Portland Library News

On the Same Page Kick-Off

Every year, the Ionia County Library Association presents our “On the Same Page” program, where we attempt to get everyone in the county to read the same book and attend programs related to it.  This year’s book is “Real Americans” by Rachel Khong, a mesmerizing multigenerational novel about genetics, magic, and finding family.  The Portland District Library will be kicking off this year’s slate of programs on Tuesday, April 15, when we’ll be giving away free copies of the book to the first 20 patrons.  And stay tuned to this space for a full calendar of “On the Same Page” events!

Strategic Planning

Do you have thoughts on what the library should be doing for our patrons over the next three years?  Is someone you know always singing the library's praises . . . or complaining about how terrible we are?  We encourage anyone with strong opinions--good or bad--to sign up for our strategic planning session on April 21 at 5:30pm.  We want to hear from you!!!

For the Love of Food

Spring finds For the Love of Food checking out a variety of flavors, with April bringing doughnuts and cinnamon rolls in April. Share your take on this theme on April 23 at 6:00 p.m.  Don't forget the recipe!

Portland District Library will assume no responsibility for reactions or illness from consuming these foods.

Children’s and Teen

LITTLES

We don’t know about you, but we love the annual Talking is Teaching County-Wide Scavenger Hunt and we are SO EXCITED to kick things off starting Tuesday, April 1! All seven county libraries and the Ionia County Great Start Collaborative will offer this 8-week-long outdoor scavenger hunt to patrons in each community. Visit other communities to complete the hunt there too. Talk, walk, and earn a prize at each library! Try to complete the hunt no later than Saturday, May 31 to receive 7 special books. Start your family’s adventure by visiting our Youth Desk beginning April 1 to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet! Contact Youth Librarian Eileen Pock at 517-647-6981 ext. 3 or epock@portlandmilibrary.com with questions!

Earn it! Spend it! Save it! Give it! Books & Blankets on Thursday, April 17 at 6:00 pm will have us filling the Children’s Sensory Garden with all sorts of simple money concepts. Everyone will have a chance to meet PFUC’s Dollar Duck! And families with children ages 8 & under will take home goodies from Smart Money MI Kids Read to start building healthy habits at home! Register today by calling the library at 517-647-6981!

MIDDLES

Turn simple sheets of copper into amazing textured designs! Middles (ages 6-12) can press patterns and shapes into metal, watching their creations shine and come to life. Take-and-Make bags for this unique, keepsake-worthy project can be picked up starting Friday, April 11.

During Virtual STEM Club: Marble Run Challenge, Middles (ages 6-12) will use paper plates and a cardboard tube to build twisting, turning marble tracks to explore gravity, motion, and speed! Take-and-Make bag registration begins Wednesday, April 16.

Piece together LEGO creations one brick at a time during LEGO Challenge on Monday, April 28 at 6:00 pm! Builders, ages 6-12, can let their imaginations run wild, build their very own creations, give them a name, and put them on display in the library for everyone to see! Registration is required and limited to 12 patrons.

TEEN

Get ready to make your next move at Play It Forward, the ultimate club for teens (13-18) who love games! Whether you’re strategizing your way through a classic board game or competing in an epic video game challenge, this club is all about fun, friendly competition, and connecting with fellow gamers. Play It Forward meets Tuesday May 13 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Fridays April 25 and May 23 from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm in the Community Room. Registration is not required.

Page Turners, PDL's teen book club, has chosen "Jo & Laurie" by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz for their spring book selection. This novel reimagines the beloved characters Jo March and Theodore "Laurie" Laurence from the classic "Little Women." In "Jo & Laurie," Jo struggles with writer's block after publishing her first successful novel. Hoping to inspire her, Laurie surprises Jo with a trip to London. As their feelings deepen, Jo must decide whether to accept Laurie's marriage proposal or pursue her dream of being an independent working woman. Register at the Youth Desk starting Monday, March 17 and pick up your free copy of the book. Space is limited to 10 teens (13-18.) Meetings are scheduled for Saturday, April 19 and Saturday, May 10 at 11:00 am in the Community Room.

Discover the art of yarn painting in this hands-on creative workshop! Using colorful threads, you'll explore texture, color blending, and imaginative design as you weave and layer yarn to create stunning artwork. As an added bonus, you can submit your work of art to Portland Creates for a chance to win a prize!  Register today at the Youth Desk for our in-person program on Tuesday, April 22 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Community Room. Open to teens, 13-18.