What’s Happening at the Grand Rapids Area Library

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What's Happening at the Grand Rapids Area Library

April 29  2011

Think Spring!

Saturday April 30^th 1 pm  Spring Gardening Program: Flowering bulbs

William Dougherty will talk about flowering bulbs and their life cycle, use and culture.  He will also provide an overview of different types of spring and summer blooming bulbs. Dougherty is a professional landscape designer and garden writer and past President of the Iris Society of Minnesota.

Coming up next week:

May 5, 7 pm Ann Markusen, Professor of Economics at the Humphrey Institute,

            Why is the Economy Floundering & What Can We Do About it?

Professor Markusen will explain sources of current economic woes: twenty years of flawed trade policy, financial deregulation, and erosion of the tax base. Consider the consequences: ever-widening income gaps between the rich and the rest of us, lower-wage jobs, and an inadequate social safety net. She will also outline national, state, and local policies that can reverse current stagnation.

May 7,  9:00-1:00 Medieval Madness:

The Society for Creative Anachronism invades the Library with displays, demonstrations, crafts and games for all.  Costumed members of the local Shire Vilku Urvas will offer colorful portrayals of life in the middle ages.  Demos and displays will include cord weaving, embroidery, illumination and sewing, rapier and heavy wiapons combat, chainmail making and more.

Later in May

May 10, 7 pm  John Latimer  Looking for Spring Along the River

Join KAXE's phenologist, John Latimer, for a hike along the Mississippi River. Learn about the riparian ecosystem, look at newly emerging plants, and watch returning birds.  Meet in the library's community room, and after a short hike, return to the library to continue conversation about Phenology and signs of spring in northern Minnesota.

May 11, 4:00 pm   Introduction to the Dulcimer

A hands-on intergenerational event

Wendy Grethren will lead participants in learning how to play the dulcimer. No musical experience is needed. Children age 10 and above and adults are encouraged to attend together. Ten dulcimers will be provided. You can learn to play or just watch and listen

May 18, 12:00 noon   Doug Ohman  Photo Tour of Minnesota Libraries 

Celebrate Minnesota's libraries as documented in Libraries of Minnesota, the latest book in the Minnesota Byways series. The book features stunning photos by photo artist, Doug Ohman, and library stories by seven of Minnesota's writers. Ohman will share stories and images he captured while planning the book. Libraries of Minnesota celebrates architectural icons and the joy of reading they have inspired in Minnesotans, present and past

May 18, 12:00 noon Responding to the Financial Crisis

                        Great Decisions Discussion Series

As an immediate response to the financial crisis of 2007–08, governments around the world stepped in to bail out troubled private banks deemed "too big to fail," underscoring the interdependence between private and public finances. With the recent eurozone crisis, what have we learned so far and is it possible to ensure that future crises will not occur? http://www.fpa.org (background briefing books available at the library)

 

 

May 21 10:30  Make Earth Balls with the Creativity Tank!

                        Summer Reading Kicks Off

DON'T MISS THIS!! Yep, it's time to kick-off our summer reading program. Be one of the first kids to sign up and get your reading log! The artists from the Creativity Tank will be here to help us kick-off summer reading by making felted earth balls!

 Please call ahead to preregister so we know we have enough materials for everyone.  327-8823 See you on the 21st!

May 26   3:30   Drumming Fun!

Join us for a fun afternoon of drumming! First we will make our own percussion instruments. Next, Mr. Michael Thursby and a group of percussionists from Grand Rapids Senior High will share with us some percussion rhythms from Africa. Finally, the High Schoolers will teach us a few rhythms using our new instruments! Whether you like music from around the world, drumming, crafts, or just hitting things, this is the day for you!

May 26  6:00 pm   Family Movie Night     Yogi Bear

Join us for another in our Family Movie Night series! This month we will present "Yogi Bear" on the big screen in the community room. Bring dinner or a snack and join us!

 

May 28-30  Library Closed for Memorial Day

 

Summer Hours start Tuesday, May 31

M-Thurs 9 am – 7 pm, Friday 9 am -5 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm

 

We still have tickets to area attractions.

If you already have tickets, check the expiration date and plan to use them soon, as most expire in May.  
These passes have been funded with money from the sales tax which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage.

Story times will continue

Join the teachers from Early Childhood and Family Education (ECFE) in the meeting room for a time of books, songs and rhymes, followed by a simple craft and a snack. 

Saturdays at 10:30.     April 30,  May 7, 14, 21    (in the meeting room) 

Mondays at 9:30 and 10:30.    May  2, 9, 16, 23  (in the meeting room)

 

Find more upcoming events on our Event Calendar

A direct link to the Library's online event calendar is here.  A link to just the events for children is available by clicking on the "kids" button on the Library's web site.

 

For more details on any of the programs, go to the Library's Web Site: www.grandrapids.lib.mn.us  You can also find a calendar on the left side of the page.   Click on "Calendar" for a link to the complete list of events at the library.