November-December 2013LIBRARY LINK

In September, due to feedback from patrons and library staff, Kalamazoo Public Library Central Location instituted a new check-out process to minimize the wait time for patrons wishing to checkout materials or seek assistance from library staff. Patrons wishing to checkout materials only are asked to do so at a self-check kiosk. Library staff is on-hand to guide first-time users through the checkout process. Those who require assistance with their account, finding materials or signing up for a library card are able to speak to library staff at the circulation desk. This new practice has dramatically decreased the wait time for our patrons and enabled our staff to provide a higher quality of service for patrons in need of assistance. Have a suggestion for an improvement at KPL? Tell us at kpl.gov/contact.

Family StorytimeFri, December 20, 10:30 am, CENStories and activities. Details, pg. 7.

Ancient Weapons & Weaponry Sat, December 21, 2 pm, CEN, Gr. 5-12Join local expert Keith Nelson for an interactive demonstration on ancient Japanese weapons. Details, pg. 4.

Gift Making Mon, December 23, 2 pm, WSQ, Gr. 5-12Make that perfect present! Details, pg. 5.

DIY Cartooning with Kenjji Thurs, December 26, 6:30 pm, CEN, Gr. 5-12Make your own graphic novel with local comic master Kenjji Jumanne-Marshall. Details, pg. 5.

Yummy New Year’s Hats Fri, December 27, 2 pm, OSHDecorate an edible New Year’s hat. Details, pg. 7.

Miss Lisa: Stories and Dance Sat, December 28, 10:30 am & 11:30 am, CEN Mon, December 30, 10:30 am, OSH Thurs, January 2, 10:30 am, WSQMovement and stories for preschoolers (3-6 year-olds). Details, pg. 7.

contents books & more 2-3

tween/teen 4-5

kids 6-7

director’s note 8

checking out @ kpl central

winter break @ kpl

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Bella Patina Craft Time Mon, December 30, 2 pm, CEN, Gr. 7-12Learn how to create eco-chic items with local artisan shop, Bella Patina. Details, pg. 5.

Calendar Making Mon, December 30, 2 pm, POW, Ages 7-11Decorate a calendar for the New Year. Details, pg. 7.

New Year’s Party Mon, December 30, 2 pm, WSQ, Ages 7-11Celebrate the new year. Details, pg. 7.

Winter Crafts for Kids Thurs, January 2, 2 pm, EAS, all agesMake festive winter crafts. Details, pg. 7.

Movie and Popcorn Fri, January 3, 2 pm, POW, all agesView The Croods, popcorn provided. Details, pg. 7.

Marble Run ManiaFri, January 3, 11:30 am, CEN, Ages 6-11Put your STEAM skills to the test! Details, pg. 7.

2014 teen filmmaker festivalSubmission deadline: Sat, January 18

Calling all teen flimmakers! Enter your teen-produced films in the 11th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival by Saturday, January 18, 5 pm. Submit films to Teen Services, Kalamazoo Public Library. Entry forms, rules, requirements at kpl.gov/teenfilmfest. See page 5.

annual friends gift book saleBegins Fri, Nov 29, 10 am CEN

Plan to start your holiday shopping at the annual Friends Gift Book Sale. Wonderful, pristine, gift-quality books will be available for a fraction of the retail price. You’ll find books for all ages and interests. Books make a great gift for many reasons; they can motivate, teach, transform, bring joy and laughter, provide hours of escape, and they don’t require batters or need to be plugged in. Sale runs while supplies last. Mark your calendar now!

events& moreAsk a LawyerThurs, November 14, 6-8 pm, CENFri, November 15, 11:30-1 pm, CENThurs, December 12, 6-8 pm, CENFri, December 13, 11:30-1 pm, CENFree legal clinics for persons of low tomoderate income with Bar Associationlawyers. Get help with most areas of civillaw, including landlord-tenant problems,divorce, and family law. For a free20-minute appointment, call: Central Library, 553-7920. You may make only one appointment per four months. Clinics do not include follow-up. Further consultation must be negotiated with an individual attorney.

KPL Digital Collections 101Tues, December 3, 6 pm, OSHLearn more about KPL’s wide array of digital collections and services and get your questions answered by the libraries resident experts in all things digital. Curious about ebooks, downloadable audiobooks, Freegal (free music downloads), Zinio (digital magazines), or Rocket Languages (online foreign language learning)? Come ask the experts at this interactive program.

Holiday OrigamiTues, December 10, 6 pm, WSQWant to spruce up your tree this holiday? Crafter Sara Baker will show you how to make interesting origami ornaments. Registration required.

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booksAuthor Mardi Jo LinkMon, November 11, 6:30 pm, OSHMichigan Notable Book Award winning author Mardi Jo Link will discuss

her new memoir Bootstrapper: From Broke to Badass on a Northern Michigan Farm.

Classics RevisitedThurs, November 21, 7 pm, CENThurs, December 19, 7 pm, CENJoin lovers of literature to discuss Ford Madox Ford’s The Good Soldier in November and Selected Stories by Alice Munro in December. www.classicbookgroup.blogspot.com

history & genealogy Intro to Genealogy

Tues, November 5, 6 pm, EASLearn 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 begins October 21; call 553-7808 or register online.

Kalamazoo, Then and Now: Rose Street, South Street and Around the ParkThurs, November 14, 7 pm, CENSharon Ferraro, Kalamazoo’s Historic Preservation Coordinator, will present another peek into Kalamazoo’s past – inside and out of downtown’s historic buildings.

GLAMA Acoustic Slow Jam Wed, November 6, 7 pm, CENMon, December 11, 7pm, CEN Does your guitar, fiddle, or mandolin never leave home? Want to make music with others but think you can’t keep up? If you can play basic chords, then you can join GLAMA members for a slow jam.

GLAMA Community Sing AlongTues, November 12, 7 pm, CENAs that old hymn tells us, “Singing makesthe burden lighter. Singing drives the careaway.” Raise your voice alongside otheracoustic music lovers with musicians MichaelBeauchamp, Kathy Nichols and PatriciaPettinga. Song booklets provided. Just bringyour vocal cords! All voices welcome.

Ken Morgan Jazz UnitWed, December 4, 7 pm, CENKen Morgan has been performing professionally since age 14. He has appeared with Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, the Dave Brubeck Quartet and many other well-known jazz artists. He currently leads the Ken Morgan Jazz Unit, a quartet that performs in jazz clubs and concert venues in the Michigan region.

musicIn partnership with the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, KPL is excited to be a venue for two of the festivals events in 2013. http://mfsm.us/

Sons of the Three FiresSat, November 9, 2:00 & 3:30 pm, CENNative American group Sons of the Three Fires (Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi) performs two 45-minute shows, demonstrating their music and heritage.

Samite ConcertWed, November 13, 7 pm, CENThe world-renowned musician and music therapist Samite was born and raised in Uganda, where his grandfather taught him to play the traditional flute. When he was twelve, a music teacher placed a western flute in his hands setting him on his way to becoming one of East Africa’s most acclaimed flutists. He performed frequently to enthusiastic audiences throughout Uganda until 1982, when he was forced to flee to Kenya as a political refugee. Samite immigrated to the United States in 1987, and now he and his wife Sandra make their home in Ithaca, New York. Today his smooth vocals accompanied by the kalimba, marimba, litungu, and various flutes mesmerize audiences throughout the world. www.almaartistbooking.com/samite/

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tween/teen

Brush BotsWed, November 13, 4 pm, POWThurs, November 14, 4 pm, EAS Turn a toothbrush into a robot! Brush Bots are easy and fun to build and race. The tiny motor turns the bristles into mini legs, then they scoot like bugs. Gr. 5-12

International Games Day @ Your LibrarySat, November 16, 12 pm, CENCelebrate the 6th annual International Games Day with hours of non-stop game fun. Compete in special tournaments against players from around the world! All KPL game systems will be available as well as a huge selection of board and card games. Snacks and prize giveaways! Teens only.

J-Pop ClubMon, November 18 & Mon, December 16, 3:30 pm, CENEnjoy Japanese anime, manga, Pocky and food. Drop in any time during the event! Gr 7-12.

Ancient Weapons & WeaponryMon, November 25, 6:30 pm, OSH, Greek and European Weapons

Sat, December 21, 2 pm, CEN, Japanese Weaponry

Join local expert Keith Nelson for an interactive demonstration of swords and weapons from around the world! Learn about the weapons and techniques used by ancient Greek hoplites, as well as other European weapons, and experience the history of Japan with a demonstration of basic moves from Toyama-ryu and Nakamura-ryu Battodo with various types of swords and other weapons. Space limited – pick up a ticket beginning one week prior to the event.

Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.)Mon, November 4 & December 2, 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.

Babysitting WorkshopTuesdays, November 5 – December 10, 4-5:30 pm, EAS, 6 week sessionBe a safe and successful babysitter by attending a 6 week workshop. Workshop presented by Veronica Bolhuis, MSUE Kalamazoo County 4-H Program Coordinator. Space is limited, registration required, must be 12 or older.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid CelebrationTues, November 5, 6:30 pm, CENCelebrate the release of Book 8, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck. Ask the 8 ball for advice. Eat snacks. Play Games. Listen to the beginning of the new book read aloud. Fun for Wimpy Kid fans of all ages. Books for sale from Bookbug during the event.

Meet the Author: Ally CondieThurs, November 7, 6:30 pm, CENMeet the author of the New York Times bestselling series, Matched. Matched was chosen as one of YALSA’s 2011 Teens’ Top Ten, named as one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Children’s Books of 2010, selected as

the #1 Pick on the Winter Kids' Indie Next List,

and received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publisher’s Weekly. Free event. Books for sale from Bookbug.

Chess ChallengeSaturdays, 1-3 pm, OSHStop by the Oshtemo Library on Saturday afternoons for some informal chess matches. Chess boards provided. Share your expertise and learn from others!

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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.

DIY Cartooning with Kenjji Thurs, December 5, 12, 19 & 26, 6:30 pm, CENLearn what it takes to make your own graphic novel with local comics master Kenjji Jumanne-Marshall! This do-it-yourself workshop will span 4 complete sessions covering all you need to know to make your own short graphic novel. Supplies provided!

Hobbit PartyMon, December 9, 6:30 pm, OSHSpeak friend and enter our Hobbit Party! Celebrate the new film and J.R.R. Tolkien’s wonderful series with games, riddles, Hobbiton treats and prizes! Dress in your best Middle Earth garb and join in the fun!

Michael Jackson: The ExperienceThurs, December 19, 4 pm, EAPlay the Wii and win prizes. Dance like you’ve never danced before to your favorite Michael Jackson hits. Gr. 5-12.

Gift MakingMon, December 16, 4:30 pm, POWMon, December 23, 2:00 pm, WSQStill need that perfect present? Stop by and make it a DIY holiday. Supplies and gift wrap provided for multiple projects. Gr. 5-12.

Bella Patina Craft TimeMon, December 30, 2:00 pm, CENBella Patina, a locally owned & independent downtown Kalamazoo shop will offer a workshop for teens on December 30, from 2-3pm. They will demonstrate how to purposefully create eco-chic items using salvaged & recyclable items. Gr. 7-12.

DIY Graphic Novels with Paul SizerFri, January 3, 2 pm, CENJoin local comics pro Paul Sizer, author of Moped Army and Little White Mouse, and learn what it takes to make your own comics. No experience necessary, all materials will be provided. Gr. 5-12.

Winter Bre

ak

The 11th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival is on Sunday, February 23, 2:30 pm at the State Theatre. Teens (ages 12-19) must submit their 10 minute films for jury consideration by Saturday, January 18, 2014. Official rules, timeline, format requirements and entry forms may be found at kpl.gov/teenfilmfest. Applicants must reside in the state of Michigan.

Break @ KPL

spend your

Winter

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Holiday Crafts After the ParadeSat, November 9, 11 am-1 pm CENStop by the library to make some holiday crafts after the holiday parade. Pinecone holiday trees, scratch art, snowflakes, and more!

Zeus: the World’s Tallest DogFri, November 15, 2 pm, OSH, familyPuppy-themed fun with stories, activities, and a visit from Zeus, the tallest dog in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Family Game DaySat, November 16, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm, OSH, familySat, November 16, 2-4 pm, CEN, familyCelebrate International Games Day at your library! Stop by and play some games with KPL’s huge board game collection!

BookwormsThurs, November 21, 4:30 pm, CENA book club for kids and their grown ups. In November we’ll read, Bad Kitty Gets a Bath by Nick Bruell. We’ll take a break in December and resume in January. Books available for participants the 1st of the month preceding the meeting.

Little ScientistsThurs, December 5, 6:30 pm, CEN, 3-6 yearsEarly literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) for preschoolers. Read stories and practice narrative skills. Explore scientific vocabulary with crafts and activities. Ages 3-6.

Take your family to the library the first Saturday of every month! Enjoy stories, activities, guests, and door prizes! Hosted by local organizations supporting children and families in the Kalamazoo area! In November, enjoy STEM activities with the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. In December, shake, shimmy, and rock with your friends at the library! We’ll use stories, songs, scarves, shakers, and the parachute! In January, enjoy art activities with the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts in partnership with their Fantastic Rumpus Exhibit!

kidsDia de los Muertos CraftsFri, November 1, 4-5:30 pm, CEN, all agesSat, November 2, 10-11 am, WSQ, all agesCelebrate el Dia de los Muertos with crafts at the library. Make a skull or festive flowers and learn about Day of the Dead traditions.

Toddler TalkFri, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 10:30 am, EAS Wed, November 6, 13, 20, 27, 10 am, OSHWed, December 4, 11, 18 10 am, OSHFri, December 6, 13, 20, 27, 10:30 am, EAS Toddlers play while adults share the joys and challenges of parenting 1-3 year olds with parent educator/facilitator.

LEGO at the LibrarySat, November 2, Sat, December 7, Sat, January 4, 10:30 am, OSHTues, November 5, 6:30 pm, WSQSat, November 16, Sat, December 21, 10:30 am, CENWed, November 20, 4 pm, POWThurs, December 12, 4 pm, EASThurs, December 26, 2 pm, CENBuild, create, and imagine with other Lego fans. Bricks provided, from Duplo to expert builder. Kids and caregivers welcome.

Baby TalkWed, November 6, 13, 20, 27, 1:30 pm, OSHWed, December 4, 11, 18 1:30 pm, OSHTalk about care of babies up to one year with other parents. Connie Koning, RN, facilitator.

Read with BaileyWed, November 6, 13, 20, 27, 4-5:30 pm, WSQEnjoy a “pawsitive” reading experience. Read to Bailey, the loveable Schnoodle dog. Registration required. Call 553-7871.

November 2, December 7, January 4, 2-4 pm, CEN

First Saturday

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

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Miss Lisa: Stories and DanceSat, December 28, 10:30 am & 11:30 am, CEN, 3-6 yearsMon, December 30, 10:30 am, OSHThurs, January 2, 10:30 am, WSQMovement and stories for preschoolers! Wear comfortable clothing for an energizing time as Miss Lisa leads you through a series of dance movements and story fun. Registration required. 3-6 year olds.

Calendar MakingMon, December 30, 2 pm, POW, ages 7-11Decorate a calendar for the New Year! Supplies and snacks provided.

New Year’s PartyMon, December 30, 2 pm, WSQ, ages 7-11Decorate a party hat and other festive crafts. Celebrate the new year with snacks and fun!

Gathering for GamesTues, December 31, 2 pm, EAS, ages 7-11Meet up with some friends for an afternoon of board games. If you have a favorite game, bring it along to teach and share!

Winter Crafts for KidsThurs, January 2, 2 pm, EAS, all agesMake a calendar or other festive winter crafts. Snacks included.

Movie and PopcornFri, January 3, 2 pm, POW, all agesEnjoy The Croods with friends and treats!

Marble Run ManiaFri, January 3, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, CEN, ages 6-11Put your STEAM skills to the test by creating a marble run. Watch as the marbles ricochet, deflect, rock and roll! Registration required.

storytimesAdult caregiver must accompany babies and toddlers. Siblings may attend as guests.

Toddler StorytimeTues, 10 am, CEN, 3-5 yearsNovember 5, 12, 19, 26December 3, 10, 17Stories, songs, rhymes and age appropriate activities for children ages 2 and 3. Siblings welcome.

Musical StorytimeMon, 6:30 pm, CENNovember 11 & December 9Favorite songs, stories, and special guests with Mr. Bill.

Yoga StorytimeSat, November 16, 11 am, CEN, 3-6 yearsMovement and literacy go hand-in-hand in this engaging storytime. We’ll read great stories and pair them with yoga poses kids will love. Wear comfortable clothing. Yoga mats welcome but not required. Registration required.

Family StorytimeStories and activities designed for birth-5.

Wednesdays, 10:30 am, POW November 6, 13, 20 December 4, 11, 18

Thursdays, 10:30 am, EAS November 7, 14, 21 December 5, 12, 19

Thursdays, 10:30 am, OSH November 7, 14, 21 December 5, 12, 19

Fridays, 10:30 am, CEN November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 December 6, 13, 20

Holiday Ornament MakingTues, December 10, 6:30 pm, EASColleen Heuser will lead guests in festive holiday ornament making, sharing her tricks and techniques. Supplies provided.

Reindeer ReignSat, December 14, 10-11:30 am, OSH, familyDrop in and meet some friends from Carol Borton’s Reindeer Ranch. Make treats for reindeer visitors, crafts and have fun! Reindeer will be outside so please dress accordingly. Crafts and activities will be inside the building.

Fantastic Rumpus: 50 Years of Children’s Book Illustrations Family Fun!Sat, December 14, 10 am-1 pm, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 South Park StreetKIA Members: $2, non-members: $5 (includes admission and activities)Enjoy this exhibition featuring some of the best children’s book illustrations from the past 50 years. Meet Michigan author and illustrator Matt Faulkner. Book talk, signing, scavenger hunts and more!

Gingerbread House MakingTues, December 17, 6 pm, EAS, ages 7-11Create a masterpiece with graham crackers, frosting, and candies. Registration required.

Pet PresentsWed, December 18, 4 pm, POW, ages 7-11Make a present for your dog or cat this holiday season. Supplies provided.

Yummy New Year’s HatsFri, December 27, 2-3 pm, OSH, familyStop by and decorate an edible New Year’s hat. Save it for January 1 or eat it as soon as you’re done creating it! Registration required.

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

It’s too early in the year to declare my favorite books of 2013. The next book I read might well be a favorite, but I have certainly read some strong contenders and might have trouble narrowing it down to a handful or two by year end.

I keep a list of books I’ve read and write a sentence or two as a casual review / reminder. Once again, my list is a combination of fiction and nonfiction, print and ebooks.

I read several books about Detroit, including Detroit City is the Place to Be and Detroit: An American Autopsy. Ike & Dick, is a fascinating look at two very different politicians and their uneasy relationship. When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present, reminded me of the monumental changes during my college and career years for women. Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis is also a nonfiction favorite.

Transatlantic might well be my favorite fiction title of the year. Although others include The Orchardist, City of Women, Burgess Boys, Bartender’s Tale, The Chaperone, and Tell the Wolves I’m Home.

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

Sharing our favorites with you, is one way we support KPL’s priority of “reading for pleasure”. We also share on our book blog on our website and our staff picks displays in our buildings. Our favorites for the year will be posted in a few weeks at kpl.gov/best. We’d like to hear your favorites too. Send your best reads of 2013 to readers@kpl.gov or post on our Facebook page, facebook.com/KalamazooPublicLibrary.

I hope it has been a good reading year for you too. I’ll never run out of good books to borrow from the library.

Best wishes for the New Year – good times, good health, good books.

Ann Rohrbaugh

a good year of reading

Kalamazoo Public Library 315 South Rose Street Kalamazoo, MI 49007

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