November-December 2013 LIBRARY LINK
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checking out @ kpl central In September, due to feedback from patrons and library staff, Kalamazoo Public Library Central Location instituted a new check-out process to minimize the wait time for patrons wishing to checkout materials or seek assistance from library staff. Patrons wishing to checkout materials only are asked to do so at a self-check kiosk. Library staff is on-hand to guide firsttime users through the checkout process. Those who require assistance with their account, finding materials or signing up for a library card are able to speak to library staff at the circulation desk. This new practice has dramatically decreased the wait time for our patrons and enabled our staff to provide a higher quality of service for patrons in need of assistance. Have a suggestion for an improvement at KPL? Tell us at kpl.gov/contact.
Fri, December 20, 10:30 am, CEN Stories and activities. Details, pg. 7.
Ancient Weapons & Weaponry
Bella Patina Craft Time
Mon, December 30, 2 pm, CEN, Gr. 7-12 Learn how to create eco-chic items with local artisan shop, Bella Patina. Details, pg. 5.
Sat, December 21, 2 pm, CEN, Gr. 5-12 Join local expert Keith Nelson for an interactive demonstration on ancient Japanese weapons. Details, pg. 4.
Calendar Making
Gift Making
New Year’s Party
DIY Cartooning with Kenjji
Winter Crafts for Kids
Mon, December 23, 2 pm, WSQ, Gr. 5-12 Make that perfect present! Details, pg. 5. Thurs, December 26, 6:30 pm, CEN, Gr. 5-12 Make your own graphic novel with local comic master Kenjji Jumanne-Marshall. Details, pg. 5.
Yummy New Year’s Hats
Fri, December 27, 2 pm, OSH Decorate an edible New Year’s hat. Details, pg. 7.
Miss Lisa: Stories and Dance
Sat, December 28, 10:30 am & 11:30 am, CEN Mon, December 30, 10:30 am, OSH Thurs, January 2, 10:30 am, WSQ Movement and stories for preschoolers (3-6 year-olds). Details, pg. 7.
Submission deadline: Sat, January 18 Calling all teen flimmakers! Enter your teen-produced films in the 11th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival by Saturday, January 18, 5 pm. Submit films to Teen Services, Kalamazoo Public Library. Entry forms, rules, requirements at kpl.gov/ teenfilmfest. See page 5.
annual friends gift book sale
winter break @ kpl Family Storytime
2014 teen filmmaker festival
Mon, December 30, 2 pm, POW, Ages 7-11 Decorate a calendar for the New Year. Details, pg. 7. Mon, December 30, 2 pm, WSQ, Ages 7-11 Celebrate the new year. Details, pg. 7. Thurs, January 2, 2 pm, EAS, all ages Make festive winter crafts. Details, pg. 7.
Movie and Popcorn
Fri, January 3, 2 pm, POW, all ages View The Croods, popcorn provided. Details, pg. 7.
Marble Run Mania
Fri, January 3, 11:30 am, CEN, Ages 6-11 Put your STEAM skills to the test! Details, pg. 7.
Begins Fri, Nov 29, 10 am CEN Plan to start your holiday shopping at the annual Friends Gift Book Sale. Wonderful, pristine, gift-quality books will be available for a fraction of the retail price. You’ll find books for all ages and interests. Books make a great gift for many reasons; they can motivate, teach, transform, bring joy and laughter, provide hours of escape, and they don’t require batters or need to be plugged in. Sale runs while supplies last. Mark your calendar now!
contents books & more
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tween/teen 4-5 kids 6-7 director’s note
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events books
& more Author Mardi Jo Link
Mon, November 11, 6:30 pm, OSH Michigan Notable Book Award winning author Mardi Jo Link will discuss her new memoir Bootstrapper: From Broke to Badass on a Northern Michigan Farm.
Classics Revisited Thurs, November 21, 7 pm, CEN Thurs, December 19, 7 pm, CEN Join lovers of literature to discuss Ford Madox Ford’s The Good Soldier in November and Selected Stories by Alice Munro in December. www.classicbookgroup.blogspot.com
history & genealogy Intro to Genealogy Tues, November 5, 6 pm, EAS 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 begins October 21; call 553-7808 or register online.
Kalamazoo, Then and Now: Rose Street, South Street and Around the Park Thurs, November 14, 7 pm, CEN Sharon Ferraro, Kalamazoo’s Historic Preservation Coordinator, will present another peek into Kalamazoo’s past – inside and out of downtown’s historic buildings.
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Ask a Lawyer Thurs, November 14, 6-8 pm, CEN Fri, November 15, 11:30-1 pm, CEN Thurs, December 12, 6-8 pm, CEN Fri, December 13, 11:30-1 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: Central Library, 553-7920. You may make only one appointment per four months. Clinics do not include follow-up. Further consultation must be negotiated with an individual attorney.
KPL Digital Collections 101 Tues, December 3, 6 pm, OSH Learn more about KPL’s wide array of digital collections and services and get your questions answered by the libraries resident experts in all things digital. Curious about ebooks, downloadable audiobooks, Freegal (free music downloads), Zinio (digital magazines), or Rocket Languages (online foreign language learning)? Come ask the experts at this interactive program.
Holiday Origami Tues, December 10, 6 pm, WSQ Want to spruce up your tree this holiday? Crafter Sara Baker will show you how to make interesting origami ornaments. Registration required.
music In partnership with the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, KPL is excited to be a venue for two of the festivals events in 2013. http://mfsm.us/
GLAMA Acoustic Slow Jam
Sons of the Three Fires Sat, November 9, 2:00 & 3:30 pm, CEN Native American group Sons of the Three Fires (Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi) performs two 45-minute shows, demonstrating their music and heritage.
Samite Concert Wed, November 13, 7 pm, CEN The world-renowned musician and music therapist Samite was born and raised in Uganda, where his grandfather taught him to play the traditional flute. When he was twelve, a music teacher placed a western flute in his hands setting him on his way to becoming one of East Africa’s most acclaimed flutists. He performed frequently to enthusiastic audiences throughout Uganda until 1982, when he was forced to flee to Kenya as a political refugee. Samite immigrated to the United States in 1987, and now he and his wife Sandra make their home in Ithaca, New York. Today his smooth vocals accompanied by the kalimba, marimba, litungu, and various flutes mesmerize audiences throughout the world. www.almaartistbooking.com/samite/
Wed, November 6, 7 pm, CEN Mon, December 11, 7pm, CEN Does your guitar, fiddle, or mandolin never leave home? Want to make music with others but think you can’t keep up? If you can play basic chords, then you can join GLAMA members for a slow jam.
GLAMA Community Sing Along Tues, November 12, 7 pm, CEN As that old hymn tells us, “Singing makes the burden lighter. Singing drives the care away.” Raise your voice alongside other acoustic music lovers with musicians Michael Beauchamp, Kathy Nichols and Patricia Pettinga. Song booklets provided. Just bring your vocal cords! All voices welcome.
Ken Morgan Jazz Unit Wed, December 4, 7 pm, CEN Ken Morgan has been performing professionally since age 14. He has appeared with Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, the Dave Brubeck Quartet and many other well-known jazz artists. He currently leads the Ken Morgan Jazz Unit, a quartet that performs in jazz clubs and concert venues in the Michigan region.
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tween/teen Chess Challenge Saturdays, 1-3 pm, OSH Stop by the Oshtemo Library on Saturday afternoons for some informal chess matches. Chess boards provided. Share your expertise and learn from others!
Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.)
Brush Bots
Mon, November 4 & December 2, 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.
Wed, November 13, 4 pm, POW Thurs, November 14, 4 pm, EAS Turn a toothbrush into a robot! Brush Bots are easy and fun to build and race. The tiny motor turns the bristles into mini legs, then they scoot like bugs. Gr. 5-12
Babysitting Workshop Tuesdays, November 5 – December 10, 4-5:30 pm, EAS, 6 week session Be a safe and successful babysitter by attending a 6 week workshop. Workshop presented by Veronica Bolhuis, MSUE Kalamazoo County 4-H Program Coordinator. Space is limited, registration required, must be 12 or older.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Celebration Tues, November 5, 6:30 pm, CEN Celebrate the release of Book 8, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck. Ask the 8 ball for advice. Eat snacks. Play Games. Listen to the beginning of the new book read aloud. Fun for Wimpy Kid fans of all ages. Books for sale from Bookbug during the event.
International Games Day @ Your Library Sat, November 16, 12 pm, CEN Celebrate the 6th annual International Games Day with hours of non-stop game fun. Compete in special tournaments against players from around the world! All KPL game systems will be available as well as a huge selection of board and card games. Snacks and prize giveaways! Teens only.
J-Pop Club Mon, November 18 & Mon, December 16, 3:30 pm, CEN Enjoy Japanese anime, manga, Pocky and food. Drop in any time during the event! Gr 7-12.
Ancient Weapons & Weaponry Mon, November 25, 6:30 pm, OSH, Greek and European Weapons
Meet the Author: Ally Condie Thurs, November 7, 6:30 pm, CEN Meet the author of the New York Times bestselling series, Matched. Matched was chosen as one of YALSA’s 2011 Teens’ Top Ten, named as one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Children’s Books of 2010, selected as the #1 Pick on the Winter Kids' Indie Next List, and received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publisher’s Weekly. Free event. Books for sale from Bookbug.
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Sat, December 21, 2 pm, CEN, Japanese Weaponry Join local expert Keith Nelson for an interactive demonstration of swords and weapons from around the world! Learn about the weapons and techniques used by ancient Greek hoplites, as well as other European weapons, and experience the history of Japan with a demonstration of basic moves from Toyama-ryu and Nakamura-ryu Battodo with various types of swords and other weapons. Space limited – pick up a ticket beginning one week prior to the event.
DIY Cartooning with Kenjji
Gift Making
Thurs, December 5, 12, 19 & 26, 6:30 pm, CEN Learn what it takes to make your own graphic novel with local comics master Kenjji Jumanne-Marshall! This do-it-yourself workshop will span 4 complete sessions covering all you need to know to make your own short graphic novel. Supplies provided!
Mon, December 16, 4:30 pm, POW Mon, December 23, 2:00 pm, WSQ Still need that perfect present? Stop by and make it a DIY holiday. Supplies and gift wrap provided for multiple projects. Gr. 5-12.
Hobbit Party Mon, December 9, 6:30 pm, OSH Speak friend and enter our Hobbit Party! Celebrate the new film and J.R.R. Tolkien’s wonderful series with games, riddles, Hobbiton treats and prizes! Dress in your best Middle Earth garb and join in the fun!
Michael Jackson: The Experience Thurs, December 19, 4 pm, EA Play the Wii and win prizes. Dance like you’ve never danced before to your favorite Michael Jackson hits. Gr. 5-12.
spend your
Winter B re a k @ KPL
Bella Patina Craft Time The 11th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival is on Sunday, February 23, 2:30 pm at the State Theatre. Teens (ages 12-19) must submit their 10 minute films for jury consideration by Saturday, January 18, 2014. Official rules, timeline, format requirements and entry forms may be found at kpl.gov/teenfilmfest. Applicants must reside in the state of Michigan.
Mon, December 30, 2:00 pm, CEN Bella Patina, a locally owned & independent downtown Kalamazoo shop will offer a workshop for teens on December 30, from 2-3pm. They will demonstrate how to purposefully create ecochic items using salvaged & recyclable items. Gr. 7-12.
DIY Graphic Novels with Paul Sizer Fri, January 3, 2 pm, CEN Join local comics pro Paul Sizer, author of Moped Army and Little White Mouse, and learn what it takes to make your own comics. No experience necessary, all materials will be provided. Gr. 5-12.
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
kids Dia de los Muertos Crafts First Saturday November 2, December 7, January 4, 2-4 pm, CEN
Fri, November 1, 4-5:30 pm, CEN, all ages Sat, November 2, 10-11 am, WSQ, all ages Celebrate el Dia de los Muertos with crafts at the library. Make a skull or festive flowers and learn about Day of the Dead traditions.
Toddler Talk
Take your family to the library the first Saturday of every month! Enjoy stories, activities, guests, and door prizes! Hosted by local organizations supporting children and families in the Kalamazoo area! In November, enjoy STEM activities with the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. In December, shake, shimmy, and rock with your friends at the library! We’ll use stories, songs, scarves, shakers, and the parachute! In January, enjoy art activities with the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts in partnership with their Fantastic Rumpus Exhibit!
Fri, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 10:30 am, EAS Wed, November 6, 13, 20, 27, 10 am, OSH Wed, December 4, 11, 18 10 am, OSH Fri, December 6, 13, 20, 27, 10:30 am, EAS Toddlers play while adults share the joys and challenges of parenting 1-3 year olds with parent educator/facilitator.
LEGO at the Library Sat, November 2, Sat, December 7, Sat, January 4, 10:30 am, OSH Tues, November 5, 6:30 pm, WSQ Sat, November 16, Sat, December 21, 10:30 am, CEN Wed, November 20, 4 pm, POW Thurs, December 12, 4 pm, EAS Thurs, December 26, 2 pm, CEN Build, create, and imagine with other Lego fans. Bricks provided, from Duplo to expert builder. Kids and caregivers welcome.
Baby Talk Wed, November 6, 13, 20, 27, 1:30 pm, OSH Wed, December 4, 11, 18 1:30 pm, OSH Talk about care of babies up to one year with other parents. Connie Koning, RN, facilitator.
Read with Bailey Registration required.
Call location listed or register online starting 30 days before event.
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Wed, November 6, 13, 20, 27, 4-5:30 pm, WSQ Enjoy a “pawsitive” reading experience. Read to Bailey, the loveable Schnoodle dog. Registration required. Call 553-7871.
Holiday Crafts After the Parade Sat, November 9, 11 am-1 pm CEN Stop by the library to make some holiday crafts after the holiday parade. Pinecone holiday trees, scratch art, snowflakes, and more!
Zeus: the World’s Tallest Dog Fri, November 2 pm, OSH, family Puppy-themed fun with stories, activities, and a visit from Zeus, the tallest dog in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
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Family Game Day Sat, November 16, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm, OSH, family Sat, November 16, 2-4 pm, CEN, family Celebrate International Games Day at your library! Stop by and play some games with KPL’s huge board game collection!
Bookworms Thurs, November 21, 4:30 pm, CEN A book club for kids and their grown ups. In November we’ll read, Bad Kitty Gets a Bath by Nick Bruell. We’ll take a break in December and resume in January. Books available for participants the 1st of the month preceding the meeting.
Little Scientists Thurs, December 5, 6:30 pm, CEN, 3-6 years Early literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) for preschoolers. Read stories and practice narrative skills. Explore scientific vocabulary with crafts and activities. Ages 3-6.
storytimes Adult caregiver must accompany babies and toddlers. Siblings may attend as guests.
Holiday Ornament Making Tues, December 10, 6:30 pm, EAS Colleen Heuser will lead guests in festive holiday ornament making, sharing her tricks and techniques. Supplies provided.
Reindeer Reign Sat, December 14, 10-11:30 am, OSH, family Drop in and meet some friends from Carol Borton’s Reindeer Ranch. Make treats for reindeer visitors, crafts and have fun! Reindeer will be outside so please dress accordingly. Crafts and activities will be inside the building.
Fantastic Rumpus: 50 Years of Children’s Book Illustrations Family Fun! Sat, December 14, 10 am-1 pm, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 South Park Street KIA Members: $2, non-members: $5 (includes admission and activities) Enjoy this exhibition featuring some of the best children’s book illustrations from the past 50 years. Meet Michigan author and illustrator Matt Faulkner. Book talk, signing, scavenger hunts and more!
Gingerbread House Making
Miss Lisa: Stories and Dance Sat, December 28, 10:30 am & 11:30 am, CEN, 3-6 years Mon, December 30, 10:30 am, OSH Thurs, January 2, 10:30 am, WSQ Movement and stories for preschoolers! Wear comfortable clothing for an energizing time as Miss Lisa leads you through a series of dance movements and story fun. Registration required. 3-6 year olds.
Calendar Making Mon, December 30, 2 pm, POW, ages 7-11 Decorate a calendar for the New Year! Supplies and snacks provided.
New Year’s Party Mon, December 30, 2 pm, WSQ, ages 7-11 Decorate a party hat and other festive crafts. Celebrate the new year with snacks and fun!
Gathering for Games Tues, December 31, 2 pm, EAS, ages 7-11 Meet up with some friends for an afternoon of board games. If you have a favorite game, bring it along to teach and share!
Winter Crafts for Kids
Tues, December 17, 6 pm, EAS, ages 7-11 Create a masterpiece with graham crackers, frosting, and candies. Registration required.
Thurs, January 2, 2 pm, EAS, all ages Make a calendar or other festive winter crafts. Snacks included.
Pet Presents
Movie and Popcorn
Wed, December 18, 4 pm, POW, ages 7-11 Make a present for your dog or cat this holiday season. Supplies provided.
Fri, January 3, 2 pm, POW, all ages Enjoy The Croods with friends and treats!
Yummy New Year’s Hats Fri, December 27, 2-3 pm, OSH, family Stop by and decorate an edible New Year’s hat. Save it for January 1 or eat it as soon as you’re done creating it! Registration required.
Marble Run Mania Fri, January 3, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, CEN, ages 6-11 Put your STEAM skills to the test by creating a marble run. Watch as the marbles ricochet, deflect, rock and roll! Registration required.
Toddler Storytime Tues, 10 am, CEN, 3-5 years November 5, 12, 19, 26 December 3, 10, 17 Stories, songs, rhymes and age appropriate activities for children ages 2 and 3. Siblings welcome.
Musical Storytime Mon, 6:30 pm, CEN November 11 & December 9 Favorite songs, stories, and special guests with Mr. Bill.
Yoga Storytime Sat, November 16, 11 am, CEN, 3-6 years Movement and literacy go hand-in-hand in this engaging storytime. We’ll read great stories and pair them with yoga poses kids will love. Wear comfortable clothing. Yoga mats welcome but not required. Registration required.
Family Storytime Stories and activities designed for birth-5. Wednesdays, 10:30 am, POW November 6, 13, 20 December 4, 11, 18 Thursdays, 10:30 am, EAS November 7, 14, 21 December 5, 12, 19 Thursdays, 10:30 am, OSH November 7, 14, 21 December 5, 12, 19 Fridays, 10:30 am, CEN November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 December 6, 13, 20 7
Kalamazoo Public Library
Non-Profit Org. US Postage
315 South Rose Street Kalamazoo, MI 49007
PA I D Kalamazoo, MI Permit No. 1224
Central Library – CEN 315 S Rose St, 49007 553-7800
Friends of the Library Bookstore
*****ECRWSS***** RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
315 S Rose St, 49007 553-7820
Eastwood – EAS 1112 Gayle Ave, 49048 553-7810
Oshtemo – OSH 7265 W Main St, 49009 553-7980
Alma Powell – POW
director's note
1000 W Paterson St, 49007 553-7960
Washington Square – WSQ 1244 Portage St, 49001 553-7970
a good year of reading It’s too early in the year to declare my favorite books of 2013. The next book I read might well be a favorite, but I have certainly read some strong contenders and might have trouble narrowing it down to a handful or two by year end.
Cheryl TenBrink President
I keep a list of books I’ve read and write a sentence or two as a casual review / reminder. Once again, my list is a combination of fiction and nonfiction, print and ebooks.
Fenner Brown II Secretary
I read several books about Detroit, including Detroit City is the Place to Be and Detroit: An American Autopsy. Ike & Dick, is a fascinating look at two very different politicians and their uneasy relationship. When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present, reminded me of the monumental changes during my college and career years for women. Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis is also a nonfiction favorite. Transatlantic might well be my favorite fiction title of the year. Although others include The Orchardist, City of Women, Burgess Boys, Bartender’s Tale, The Chaperone, and Tell the Wolves I’m Home. 8
Library Board
Valerie Wright Vice President James VanderRoest Treasurer
Sharing our favorites with you, is one way we support KPL’s priority of “reading for pleasure”. We also share on our book blog on our website and our staff picks displays in our buildings. Our favorites for the year will be posted in a few weeks at kpl.gov/best. We’d like to hear your favorites too. Send your best reads of 2013 to readers@kpl.gov or post on our Facebook page, facebook.com/ KalamazooPublicLibrary. I hope it has been a good reading year for you too. I’ll never run out of good books to borrow from the library. Best wishes for the New Year – good times, good health, good books.
Ann Rohrbaugh
Lisa Godfrey Robert Brown Bruce Caple Trustees
Credits 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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