contents books & more 2

tween/teen 3-4

kids 5-7

director’s note 8

July-August 2013LIBRARY LINK

meet Walter Dean MyersAugust 6, 6pm CEN August 7, 3 pm POW

When Walter Dean Myers decided to drop out of high school, it was a teacher who told him to keep writing, no matter what. “It’s what you do,” she said. It was something the young Myers took to heart and years later, while working construction, he decided to start writing and

hasn’t stopped since. Myers' books are inspired by his own challenging upbringing in Harlem and chronicle the lives of many urban teenagers, primarily young, poor African-Americans. His works include poetry, nonfiction and picture books for children.

Myers was named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature in 2012. With this honor, Myers will travel for two years speaking at schools about reading and literacy. During his visit to Kalamazoo Public Library, Myers will speak about his upbringing, his books and the vital importance of reading to children. Books are not, in Myers’ words, “A Victorian pastime,” but rather integral for the intellectual development of all children, especially for our at-risk youth. Myers will also sign copies of his books. Refreshments provided.

summer = family fun @kpl

Why go to the zoo, when the zoo can come to you? Kalamazoo Public Library is the summer destination spot for all creatures furred, feral or feathered. All summer long, join us at your local branch as we bring you up close and personal to all kinds of birds, ponies, llamas, ferrets, bats, and many other little critters. KPL staffer Beth Timmerman will introduce her pet pig Pipsqueak. Everyone’s favorite Schnoodle dog Bailey will be on paw to read to his two-legged friends. The Binder Park Zoomobile will also visit the Washington Square branch for even more animal fun! Check the Kids section for scheduled times and locations. While these events are all free, some require registration and/or tickets due to limited space.

Grab blankets, popcorn, bug spray and a flashlight and join us for some big-screen fun at Movies Under the Stars at the Oshtemo branch. On July 18, bring a date and enjoy the golden era of Hollywood with the classic romance Casablanca. “Hey you guuuuys!” Relive your childhood and share the cult phenomenon Goonies with your own children on August 15th. Details on page 2.

First Saturday this summer is all about creation! On July 6, explore STEM activities and stories with library staff. In August, professional artists from the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts will lead children in an art-themed program.

Thank you for including KPL in your summer plans.

Summer means spending quality time with the family. This issue of Link is full of fun programs and events sure to thrill all ages.

kpl’s 2nd annual lego building contestEnter your original LEGO creations in the KPL LEGO Building Contest. Be creative, have fun, and win great prizes! The whole family can enter the contest! Age brackets are: 0-5 years, 6-10, 11-14, 15-18, 19+. Entries accepted August 9-10 in the Central or Oshtemo Children’s Room. LEGO creations will be displayed August 12-17 for public voting. Winners will be announced on KPL's website Monday, August 19. Official contest rules are available at www.kpl.gov/lego/

Summer Reading Games Prize Pick-up DeadlineWe hope you have been keeping up with your summer reading! Please note that the deadline to redeem your prizes is Saturday, August 31 by 5 pm (sorry, no exceptions).

music Gifts or CreaturesAugust 21, 7pm, CEN Gifts or Creatures is the musical pursuit of husband-wife Brandon and Bethany Foote. The couple fuses a blend of Midwestern folklore, old world history and cinematic soundscapes to create a trove of antique Americana.

movies

Movies Under the StarsJuly 18, 7:30, OSH Casablanca

August 15, 7:30, OSH Goonies

Enjoy family movies outdoors! Bring a blanket or lawn chair, bug spray, and a flashlight. Cosponsored by Friends of the Oshtemo Township Park. Weather permitting.

history & genealogy Intro to Genealogy

August 13, 6pm, WSQLearn how to start compiling your family tree through databases like Ancestry.com, Heritage Quest, KPL’s index to local publications, plus important print sources, major collections, and more. Registration required.

books

Earl Sewell Author VisitJuly 30, 6pm, POWMeet urban fiction writer Earl Sewell! Sewell discovered his passion for

storytelling while studying fiction writing and radio broadcasting at Columbia College. After receiving 40 rejection letters from publishers, Sewell started his own publishing company and has published nine young adult novels and ten titles for adults that have enjoyed international success and bestseller status.

& moreWe All Scream for Ice CreamJuly 9, 6pm, EASBeat the heat this summer by making your own small batch ice cream. Red Tricycle Ice Cream Co. owner Ken

Quayle will show you how.

Ask a LawyerJuly 10, 6-8 pm, CENFree 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 your preferred clinic location: Central

Library, 553-7920; Powell, 553-7960. You may make only one appointment per four

months. Clinics do not include follow-up. Further consultation must be negotiated

with an individual attorney.

eventsRick Ferrell: Knuckleball CatcherJuly 15, 6pm, OSHAs a catcher during the Great Depression and World War II, Rick Ferrell caught the most deceptive

pitch in baseball—the knuckleball! While in the Detroit Tigers front office, he led the Tigers to two World Series victories, two American League Eastern Division titles, and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Kerrie Ferrell, Rick’s daughter, will talk about the life and times of her Hall of Famer dad, while providing personal insight and glimpses into America’s recognized national pastime.

Hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis August 19, 6:30pm, OSHJennifer Pharr Davis has hiked over 12,000 miles on long distance trails, trekked on six continents, and currently holds endurance records on three separate trails. In 2011, Davis became the first woman to claim the overall record for fastest thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail by finishing the 2,181 mile journey in 46 days, 11 hours, and 20 minutes—an astounding average of 46.9 miles per day. Davis, a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, will recount stories from her record-setting hike on the Appalachian Trail.

Origami UpcyclingAugust 27, 6pm, OSHYou don’t need expensive paper to create unique origami! Crafter Sara Baker will demonstrate how to think outside the origami box by using interesting materials to make a variety of origami projects.

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Registration required. Call location listed or register online starting 30 days before event.

tween/teenTeen Advisory Board (T.A.B.)July 1 & August 5, 3:30 pm, CENPlan programs and service projects, discuss books, movies, music, and web sites, eat snacks, play games, and have fun! Gr 7-12.

Tie DyeJuly 8, 2 pm, WSQJuly 9, 2 pm, EASTJuly 10, 2 pm, POWJuly 11, 2 pm, OSHShirts, bandanas, or socks. Choose a project and create! We supply the materials. Gr. 5-12.

Japanese Language ClubJuly 9, 16, 23 & 30 and August 13, 20 & 276:00-7:15 pm, CENJoin this free class and learn a new language in a relaxed environment. No experience necessary! Cosponsored by WMU’s Soga Japan Center. Gr. 7-adult.

J-Pop Club – Summer ExtremeJuly 15 & August 19, 3:30 pm, CENEnjoy Japanese Anime, manga, Pocky and food. Gr 7-12.

Michael Jackson: The ExperienceJuly 16, 2 pm, EASTPlay the Wii and win prizes. Dance like you’ve never danced before to your favorite Michael Jackson hits. Gr. 5-12.

Game CentralJuly 25, 2 pm, CENAugust 22, 2 pm, CENIt’s an afternoon of strategy, skill and fun. Choose from our video, board or card games, or bring your own! Gr. 5-12.

Pizza & PagesJuly 30, Slam, 4 pm, EASTJuly 31, Monster, 4 pm, POWRead Walter Dean Myers this summer! Stop by the Circulation desk at EAST and POW and pick up a copy of the selected book. Take it home, read it, then discuss it over pizza! Gr. 5-12.

Movie & Popcorn: Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning ThiefAugust 5, 1 pm, CENSea of Monsters hits theaters this week! Take a break to refresh your memory and watch the first of this epic series on the big screen. Rated PG-13. Popcorn!

Sharpie TimeAugust 8, 2 pm, EASTAugust 14, 2 pm, POWCreate one of a kind back to school supplies with Sharpies! We supply the materials, you supply the creativity. Gr. 5-12.

Iron Chef Kalamazoo: Sandwich StyleAugust 19, 4 pm, POWWe provide the ingredients, you create the perfect looking sandwich. Work in teams, prizes awarded and sandwiches will be eaten! Gr. 5-12.

Find more tween/teen events on the next page!

Registration required. Call location listed or register online starting 30 days before event.

Walter Dean Myers Author Visit –

Details on Page 1

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Walter Dean Myers

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tween/teen continued from pg. 5

Found Poetry July 22, 6 pm, OSH

50-Word Short Stories July 23, 6 pm, OSH

Join area English teacher Tracy Derhammer for two days of writing workshops. Tracy will guide us through finding and creating poetry and short stories.

Louder Than a BombJuly 18, 2 pm, CEN

Louder Than a Bomb tells the story of four Chicago high school poetry teams as they prepare to compete in the world's largest youth slam.

Kinetic AffectJuly 24, 7 pm, CEN

Teen Services is excited to announce the performance of local spoken word artists Kinetic Affect! Giron and Latimer are committed to challenging beliefs, pushing boundaries, embracing differences, and—together—they seek to increase awareness of local and global issues. Kinetic Affect reminds us all that life is not a race against anyone but yourself…

Open MicJuly 29 and August 26 2:30, POW

Calling all performers! Sing, read, act at the open mic, or just hang out. Enjoy snacks, network with other performers. Gr. 5-12.

WriteSpeak

Word

WatchListen

StarlabAugust 20, 5 -7 pm, OSHTake a look at the night sky before darkness falls in the Starlab portable planetarium. Each presentation will last 25 minutes and allow for 25 learners to see the Zodiac. Hands-on activities will take place outside the Starlab at the same time. Youth and their families of all ages! While you’re there, ask Oshtemo staff about the library telescope available for checkout!

Physics Flight & Fun

August 15, 2 pm, WSQJoin staff from the Air Zoo and learn about the physics of flight. Investigate Pascal’s Law and Bernoulli's Principle. Tweens only! Registration required.

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kidsPony LoveJuly 2, 2 pm, EASAugust 19, 2 pm, OSHMeet Gloria Winslow from Paradise Ridge Ranch and her pony, Bud. Learn about the care and grooming of a pet pony and hear a story about Bud.

Toddler TalkJuly 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 10 am, OSHAugust 7, 14, 21, 28, 10 am, OSHToddlers play while adults share the joys and challenges of parenting 1-3 year olds. Connie Koning, RN, facilitator.

Baby TalkJuly 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 1:30 pm, OSHAugust 7, 14, 21, 28, 1:30 pm, OSHTalk about care of babies up to one year with other parents. Connie Koning, RN, facilitator.

Read with BaileyJuly 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 3:30-5 pm, CENEnjoy a “pawsitive” reading experience. Read to Bailey the loveable Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle mix). Registration required, call 553-7804.

First SaturdayJuly 6, August 3, 2-4 pm, CENTake your family to the library the first Saturday of every month! Enjoy stories, activities, guests, and prize drawings! Hosted by KPL, Kalamazoo Public Schools. Explore STEM activities and stories with library staff in July and enjoy an art-themed program with the KIA in August.

Jim Merrills’ Magic UndergroundJuly 8, 2 pm, POW, all agesDig into reading with Magic Underground. Mr. Jim will reveal some magical surprises, like the keys to Pharoah’s tomb and secret pirate treasures!

Summer CrafternoonsJuly 9, 23, August 8, 22, 2-4 pm, CEN, all agesMake a summer-themed craft or whatever else you can dream up with our craft supplies!

LEGO @the LibraryJuly 6, August 3, 10:30 am, OSH July 9, 6:30 pm, WSQ July 11, 2 pm, EASJuly 20, August 17, 10:30 am, CENJuly 24, 2-3 pm, POWAugust 15, 2-3 pm, EASBuild, create, inspire, and imagine with other LEGO fans. Bricks provided, from Duplo to expert builder. Kids and caregivers welcome.

Jim Gill ConcertJuly 11, 6:30 pm, Oshtemo Township ParkJim Gill, fantastic children’s artist emphasizing play and movement, will get your family moving and laughing together! Don’t miss this event!

Vehicle DayJuly 15, 2-3:30 pm, POW, all agesVisit with some BIG vehicles for an outside program! Bring your camera! This program will be held rain or shine.

Critter ConnectionJuly 18, 2 pm, EASClaire and Michelle from the West Michigan Critter Haven, a non-profit rescue organization, will bring some critters and talk about small animal care and adoption.

Tales on the TrailJuly 19, August 9, 10:30 am, POW, all agesTake a walk along the Kal-Haven Trail and listen to stories along the way.

Registration required. Call location listed or register online starting 30 days before event.

Space limited; ticket required. Pick up FREE ticket at host location starting one week before event; one ticket per person. Call location with any questions.

Virtual Author Visit with Jarrett J. KrosoczkaJuly 18, 4:30 pm CENVisit with Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author/illustrator of the Lunch Lady series and a new series set in Kalamazoo City called the Platypus Police Squad. We’ll visit with Jarrett online and then make a craft related to the new book series. Book sales by Bookbug.

for more fun

kids events!

Turn the Page

and exciting

Little ScientistsJuly 22, 10:30 am, CEN, 3-6 yearsEarly literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) for preschoolers. Read stories and practice narrative skills. Explore scientific vocabulary with crafts and activities. Ages 3-6.

Rocks In My Bed with Cedric LiqueurJuly 22, 2 pm, POW, familyNationally known solo-performer will present the music of Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (1899-1974). This 90-minute recorded music and narrative presentation was written in collaboration with the Delabat School for the Blind in South Africa and Childvision, National Education Centre for Blind Children in Ireland, and is suitable for all ages and audiences.

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Avian WondersJuly 23, 2 and 3 pm, WSQDenise Heath’s colorful parrots and fine feathered friends will entertain, educate, and amaze. Meet Leo, Ruby and other members of her avian gang. Seats limited. Ticket required.

BookwormsJuly 25, August 22, 4:30 pm, CENIn July, read Walter Dean Myers’ picture book We Are America. In August, we’ll read Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. For kids in grades 1-4 and their adults.

Bats in the LibraryJuly 25, 1 pm, OSHMeet live bats, including a Vampire Bat! Learn how bats use sound waves to navigate, their role in the food chain, and how we can protect their ecosystem. Seats limited. Ticket required.

Movie & PopsiclesJuly 30, 6:30 pm, WSQ, Mr. Popper’s PenguinsAugust 13, 6:30 pm, EAS, Cat in Paris August 27, 6:30 pm, POW, The Croods

Pipsqueak the Pig!July 31, 2 pm POW| August 1, 10:30 am, OSHMeet Beth Timmerman and Pipsqueak, her very smart pet porker. Listen to a porcine story and learn some fun facts on pig health and care.

Birds of PreyAugust 1, 2 pm, EASMeet a hawk, owl, and other avian predators from Kalamazoo Nature Center. Learn why they live at KNC and how they survive in the wild.

kids continued from pg. 5

Where’s Waldo? Visits StorytimeJuly 12, 10:30 am, CENMeet Where's Waldo at storytime. Then all during the month of July, hunt for Waldo in the Library. This program is part of a series of Where's Waldo events in Kalamazoo, led by Bookbug. All ages welcome.

Binder Park ZoomobileJuly 17, 2 and 3 pm WSQ, all agesZoom on over to the library and get up close and personal with animals from the Binder Park Zoo. Fun for the whole family. Ticket required.

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Tablet TalesAugust 5, 10:30 am OSH, 2-5 yearsFamily storytime with books, music, and rhymes with some digital elements added in via the library’s iPads and apps. Caregivers will also have a chance to receive information about using apps with kids and ask questions.

Cool Cooking for KidsAugust 5, 2 pm, WSQ, 7-11 yearsStir up some excitement by making some scrumptious snacks that require no oven or hot plate. Space limited. Registration required. For ages 7-11; caregivers welcome!

Miss Lisa BallerinaAugust 8, 10:30 am, EAS, 3-6 yearsAugust 14, 10:30 am, POW, 3-6 yearsMovement and stories for preschoolers! Wear your comfortable clothing or your dance attire for an energizing time as Miss Lisa leads you through a series of dance movements and story fun. Space limited. Registration required.

Meet the LlamasAugust 22, 10:30 am, WSQLlamas carry packs in the Andes. People cure their hides for leather and spin their wool into yarn. Meet breeder Ron Zechlinski’s llamas.

Ferret FunAugust 13, 2 pm, OSHMeet Dee Gage and some of her furry ferret friends! Gage, who operates the West Michigan Ferret Connection—a rescue organization for, you guessed it, ferrets. A fun and informative program for the entire family.

kids continued from pg. 6

storytimesAdult caregiver must accompany babies and toddlers. Siblings welcome.

Baby Lapsit StorytimeTuesdays, 9:30 am, CEN, birth to walkingJuly 2, 9, 16, 23, 30August 6, 13, 20, 27Stories, songs, rhymes and age-appropriate activities for babies from birth to walking.

Baby Steps StorytimeTuesdays, 10:30 am, CEN, walking to 24 monthsJuly 2, 9, 16, 23, 30August 6, 13, 20, 27Stories, songs, rhymes and age- appropriate activities for babies from walking to 24 months.

Family StorytimeStories and activities designed for birth to 5-year-olds.

Wednesdays, 10:30 am, POW July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 August 7, 14, 21, 28

Thursdays, 10:30 am, EAS July 11, 18, 25 August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Thursdays, 10:30 am, OSH July 11, 18, 25 August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Fridays, 10:30 am, CEN July 5, 12, 19, 26 August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Fresh Food Fairy Visits StorytimeJuly 25, 10:30 am EAS, 0-5 yearsAugust 23, 10:30 am CEN, 0-5 yearsMeet the Fresh Food Fairy, Hether Frayer, at a special storytime celebrating healthy foods. Enjoy a smoothie from her blender bike!

Registration required. Call location listed or register online starting 30 days before event.

Space limited; ticket required. Pick up FREE ticket at host location starting one week before event; one ticket per person. Call location with any questions.

Special Storytime: Eyes, Ears and StoriesAugust 9, 10:30 am, CENFamily Storytime with our friends from the WMU Audiology Department. Hear (and see) familiar stories with American Sign Language translation in this interactive storytime.

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*****ECRWSS*****RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

Research shows that during the summer, kids lose an average of 25% of their reading skills. This is one of the many reasons why teachers usually spend four to six weeks in the fall re-teaching materials from the previous year. Summer learning loss also significantly contributes to the achievement gap in reading performance between lower-

and higher-income children and youth.

While KPL takes childhood literacy seriously all year round, we place a special emphasis on the summer months to make sure all children have access to reading opportunities outside of school. Prior to the end of the school year, we worked diligently to get the word out about Summer Reading Games. All first graders in KPS were registered, promotional materials were distributed, and a funny video featuring a failed attempt to destroy the Summer Reading Games has been a big hit on our website. This June, we hosted an outdoor Summer Reading Games kick-off party that drew hundreds of Kalamazoo families and resulted in 443 sign-ups.

We hope you were among those who signed up as a family. If you are struggling to keep your child motivated to read during these last couple months of summer, we encourage you to give your child an incentive like stickers, trips to the library to pick out a special book or participate in a program like First Saturday or a storytime. Instead of videos, visit our TumbleBook Library page on our website for access to reading puzzles and games, read-alongs and more.

Most importantly, our children learn from our example. Read to them and read in front of them, all year long.

Ann Rohrbaugh

Central Library – CEN 315 S Rose St, 49007 553-7800

Friends of the Library Bookstore 315 S Rose St, 49007 553-7820

Eastwood – EAS 1112 Gayle Ave, 49048 553-7810

Oshtemo – OSH 7265 W Main St, 49009 553-7980

Alma Powell – POW 1000 W Paterson St, 49007 553-7960

Washington Square – WSQ 1244 Portage St, 49001 553-7970

Library BoardCheryl TenBrink President

Valerie Wright Vice President

James VanderRoest Treasurer

Fenner Brown II Secretary

Lisa Godfrey Robert Brown Bruce Caple Trustees

CreditsKalamazoo 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.

kpl.gov

director's note

KIDS SUMMER READING GAMESsign up at any KpL Location

TEEn suMMEr rEAdinG GAMEsign up at any KpL Location

Teens Entering 8th-12th grades

June 1 - August 24, 2013

TWEEN SUMMER READING GAMEsign up at any KpL Location

[for tweens entering 5th-7th grades]

June 1 - August 24

Adult summer reAding gAme sign up at any KpL Location

unlock the mysteries

june 1 - august 24

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