SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER
Meet our new Director, Ryan Wieber! See page 12.
Reading Together 2018 KPL is pleased to announce the Reading Together title for 2018: Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Matthew Desmond. In this brilliant, heartbreaking book, Desmond takes us into the poorest neighborhoods of Milwaukee to tell the stories of eight families on the edge, whose fates are in the hands of two landlords. This masterful book transforms our understanding of extreme poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving a devastating, uniquely American problem. Print copies are now available at all KPL locations. Find digital copies in the catalog.
L I NK
40TH ANNUAL MARY CALLETTO RIFE YOUTH LITERATURE SEMINAR Special 2-Day, 40th Anniversary Event! November 16-17, 9 am – 3:30 pm Fetzer Center, WMU, 2350 Business Court, Kalamazoo Kalamazoo Public Library is excited to celebrate our 40th Annual Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar by having a 2-day event, featuring four awardwinning authors! Mitali Perkins, Gary Schmidt, Javaka Steptoe, and Matt Faulkner will join us on November 16 & 17 to discuss their work. Also, back by popular demand will be youth literature experts Ed Spicer, Lynn Rutan, Cindy Dobrez, and K.T. Horning, who will share her immense knowledge as the Director of the Cooperative Children’s Book Center. Books will be available for sale by local, independent bookstore Bookbug. Registration is required. Visit kpl.gov/yls for more information.
MEET THE AUTHORS Thurs, November 16, 6:30 pm, CEN 40th Annual Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar featured authors Mitali Perkins, Gary Schmidt, Javaka Steptoe, and Matt Faulkner will speak about their work and what inspires them to write youth literature. The event will be followed by a book signing. Books will be available for sale by Bookbug. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit kpl.gov/yls.
SAVE THE DATE: GREAT GROWN-UP SPELLING BEE
Save the Date
Wed, November 8, 6-9 pm WMU Bernhard Center, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo See details on page 2.
Meet the Author: Matthew Desmond Fri, March 16, 7 pm Chenery Auditorium
IN THIS ISSUE Books & More............................... 2-4 Tween/Teen................................... 5-7
Kids.............................................. 8-11 Director’s Note............................... 12
Adult
SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER
The Overdrive app has been revamped and is bigger and better than ever. Replace your current Overdrive app with Libby today by visiting meet.libbyapp.com.
SPECIAL EVENT The Great Grown-up Spelling Bee Wed, November 8, 6-9 pm WMU Bernhard Center, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo It’s time to break out the dictionary and start practicing for the 17th Annual Great GrownUp Spelling Bee! Join us and support Ready to Read, our early childhood literacy program. We are now searching for sponsors, teams of spellers, and cheerleaders! Visit kpl.gov/bee or call 269-553-7896 for more information. 2
BOOKS Jacquelyn Vincenta Author Visit Mon, November 6, 6:30 pm, OSH Construction of a novel with a mystery at its core is a fascinating, sometimes tricky process. The Lake and the Lost Girl by Jacquelyn Vincenta is a mystery with two story lines – one set in the 1930s, and one in 1999 – that are driven by the secrets of a woman who disappeared in 1939 and was never found. How did the author use those secrets to create suspense? How did she structure and pace the plot to keep the reader both informed enough to be invested, but still intrigued about the unknown? Join us for a conversation about writing a tale of secrets and mystery!
4th Annual Can Poetry Be Funny? Tues, October 24, 7 pm, CEN Can poetry be funny? Mildly amusing? Worth a smile? Join Friends of Poetry at a reading to explore this question.
Urban Fiction Book Discussion Tuesdays, October 24 & November 28, 6 pm, POW Join the Powell Book Discussion Group as we share our insights and reviews on works by various authors. In October, the group will discuss Judas by JaQuavis Coleman. In November, the group will discuss Retribution: What Goes Around… by NyRee Ausler.
Book-to-Movie Book Club Fri, October 27, 10:30am, OSH Join us as we discuss Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express ahead of the movie.
HISTORY & GENEALOGY
MUSIC
What Did Women Do With the Vote?
Tues, October 10 & November 14, 7 pm, CEN We invite you to join the Great Lakes Acoustic Music Association for a fun jam based on simple chord progressions and slow to medium tempo tunes. All acoustic stringed instruments welcome! Basic jamming tips are included.
GLAMA Acoustic Slow Jam
Mon, September 11, 7 pm, CEN Learn whether, how, and with what effect women cast their ballots in the first five presidential elections that followed passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote on August 18, 1920. Speakers Kevin Corder, PhD, WMU, and Christina Wolbrecht, PhD, Notre Dame, both political science professors, conducted a comprehensive assessment of women's voting in the 1920s and 1930s. Together, they wrote Counting Women's Ballots: Female Voters from Suffrage Through the New Deal (Cambridge, 2016) based on their research. They won the American Political Science Association Victoria Schuck Award in 2016 for the best book on women and politics. In conjunction with their presentation, the Ladies' Library Association of Kalamazoo will host the exhibit "Petticoat Patriots: How Michigan Women Won the Vote" from September 12 through 19. The exhibit, on loan from the Michigan Women's Historical Center & Hall of Fame, explores the history of women's suffrage in Michigan and features the stories of more than 20 Michigan women who became leading suffragists. The exhibit will be open free of charge to the public thanks to support from the League of Women Voters of the Kalamazoo Area and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Learn more on the website, kalamazooladieslibrary. org, or call 344-3710.
CEN (Central Library) . . . 553-7800 EAS (Eastwood) . . . . . . . . 553-7810 OSH (Oshtemo) . . . . . . . . . 553-7980 POW (Alma Powell) . . . . . 553-7960 WSQ (Washington Square) 553-7970
GLAMA Community Sing Tues, October 17 & November 21, 7 pm, CEN Come and sing along with folksinger and songwriter Patricia Pettinga, and her GLAMA Community Sing co-hosts. Lyric sheets are provided.
Genealogy Week at the Library – Personal Genealogy Consultation Mon-Fri, Oct 16-20 Need a leg up on your family tree? Sign up for an hour of one-on-one research guidance with an experienced local history room staff member. Spots are limited. Call 553-7808 for an appointment.
PHOTO BY HELEN BECK
Capoeira Mandinga Sat, November 11, 2 pm, CEN In partnership with the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, Kalamazoo Public Library will host an afternoon of Capoeira— a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music—with Grand Rapids group Capoeira Mandinga.
Welcome to Kalamazoo, 1917 Mon, November 13, 7 pm, CEN What was Kalamazoo like 100 years ago, and what was going on here? With the Kalamazoo Gazette for our time machine, we’ll stroll through a momentous year in history, take a good look around, and find out what Kalamazooans were thinking, doing, and talking about in 1917. 3
Adult
SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER
& MORE Exquisite Hair/Fashion Show by Stephen & Keneisha Darden Tues, September 12, 6 pm, POW Stephen and Keneisha are 20-year hair styling veterans and will share tips to having healthier hair. They will demonstrate styles showing the most current trends for hair styles and fashions. Guests will have an opportunity to be chosen for a free eyebrow waxing compliments of Exquisite Beauty Salon. R
ASK A LAWYER For appointment information call the Law Library, 553-7920. 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: 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.
CEN (Central Library) . . . 553-7800 EAS (Eastwood) . . . . . . . . 553-7810 OSH (Oshtemo) . . . . . . . . . 553-7980 POW (Alma Powell) . . . . . 553-7960 WSQ (Washington Square) 553-7970
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Arduino & Raspberry Pi Club
Every other Thursday, September 14 – November 23, 6:30 pm, CEN Meet in The Hub this fall for an informal Arduino/Raspberry Pi enthusiasts club. The group welcomes anyone interested in learning about Arduino and/or Raspberry Pi. Beginners and the curious are welcome! Supplies are limited so please register at www.kpl.gov to reserve your spot.
The Influence of Bob Dylan on the Beatles Mon, September 18, 6:30pm, CEN Aaron Krerowicz will illustrate the impact of Bob Dylan on the Beatles, helping them move from teenybopper stars to the foremost artists of their era.
A Distant Shore: African Americans of D-Day Tues, October 31, 6 pm, POW Honor Veterans Day with us at this screening of the documentary A Distant Shore: African Americans of D-Day. The film features accounts of veterans serving in Europe during the invasion of Normandy.
Friends of KPL Bag-of-Books Sale Sat, September 9, 9 am - 3:30 pm Central Library – Van Deusen Room You’ll find great buys at the annual Friends Fall Bag-of-Books Sale. Stock up on books, music, and movies for the cooler months ahead. After 15 years, prices have inched up just a bit. It’s still a deal almost too good to be true. Fill a bag full of books for $3.00 or purchase books for only 20 cents each. We encourage you to bring your own sturdy, reusable bag. Books are sorted by category for easier shopping. Shop early for the best selection of children’s books.
Where Elephants Dance: Stories from South Asia Featuring the winners of the 2017 South Asia Book Award, All Ages
Mon, October 16, 6 – 7:30 pm, OSH
SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER
(more events on pages 6-7)
Zumba, Grades 5-12 and Adults with Teen
FEST
Geek Fest, All Ages Sat, October 14, 11 am – 3 pm, Antwerp Activity Center, 24821 Front Ave, Mattawan 2nd Annual comic book, gaming, cosplay convention for all ages. For more info, check out: https://www. facebook.com/SWMGeekFest/ Hosted by local libraries: Kalamazoo Public Library, Lawton Public Library, Paw Paw District Library, Portage District Library, Richland Community Library, and Van Buren District Library.
RAWK and KPL are celebrating the start of National Novel Writing Month! Come for a write-in with prompts, workshopping, and pizza. Chromebooks provided. Please register.
Thur, November 16, 6:30 pm, CEN
Saturdays, September 16, October 21, November 18, 10:30 am, OSH
Geek
Sat, November 4, 10 am – 1 pm, CEN
Meet the Authors: Mitali Perkins and Gary Schmidt, All Ages
SPECIAL EVENTS
Get your Zumba on with Amy Baker’s ZuCrew! Adults welcome when accompanied by a teen.
NaNoWriMo Kick Off, Grades 5-12 R
Celebrate the most recent winners of the South Asia Book Award at this very special author visit! Mahak Jain, author of the beautiful picture book, Maya, will talk about the power of story and how a young Indian girl uses it to overcome her fears. Illustrator Elly MacKay will describe and show the amazing paper theater illustrations she created to bring both India and Maya’s dreams to life. Learn about the Nepalese elephant guides in Eric Dinerstein’s What Elephants Know. The story tells the tale of young Nandu, an orphan struggling to help save the elephant stable from closing. Both stories are magical adventures that will expose readers to the wonders of South Asia. The event also features a discussion on the importance of telling stories from South Asia. Book sale and signing.
Music and Poetry with Jordan Hamilton, All Ages Tues, October 17, 6 pm, POW Songwriter, arranger, improviser, and cellist Jordan Hamilton, in collaboration with Fox Gospel Music School and FIRE Poetry House, B.A.C., will lead a lively interactive collaboration of music and poetry.
Mitali Perkins has written ten novels for young readers, including Rickshaw Girl, (chosen by the New York Public Library as one of the top 100 books for children in the past 100 years) and Bamboo People (an American Library Association’s Top Ten Novels for Young Adults). Gary Schmidt is a professor of English at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. He received both a Newbery Honor and Printz Honor for Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, and a Newbery Honor for The Wednesday Wars. He lives with his family on a 150-year-old farm in Alto, MI where he splits wood, plants gardens, and feeds wild cats that drop by.
required. Call location listed R Registration or register online at kpl.gov starting 30 days before event. CEN (Central Library) . . . . . 553-7800 EAS (Eastwood) . . . . . . . . . . 553-7810 OSH (Oshtemo) . . . . . . . . . . . 553-7980 POW (Alma Powell) . . . . . . . 553-7960 WSQ (Washington Square) . 553-7970
5
MAKER R
Cosplay Skills Lab,
Grades 5-12
Mon, October 9, 4:30-7:30 pm, CEN
SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER
(more events on page 5)
DIY Back to School, Grades 5-12
GAMER
Join us for a chance to work on your cosplay skills. We’ll feature experts on topics like make-up, costume design, creating ideas, and provide supplies to experiment and create. You can work on your next cosplay, share ideas, or just relax. Please register.
Mon, September 11, 6 pm, CEN Create your own pencil/makeup pouches, locker mirrors, notebooks, and more! All supplies provided.
Pokemon Club, Grades 5-12 Wednesdays, September 27, October 4, 11, 18, 4:30 pm, OSH Pokemon Tournament, Grades 5-12 Wed, October 25, 4:30 pm, OSH Play Pokemon with friends! Prizes for top competitors at the final tournament!
Jewelry Making with Meg Tang, Grades 5-12 R
Mon, September 25, 4:30 pm, CEN Local jewelry making expert, Meg Tang, will help you craft a one-of-a-kind piece using found items, wire, and more! Supplies provided. Please register.
International Games Day, Grades 5-12
Tunnel Books with Kalamazoo Book Arts Center, Grades 5-12 R
Sat, November 18, 1-3 pm, CEN Celebrate International Games Day with gamers around the world. Play a variety of board games, card games, video games, and more! R
Fresh Food for Teens,
Grades 5-12 CEN (Central Library) . . . . . 553-7800 EAS (Eastwood) . . . . . . . . . . 553-7810 OSH (Oshtemo) . . . . . . . . . . . 553-7980 POW (Alma Powell) . . . . . . . 553-7960 WSQ (Washington Square) . 553-7970
6
Thurs, October 5, 6 pm, CEN Join Hether Frayer, the Fresh Food Fairy, to make healthy snacks and smoothies and carve some spooky food friends. All supplies provided. Please register.
Thurs, October 19, 6 pm, CEN A tunnel book is a three-dimensional, movable book that you “read” by looking through it so the overall effect creates the illusion of depth and perspective. Guided by Kalamazoo Book Arts Center, participants will illustrate their scene/ characters with layers and collage materials including colored papers, magazine images, and more. Please register.
WORDS R
Pizza, Pasta, & Pages,
Grades 5-12
Your free-to-keep copy of the book is available up to 1 month ahead at the library location. Read it and come back to talk about it with pizza (or pasta)! Please register. Thurs, September 14, 4:30 pm, CEN The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
COLLEGE & CAREER HELP R
College Stride, Grades 9-12
Sat, August 26, 10:30 am, CEN Thurs, September 28, 6 pm, CEN Learn about the college application process from experienced guide Karen Williams. Get organized and present yourself effectively in applications and essays. For current high school students and their parents/caregivers. Bring your questions! Please register.
Tues, October 3, 6:30 pm, OSH Orbiting Jupiter by visting author, Gary Schmidt Tues, October 3, 6:30 pm, OSH Thurs, October 12, 4:30 pm, POW What Elephants Know by visiting author, Eric Dinerstein Thurs, October 26, 6 pm, CEN You Bring the Distant Near, by visiting author, Mitali Perkins Thurs, November 9, 4:30 pm, POW Secret Keeper by visiting author, Mitali Perkins
R
FAFSA Help, Grades 11-12
Thurs, October 12, 6-8 pm, CEN Need help figuring out that Financial Aid form? KRESA’s College and Career Readiness Action Network is here to help! Bring your college finance and personal tax information and get those questions answered. For current high school students and their parents/caregivers. Please register.
The Art of the Essay with Jennifer Clark, R
Grades 9-12
Sat, September 16, 10:30 am, EAS Thurs, September 21, 4:30 pm, POW Sat, September 30, 10:30 am, OSH
required. Call location listed R Registration or register online at kpl.gov starting 30 days before event.
Perfect those college essays in time for admission and scholarship application deadlines. Practice your personal writing with exercises and tips from writing teacher and published author, Jennifer Clark. Stay for the editing session afterwards to get help with a current piece. Please register.
Writer’s Workshop, Grades 5-12
Tues, November 7, 14, 21, 28, 6 pm, CEN Get together with other teen writers to trade writing tips, tricks, prompts, and constructive criticism. Bring something you are working on or start something new.
7
STORYTIMES Adult caregiver must accompany babies and toddlers. Siblings may attend as guests.
Preschool Storytime, Ages 3-5
SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER
(more kids events on pages 10-11)
BOOK NOOK R
Bookworms, Family
Tuesdays, September 12, October 10, November 14, 6:30 pm, OSH Thursdays, September 28, October 26, November 30, 6:30 pm, CEN A book club for kids and their grownups. Register online at kpl.gov/kids. In September we’ll read How Tia Lola Ended Up Starting Over by Julia Alvarez. In October we’ll read Maya by Mahak Jain. In November we’ll read My Name is Yoon by Helen Recorvits. Pick up your free copy at the branch.
Meet Local Author: Lonna Hardin, Family Mon, September 18, 6 pm, EAS Educator, singer, and author of The Voice Snatcher, Lonna will sing songs and share her book. The Voice Snatcher is a story for young people. It addresses depression, bullying, anxiety, and the feeling that you have no voice. R
Tablet Tales, Ages 3-6
Thursdays, September 21, October 19, 10:30 am, CEN Preschoolers and caregivers explore interactive and engaging books using tablet technology in a positive manner. Registration required.
8
Where Elephants Dance: Stories from South Asia Featuring the winners of the 2017 South Asia Book Award, All Ages
Mon, October 16, 6 – 7:30 pm, OSH Celebrate the most recent winners of the South Asia Book Award at this very special author visit! Mahak Jain, author of the beautiful picture book, Maya, will talk about the power of story and how a young Indian girl uses it to overcome her fears. Illustrator Elly MacKay will describe and show the amazing paper theater illustrations she created to bring both India and Maya’s dreams to life. Learn about the Nepalese elephant guides in Eric Dinerstein’s What Elephants Know. The story tells the tale of young Nandu, an orphan struggling to help save the elephant stable from closing. Both stories are magical adventures that will expose readers to the wonders of South Asia. The event also features a discussion on the importance of telling stories from South Asia. Book sale and signing.
Tuesdays, September 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:30 am, CEN Tuesdays, November 7, 14, 21, 10:30 am, CEN Engage in exciting stories, songs, and activities.
Baby Lapsit, Birth – Pre-walkers Wednesdays, September 6, 13, 20, 27, 10:15 am, OSH Wednesdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25, 10 am, CEN Wednesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 10:15 am, OSH Songs, bounces, and rhymes for babies from birth to walking with their caregivers. Siblings welcome.
Baby Steps, Walkers – 24 Months Wednesdays, September 6, 13, 20, 27, 11 am, OSH Wednesdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:45 am, CEN Wednesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 11 am, OSH Rhymes, songs, and books for little ones from walking to 24 months and their caregivers. Siblings welcome.
STAY & PLAY Play and Learn, Ages 1-5
Family Storytime, Family Stories, activities, and special guests designed for birth-5 and their families. Thursdays, 10:30 am, OSH September 7, 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 30 Fridays, 10:30 am, CEN September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 October 6, 13, 20, 27 November 3, 24
Toddler Storytime, Ages 2-3 Tuesdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 10:30 am, CEN Toddlers and caregivers share reading, writing, singing, playing and talking.
Every Mon, 3:30 pm-5 pm, EAS Every Thurs, 10:30 am-12 noon, EAS Every Thurs, 3:30 pm-5 pm, WSQ Every Fri, 10:30 am-12 noon, POW Engage in play for early learning. Drop in during the posted open times. For children ages 1 to 5 with caregiver, siblings welcomed.
Toddler Talk, Ages 1-3 Mondays, 10:15 am, OSH September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20 Toddlers play while adults share the joys and challenges of parenting 1-3 year-olds. Carolyn Call, RN, facilitator.
R
1-2-3 Play with Me, Ages 1-3
Wednesdays, September 6, 13, 20, 27, 10:30 am, CEN Wednesdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:30 am, OSH Wednesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 10:30 am, CEN Spend time together, play, make friends, and talk one-on-one with specialists on child development during this enjoyable one-month workshop. For children 1 to 3 years and their parents and caregivers. Registration required. Infant and preschool siblings may attend with registered toddler.
Baby Talk, Up to Age 1 Year Mondays, 2:30 pm, OSH September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20 Talk about the care of babies up to one year of age with other parents. Carolyn Call, RN, facilitator.
R Registration required. Call location listed or register online starting 30 days before event.
MOVE! R
Tumble Toddlers, Ages 1-2
Sat, October 14, November 18, 10:30 am, CEN Toddlers and caregivers enjoy this free movement experience in a big open space. Registration required.
Move with Cahl, Family Tues, November 14, 6 pm, POW Kids will put on their tutus and learn to dance with ballerina Micahl Singleton. Then we turn up the power and watch a dynamic double dutch presentation at this high energy program families will love. 9
MUSIC & THEATRE Musical Storytime, Family SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER
(more kids events on pages 10-11)
STEM LEGO at the Library, Family Saturdays, September 2, October 7, November 4, 10:30 am, OSH Saturdays, September 16, October 21, November 18, 10:30 am, CEN Tuesdays, September 19, October 17, November 14, 4 pm, POW Mondays, September 25, October 30, November 20, 4 pm, EAS Build, create, and imagine with other LEGO fans. Bricks provided, from Duplo to expert builder.
Hot Wheels Racing, Family Wednesdays, September 13, October 11, November 8, 6:30 pm, WSQ Build tracks, race cars, crash into LEGO buildings, jump block towers, and whatever else you can think of doing. STEM education has never been so much fun. R
Little Scientists, Ages 3-6
Mondays, September 18, October 16, November 13, 10:30 am, CEN Stories and science for preschoolers and a caregiver. Registration required. Topics posted on kpl.gov.
Super Science, Ages 6-11
Library Lab, Ages 8-11 Thursdays, September 7, October 5, November 2, 4:30 pm, OSH Engage in hands-on science activities. Explore gizmos and gadgets, potions and solutions, solids and slimes. A different project each month.
CEN (Central Library) . . . . . 553-7800 EAS (Eastwood) . . . . . . . . . . 553-7810 OSH (Oshtemo) . . . . . . . . . . . 553-7980 POW (Alma Powell) . . . . . . . 553-7960 WSQ (Washington Square) . 553-7970
10
Wednesdays, September 27, October 18, November 15, 4 pm, POW Thurs, September 28, 4 pm, EAS Mondays, October 16, November 27, 4 pm, EAS Drop in for a fun afternoon of hands-on science and hanging out with friends. Activities vary each program, and everyone works at their own pace and skill level. R
Mondays, September 11, October 9, November 13, 6:30pm OSH Mondays, September 25, October 23, November 27, 6:30pm CEN Favorite songs, stories, and special guests.
Robotics Rookies, Ages 8-11
Mondays, October 9, 16, 23, 30, 4:30 pm, CEN Come join other Robotic Rookies and learn how to design, build, test, and program your very own robot. Amaze your family and friends at the last session when your robot performs. Plan to attend all four sessions. Registration required.
Pictures at an Exhibition, Family R
Sat, September 30, 9:45 am and 11 am, CEN Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s Brass Quintet will present their newest program “Pictures at an Exhibition” based around the famous classical musical suite by Modest Mussorgsky. The program will include interactions with artwork and will conclude with an instrument petting zoo and a craft based around the musical program. This concert is part of the KSO Family Fun Chamber Series. Registration required.
Musical Storybooks, Last Stop on Market Street, R
Ages 3-6 Tues, November 28, 9:30 and 10:30 am, CEN Wed, November 29, 9:30 and 10:30 am, CEN Thurs, November 30, 10:30 am, WSQ Musical Storybooks features Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña with a storytime, craft, and childfriendly performance by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s string quartet. Groups welcome. Registration required.
ARTS & CRAFTS
& MORE
Autumn Crafternoons,
First Saturday @KPL, Family
Ages 6-11
Saturdays, September 2, October 7, November 4, 2-3:30 pm, CEN Take your family to the library the first Saturday of each month! Get your library card or pick out books to check out. Enjoy stories, activities, special guests, and door prizes. Something different each month! First Saturday is a partnership program for KPL and Kalamazoo Public Schools. September Host: Despierta Kalamazoo October Host: WMU McGinnis Reading Center November Host: KRESA Headstart
Thurs, September 21, 4:30 pm, OSH Mon, November 20, Open Hours, EAS Tues, November 21, Open Hours, POW Create a fall-inspired artistic masterpiece using a variety of art mediums.
Super Hero Mask Making, Ages 5-12 Mon, October 23, 4 pm, EAS Come meet a real super hero who will help you create your own super hero mask.
Baby & Me for Teen Moms and Dads, Birth-5 Tuesdays, October 3, November 7, 6:30 pm, POW Promote early learning with songs, puppets, finger plays, bubbles, and more. Teen moms and dads will receive a free early learning gift bag while supplies last.
Animal Adventures with Doc McStuffins, Ages 3-6 R
Sweet and Spooky Gingerbread Houses, Ages 6-11 R
Tues, October 24, 4:30 and 6:30 pm, OSH Wed, October 25, 4 pm, POW Wed, October 25, 6:30 pm, WSQ Thurs, October 26, 4 pm, EAS Create a creepy gingerbread and candy house to frighten friends and family! Registration required.
Sweet and Scary Mask Making, Ages 5-12 Wed, October 25, 4 pm, POW Fri, October 27, 4 pm, CEN Drop in and create the most frightening, scary mask for Halloween.
Thurs, October 5, 10:30 am, POW Come spend time with Doc McStuffins, listen to her wonderful animal adventures, and receive a free Doc McStuffins book. Groups welcome. Registration required.
R
ScienceFlix, Ages 6-11
Wed, October 11, 4 pm, POW Thurs, October 12, 4 pm, EAS Explore all this resource has to offer using Chromebooks. Please register.
Lord of the Gourd, Family Tues, October 17, 4-7 pm, OSH Wed, October 18, 4-7 pm, WSQ Thurs, October 19, 4-7 pm, CEN The Lord of the Gourd returns to Kalamazoo to amaze you with his unique carvings. Drop by and see how he does it!
Native American Heritage Celebration, Family Sat, November 4, 11 am, CEN A celebration of Native Americans with storytelling, crafts, dance, music, and art.
Movie and Snack, Family Fri, November 24, 2 pm, POW Enjoy a wonderful family movie and delicious snacks.
R Registration required. Call location listed or register online starting 30 days before event.
AMAZING ANIMALS R
Reading with Tucker, Family
Thursdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26, 4-5:30 pm, OSH Thursdays, November 2, 9, 16, 30, 4-5:30 pm, WSQ Enjoy a “pawsitive� reading experience with Tucker, the friendly Golden Retriever. Call location to register. 11
315 South Rose Street Kalamazoo, MI 49007
*****ECRWSS***** RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
Non-Profit Org. US Postage
PA I D Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 244
DIRECTOR’S NOTE:
MEET OUR NEW DIRECTOR, RYAN WIEBER Greetings KPL patrons and the Kalamazoo community! My name is Ryan Wieber and I am honored to serve as the new director of Kalamazoo Public Library. Former director Ann Rohrbaugh has been a longtime colleague as well as a great resource to me as I transition into my new role here at KPL. Ann left an impressive legacy and very large shoes to fill, but I am eager and excited for the opportunity. As you may know, for the last four years I have served as the director of Van Buren District Library where I was responsible for the overall administration of the central location and six branches. During my time there, I implemented a strategic planning process, overhauled the IT department and updated the network technology. Prior to VBDL, I was the director of the Otsego District Library for 13 years. There I championed initiatives that tripled annual patron visits and increased materials circulation by 150%. I also led a successful fundraising campaign and bond initiative that resulted in a brand-new, state-of-theart library to serve the Otsego community. While living in Allegan County for nearly twenty years, my family and I have enjoyed visiting Kalamazoo and all it offers, from the college environment and exciting downtown activities to outstanding parks
Ryan Wieber receiving his KPL Library Card. and great cultural opportunities. We have recently made the move from Otsego and are thrilled to put down roots here and call Kalamazoo our new home. I have had an incredibly busy first few weeks at KPL getting to know the staff, familiarizing myself with all the locations, and learning more about our tremendous array of programs, services and outreach efforts. I am amazed with the quality of innovative initiatives that are being planned by staff to ultimately provide better service, access, and opportunities for Kalamazoo residents. I am also proud to say that I have not yet locked myself in the Central back stairwell, which from what I have heard, is an unwritten part of KPL’s new employee orientation process. One of the first things I noticed about KPL is how passionate the staff is about the library, and their roles in it. With much enthusiasm and pride, employees have
shared their past accomplishments and genuine excitement for the future of the library, and I love that! It is clear that the success of KPL and its highly-respected position in the community is a direct result of our staff’s commitment toward providing a great product, and their ability and desire to listen to the needs of our community. I am eager to work with them as we move KPL forward with continued innovation and commitment to best serve our patrons. Thank you for welcoming me to Kalamazoo, a place that clearly loves its library. I look forward to meeting you—our treasured library users—and providing a place that emphasizes the importance of literacy and equitable access to collections, services and information, and is a safe place for the sharing of diverse ideas. I am honored to serve as the director of Kalamazoo Public Library. Ryan Wieber, Director 12
2017 Library Board
Lisa Godfrey, President Robert Paul Brown, Trustee Valerie L. Wright, Vice President Cheryl TenBrink, Trustee James E. VanderRoest, Treasurer Jannie Williams, Trustee Kerria Randolph, Secretary
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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