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library
tutors needed! Seeking patient, caring adults willing to help another adult learn to read. Tutors work with one adult learner two hours a week, for at least one year. Kalamazoo Literacy Council trains these tutors in the internationally recognized Laubach Way to Reading, designed for volunteers working with adults. All materials provided to tutors and learners.
Training Dates January 11, 7-8:30 pm, Orientation January 15 and 22, 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Workshops
election The terms of five Kalamazoo Public Library trustees expire in June 30, 2011. Those interested in running must file nominating petitions with the City Clerk or pay a $100 filing fee in lieu of petitions. Petitions and information for the May 3 election may be picked up in the library office, 315 S. Rose St., or at the city clerk’s office, 241 W. South St. Completed petitions are due by 4 pm on February 8.
Training begins with an evening overview, then continues with two daylong sessions. For more information or to volunteer, call the Literacy Council, 382-0490 x 222, or email mevans@goodwillswmi. org. Space limited; $30 registration fee requested.
go green – email You can help KPL cut paper, printing and postage costs by giving us your email address. You’ll receive your date due, overdue and hold notices faster and you’ll let KPL budget more money for books, movies, music, programs, and services. Don’t have an email address? Sign up for a free account at www.google.com (Gmail), www.yahoo. com (Yahoo mail), or www.msn.com (Hotmail). If you need help, ask a staff member. You can use our free computers to check your email, too! Kalamazoo Public Library does not sell or share your email address or patron record and makes every effort to protect your privacy in accordance with Michigan’s Library Privacy Act, PA 455 of 1982.
tech support Need help using the library’s computers? KPL now offers basic support by technology interns 40 hours each week. Hours vary. Call 553-7801 to learn when an intern will be available. As college students in communications and library science, our experienced interns can help you with a variety of concerns: h ow to set up an email account or send attachments via email how to use word processing or print documents how to complete online forms or upload a resume how to save documents on a flash drive or CD how to search for a job or set up social networking how to connect to KPL’s wireless network (wifi) Please note that the interns offer short personal tutorials, not lengthy training sessions. For more advanced support, check the Computer Training page for news and upcoming classes and read the training blog. A recent series of posts covered web-based photo sharing.
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 315 S Rose St, 49007 342-9837
Friends of the Library Bookstore 315 S Rose St, 49007 553-7820
Eastwood 1112 Gayle Ave, 49048 553-7810
Oshtemo 7265 W Main St, 49009 553-7980
note
director’s
Alma Powell 1000 W Paterson St, 49007 553-7960
Washington Square 1244 Portage St, 49001 553-7970
my personal best It’s that time of year! Almost every publication I pick up seems to feature a Best of the Year list. The ones I am most drawn to, not surprisingly, are of best books. I immediately check off those I’ve read and add others to my to-read-sometime list. One of my out-of-town librarian friends even includes her favorite books of the year in her holiday card. I’m guessing she doesn’t send it to everyone on her list, maybe only her librarian friends. I love it and write back accordingly. Three titles appear on most of the best books list I’ve seen so far: Freedom, Jonathan Franzen; The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot; and The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration, Isabel Wilkerson. I’ve added them to my list, too! Not only do I keep a list of books I want to read, for more than 20 years I’ve recorded all the books I’ve read. The short reviews I write help me choose my personal bests of the year as well as add older titles to the Staff Picks display at Central Library. Most best books lists feature those published in the past year; mine is of books I read. I have to wait my turn to check out newly published books, just like other patrons! It’s hard to decide, but my
Library Board Lisa A. Godfrey President Valerie Wright Vice President
favorite novel was Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann, and nonfiction, Lit: A Memoir by Mary Karr. I also liked Julie Orringer’s first novel, The Invisible Bridge. With our new emphasis on providing library services that encourage “reading, viewing, and listening for pleasure,” we’re sharing our favorite books, movies, and music on our website, our blog posts, and displays. You can share your reviews with other library patrons, too! Check www.kpl.gov/review for info. Best wishes for the New Year—good times, good health, good friends, and good books!
James VanderRoest Treasurer Fenner Brown II Secretary Cynthia Addison Cheryl TenBrink Robert Paul Brown 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.
www.kpl.gov Ann Rohrbaugh Library Director
link
January-February 2011 L I B R A R Y L I N K
local history revealed
KPL’s Local History web pages feature more than 200 vignettes about a wide variety of subjects. Kalamazoo’s nine historic districts, neighborhoods, and structures account for 55 of those stories. Historic district pages describe boundaries, list reasons for historic status, architectural styles, period of significance, and more. Many also link to KPL web pages about homes and other prominent buildings in each district. If you enjoy learning about the history of the community, you’ll find fascinating details on KPL’s website, www.kpl.gov/local-history. Some of the most popular pages include histories of Gibson Guitar and the Kalamazoo Stove Company, plus dozens of photo galleries. Genealogy buffs appreciate the Local History Room’s holdings of school and college yearbooks. (Donations accepted! Call 5537808 for more information.) Other helpful resources on www.kpl. gov/genealogy include a new index to local cemeteries and KPL’s Local Information Database of more than 3 million citations to local publications. Read the Local History and Genealogy News for updates on resources. KPL receives local history and genealogy questions from around the world. We gladly help each caller, knowing that local genealogists likewise seek help from other libraries. Just starting to research your family tree? Check the Intro to Genealogy and Genealogy Lock-In. These events fill quickly; register online or call as soon as registration opens—details inside.
teen film fest at Rave! February 27, 2:30 pm, Rave Motion Pictures Calling all teen filmmakers! Do you direct hilarious teen comedies, create amazing animation, or produce breathtaking action scenes? Then submit your films to the eighth annual Teen Filmmaker Festival! Selected Festival entries will be shown at a public screening at Rave Motion Pictures. Films must be created by Michigan teens. Download an entry form, check filmmaking tips and tricks, find answers to frequently asked questions, and see last year’s winners at www.kpl.gov/teens/filmmakerfest. Entries are due at 5 pm on January 22. Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and Public Media Network cosponsor the Festival. Special thanks this year to Rave Motion Pictures, 190 Portage St., in downtown Kalamazoo.
appreciating kidder February 10, 6:30 pm, Central With deep empathy for his subjects and extraordinary talent as a storyteller, Tracy Kidder has written on such diverse subjects as life in an elementary school, nursing home residents, the construction of a house, and, in Mountains Beyond Mountains, a doctor’s crusade to fight disease in Haiti. Why are Kidder’s books so compelling? Dr. William Combs, Western Michigan University professor emeritus of English, examines Kidder’s writing and reveals why readers and reviewers praise his research and insight. Reading Together selected Kidder’s Strength in What Remains for 2011. Discuss the book and attend many special events in March and April.
meet kidder March 10, 7 pm Chenery Auditorium
www.readingtogether.us
in this issue events • library news • director’s note •
events
january & february
adult Reading Range Book Group
friends bag sale January 29, 9 am-3:30 pm, CEN Bargain hunters! Don’t miss the Friends’ winter sale. Browse through tables of novels, mysteries, biographies, nonfiction by topic, and children’s books.
Classics Revisited
January 5, 6 pm, CEN February 2, 6 pm, CEN
January 20, 7 pm, CEN February 17, 7 pm, CEN
Share a potluck supper (optional), then talk about Tracy Kidder’s Strength in What Remains in January and Kathryn Stockett’s The Help in February. RSVP at readingrange.wordpress.com.
Join lovers of classic literature to discuss Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in January and J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye in February.
GLAMA Slow Jam
Free Tax Preparation
January 6, 6:30 pm, CEN February 3, 6:30 pm, CEN
January 29, 10:30 am-3 pm, OSH February 12, 26, 10 am–2:30 pm, CEN February 26, 10:30 am-3 pm, OSH
Can you play basic chords? Then join a slow jam with the Great Lakes Acoustic Music Association.
Free tax prep for those with a household income under $49,000. Appointment required. Call 211.
Orpheum Bell in Concert
The Hired Hands in Concert
January 12, 7 pm, CEN
February 9, 7 pm, CEN
Hear lullabies, stomps, ballads, gypsy suites, and waltzes on a variety of old, acoustic instruments.
Fill a bag for just $2 or buy single books for 10¢ each. The weather outside may be “frightful” but you can curl up inside with a bag full of great reads after this sale!
Their eclectic “Honestly Americana” sound includes blues, folk, country, rock, and R&B.
Intro to Genealogy February 11, 1:30-3:30 pm, CEN
Ask a Lawyer Jan 13, 6-8 pm, CEN Jan 14, Feb 11, 11:30 am-1 pm, CEN Feb 1, 6-8 pm, POW Free legal clinic with Bar Association lawyers. Call 553-7920 to schedule a 20-minute appointment.
Genealogy Lock-In January 14, 6-10 pm, CEN After-hours event for genealogists. Registration required; call 553-7808 starting January 3.
How to research your ancestry. Registration required; call 553-7808 starting January 24.
Historic Schoolhouses February 24, 7 pm, CEN Learn what’s happened to the thousands of oneroom schools that once dotted our landscape.
tween/teen
kids
Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.)
New! Toddler Talk
January 5, 3:30-5 pm, CEN February 2, 3:30-5 pm, CEN
January 5, 12, 19, 26, 10 am-12 pm, OSH February 2, 9, 16, 23, 10 am-12 pm, OSH
Plan programs and service projects, discuss books, movies, music and web sites, have snacks, play games, and have fun! Gr 7-12.
Toddlers play while adults share joys/challenges of the 1-3 year old. Connie Koning, RN, facilitator.
Games @ Powell January 11, 6-7:30 pm, POW February 8, 6-7:30 pm, POW Wii, video games, music, prizes, snacks. Registration required. Gr 5-12.
New! Baby Talk January 5, 12, 19, 26, 1:30–3:30 pm, OSH February 2, 9, 16, 23, 1:30–3:30 pm, OSH Talk about care of babies up to 1 year with other parents/caregivers. Connie Koning, RN, facilitator.
Reading with Bailey
Art Attack After School
January 6, 13, 20, 27; 3:30-5:30 pm, EAS
January 13, 4-5 pm, EAS February 10, 4-5 pm, EAS
Kids enjoy reading to Bailey, a Schnauzer/Poodle. Call 553-7810 to make an appointment.
Drop in downstairs after school for an art project, games, food, and fun! Gr 5-8.
Wii SmashKart Tournament January 22, 2-4 pm, CEN Race others in Mario Kart, pound away in Super Smash Bros. Brawl! Prizes and food. Gr 7-12.
J-Pop Club January 24, 3:30-5 pm, CEN February 28, 3:30-5 pm, CEN Enjoy Japanese Anime, manga, Pocky, and food. Drop in any time during the event! Gr 7-12.
Express Yourself February 15, 6-7:30 pm, POW Draw or paint on shirts, bandanas, shoelaces, and more! Supplies provided. Registration required, call 553-7960. Gr 5-12.
Gamer’s Arena: Analog February 19, 2-4 pm, CEN
family fun
Movie and Popcorn February 25, 2 pm, CEN Dive into wild Oceans, Disneynature’s spectacular film about elusive deepwater sea creatures. All ages.
LEGO @ the Library January 8, 10 am, CEN February 5, 10 am, CEN Build by yourself or with others using our colorful LEGO collection! Registration required. 5-10 yrs.
Singalong Storytime January 18, 6:30 pm, CEN Sing along or listen. Enjoy favorite singalong songs, puppets, and a craft. Family.
From the Heart February February February February February February February
1, 2, 3, 10 am-8 pm, CEN 1, 3-7 pm, WSQ 2, 1-5 pm, WSQ 3, 11 am-5 pm, POW 4, 2-4 pm, POW 7-10, 2-5 pm, OSH 8-10, 1-6 pm, EAS
Spread a little joy. Make Valentines for residents of local nursing homes.
Drop the controllers for board, card, and other analog games! Bring your own, too. Gr 7-12.
Registration required. Call location listed or register online starting 30 days before event. Program offered/sponsored by partner organization. Contact info at www.kpl.gov/calendar. Space limited; ticket required. Pick up FREE ticket one hour before event; one ticket per person.
build skills Gain confidence and acquire important skills! Take one or more of these basic classes: • Intro to Computers • Mouse Workshop • Internet 101 •Advanced Internet Each two-hour class features personal instruction. Pick up a schedule at the library or call the trainer for info, 553-7862. Find class descriptions and a schedule on the library website, www.kpl.gov. Click the Computer Training link.
storytimes The Tooth Fairy Has Landed February 8, 6:30 pm, OSH Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month. Enjoy stories, learn tooth customs around the world. Registration required.
Librarians consider children’s developmental stages when planning stories, crafts, and other activities. Please register online where noted. Questions? Talk to your children’s librarian.
Jim Gill in Concert February 16, 7 pm, CEN
Music and Make Believe February 22, 9:30 am & 10:30 am, CEN February 23, 9:30 am & 10:30 am, CEN February 24, 10:30 am, EAS M&Ms includes a story, craft, and music by the KSO string quartet for 3-6 year olds. Groups welcome. Register online or call 553-7804.
Storytelling with Sid “The Rock” Ellis February 22, 6 pm, POW Sid and his puppet friends weave fun tales and sing inspiring songs about sharing and caring.
Chinese New Year Lion Dancers February 26, 1 pm, CEN See the Lion Dance Troupe’s special program about animals of the Chinese zodiac. All ages. Ticket required; pick up starting at 12 noon.
concert
Baby Lapsit January 10, 17, 24, 31, 9:30 am, CEN February 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:15 am, WSQ For babies from birth through walking.
Baby Steps January 10, 17, 24, 31, 10:30 am, CEN February 4, 11, 18, 25, 11 am, WSQ For walking babies up to two years.
Baby Storytime February 1, 8, 15, 22, 6 pm, CEN For babies from birth to two years.
In his Family Room Tour concerts, Jim Gill bangs out energetic rhythms on his banjo while everyone sings, claps, jumps, dances, and even sneezes along. The joyful musical atmosphere encourages children and parents to play and enjoy each other. Limited seating. Free ticket required for entry, one ticket per person. Tickets available starting at 6 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Ticket holders must be seated by 6:50 pm. Empty seats may be filled by anyone still waiting at that time. Jim Gill will sell his funny, creative, and kid-pleasing CDs after his concert.
Toddler Storytime January 7, 14, 21, 28, 10:30 am, EAS February 7, 14, 21, 28, 10 am, CEN February 7, 14, 21, 28, 11 am, CEN Stories, songs, simple crafts for 2-3½ year olds.
Preschool Storytime January 6, 13, 20, 27, 10:30am, OSH February 3, 10, 17, 24, 10:30 am, EAS Stories, crafts, fun activities for 3½-5 year olds.
Family Storytime January 4, 11, 18, 25, 4:30 pm, POW January 7, 14, 21, 28, 10:30 am WSQ February 1, 8, 15, 22, 4:30 pm, POW February 3, 10, 17, 24, 10:30 am, OSH Fun for the whole family!
Kalam
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