SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER • 2018 Dates and times are subject to change.
Meet the Author: David Small Wed, September 26, 7 pm | Van Deusen Room, CEN
Kalamazoo Public Schools and KPL have partnered for OneCard! See page 4 for more details.
Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee Details on page 3.
Established in 2009, ONEplace@KPL is a management support center for nonprofit organizations in Kalamazoo County Details on page 4.
41st Annual Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar Details on page 4.
IN THIS ISSUE Books & More................................ 2–3 KPL & KPS OneCard.......................... 4 Teen................................................. 5–7 Kids............................................... 8–11 Another Great Book Sale................ 12 Director’s Note................................. 12
David Small’s graphic novel follow-up to the award-winning and critically-acclaimed book Stitches, is already being lauded as a masterpiece. Home After Dark: A Novel is the story of 13-year-old Russell’s struggle with not only making new friends, but his own sexuality, after moving to California with his father. The mostly wordless story moves like the best film noir with both small- and large-screen worthy art. Readers will find it difficult not to get swept up in this heartbreaking story of a young, confused boy in the 1950’s struggling to survive in a broken home. Small will discuss the story behind this incredible tale, answer questions, and sign books.
Home After Dark is incredibly moving. David Small is among the most masterful storytellers alive today.” — Gene Yang, author of Boxers and Saints
Kalamazoo: An Evening with Notables Thurs, October 18, 7–9 pm, CEN
Every year, the Library of Michigan selects up to twenty of the most notable books, either written by a Michigan resident or about Michigan or the Great Lakes. Each selected title speaks to our state’s rich cultural, historical, and literary heritage and proves without a doubt that some of the greatest stories are found in the Great Lakes State. Join KPL along with the Library of Michigan Foundation for a celebration of the Michigan Notable Books program. Many current and past Notable Book authors will be in attendance to personally autograph their books while talking with guests about their work. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet these award winning authors including: Bonnie Jo Campbell, Wade Rouse writing as Viola Shipman, Karen Dionne, William Rapai, Stephen Mack Jones, Joel Stone, Michael G. Smith, Amy Emberling and Frank Carollo, Cindy Hunter Morgan. Hors d’oeuvres and other delicious refreshments will be served — for more details and to reserve your spot for this evening of literary appreciation at kpl.gov/notables or call 553-7800.
KPL’s Local Organization Directory Connects You to Kalamazoo! Our long-standing Local Organization Directory (LOD) had a digital overhaul this past year. Looking for a neighborhood association, service or recreational club, support group or social service agency? LOD helps you connect to groups whose focus meets your needs or interests. Check out kalamazoolocal.org! Already involved with such a group
and want to increase your visibility? LOD provides free listings to not-for-profit organizations serving the Kalamazoo area. If your focus is wider than Kalamazoo, you may still list your group if you have a local chapter, office or contact. Click on “About the Directory” and find more information for organizations, including a link to submit your information.
Sonya Hollins: New Book Release Party
SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER
(more Adult events on page 4)
BOOKS Novel Ideas Book Club
Mon, September 24, 6:30 pm, OSH – The Dinner by Herman Koch Mon, October 22, 6:30 pm, OSH – The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh Mon, November 26, 6:30 pm, OSH – Come discuss your favorite books that you read in 2018 Join us as we finish our year with two critically acclaimed books. In November, we’ll put together a list of peoples’ favorite books that they read in 2018.
Reading Race Book Group
Tues, September 25, 6:30 pm, CEN Tues, November 27, 6:30 pm, POW This book group, co-sponsored by the Society for History and Racial Equity (SHARE) and KPL’s Antiracism Transformation Team, focuses on race and racism in American society. In September, we’ll discuss When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago. In November, we’ll discuss White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson.
Author Visit: Maria Erazo
Mon, October 1, 6 pm, EAS Author of In Search of My Father is an inspirational biography that shares the struggles of a family amidst adversity, and one woman’s dream while in search of her identity and meaning in life. Featured journalist on personal development and insurance education for El Informador USA and for Sport Latino magazine, both publications are in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Registration required. Call location listed or register online at kpl.gov starting 30 days before event. 2
Tues, October 16, 6pm, POW After the launch of her juvenile book Small Beginnings: The Photographic Journey Through the Life of Merze Tate, Sonya will now launch an edition for adults.
Author Visit: Drew Philip
Tues, November 13, 6:30 pm, CEN In 2009, journalist and screenwriter Drew Philip bought a ruined house in Detroit for $500. In the years that followed, as he gutted the interior and removed the heaps of garbage crowding the rooms, he didn’t just learn how to repair a house—he learned how to build a community. In a tribute to the city he loves, Philip’s book A $500 House in Detroit: Rebuilding an Abandoned Home and an American City tells us about “radical neighborliness” and makes the case that we have “the power to create the world anew together and to do it ourselves when our governments refuse.”
5th Annual— Can Poetry Be Funny?
Wed, November 14, 7 pm, CEN Can poetry be funny? Mildly amusing? Worth a smile? Join Friends of Poetry at this fun annual event to explore this question.
MUSIC Jordan Hamilton in Concert
Sat, October 13, 2 pm, CEN As part of the Connecting Chords Music Festival, presented by the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music and in partnership with the Kalamazoo Public Library we are thrilled to bring the music of Jordan Hamilton to KPL. Combining his captivating cello playing with elements of hip-hop and soul, Hamilton’s unique and inspiring music is not to be missed.
GLAMA Acoustic Slow Jam
Tues, September 11, 7 pm, CEN Tues, October 9, 7 pm, CEN Tues, November 13, 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 Community Sing
Tues, September 18, 7 pm, CEN Tues, October 16, 7 pm, CEN Tues, November 20, 7 pm, CEN Come and sing along with folksinger and songwriter Patricia Pettinga and her GLAMA Community Sing co-hosts. Lyric sheets are provided.
HISTORY & GENEALOGY Drake Farmstead Open House
Sun, September 16, 1–4 pm, 927 N. Drake Rd., Kalamazoo Join the Oshtemo Historical Society and view the inside of this renovated 1852 farmhouse.
Michigan, My Michigan: A History of This State
Thurs, September 20, 7pm, CEN — Civil War to Lumbering Thurs, November 8, 7pm, CEN — Mining, Manufacturing and Agriculture The history of Michigan is interesting, fascinating and filled with twists and turns. Join Lynn Houghton for a multi-session journey looking at all aspects of Michigan’s growth and development from its early beginnings to recent years looking at events, topics, trends, themes and people, all of which have shaped this State. Along with being the Regional History Curator for the WMU Archives and Regional History Collections, Lynn taught Michigan History for Western’s Department of History from 2002 to 2017.
How F.D.R. Segregated Kalamazoo
Tues, October 2, 6 pm, POW Join us for a presentation and discussion about the history of redlining, racially restrictive covenants, and segregation in Kalamazoo. Learn how the federal government and the city of Kalamazoo successfully financed white homeownership while instituting black segregation, how this specifically showed up and changed Kalamazoo, and how this history lives on today in Kalamazoo housing policies. Drawing on local history research, KPL librarian Matt Smith will give a presentation, followed by a panel discussion with local housing experts and Northside residents.
Fruitful Michigan: A History of Growing Fruit in Michigan Thurs, October 4, 7 pm, CEN Michigan has long been known as a great place to grow fruit, especially tree fruit such as apples, peaches, and cherries. Many environmental, cultural, and economic factors contributed to the development of this still-important industry. This program will look into the rich history of fruit growing in Michigan as well as discuss modern developments.
A True Crime History of Michigan
Tues, October 23, 6:30 pm, OSH Come face to face with the malefactors who stained the pages of Michigan history with blood spatter: The Killer Dentist, a Grand Rapids native who tried to poison his way into his wife’s inheritance. The Detroit Bluebeard, who prowled matrimonial ads for victims. The Michigan Borgia, who removed an entire branch of her family tree with Strychnine. The Lonely Hearts Killers, whose mail-order fraud business became felonious on the southwest side of Grand Rapids. Andre Kehoe, who engineered the bloodiest school day in history. Serial killers John Norman Collins and Coral Watts, whose crimes terrorized southeastern Michigan’s co-eds, and others. Join crime historian and author Tobin T. Buhk as he unveils the truth behind some of Michigan’s most fiendish crimes.
Regretting Mr. Wright: Mamah Tells Her Own Story
Thurs, October 25, 7 pm, CEN Mamah Bouton Borthwick and Frank Lloyd Wright fell in love. They were both married to other people and had eight children to care for between them. Flaunting all the social mores of their time and abandoning their family obligations, they ran off together to pursue their work, together and separately. Mamah obtained a divorce; published four books; cared for her children and championed changes in marriage and family law. She lived what was left of her short life as the female head of household at Taliesin where she was murdered on August 15, 1914. Join Ellie Carlson as she portrays Mamah — as her ghost — telling her own story.
& MORE Fresh and Healthy Foods
Mon, September 17, 6 pm, EAS Join us and enjoy a food demo presented by Kama Mitchell. Kama will show some quick and easy ways to prepare healthy meals for you and your family.
Vegan 102: 10 Easy and Delicious Ways to Add More Plants to your Diet
Tues, September 18, 7 pm, CEN Want to eat lighter and healthier, but don’t enjoy cooking or have a lot of time? This class is for you! Vegan Kalamazoo organizer Hillary Rettig will share ten simple, easy, and delicious tips for adding more fruits, vegetables, beans, and other nutritional powerhouses to your diet.
An Inspirational Discussion
Tues, September 18, 6 pm, POW Come and meet Dr. Kevin Morton, whose life was saved by a trauma surgeon nine years ago after being shot in a robbery gone bad as he was closing an Arby’s Restaurant. He has graduated from medical school and he began his residency at the hospital that treated him. Hear this fascinating story and how his life and career were transformed.
Fraud Prevention
Wed, September 19, 10:30 am, OSH Join Lt. Greenlee from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office for a presentation on common scams. Did you know that scammers are able to get information and money over the phone or email? Learn how to protect yourself. Please register.
Braided Scarves
Mon, October 15, 6 pm, OSH Looking to create a fashionable accessory for your fall wardrobe? Make your own two-toned braided scarf. Please register.
The Great Grown-up Spelling Bee
Wed, November 7, 6-9 pm WMU Bernhard Center, 1903 W. Michigan Ave. It’s time to break out the dictionary and start practicing for the 18th Annual Great Grown-up 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) 553-7885 for more information.
A Veteran Program: A Special Honor for our Female Vets Tues, November 13, 6 pm, POW Let us honor and support our veteran community. We will hear and share their stories and challenges with a special focus on our female veterans.
CloudLibrary at KPL
Launching in early September — watch kpl.gov for more details Kalamazoo Public Library is thrilled to launch the KPL CloudLibrary, a new ebook and eaudiobook platform with many exciting features including: • Quick, easy sign up • Intuitive, simple to use • Personalize your experience • Save favorite titles for later • Sync activity across all devices with no late fees • Collection sharing among connected MI libraries
3
A Library Card for Every KPS Student
41st Annual
Welcome to OneCard — a Kalamazoo Public Library and Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) innovative collaboration with one goal — a Kalamazoo Public Library card for every Kalamazoo Public Schools student.
Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar
Fri, November 2, 9 am–3:30 pm, WMU Fetzer Center, 2350 Business Ct. Kalamazoo Public Library is excited to host our 41st Annual Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar. This seminar grew out of a love for Children’s Book Week and each year brings a distinguished author or illustrator to Kalamazoo. KPL leads the collaboration to host this day of learning with WMU, KVCC, KPS and others in the community with a desire to promote children’s literature. This year’s event will feature bestselling children’s author Jennifer L. Holm, bestselling children’s illustrator Matthew Holm, author and educator from Notre Dame University Dr. Ernest Morell, and author, teacher and creator Colby Sharp. Learn about the importance of choice and having fun when sharing books with kids! Network with other children’s literature advocates. Enjoy a day of learning and fun with our special guests! Books will be for sale by local, independent bookstore Bookbug. Registration is required. Visit kpl.gov/yls for more information.
OneCard was created to enrich and support KPS school instruction, complementing the resources available through school libraries with access to KPL’s physical and electronic resources. “
“
The goals of OneCard are simple: to create an incredibly easy process for KPS students to get a library card, visit their library, check out books and most importantly to develop a love for reading.” — Ryan Wieber, KPL Director We have long appreciated our partnership with the Kalamazoo Public Library. We particularly appreciate this new joint initiative, which will give thousands of our children library cards that they would not otherwise have had and which will open up whole new worlds for our kids as a result.” —Dr. Michael Rice, KPS Superintendent
Enriches and supports school instruction with access to KPL’s physical and electronic resources. Reduces potential barriers associated with registering for a library card, visiting a KPL location and accessing its collections. For greater detail and further information, please visit: kpl.gov/onecard.
ONEplace@KPL (continued from page 1) Fall Workshops — FREE Each month we host a series of free management track workshops that are open to the public. For additional information, please visit kpl.gov/ONEplace. September — Supervisors & Managers October — Fund Development November — Volunteer Management
Know an emerging nonprofit leader? The Classics Revisited book discussion group meets the third Thursday of every month, September through May, 7–8:30 pm in the Board Room. Titles coming up this season are: Sept. 20: Dante’s Inferno; Oct. 18: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; Nov. 15: Jane Austen’s Emma. See Classicbookgroup.blogspot.com or call 553-7839 for more information. 4
OneCard provides full access to all KPL print, AV and online materials.
We are accepting applications for ONEplace Nonprofit Leader Academy. This program is designed for individuals who wish to explore executive leadership. Participants meet on a monthly basis to learn key elements of running a nonprofit and to do reflection on what is necessary to understand themselves as leaders. For additional information, email ONEplace@kpl.gov.
ONEplace services are available free of charge thanks to the support of the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, Kalamazoo Community Foundation, and Kalamazoo Public Library. Additional support provided by the Dorothy U. Dalton Foundation, and Harold & Grace Upjohn Foundation. Established in 2009, ONEplace@KPL is a management support center for nonprofit organizations in Kalamazoo County. Services provided by ONEplace include customized board trainings, workshops, direct assistance, and leadership development intensives. For additional information, please visit kpl.gov/ONEplace or email ONEplace@kpl.gov.
Services provided by ONEplace include customized board trainings, workshops, direct assistance, and leadership development intensives.
BOOK CLUBS Pizza & Pages: Jason Reynolds’ Track Series, Grades 6–8
SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER
(more events on pages 6–7)
WORDS Poetry Workshops for Messages of Hope, Grades 6–12
Mon, September 10, 5:30–8:30 pm, CEN Teen Studio Sat, September 15, 1–4 pm, POW Mon, September 17, 5:30–8:30 pm, CEN Teen Studio As part of September’s Suicide Prevention Month, Gryphon Place and Kinetic Affect / Speak It Forward are partnering for the 3rd annual Messages of Hope, an event that inspires those who struggle with life’s challenges. This free event will consist of several workshops for youth to compose poetry about overcoming challenges, struggles, and adversity. These workshops lead up to the spoken word poetry performance on Thursday, September 20th at 6 pm at Cityscape. Go to gryphon.org/events for more information.
The Art of the Essay with Jennifer Clark, Grades 9–12
Wed, September 26, 4:30 pm, OSH, Polish 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.
Meet the Artist & Writer: Yuko Ota and Ananth Hirsh, Grades 6–12 Fri, September 28, 6–7 pm, RAWK, 802 S. Westnedge Ave. Join us to talk about comics with Yuko Ota and Ananth Hirsh, the artist/writer duo behind the Johnny Wander website and creators of awesome graphic novels, and comics including Lucky Penny, Our Cats Are More Famous Than Us, Barbarous, Adventure Time, Offhand, and many more! Then, catch Yuko and Ananth at Geek Fest on Sep. 29th! Hosted by RAWK and KPL.
Writing Workshop with Author Kelly Baptist, Grades 6–12
Thurs, October 18, 6 pm, CEN Perfect your writing and learn about getting published in a writing workshop just for teens. Michigan author Kelly J. Baptist is a contributing author in one of our favorite middle grade anthologies, Flying Lessons and Other Stories and also the recipient of publisher Lee and Low’s New Voices Honor Award for her forthcoming picture book, The Electric Slide and Kai. Every teen participating in the workshop will receive their own copy of Flying Lessons to keep.
Registration required. Call location listed or register online at kpl.gov starting 30 days before event. CEN (Central) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553-7800 EAS (Eastwood) . . . . . . . . . . . . 553-7810 OSH (Oshtemo) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553-7980 POW (Alma Powell) . . . . . . . . . . 553-7960 WSQ (Washington Square) . . . 553-7970
Thursdays, September 20, October 25, November 15, December 27, 4:30–5:30 pm, CEN Teen Studio Ghost. Patina. Sunny. Lu. A fast but fiery group of kids from wildly different backgrounds, chosen to compete on an elite track team. Discover all of their stories in this complete collection by New York Times bestselling author, Jason Reynolds. Your free-to-keep copy of the books will be available 1 month in advance at Central Library. Read it and come back to talk about it over pizza! Please register.
Pizza & Pages: Hispanic Heritage Month, Grades 9–12
Tues, October 2, 6:30 pm, OSH Wed, October 3, 6:30 pm, WSQ I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sánchez. Your free-to-keep copy of the book is available up to 1 month in advance at the library location where the book club is scheduled. Read it and come back to talk about it with pizza! Please register.
Pizza & Pages: The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm, Grades 6-8
Thurs, October 11, 4:30–5:30 pm, CEN Teen Studio Ellie’s scientist grandfather has turned into a teenager — which makes for complicated relationships when he moves in with Ellie and her mother. Your freeto-keep copy of this New York Times bestselling book by KPL visiting author, Jennifer L. Holm, will be available 1 month in advance at Central Library. Read it and come back to talk about it with pizza! Bring your book back to the author visit on November 1 and get it signed! Please register. 5
Geek Fest, All Ages
Sat, September 29, 11 am–3 pm, Kalamazoo County Expo Center Calling all geeks! Don’t miss SW Michigan’s best free, all-ages comics/gaming/cosplay/ pop culture convention, back for a 3rd exciting year! Featuring a huge lineup of artists and illustrators, cosplay, crafts, an expanded gaming room, and much more for the whole family! For more info, check out: facebook.com/SWMGeekFest/
Author/Artist Alley: • Yuko Ota and Ananth Hirsh • Kenjji Jumanne-Marshall • Paul Sizer • Ruth McNally Barshaw • Jessi Fletcher & Sew Excited Cosplay • Chaotic Neutral Cosplay • Emily Kastner • Angela Sisk Featuring: • Cosplay Contest with prizes • Local robotics team demonstrations • Free caricatures • Free comic books from Rocket Comics Kalamazoo Ghostbusters • L’Arte D’Armizare Medieval Martial Arts • Nova Virtual Reality • Cosplay Photo booth • Star Wars Characters from the 501st Legion • … and more!
Teen Task Force Fall Kick Off, Grades 6–12 Thursday, September 27, 6–8 pm, CEN Teen Studio Check out what Teen Task Force is all about, get to know other teens, and help us plan fall and winter programming for KPL! 6
Expanded Gaming Room: • 5 Crests • Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator • Aunt Cathy’s Kiddie Corner • Dragon-Knight Publishing: D&D • Whispers of Starfall • Dungeons and Dragons: Tòiseachadh 5e • Elder Signs • Glitch Video Game Lounge • Magic: The Gathering • Munchkin • Pathfinder: Honor’s Echo • Red Dragon Inn: Pookie No! • Yu-Gi-Oh! Maker Mania: • Comic book buttons • Ghostbuster slime • Recycled crafts • … and more! For more info, check out: facebook.com/SWMGeekFest/
Teen Task Force: Did you know we have a volunteer group for teens to have a voice in shaping KPL’s Teen Services? Fill out an application today at kpl.gov/teens/task-force. We work together planning programs, writing book reviews, and assisting at events. For more information, contact Lead Librarian, Andrea Vernola at andreav@kpl.gov.
Pizza & Pages: Native American Heritage Month, Grades 6–8
Tues, November 6, 6:30 pm, OSH Pemmican Wars: A Girl Called Echo by Katherena Vermette. Your free-to-keep copy of the book is available up to 1 month in advance at the library location where the book club is scheduled. Read it and come back to talk about it with pizza! Please register.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Pizza Party and Packing, Grades 6–12
Mon, September 10, 6 pm, OSH The African Library Project has been a huge success! But now we must get the books ready for shipment. Please join us for an evening of pizza and packing as we prepare our books for their journey across the ocean to Swaziland, Africa. Drop in and help!
Gaming @ Eastwood, Grades 6–12
Wednesdays, September 19, October 17 & November 14, 4 pm, EAS Drop-in and get your game on with Mario Kart, Pokken Tournament, and more! Prizes for top competitors.
THE STUDIO
Introducing the Teen Studio— a brand new collaborative space for teens in Grades 6–12 for programming and creativity.
Teen Top Chef, Grades 6–12
Thurs, October 11, 4:30 pm, OSH Make your very own scar wax and experiment with some wicked makeup effects just in time for Halloween! Please register.
Open Studio, Grades 6–12
Mondays, November 5, 12, 19, 26, 4–6 pm, CEN Teen Studio Build your beginning sewing skills in a helpful environment with other teens. Complete a fashion project you can take home and build your fashion portfolio! Please register.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, September 11–November 15, 3:30–5 pm, CEN Teen Studio Drop-in, self-directed activities, crafts, gaming, movies, and more! Groups larger than 5 youth should give 48 hours advance notice. Please call (269) 553-7911 or email thestudio@kpl.gov to register your group (No registration required for individuals and small groups).
Coloring and Cocoa, Grades 6–12
Safety Segment: Teens Who Buckle Grades 9–12
Week of October 22–27, OSH We are holding a raffle for teen drivers and passengers to celebrate National Teen Driver Safety Week. Come into the Oshtemo Branch any time during the week and tell a staff member about your safe driving (and riding) habits. You will be given a raffle ticket for every habit you tell us! The drawing will take place the following week. There will be three chances to win!
Sat, October 27, 2 pm, CEN Teen Studio Think you have nerves of steel? Stick your hands in the mystery box and see if you can guess what’s inside from the silly to the truly terrifying. Guess them all correctly and win a prize.
Sew Fabulous, Grades 6–12
Sat, October 6, 2 pm, POW Come and show off your culinary talent for a high energy competition creating fun food displays in the following categories: main entrée, appetizer, and desserts. Registration for this program limited to the first 20 teens and preteens.
Monster Makeup, Grades 6–8
What’s in the Box Challenge, Grades 6–12
Bag Decorating DIY, Grades 6–12
Sat, September 15, 1–3 pm, CEN Teen Studio Go Back to School in style! Bring in your backpack to customize or decorate a free tote bag.
Minute to Win it, Grades 6–12
Sat, October 6, 2 pm, CEN Teen Studio Compete in a series of zany 60-second challenges to win a prize.
Mon, November 12, 6-8 pm, CEN Teen Studio There’s no better way to de-stress than to break out the colored pencils and sip some hot chocolate on an autumn day. Come join us!
Registration required. Call location listed or register online at kpl.gov starting 30 days before event.
CEN (Central) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553-7800 EAS (Eastwood) . . . . . . . . . . . . 553-7810 OSH (Oshtemo) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553-7980 POW (Alma Powell) . . . . . . . . . . 553-7960 WSQ (Washington Square) . . . 553-7970 7
Magic, Monsters & Mirth — A Not So Scary Halloween Show!, Family SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER
(more kids events on pages 10–11)
BOOK NOOK
Sankofa Book Club, Grades 2–4
Mondays, September 17, October 15, November 12, 4:30 pm, POW A fun book club for young readers. We will read together, learn new vocabulary, engage in learning activities, and enjoy nutritious snacks.
Third Thursday Book Club, Family
Thursdays, September 20, October 18, November 15, 4:30 pm, OSH An exciting new book club to support third-grade readers, families are welcomed to join in. Call location at 553-7980 to register and for more information.
MUSIC & THEATRE Musical Storytime, Family
Mondays, October 8 & November 12, 6:30 pm, OSH Families are invited to enjoy an evening of music, singing, dancing, and exciting stories. Something different every time with special invited guests. Registration required. Call location listed or register online at kpl.gov starting 30 days before event. 8
Sat, October 20, 2 pm, CEN Magician Brad Lancaster returns to KPL to thrill you with some creepy magic and spooky tales. Your eyes will see it, but will you believe it? Seating is limited, registration required.
KSO Carnival of the Animals, Family
Motown Kids, Family
Sat, November 24, 2 pm, POW Dance off all that holiday eating with songstress Lonna Hardin as she sings the Motown hits that will have you dancing in the seats.
AMAZING ANIMALS Reading with Tucker, Grades K–5
Thursdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25, 4–5:30 pm, OSH Thursdays, November 1, 8, 15, 29, 4–5:30 pm, EAS Enjoy a “pawsitive” reading experience with Tucker, the friendly Golden Retriever. Call location to register.
MOVE!
Thurs, November 1, 10:30 am, WSQ Explore animals through music! A well-loved family classic comes to life as it is performed by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s brass quintet. Enjoy an instrument petting zoo, meet the musicians, and create a craft based on the movements of these lively animals. This concert is part of the KSO Family Fun Chamber Series. Registration required.
Tumble Toddlers, Ages 1–2
Musical Storybooks: The Last Stop on Market Street, Ages 3–6
Mondays, October 22, November 26, 6:30 pm, CEN Join Wellspring Dance for a great program that brings the family together for movement and fun. Dance educators will incorporate movement and music the whole family can enjoy while also allowing for creative expression and introducing basic dance concepts.
Tues, November 6, 9:30 & 10:30 am, CEN Wed, November 7, 10:30 am, OSH Thurs, November 8, 10:30 am, POW Musical Storybooks features a story, a craft, and music by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s string quartet based on the book Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña. Registration required. Groups and individuals can register online or, for more information, please call 553-7804.
Sat, September 15, 10:30 am, CEN Saturdays, September 22, October 20, November 17, 10:30 am, EAS Beginner walkers with caregivers will love this free movement experience with music and a big open space. Registration required.
Dancing Side-by-Side, Family
Ready Movers by Wellspring Dance, Ages 3–4
Sat, October 27, 10:30 am, CEN Ready Movers is an innovative program that uses movement to teach and deepen the learning of literacy and mindfulness. Wellspring dance educators will present and instruct the program in a warm and welcoming environment.
STEM
Super Science, Grades 3–5
Wednesdays, September 26, October 17, November 28, 4 pm, POW Thursdays, September 27, October 18, November 29, 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.
Wed, October 10, open hours, POW Thurs, October 11, open hours, EAS Thurs, November 8, 12–6 pm, OSH Celebrate everything autumn during this afternoon of craft making. All supplies provided.
Hot Wheels Racing, Family
Wednesdays, September 12, October 10, November 14, 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.
LEGO at the Library, Family Saturdays, September 15, October 20 & November 17, 10:30 am, CEN Wednesdays, September 19, October 10 & November 7, 4 pm, POW Thursdays, September 20, October 11 & November 15, 4 pm, EAS Saturdays, October 6 & November 3, 10:30 am, OSH Build, create, and imagine with other LEGO fans. Bricks provided, from Duplo to expert builder.
Autumn Crafternoon
Science Kits for Kids, Grades K–5
Thurs, October 4, 4:30 pm, OSH Wed, October 10, 6:30 pm, WSQ Tues, October 16, 4:30 pm, CEN Wed, October 17, 4:30 pm, POW Thurs, October 18, 4:30 pm, EAS Come and explore our new science kits provided by the Western Michigan University Student Branch of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Meet some of the members and engage in some electrifying fun!
Sweet and Spooky Gingerbread Houses, Grades 1–5
Mon, October 22, 4 pm, WSQ Wed, October 24, 4 pm, POW Thurs, October 25, 4 pm, EAS
Grades 1–3
Mon, October 29, 4:30 pm, OSH
Grades 4–5
Mon, October 29, 6:30 pm, OSH Create a creepy gingerbread and candy house to frighten friends and family! Registration required.
ARTS & CRAFTS Create Peace, Family
Thurs, September 20, open hours, EAS Fri, September 21, 4 pm, CEN Celebrate World Peace Day with a variety of make-and-take crafts. All supplies provided.
Little Scientists, Ages 3–6 Mondays, September 17, November 12, 11 am, CEN Fri, October 19, 11 am, OSH Early literacy and STEAM activities for preschoolers and their caregivers. Registration required. Topics posted on kpl.gov.
Sweet and Scary Mask Making, Grades K–5
Tues, October 23, 4 pm, POW Mon, October 29, 4 pm, EAS How scary can you be? Drop by and make the scariest mask you can imagine. All materials provided. CEN (Central) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553-7800 EAS (Eastwood) . . . . . . . . . . . . 553-7810 OSH (Oshtemo) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553-7980 POW (Alma Powell) . . . . . . . . . . 553-7960 WSQ (Washington Square) . . . 553-7970 9
STAY & PLAY
STORYTIMES Adult caregiver must accompany babies and toddlers. Siblings may attend as guests.
Play and Learn, Ages 1–5
Every Thursday, 10:30 am–12:00 noon, EAS; 3:30–5:00 pm, WSQ Every Friday, 10:30 am–12:00 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 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19 Toddlers play while adults share the joys and challenges of parenting 1-3 yearolds. Carolyn Call, RN, facilitator.
Baby Talk, Up to Age 1 Year
Mondays, 2:30 pm, OSH September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19 Talk about the care of babies up to one year of age with other parents. Carolyn Call, RN, facilitator. 10
Stories, activities and special guests designed for birth-5 and their families. Thursdays, 10:30 am, OSH September 6, 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15, 29 Fridays, 10:30 am, CEN September 7, 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 16, 23, 30
1-2-3 Play with Me, Ages 1–3
Wednesdays, September 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:30 am, CEN Wednesdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 10:30 am, OSH Wednesdays, November 7, 14, 21, 28, 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.
Family Storytime, Family
It’s Storytime!, Birth–5
Preschool Storytime, Ages 3–5
Tuesdays, September 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:30 am, CEN Tuesdays, November 13, 20, 27, 10:30 am, CEN Engage in exciting stories, songs, and activities.
Baby Lapsit, Birth–Pre-walkers
Wednesdays, September 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:15 am, OSH Wednesdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 10 am, CEN Wednesdays, November 14 & 28, 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 5, 12, 19, 26, 11 am, OSH Wednesdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 10:45 am, CEN Wednesdays, November 14 & 28, 11 am, OSH Rhymes, songs, and books for little ones from walking to 24 months and their caregivers. Siblings welcome.
Thursdays, September 27, October 11, 25, November 8, 29, 10 am, EAS Fridays, September 14, 28, October 12, 26, November 30, 10 am, POW Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and caregivers enjoy wonderful stories, rhymes, songs, and music.
Toddler Storytime, Ages 2–3 Tuesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10:30 am, CEN Toddlers and caregivers share reading, writing, singing, playing and talking.
& MORE First Saturday @KPL, Family
Saturdays, September 1, October 6, November 3, 2–3:30 pm, CEN Take your family to the library the first Saturday of each month! Get your library card or pick out some 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 Early Literacy Pals November Host: KRESA Head Start
CEN (Central) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553-7800 EAS (Eastwood) . . . . . . . . . . . . 553-7810
Registration required. Call location listed or register online at kpl.gov starting 30 days before event.
OSH (Oshtemo) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553-7980 POW (Alma Powell) . . . . . . . . . . 553-7960 WSQ (Washington Square) . . . 553-7970
Fantastic Beasts Movie Party, Grades 4–5 Palabras Luminosas, Family
Friends at the Firehouse, Grades 1–3
Mon, October 1, 4 pm, OSH Join the Oshtemo firefighters for a quick trip through the station and learn about fire safety. Meet at the Oshtemo Branch.
Sat, October 13, 2 pm, OSH Fri, October 19, 6:30 pm, El Concillo located at 930 Lake St. Magical Rain Theaterworks presents an energetic performance of Latino stories, movement, and music. Seating is limited, registration required.
Day of the Dead, Family
Wed, October 24, 6:30 pm, WSQ Make crafts, eat tamales, get your face painted, and learn about this Mexican tradition of honoring our ancestors.
Coco, Family
Fri, November 2, 4 pm, POW Enjoy this wonderful family film about young Miguel who embarks on a spectacular quest to uncover his family’s history and honor their traditions.
Princess Tea Party, Grades K–3 Sat, October 13, 2 pm, POW Enjoy a fairytale afternoon with Cinderella and friends as they sing, dance, and read stories with guests. Light refreshments provided. Registration required.
The Amazing Puppets of Chan Pratt, Family
Mon, September 24, 6 pm, EAS Join us for an evening of fun with BINKEY and Puppeteer Chan Pratt.
Dia de los Muertos Family Concert, Family
Sat, November 3, 2 pm, POW Day of the Dead celebration concert for the entire family. Come enjoy local talent, and special guest band the phenomenal J.L.S. Experience that just recently appeared on Little Big Shots with host Steve Harvey.
Cuentos y Canciones, Family
Sat, November 10, 10:30 am, WSQ Celebrate Hispanic Heritage with bilingual stories, songs, and special guests.
Mon, November 12, 6 pm, OSH Join us for a fantastic day of magic and fun! We will be making wands, snacking on some wicked treats, playing trivia, and having a costume contest, so dress to impress!
Pillowcase Project: Learn, Practice, Share, Grades 1–3
Wed, November 28, 4:30 pm, OSH The American Red Cross will help you learn how to stay safe in an emergency. Each participant receives a copy of My Preparedness Workbook and have a chance to decorate a pillowcase to store items needed for an emergency. Please register.
Meet the Author & Illustrator: Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm, All Ages Thurs, November 1, 6:30 pm, CEN Meet bestselling author and illustrator Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm. Jennifer and her brother Matt are the creators of two graphic novel series for children, Babymouse and Squish, which have garnered much critical attention and favorable reviews. Jenni’s books have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, been the recipients of numerous awards and starred reviews, and have sold a combined total of over 1.9 million copies in print, digital, and audio formats. The Holms have also collaborated on the My First Comics board books for beginning readers and the New York Times bestseller Sunny Side Up. Matthew recently released his first middle-grade novel, Marvin and the Moths, co-written with Jonathan Follett. Bring the family and enjoy this evening with two of our favorite people in children’s literature! Books for signing will be available by Bookbug. This event is free and open to all ages. Doors will open at 6 pm.
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Non-Profit Org. US Postage
PAID
Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 244
315 South Rose Street Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Director’s Note Starting this fall, the new OneCard will be available for all Kalamazoo Public Schools’ students, enabling a full-access library card through the school registration process. Children in pre-k through grade 5 will automatically receive their new OneCard at school by late September, and all middle school and high school students will use their student ID card as their public library card, too. As an added bonus: ALL fines and fees on all students’ current KPL accounts will be waived at program startup! The benefit of this partnership between the library and KPS is the lessening of difficulties that students may traditionally encounter in obtaining a library card. The goals are to encourage reading and strengthen literacy skills for all students. All School staff (and contracted employees, too) are also eligible for a full-access card, and must only visit a branch and confirm employment by way of their KPS ID card. Be sure to mark your calendar for the Kalamazoo: An Evening with Notables event on Thursday, October 18 at 7pm. Sponsored by the Library of Michigan Foundation, several 2018 Michigan Notable authors will visit Central for a special program and reception. RSVP today by calling (269) 553-7800. Also, the 18th annual Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee takes place on November 7 at WMU’s Bernhard Center. This is a fun tribute and fundraiser for KPL’s Ready to Read program that annually distributes thousands of books to children ages 0-5 across Kalamazoo County. Get your spelling bee team organized early! Operationally speaking, the Washington Square Branch has suffered a repeated, flooded lower level over the course of the past two years due to heavier rains, and as a result work will commence this fall to resolve water infiltration and drainage issues and to also repair damaged basement walls. This beautiful, historic 1929 building is a neighborhood and city treasure and KPL is taking steps necessary to preserve it for future generations. Please bear with us during any temporary inconvenience while repairs are underway. Did you know the Friends of Kalamazoo Public Library have generously supported the mission of the library for many years by way of contributions generated from the sale of thousands of used books? Each year, the Friends donate proceeds from bookstore sales and their quarterly special book sales to help fund the annual Summer Reading Challenge, Ready to Read, Reading Together and so many more special projects and new initiatives. We are very lucky to have an extraordinary group of volunteers who give their time and energy to provide for a wonderful Friends Bookstore and quarterly sales! Be sure to visit the store in Central’s lower level for great finds, and let them know if you are interested in volunteering, too.
Ryan Wieber, KPL Director
Ask a Lawyer — Law Library • (269) 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 landlordtenant 12 problems, divorce, and family law.
2018 Library Board James E. VanderRoest, President Valerie L. Wright, Vice President Robert Paul Brown, Treasurer
Jannie Williams, Secretary Lisa Godfrey, Trustee Kerria Randolph, Trustee Cheryl Tenbrink, Trustee
Friends of Kalamazoo Public Library
Another Great Friends Sale Sat, September 15, 9 am – 3:30 pm Thousands of titles at 20¢ each or $3.00 for an entire grocery-size bag full … it’s another Friends of Kalamazoo Public Library Book Sale! Where? The Central Library’s 3rd floor Van Deusen Room. When? Saturday, September 15 from 9 am to 3:30 pm What? The bargains you’ve been waiting for in children’s, fiction, non-fiction, mystery, romance, biography and even large print books. Tables will be re-filled all day, while supplies last. We encourage you to bring your own sturdy bags. The Friends will have brown grocery bags available for sale, as usual. Why? To offer you the opportunity to support your library by buying gently used books at bargain prices. We have a great selection for this sale so circle September 15 on your calendar and be sure to join us. Cash or check only.
Contact us for a free 30-minute appointment. You may make only one appointment per six months. Clinics do not include follow-up.
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.
This edition of LINK is printed on recycled paper