Library News

National Library Week 

We’ve got spirit, how ‘bout you? Celebrate National Library Week (April 7-13) with us this year by participating in our spirit week! We have a new theme available each day. For every day that you dress in that day’s theme and visit the library, you’ll earn an entry to win our Library Lovers’ prize pack. At the library, we’ll also have a photo booth available. Snapping a pic here will earn you an additional entry to win the prize. Visit the library as many times as possible during the week of April 8-13 to earn as many entries as possible! Open to patrons of all ages.

For the Love of Food

Our ongoing adult food appreciation program returns this spring for more food enjoyment.  In March we will share dishes made with citrus.  Bring your kitchen creations March 27 at 6:00 p.m.  Don't forget a copy of your recipe!

Leaf and Blossom

Do you want to submit a piece to Portland Creates but you aren’t sure what to make?  Then this take-and-make bag is for you.  Beginning April 1, pick up everything you need to create your own watercolor painting of springtime trees.  Will your trees contain an effusion of pink blossoms, or will you feature newly unfurled green leaves?  The choice is yours!  Ages 15 and up.

Portland Creates

Have fun creating an original masterpiece, and have it displayed at the Portland District Library! Artists ages 6 and older can submit artwork of all types--paintings, drawings, sulptures, photos, and more. The submission period runs April 1 through April 20, and the artwork will be on display May 1 - 25. Be sure to come in to vote for your favorites! Stop by the library to pick up the rules and submission forms, and join us for this year’s fun.

Children’s and Teen

Books & Blankets March

It's just about time to see birds making their way back home to Michigan, and also time for Books & Blankets! Glide on into the Children's Sensory Garden at the Portland District Library on Thursday, March 28 at 6:00 p.m. Our stories will spotlight our "fine feathered friends". Sing like a bird and have a snack too! Take a book home with you, compliments of the Ionia County Great Start Collaborative. We look forward to seeing families with children 8 and under. Registration is required.

Tiny Tots 

Miss Theresa is counting the days until the next sensory storytime for Tiny Tots (ages 2 & under). It's all about numbers! On the count of 3, we will read a story and sing songs. In-person storytime at the library will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday April 5, April 19, May 3, May 17, and May 31. Virtual options are also available, with new sensory items for all to take home; register beginning March 11. Tiny Tots are #1! Registration is required for both virtual and in-person storytime.

Book Cubs

Book Cubs and Caregivers, jump into spring with Miss Jamie to explore everything from rainbows to gardens to butterflies and bees. This quarter we will begin offering a hybrid of in-person and virtual storytimes. Pop into the library on Wednesday April 10, April 24, May 8, and May 22 at 10:00 a.m. Registration for virtual storytime will begin Monday, March 11. New Take-And-Make bags available every other week from March - May. Registration is required for both virtual and in-person storytime.

Barks For Books 

Thanks to our new partners at Love On A Leash, Barks for Books is back this spring! Our furry friend Reagan will be at the library on Saturday, April 6 from 10:00-11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 17 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 15 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 18 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Readers, ages 6-12, can sign up for a 15-minute time slot to practice their reading aloud; this improves communication skills while also building self-confidence. Added bonus: every patron that reads to Reagan gets to pick a bookmark or sticker to take home, AND they are also entered to win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card (we draw a winner every quarter)!

Teen Advisory Board Meeting March 

Teens, warmer weather is right around the corner and we need your help to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring. T.A.B., Portland District Library's Teen Advisory Board, is meeting Saturday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m. to do just that by redecorating the Teen Room! Already a member? Great! Come on in and lend a hand. Not a member? No problem! Simply make your way down to the Youth Desk to sign up. All teens, ages 13-18, welcome. Need another reason to join? Snacks will be provided.