linkwinter2009-10

Winter 2009-2010 L IBRARY L INK

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reading togetherWhat if the entire community read and discussed the same book at the same time? To find out, join thousands of people throughout Kalamazoo County in reading David Guterson’s New York Times best-seller Snow Falling on Cedars, the book selected for Reading Together’s eighth year.

Reading Together invites people of all ages, from all walks of life, to read and then discuss issues raised by a single book. Book discussions and many special events will be offered in March and April 2010. Guterson will visit Kalamazoo on March 17.

Kalamazoo Public Library leads Reading Together, a collaboration of libraries, schools, social service agencies, businesses, the media, governments, and a wide variety of organizations throughout Kalamazoo County. Learn more at www.readingtogether.us.

contents books & more 2-3@ your library 4kids centertween/teen 5-6annual report 7director’s note 8

genealogyKPL’s Local History Room offers an Intro to Genealogy and an after-hours Genealogy Lock-In several times a year. Find more information, get upcoming dates, or register online, www.kpl.gov/local-history/events. Give Local History staff your email address to receive event announcements.

If you’re into genealogy or local history, check KPL’s new online Community Events Calendar. Now, there’s one place to look for local meetings and even some regional happen-ings. Add your own events, too! Visit www.kpl.gov/local- history/community-events.

Browse the Local History blog for the latest genealogy or local history news and more: www.kpl.gov/local-history/blog.

top of the bottomjohn wesley harding / wesley staceFebruary 17 and 18, 7 pm, Central

In an interview by FLYP, the multimedia online magazine, Wesley Stace (aka John Wesley Harding) says he’s in a small ghetto of literary singer-songwriters. A storyteller at heart, Stace channels his talent in both

solitary novel writing and collaborative music making.

Stace’s acclaimed first novel, Misfortune, has been released around the world and optioned for a film. Booklist Editor’s Choice selected his second novel, By George, a 2007 book of the year. His third, Charles Jessold, Considered as a Murderer, comes out late 2010. He’ll talk about his writings on February 18.

As John Wesley Harding, Stace has released 15 albums, ranging from traditional folk to pop. His most recent release, Who Was Changed and Who Was Dead, was a critical smash, garnering considerable airplay. NPR’s Song of the Day featured “Top of the Bottom” from that album in April. He’ll perform on February 17.

Harding has been called the British Bob Dylan and com-pared to Elvis Costello. Rolling Stone Magazine hailed Harding as, “a literate and ironic neo-folkie with enough bile to win over a younger, hipper audience not attuned to folk music.” His best known work includes “I’m Wrong About Everything,” featured on the High Fidelity soundtrack.

author visitsBooks for sale and signing at all author visits.

Kristina RiggleFebruary 3, 7 pm, CentralBooklist described Kristina Riggle’s delightful debut, Real Life and Liars, as “a moving and accomplished first novel about a dysfunctional family coming to terms with change.” Publish-ers Weekly praises her fun, quirky characters in

this humorous and humane story. Riggle has published short stories in Espresso Fiction, Cimarron Review, Literary Mama, and elsewhere. She is a freelance writer for The Grand Rapids Press.

Josh BeckerFebruary 25, 7 pm, CentralDirector and writer Josh Becker has written and directed four critically admired indepen-dent films, Thou Shalt Not Kill...Except, Lunatics: A Love Story, Running Time, and If I Had a Hammer, and numerous TV episodes, many for ‘90s pop-culture milestone Xena: Warrior Princess. His TV movie Alien Apocalypse was

Sci Fi Network’s highest-rated original movie ever. His books include The Complete Guide to Low-Budget Feature Filmmaking and Rushes. His third, Going Hollywood, is forthcoming from Point Blank Press.

Savvy Holiday ShoppingBegins November 27, Friends Bookstore, Central, Lower LevelWhy spend more? The Friends Bookstore has the best prices on gently-used books, music, and movies. The annual Gift Book Sale features hundreds of popular books in pristine condition and collectibles, including this very special item—Where’s the Rest of Me, Ronald’s Reagan’s autobiography, signed by Reagan. Shop early for the best selection!

Best of 2009December 3, 6:30 pm, CentralWhat were the best books, movies, and music in 2009? Hear a group of KPL librarians tell you their favorite adult novels and nonfiction, teen and children’s books, DVDs and CDs— and share your favorites, too. A selection of books, DVDs, and CDs will be available to help you shop for the perfect holiday gifts.

Four Conversations About ForgivenessFebruary 3, 10, 17, 24, 6 pm, Washington SquareExplore how love and forgiveness can help heal anger and grief in this four-week series of facilitated conversations. Receive a handbook with essays and home practices to encourage reflection and action. Partici-pants must attend the first session on February 3. Registration required; email [email protected] or call 552-3434.

eventswinter

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books & more

Learn About Etsy!December 2, 6:30 pm, CentralLearn how artists and crafters from around the world use Etsy, an online marketplace, to sell their wares—from jewelry to clothes to soap. Jessica Aguilera will help you set up an Etsy shop.

craft coutureArtist and crafter Jessica Aguilera

will lead adults in these very cool

crafts. Registration required;

call 553-7880.

Tree-rific StockingsDecember 17, 6:30 pm, CentralCreate one-of-a-kind stockings with a pine tree theme.

Wonderland WreathJanuary 19, 6:30 pm, Central Make a winter wonderland wreath to welcome holiday visitors.

Tile StyleFebruary 16, 6:30 pm, CentralDesign unique jewelry charms using Scrabble tiles.

concertsArrive early to ensure a seat. Our concerts

fill the house!

Lloyd & The FellasDecember 16, 7 pm, CentralLloyd & the Fellas met at folk festivals, in sister circles, and among Michigan gardens, assem-bling live in February ‘09. The Fellas are a fun time: great for little ones, young hip things, middlers and elders alike. They journey through varied sounds: jumpy banjo-y joyful songs; tunes for healing; aching songs that swell with unhurried intensity.

Belfast GinJanuary 20, 7 pm, CentralThe indie group Belfast Gin creates a sound unique to the Celtic genre with an almost classic rock feel—a music category they call “Twisted Traditional.” Enjoy searing vocals, kit drum, electric and acoustic guitars, bass, fiddle, and tin whistle/flute in their high energy performance. They released their first CD, Ain’t Been Sober Yet, on St. Patrick’s Day, 2008.

eat local kalamazooPrograms co-sponsored with Fair Food Matters.

Fun, Frugal, Healthy CookingJanuary 27, 7 pm, CentralHas the economy caused you to look a little more closely at your grocery budget? Learn how to make three meals with vast potential for improvisation. This program comes packed with recipes, food facts, cooking tips, and samples from Elizabeth Forest, People’s Food Co-op’s queen of fast, nutritionally-packed, delicious, family-friendly foods.

Soil: The Web of LifeFebruary 4, 7 pm, CentralIn this illustrated presentation about the living soil under our feet, learn some practical ways to promote soil health and provide better food for ourselves, as well as for the creatures who make our gardens—and lives—possible. Presented by Tom Small, co-founder of the Kalamazoo Chapter of Wild Ones—Native Plants, Natural Landscapes.

Recycle in Your YardFebruary 9, 7 pm, CentralLooking for productive yet fun ways to manage your yard’s old leaves, grass clippings, and trim-mings? Steve Leuty, former Kalamazoo County recycling coordinator, will help you explore the 101 neighbor-friendly ways to compost and “grasscycle” to save money and connect to the environment.

musicThe Beatles: Rock BandJanuary 14, 7 pm, CentralGrab a front row seat for The Beatles—the long awaited music video game. Play along with the original songs of the greatest rock band in history, spanning their entire career—from Liverpool’s Cavern Club to the Ed Sullivan Show to the rooftop of Abbey Road studios. No experi-ence necessary! Form a virtual band of up to four players, grab a guitar, bass, or drums, and prepare to go head-to-head against other gam-ers on Xbox 360 or Wii with a little help from your friends! Adults and teens only.

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book groupsDiscuss classics, best-sellers,

and little-known gems.

OshtemoSecond TuesdayOshtemo, 1 pm

Revolutionary Roadby Richard YatesDecember 8

Eat, Pray, Loveby Elizabeth GilbertJanuary 12

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Societyby Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie BarrowsFebruary 9

Classics RevisitedThird Thursday Central, 7 pm

Out of Africaby Isak DinesenDecember 17

A Passage to Indiaby E. M. ForsterJanuary 21

The Fire Next Timeby James BaldwinFebruary 18

Get Your News in the NewsFebruary 8, 7 pm, CentralIn this hands-on session, learn the dos and don’ts of media relations: how to develop a relationship with the appropriate reporter and/or editor; what issues are important to the media; what makes a great release. Designed for businesses and nonprofits seek-ing ways to promote their products or service.

The following workshops are offered by the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center. Space limited. Registration required for each session below; call 387-6004.

Business Research EssentialsDecember 9, January 13, February 10, 7 pm, CentralDiscover free resources to help you make informed decisions about your business future. Learn how to find information on industry trends, estimate the size of your market, identify potential customers and competitors, determine the best way to promote your product or service, and more.

Starting a Small BusinessJanuary 25, 6-8 pm, OshtemoYou have a passion…a hidden talent. Do you know what it takes to turn that skill into a successful business? Assess your ability to lead and manage a company. Evaluate the market and sales potential for your product or service. The first step for many in MI-SBTDC assistance.

Writing a Business PlanFebruary 16, 6-9 pm, OshtemoStart putting your thoughts on paper. Learn why you need to write a business plan, what to include in each section, and the resources you need to create it. Your plan outlines the steps from concept to reality and helps determine your financial needs—a must for potential lenders or investors.

@ your library

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finding a jobIn these sessions, discuss and

review necessary skills, determine

individual needs, then practice

what you’ve learned. Registration

required; call 553-7862.

Job Seeking TipsDecember 3, 2-4 pm, Washington SquareJanuary 7, 2-4 pm, OshtemoLaid off? Just out of school? Looking for work after a long absence? Learn where to find job listings, about job and career sites and resources, how to apply for a job, and submit a resumé in the digital age.

Resumés & Cover LettersDecember 10, 2-4 pm, Washington SquareJanuary 14, 2-4 pm, OshtemoLearn about effective resumés and cover letters, then create and/or revise these documents. Bring your current resumé for review and suggestions. Microsoft Word experience helpful.

Interviewing SkillsDecember 17, 2-4 pm, Washington SquareJanuary 21, 2-4 pm, OshtemoLearn how to present yourself, what to wear, how to answer questions, and what information you should and shouldn’t discuss in a job interview. Increase your confidence by rehearsing.

free clinicsAsk a LawyerDecember 2, February 3, 6 pm, PowellDecember 10, January 14, 6 pm, CentralJanuary 8, February 12, 11:30 am, CentralFree legal clinic for low to moderate income persons. Get help with most areas of civil law, including landlord-tenant problems, divorce, and family law. Call 553-7920 to aschedule a 20-minute appointment with County Bar Association volunteer lawyer.

Tax HelpJanuary 30, February 13, March 13, 10 am-2:30 pm, CentralFebruary 27, March 27, 10:30 am-3 pm, OshtemoTax preparation help for individuals or families with a household income under $49,000 in 2009, provided by an IRS-certified community volunteer from VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). Appointment required. Call 211 to sign up and for a list of what to bring.

businessPrograms especially designed to help develop

and manage small businesses.

Small Business CounselingJanuary 21, February 25, 9:30 am, CentralMeet with SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) counselors to discuss how your potential or existing business can both thrive and grow in today’s challenging economic climate. Registration required; call SCORE at 381-5382 or email [email protected].

Central LibraryTeen Services315 S Rose St553-7807

Eastwood1112 Gayle Ave553-7810

Oshtemo7265 W Main St553-7980

Alma Powell1000 W Paterson St553-7960

Washington Square1244 Portage St553-7970

Drop ZoneDecember 10, January 14, February 11, 4-5 pm, EastwoodDecember 17, January 28, February 25, 4-5 pm, Washington SquareDrop in downstairs @ your library for some after school festivities! Enjoy games, crafts, and fun. We’ll break out the Wii and games, and of course there will be snacks! Tweens only.

Gifts 101December 12, 2-4 pm, CentralNeed a last minute holiday gift? Make one or two or three!! Choose from many different gifts to make! We supply the materials, you supply the cre-ativity. Gift wrap and cards will also be available.Registration required.

Beat Cabin FeverDecember 14, January 11, February 15, 6-8 pm, Central (Teen Area)Sick of cold and snow? Want more than gray skies and slushy sidewalks? Beat cabin fever at KPL! Enjoy all sorts of activities designed to banish the winter blues. Crafts, games, read-alouds, and much more, plus hot chocolate and cider to warm you up!

Gamers’ ArenaDecember 19, 2-4 pm, CentralJoin other game loving teens for an afternoon of strategy, skill, and fun. Gamers of all levels are welcome. Choose from one of our many board, card, Wii, Xbox 360 or PS2 games, or bring one of your own. Teens only.

J-Pop ClubDecember 28, January 25, February 22, 3:30-5 pm, CentralEnjoy the latest media (and food) straight from Japan. Anime, manga and Pocky for all. Vote for your favorite anime series, and tell us what to get next! If you love Japanese pop culture, then you’ll love this casual club. Stop in any time during the event! Teens only.

BingoDecember 29, 6-7 pm, OshtemoOld-fashioned fun with a library twist! Join us for an hour of Bingo fun and win fabulous prizes, maybe even books! Snacks, Bingo cards and dobbers provided!

WinterDecember 2009 - February 2010

tween/teen

= Registration required; sign up in advance at the location where the event will be held. All programs for grades 5-12, unless noted. Teen-only events are for teens in grades 7-12. Tween-only events are for tweens in grades 5-8. Questions? Call Teen Services 553-7807.

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meet mark crilleydecember 10, 6:30 pm, central

Fasten your seatbelts! Meet Mark Crilley, the high-energy, funny author of the manga series Miki Falls and the Akiko graphic novels.

Mark tells jokes, reads from his books using his characters’ voices, and draws during his presentations. He’ll talk about his work as

a storyteller, writer, and illustrator and provide tips for aspiring writers and artists.

SmashKart Tournament

January 9, 2-4 pm, CentralGet your game on in one of our most popular Wii tournaments! Race against your friends in Mario Kart, or pound away at your en-

emies in Super Smash Bros. Brawl! Prizes, food and fun! Teens only.

The Beatles: Rock BandJanuary 14, 7 pm, CentralGrab a front row seat for the Beatles! Play along with original songs spanning their entire career—from the Ed Sullivan Show to the rooftop of Abbey Road studios. No experience necessary. Form a virtual band, grab a guitar, bass, or drums, and go head-to-head with other gamers—with a little help from your friends! Adults and teens only.

ReCraft: Candy WrappersFebruary 2, 5 pm, Oshtemo February 16, 5 pm, Eastwood Don’t toss that candy wrapper, Recraft it! Turn a variety of candy wrappers into a belt. It’s a sweet way to be fashionable while recycling! We provide the materials (the candy too) and you supply the creativity. Space is limited.Registration required.

T.A.B.December 2, January 6, February 3, 3:30 pm, CentralTeen Advisory Board (T.A.B.) members help Teen Services staff plan and promote great teen programs, work on com-munity service projects, discuss books, movies, music and web sites, have snacks, play games, and just have fun! Membership looks great on resumés, job and college applications. Teens only.

Galley Review GroupDecember 3, January 7, February 4, 4-5 pm, CentralBe the first to read new teen books, even before they are published! Provide feedback to publishers, meet other teen readers and make your voice heard. Special advance reader copies will be available for checkout at each meeting. Bring a friend! Teens only.

february 26, 7 pm, kalamazoo institute of arts

Calling all teen filmmakers! Enter the 7th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival. Expert judges will award prizes for the best film, plus prizes for animation, experimental, documentary, short film, technical merit, music video, and judges’ choice. A jury will screen every film and select finalists to be shown at the festival, where audience members vote for a People’s Choice award. Submit films by 9 pm, January 25, to the KPL Teen Desk.

For a complete set of rules, format require- ments, official entry form, and tips on making your film, visit www.kpl.gov/teens.

Rock Band TournamentFebruary 20, 2-4 pm, CentralRock your ears off with our newest game tournament! Form a band, choose from guitar, bass, drums or vocals and play along with your favorite songs. Prizes, snacks, and fun! Teens only.

Kalamazoo Academy of RockFebruary 23, 7 pm, CentralHear great youth-produced rock music from the Kalamazoo Academy of Rock: Kalamazoo’s rock band program for young musicians! These aren’t your average garage bands, but talented area teens and tweens playing the best classic and contemporary rock. Learn how you can join and get your own groove on!

Puppet Idol 2010February 25, 5 pm, CentralYou pick the music and puppet. Then turn your puppet into a singing, dancing, and lip-synching star. This hands-on puppet workshop is as much fun to watch as it is to create! Registration required. Tweens only.

festivalteen filmmaker

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Dear Friends,

When I assumed leadership of Kalamazoo Public Library five years ago, I pledged to renew our emphasis on fundamental library ser-vices and to expand KPL’s role in the community. As I review the past year’s activities, I’d like to share our progress in these areas.

We expanded Book My Favorites and now offer several new services to readers: Book Club in a Bag, Hot Picks books and movies, plus reader ratings and reviews in the online catalog. We hosted one or more authors each month—last spring’s visit by Reading Together author Rick Bragg delighted an

audience of 750.

Our website has truly become a virtual branch. In the past year, web visitors viewed 20,492 KPL web pages more than two million times! Popular areas

include the “browse,” “books,” and “music” pages for new materials and our KPL Staff Blogs featuring staff picks and reviews.

KPL managers and I are all engaged in a wide variety of civic activities; our collaborations with the schools, cultural organiza-tions, economic and community development committees, and other groups continue to grow. In March, we launched ONEplace@kpl, a management support center for nonprofits, with ongoing funding from local foundations. Since opening, ONEplace has offered 57 programs and served 1,300 people.

You let us know how much you value the library when you passed KPL’s millage by 75% in May. We’re very pleased that you’re using the library more than ever. Last year, KPL patrons borrowed almost one million items, including 29% more CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks.

If you have specific comments—about our services, collection, website, or more—please use our online comment box at www.kpl.gov/comments or write to [email protected]. We love to hear from you. Come visit soon!

Ann Rohrbaugh

Library Director

annual report

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55.1%

12.0%

8.3%7.8%

6.9%4.0%

3.2%

expenditures

1.8%.9%

Salaries & Benefits $7,469,399

Debt Service 1,633,508

Materials 1,130,206

Capital Outlay 1,060,859

Operating Supplies & Expenses 938,131

Building Operation & Maintenance 541,239

Purchased Services 434,107

Automation & Equipment 241,320

Programming 117,931

Total Expenditures $13,566,700

2008-09

at a glance19,517

9,147

979,192

11,845,756

213,977

36,793

1,265

District Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

New Registrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Materials Circulated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Computer Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reference Questions Answered . . . .

Program Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Programs Offered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

92.3%

.6%2.8% 2.4%

1.1% 1.0%

revenueProperty Taxes $11,683,759

Gifts & Grants 358,411

Penal Fines 305,554

Library Fines & Fees 147,413

Other 129,160

State Grants 75,077

Investment Return - 32,313

Total Revenue $12,667,062

- .2%

eliminated positions and reassigned work following retirements and resignations.

Those measures are no longer enough— we have to look for greater cost savings. Therefore, KPL trustees have reluctantly determined that bookmobile service must be phased out. We share the disappointment of bookmobile patrons, but feel we can meet their needs at our neighborhood branches or through other services, like Via Mail. A full report is available at www.kpl.gov/bookmobile.

Thanks for your understanding as we seek the most cost-effective ways to deliver library services. We’re committed to good stewardship of your tax dollars.

Ann Rohrbaugh

Library Director

Above: KPL’s Linda Clearwaters sends books to housebound patrons Via Mail.

Left: Friendship Village’s library features a collection of KPL books.

weathering the stormIn recent issues of the Link, I’ve shared with you some of the financial challenges we’re facing. KPL recently completed an annual year-end audit—revenue and expenditure

figures are shown on the previous page. As you’ll see, we cut $300,000 last year and underspent by another $378,000.

Property taxes are the major revenue source for local units, like counties, cities, and libraries— 92% of Kalamazoo Public Library’s revenue comes from property taxes. Last year, tax revenue was flat in Kalamazoo. The State Treasurer has forecast a 6.5% drop in taxable value statewide. While Kalamazoo is in better shape than the east side of the state, we anticipate a 5% drop here.

What does this mean for Kalamazoo Public Library? This drop, combined with additional cuts in state aid and other income sources, will require another $550,000 cut in KPL’s budget—on top of last year’s reductions. Previously, I told you that we’ve met budget constraints by reducing energy use, delaying equip-ment purchases, trimming funds for books, movies, music, newspapers, maga-zines, and more. We’ve also

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Central Library 315 S Rose St, 49007 342-9837

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

Bookmobile Call 553-7991 for complete schedule.

Eastwood 1112 Gayle Ave, 49048 553-7810

Oshtemo 7265 W Main St, 49009 553-7980

Alma Powell 1000 W Paterson St, 49007 553-7960

Washington Square 1244 Portage St, 49001 553-7970

Library BoardValerie Wright President

Robert Paul Brown Vice President

James VanderRoest Treasurer

Cheryl TenBrink Secretary

Cynthia Addison Lisa A. Godfrey Fenner Brown II 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 mail [email protected].

www.kpl.gov

Kalamazoo Public Library 315 South Rose Street Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Non-Profit Org.US Postage

PA I DKalamazoo, MI

Permit No. 1224

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

notedirector’s

StorytimesStorytimes for children from birth to 5 years! Librarians consider children’s developmental stages when planning stories, fingerplays, and craft activities. Some programs require registration (indicated by this symbol ). An adult caregiver must accompany babies and toddlers up to 3½ years. Questions? Talk to your children’s librarian.

Baby Lapsit, birth-walkingDecember 3, 10, 17, 31, 10:15 am, OshtemoJanuary 7, 14, 21, 28, 10 am, EastwoodFebruary 1, 8, 15, 22, 9:30 am, Central 15-30 minutes of rhymes, songs, and books followed by a chance to talk and bond with other caregivers. Siblings may attend as guests.

Baby Steps, walking-2 yearsDecember 3, 10, 17, 31, 11 am, OshtemoJanuary 7, 14, 21, 28, 10:45 am, Eastwood February 1, 8, 15, 22, 10:30 am, Central15-30 minutes of rhymes, songs, and books that give your little one a chance to try the newly learned skills of walking, clapping, jumping, and dancing. Siblings may attend as guests.

Toddler Storytime, 2-3½ yearsDecember 4, 11, 18, 10:30 am, Washington SquareJanuary 6, 13, 20, 27, 10:30 am, OshtemoFebruary 3, 10, 17, 24, 10:30 am, EastwoodToddlers and caregivers will enjoy this lap-sit of stories, songs, and a simple craft.

Preschool PlayersJanuary 7, 10 am, CentralFebruary 5, 10 am, CentralJoin Mr. Steve to explore stories through reading, acting, and creating scenes out of play dough. Ages 3-5. Children attend on their own.

From the HeartFebruary 2, 3, and 4, 10 am-8 pm, CentralFebruary 2, 3, and 4, 2-6 pm, OshtemoFebruary 5, 3-5 pm, February 6, 2-4 pm, PowellFebruary 9, 10, and 11, 1-6 pm, EastwoodFebruary 10 & 11, 1-6 pm, Washington Square Spread a little joy. Help us make Valentines for residents of local nursing homes.

Capoeira DemonstrationFebruary 17, 6 pm, PowellThis Afro-Brazilian art form combines elements of martial arts, dance, music, and acrobatics. Performers will demonstrate the Maculele (stick fighting dance), play Capoeira, and ask the audience to join in for a Samba de Roda. Learn Capoeira history and a few songs. Family program.

Music and Make Believe (M&Ms)February 23, 9:30 am and 10:30 am, CentralFebruary 24, 9:30 am and 10:30 am, CentralFebruary 25, 10:30 am, OshtemoBased on the book The Perfect Purple Feather by Hanoch Piven, M&Ms features a storytime, craft activity, and child-friendly performance by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra string quartet. Ages 4-6. Groups welcome. Call 553-7804 to register.

Jumping the BroomFebruary 24, 6 pm, PowellLearn about the African-American custom of jumping the broom. Is it from Africa or is it a slave custom? Have fun with history while you enjoy a piece of cake and some ginger tea. Grades 1-6.

Winter FunOrnament MakingDecember 5, 1 pm, Washington SquarePaint your choice of several designs of porcelain ornaments. Take it home for the tree or give it as a gift. Grades K-6. An adult must accompany kindergartners.

Gingerbread Houses December 7, 6:30 pm, OshtemoHoliday time is gingerbread house-making time! Create your own masterpiece using crackers, frosting, and candies. Grades 2-6.

Ornaments for PreschoolersDecember 9, 6:30 pm, Washington SquarePreschoolers will use markers and other craft items to decorate special shapes. For ages 3-5 years accompanied by an adult.

Holiday CraftsDecember 15, 6:30 pm, EastwoodMake an ornament for the holiday season. Grades 1-5.

Sugar Cookie HousesDecember 23, 6 pm, PowellCreate and decorate sugar cookie houses with lots of frosting and sprinkles. Grades 1-6.

Game DayDecember 26, 2-4 pm, PowellDecember 30, 4-7 pm, PowellJoin us for some fun with board games like Twister, Pictionary, Zooreka, and more. Grades 1-6.

Make It, Take It CraftsDecember 30, 1-4 pm, OshtemoDrop in and be creative, making a fun craft or two.

Yummy New Year’s HatsDecember 30, 2 pm, Washington SquareDecorate an edible New Year’s Hat. Eat it or keep it until January 1! Family program.

LocationsCentral LibraryChildren’s Room315 S Rose St553-7804

Alma Powell1000 W Paterson St553-7960

Eastwood1112 Gayle Ave553-7810

Oshtemo7265 W Main St553-7980

Washington Square1244 Portage St553-7970

WinterDecember 2009 - February 2010Preschool Storytime, 3½-5 years

December 7, 14, 21, 10 am, CentralJanuary 8, 15, 22, 29, 10:30 am, Washington Square February 4, 11, 18, 10:30 am, Oshtemo This first “on your own” storytime for preschoolers includes stories, crafts, fingerplays, and other fun activities.

Family StorytimeDecember 1, 8, 15, 22, 12 noon, PowellDecember 2, 9, 16, 30, 12 noon, EastwoodJanuary 4, 11, 18, 25, 10 am, CentralJanuary 5, 12, 19, 26, 12 noon, PowellFebruary 2, 9, 16, 23, 12 noon, PowellFebruary 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:30 am, Washington SquareStorytime for the whole family! If program is at noon, feel free to bring your own brownbag lunch.

Baby Storytime, birth-2 yearsJanuary 13 - February 17, 6:30 pm, Central Circle time with plenty of movement for caregivers and baby. 15-30 minutes of songs, rhymes, books and more! Older preschool kids can attend with caregivers to learn songs and rhymes to share with their dolls and stuffed animals.

Storytime with Mr. Steve & FriendsJanuary 12, 6:30 pm, CentralFebruary 11, 6:30 pm, CentralA storytime for the whole family, complete with celebrity readers, musical guests, and zany crafts. Expect the unexpected when Mr. Steve gets a little help from his friends.

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Nutcracker BalletDecember 22, 2 pm, CentralEnjoy the adventures of Clara and the Nutcracker as they battle the Mouse King and

journey through the Land of Sweets, complete with the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

in this perennial holiday favorite. The Kalamazoo Ballet under the artistic direction of

Thérèse Bullard will treat us to a performance perfect for newcomers to ballet and those

who make seeing the Nutcracker a holiday tradition. Family program. We will start

handing out numbers one hour before this performance. Everyone in a group must be

present to receive a number.

Aerial AngelsDecember 28, 11 am, CentralWho was that masked maiden? Poor Cinderella has just one chance to escape her wicked

stepsisters and go to the ball. With an acrobatic Fairy Godmother and aerial dreams of

her own, Prince Charming will need to climb high to reach Cinderella’s heart. Don’t miss

this circus fairytale by Kalamazoo’s own high-flying female circus artists, the Aerial Angels,

performing feats of grace, strength, and beauty suspended between floors of the library

rotunda. All ages.

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February

Toddler Storytime10:30 am, EAS, 2-3½ yrs

From the heart1-6 pm, EAS & WSQ

Baby Storytime6:30 pm, CEN, birth-2 yrs


Capoeira Demonstration6 pm, POW, family


January

Toddler Storytime10:30 am, OSH, 2-3½ yrs



Preschool Storytime10:30 am, WSQ, 3½-5 yrs

Preschool Players10 am, CEN, 3-5 yrs

Baby Lapsit10 am, EAS, birth-walking

Baby Steps10:45 am, EAS, walking-2 yrs

Library Closed









Family Storytime12 noon, POW, family


Family Storytime10 am, CEN, family



December

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Family Storytime12 noon, EAS, family

Ornament Making1 pm, WSQ, gr K-6

Baby Lapsit10:15 am, OSH, birth-walking

Baby Steps11 am, OSH, walking-2 yrs


Preschool Storytime10 am, CEN, 3½-5 yrs

Gingerbread houses6:30 pm, OSH, gr 2-6

Toddler Storytime10:30 am, WSQ, 2-3½ yrs



Library Closed Library Closed



holiday Crafts6:30 pm, EAS, gr 1-5

Sugar Cookie houses6 pm, POW, gr 1-6


Ornaments for Preschoolers6:30 pm, WSQ, 3-5 yrs


Nutcracker Ballet2 pm, CEN, family

Aerial Angels11 am, CEN, family


Make it, Take it Crafts1-4 pm, OSH

Game Day4-7 pm, POW, gr 1-6

Yummy New Year's hats2 pm, WSQ, family



Library Closes at 5 pm


Game Day2-4 pm, POW, gr 1-6

From the heart10 am- 8 pm, CEN2-6 pm, OSH



Preschool Storytime10:30 am, OSH, 3½-5 yrs

M&M's10:30 am, OSH, 4-6 yrs

M&M's9:30 and 10:30 am,CEN, 4-6 yrs


M&M's9:30 and 10:30 am,CEN, 4-6 yrs


Jumping the Broom6 pm, POW, gr 1-6


From the heart1-6 pm, EAS


From the heart1-6 pm, EAS & WSQ

Storytime with Mr. Steve & Friends6:30 pm, CEN, birth-2 yrs

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Storytime with Mr. Steve & Friends6:30 pm, CEN, family






From the heart2-4 pm, POW

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Family Storytime10:30 am, WSQ, family

From the heart3-5 pm, POW

Preschool Players10 am, CEN, 3-5 yrs




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Baby Lapsit9:30 am, CEN, birth-walking

Baby Steps10:30 am, CEN, walking-2 yrs







From the heart10 am- 8 pm, CEN2-6 pm, OSH



From the heart10 am- 8 pm, CEN 2-6 pm, OSH


Key to LocationsCEN CentralEAS EastwoodOSh OshtemoPOW Alma PowellWSQ Washington Square

registration requiredR

linkwinter2009-10

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