four to six weeks in the fall re-teaching materials from the previous year. Summer learning loss also significantly contributes to the achievement gap in reading performance between lowerand higher-income children and youth.

Library Board

While KPL takes childhood literacy seriously all year round, we place a special emphasis on the summer months to make sure all children have access to reading opportunities outside of school. Prior to the end of the school year, we worked diligently to get the word out about Summer Reading Games. All first graders in KPS were registered, promotional materials were distributed, and a funny video featuring a failed attempt to destroy the Summer Reading Games has been a big hit on our website. This June, we hosted an outdoor Summer Reading Games kick-off party that drew hundreds of Kalamazoo families and resulted in 443 sign-ups. We hope you were among those who signed up as a family. If you are struggling to keep your child motivated to read during these last couple months of summer, we encourage you to give your child an incentive like stickers, trips to the library to pick out a special book or participate in a program like First Saturday or a storytime. Instead of videos, visit our TumbleBook Library page on our website for access to reading puzzles and games, read-alongs and more.

1000 W Paterson St, 49007 553-7960

Washington Square – WSQ 1244 Portage St, 49001 553-7970

Cheryl TenBrink President

KIDS SUMMER READ ING GAMES sign up at any KpL Locat ion

June 1 -Augu

James VanderRoest Treasurer Fenner Brown II Secretary Teens Ente

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TWEEN SUM MER READIN sign up at G GAME any KpL Loca

Kalamazoo Public Library’s Marketing and Communications Office publishes Link with support from the Friends of the Library. Contact us with your comments or suggestions, 553-7879 or email mac@kpl.gov.

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