By Angela Deckard and Shelby Toren, Branch Librarians The big, sold-out On the Same Page event is almost here! On April 24, Ann Patchett and Kevin Wilson will be taking the stage at the Covenant Fine Arts Center at Calvin University. You may be reading Ann Patchett and Kevin Wilson’s books already, but here are some author-approved recommendations if you want to do a little extracurricular reading. Both authors are voracious readers and live a literary life outside of writing: Ann owns Parnassus Books in Nashville and Kevin teaches fiction writing at Sewanee: The University of the South ..read more

By Josh Mosey | Digital Marketing Strategist When preparing to interact with literary greatness, you don’t want to go in unprepared. Although there’s a solid chance that a famous author is just as weird and nervous as you, there’s no reason to make things awkward. Bring a Sidekick – Share your nervousness with a friend to cut it in half. Bonus: they can pull you out if you start geeking out too much. Disguise Yourself as a Normal Person – Dress like a regular person instead of the die-hard fan that you are. Sunglasses can’t hurt. False mustache optional. Wrong Place, Right Time – Act like you ..read more

Hello Friends, April is a celebration of energy, time and appreciation, which is why we especially acknowledge our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week, taking place April 21-27. From January to March, KDL volunteers have recorded 659 hours through the work of 48 individuals. With the seed library prep work behind us, summer teen crew waiting in the wings, and another season of Write Michigan reviewing coming this fall, we are well on our way to another productive year. The hours, talent and enthusiasm you share with the KDL organization (at the Service Center and in branches ..read more

By Kate Lange | Development & Communications Director, Children's Advocacy Center of Kent County During April, Kent District Library joins the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County in recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month, underscoring the critical need for awareness and community involvement in preventing child sexual abuse. The statistics surrounding child sexual abuse are alarming, with research indicating that one in four girls and one in twenty boys will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The impact of sexual abu ..read more

We hope you enjoyed the solar eclipse! We would like to help you put your solar eclipse glasses to good use. Our East Grand Rapids Branch is organizing a recycling opportunity. There is a collection bin at the East Grand Rapids Branch, or you can drop off your glasses at any KDL branch and they will be sent to the EGR Branch. Donated glasses will be sent to Latin America and used to view the eclipse in October 2024. Thanks for considering ..read more

Do you need some road trip entertainment? Check out KDL’s Stump the Librarian podcast for some family fun! In this crazy episode, Liz and Jill discuss which toys they would hang out with if they shrunk to the size of toys. They also answer questions from you, the listener. This is a very colorful episode as they explore the many colors of the Northern Lights and bruises (where did that one come from?).   Join our librarians every other Wednesday as they try to answer your inquisitive questions and see if it’s possible to stump a librarian!  Do you have a burning question? Th ..read more

Hello again! It’s time for another episode of KDL’s fact-filled podcast with librarians Jill & Liz. In today’s episode, Jill combs through hair facts and wonders where on the body humans do not grow hair. Do you know? Liz explores the expression “knock on wood” and then digs in to why and how cats purr. We “knead” to know! Finally, Jill recommends a powerful chapter book featuring Indigenous folklore and adventure. Listen in and explore your world with us!  Join our librarians every other Wednesday as they try to answer your inquisitive questions and see if it’s possible to stump a l ..read more

Just because you aren't taking a trip south for spring break, doesn't mean you can't have a whole lot of fun! We have a great line-up of awesome programs for kids of all ages. Don't miss out! KDL Lab Experience: Total Eclipse of the Sun In anticipation of the total Solar Eclipse on April 8, join us for STEAM-based activities exploring shadows, animal behavior and all things eclipses. Visit kdl.org/events/eclipse for dates, times and locations. For school-age kids. Mad Science Presents Fire and Ice From a shivering spatula to a special bubbly shower, be thrilled and chilled with amazing dry ic ..read more

This year's Let It Snow program was a huge success! We had 2,818 completers, who each earned a mug, and 1,452 power readers, who were entered into a prize drawing. These numbers are up from last year, when we had 2,674 completers and 1,387 power readers. Over 22,700 books were read. If we laid them out end to end, they would probably stretch over three miles. If stacked, the books read would reach over 2,800 feet high. If weighed, the books would be over 19,000 lbs. We are guessing over 6.2 million pages were read. We have a lot to celebrate! Congratulations to power readers Annabelle from th ..read more

Today is the day you have been waiting for! Registration is now open for the On the Same Page Author Visit, taking place at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, April 24 at the Covenant Fine Arts Center at Calvin University. Don't miss your chance to hear from acclaimed authors Ann Patchett and Kevin Wilson.  Free registration is required to attend, and you may register for up to two tickets. We expect registration to fill up quickly, so don't delay. Sign up now and make plans to join us for what is sure to be a delightful evening.  ..read more