Library News

Winter Reading Program

Grab a book, a blanket, and get comfy in your favorite reading spot because Portland District Library’s Winter Reading Program returns on Saturday, December 23. Get everyone in the family reading; patrons can decide between using PDL’s virtual reading tracker, Beanstack, or picking up a traditional paper tracker at the library. Adult readers will be entered to win a grand prize for each badge they earn and then can collect a prize from the library after earning all five badges. Youth readers, ages 18 and under, will be competing for weekly prizes for each age group: Littles (ages 0-5), Middles (ages 6-12), and Teens (ages 13-18). Program will run until Saturday, February 3.

Bold Bead Necklaces

A good statement necklace can make or break an outfit, and now you’ll have a chance to craft your own.  Register anytime, and then pick up a bag containing wooden beads and all the other items you’ll need starting January 12.  Whether you paint your beads or keep it natural with wood stains, your necklace is sure to let everyone know you are a force to be reckoned with.  Ages 16 and up, registration required.

For the Love of Food

This ongoing adult program, is beating back the winter blahs this month by sharing soup recipes Wednesday, January 24th at 6:00 p.m.  Bring your favorite soup, a copy of the recipe and enjoy some sunshine in a bowl with other soup-loving folks.

Puzzle It Out

What could be better when winter blusters and blows than to be warm and cozy and working on a jigsaw puzzle?  Join us for the Portland District Library’s sixth jigsaw puzzle contest on Saturday, February 17.  Sign up as a group of 2-4 puzzlers, or as an individual to be placed in a group.  Puzzle solving starts at 11:00 a.m. and goes until 3:00 p.m., with lunch provided.  The team closest to completion when time runs out wins.  Each member of the winning team gets a prize.  Ages 10 and up, with at least one adult per team. Registration required.

Children’s and Teen

Battle of the Books 

Ionia County’s Battle of the Books is BACK and we are so excited for this year’s program! Registration starts on Tuesday, January 2 for students in 4th & 5th grade. Sign up your team of 4, or sign up individually – each team must be led by an adult or teen team leader. Read all 3 battle books, attend spirit nights at the library, and be one of the best at answering book trivia questions to take your team to the final battle between the Ionia County libraries on Thursday, April 25. Information and registration sheets can be picked up at the Youth Desk and must be completed no later than Saturday, February 10. Read books. Have fun. Win prizes!

LEGO Lab 

No need to worry about finding something to do on a blustery winter Saturday morning!  LEGO Lab is back and ready for all the brick-building you can handle. We provide you with the materials, you bring your engineering skills and imagination. Build what you want, how you want, during this hour-long program where we let you experiment with all sorts of brick combinations. Build a bridge, construct a tower, or draw a card to challenge yourself! This program will take place on Saturday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m.  Recommended for ages 6-12.  Registration is required and limited to 10 patrons.

Teen Lock-In

Teens, you have the power to rule the library after hours! During Portland District Library's Teen Lock-In on Saturday, February 24, teens will have the opportunity to eat pizza, play games, create crafts, and win prizes. The program will run from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Space is limited to 30 teens, ages 13-18. Call the library at 517-647-6981 or stop down at the Youth Desk to register.  What are you waiting for?