Link

January-February 2013 LIBRARY LINK

red carpet at state February 24, 2:30 pm Calling all teen filmmakers! Enter your teen-produced films in the 10th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival by Saturday, January 19, 5 pm. Submit films to Teen Services, Kalamazoo Public Library. Entry forms, rules, requirements at kpl.gov/teenfilmfest.

An experienced jury reviews every film entered and selects about 30 finalists to screen at the festival. Expert judges award prizes for the best films in seven categories, plus a grand prize.

Audience members will vote for the People’s Choice. Public Media Network covers the event.

They’ll broadcast finalists' films, awards presentations, and interviews with winners.

We’ll roll out the (metaphorical) red carpet at the Kalamazoo’s venerable State Theatre for the 10th Annual Teen Film Fest. Originally built in 1927, the restored interior evokes an ornate Spanish courtyard, complete with a dark blue sky and twinkling stars above.

Organizers chose the State after Rave Motion Pictures closed in November. Free theater admission and free parking in nearby city lots and ramps on Sunday, February 24. Come see dynamic, imaginative, and polished work by the next generation of filmmakers. You may meet the next Spike Lee, Sam Rami, or Sofia Coppola!

babymouse release party January 8, 4:30 pm, Central Grab your snowboard and hit the slopes with Babymouse! Will the sassy mouse with the kinky whiskers make it down the bunny run? Will this winter be extreme—or just extremely lame? Find out in Extreme Babymouse, the 17th book in this popular, award-winning graphic novel series for early readers.

We’re celebrating Extreme Babymouse with a release party featuring a 4:45 pm Skype visit with author Jenni Holm, a three-time Newbery Honor winner. Enjoy pink cupcakes, of course, plus you may win one of several door prizes—a Cupcake Queen apron, Babymouse tote bag, Babymouse posters, and Babymouse window clings!

School Library Journal says “Babymouse is spunky, ambitious, and, at times, a total dweeb.” The series started with Babymouse, Queen of the World. Since then, the daydreaming Babymouse has been a superhero, beach babe, rock star, skatergirl, run for student council president, and more!

Bookbug will sell selected Babymouse books at the event.

More free family fun, pages 6-7.

Art Hop—An Evening with EFA March 1, 6-8 pm, CEN Reading Together's 2013 selection, "Amy Waldman's emotionally and politically rich novel, The Submission, raises wrenching post-9/11 questions about what it means to be an American."

—USA Today This "gorgeously written novel of ideas...is sure to generate a lot of discussion in book clubs across the land," according to NPR's Fresh Air. See student artwork and performances inspired by The Submission, created by high school students in two KRESA Education for the Arts classes: Design for Digital Media, and Theatre Practice and Performance.

meet waldman March 5, 7 pm KCHS Auditorium www.readingtogether.us

contents

books & more 2-3 annual report 4 tween/teen 5 kids 6-7 director’s note 8

events

 COVERT

Meet Anna-Lisa Cox February 19, 6:30 pm, POW Despite our nation’s history of violence, hate, and racial injustice, there was a place in nineteenth century Michigan where ordinary Americans, black and white, treated each other as equals and as friends.

Author Anna-Lisa Cox shares her history of Covert, Michigan, A Stronger Kinship: One Town’s Extraordinary Story of Hope and Faith. She remembers an America that miraculously once was, and offers a vision for what our nation might be.

A compelling book for entire communities to read together.

2

books

music

eBooks at KPL

Acoustic Slow Jam

January 8, 6:30 pm, EAS Hear what’s new and what’s on the horizon for KPL’s digital collections—books that you download to a digital device, like a Kindle, iPad, or Nook. Get help and answers for your technical questions from KPL’s expert staff.

January 2, 7 pm, 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.

Classics Revisited

The Danemans

January 17, 7 pm, CEN February 21, 7 pm, CEN Classics lovers discuss George Orwell’s Selected Essays in January and Toni Morrison’s Beloved in February. classicbookgroup.blogspot.com

January 16, 7 pm, CEN Enjoy the musical marriage of trumpet player Benje Daneman and his wife, Ashley Gonzalez Daneman, “a fine young jazz vocalist,” according to USA Today. Their band features rich harmony, lyrical storytelling, and a willingness to take interpretive risks.

Urban Fiction January 29, 6 pm, POW This popular street lit group will talk about Leo Sullivan’s Life, a tale of murder, sex, drugs, and the ultimate betrayal. Pick up a copy of the novel at Powell desk.

Refreshments.

Town and Gown January 28, 7 pm, CEN The Friends of Poetry present local literati Joe Costello, Denise Miller, and Diane Seuss, with WMU writers Daneen Wardrop, Traci Brimhall, and Glen Shaheen.

Keith Hall and Mike Jellick February 20, 7 pm, CEN A joyful performer and passionate educator, drummer Keith Hall tours the globe playing concerts, festivals, TV and radio shows.

He teaches privately in his studio and on WMU’s jazz faculty. Modern Drummer Magazine praises Hall for his “nimble, grooving, and melodic touch.” Detroitbased pianist Mike Jellick joins Hall.

& more Ask a Lawyer January 10, 6-8 pm, CEN January 11, February 8, 11:30 am-1 pm, CEN February 5, 6 pm, POW Free legal clinics with Bar Association lawyers. For a free 20-minute appointment, call 553-7920. Only one appointment available every four months.

Groundhog Day Movie Marathon February 2, 12 pm, OSH Enjoy multiple showings of the 1993 comedy starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell!

African Soups and Stews February 5, 6:30 pm, EAS Chef Zee of the People’s Food Co-op will create West African Groundnut Stew, Ethiopian Doro Wat—spicy chicken stew with hard-boiled eggs, Chapati—an unleavened flat bread originally from India, now a staple among the Swahili-speaking people of East Africa, and dessert.

Free Tax Prep February 9, 10 am–2:30 pm, CEN February 23, 11 am-3 pm, OSH Free tax prep for people who made $50,000 or less in 2012, prepared by IRS-certified VITA tax volunteers. Appointment required.

Call 211 to schedule or further information.

Keeping Bees in SW Michigan February 12, 6:30 pm, OSH Beekeeping expert and author Larry Connor Ph.D. has written three books on beekeeping and regularly contributes articles to the American Bee Journal and Bee Culture Magazine. He’ll discuss beekeeping basics. www.wicwas.com

Quilting February 26, 6:30 pm, POW Experienced quilter Bette Boulding enjoys designing her own patterns and creating beautiful yet functional quilts with bits and pieces of used fabric. Valerie Osborne will show slides of Vicki Fischer’s story quilts that were inspired by her experiences in Edo State Nigeria.

history & genealogy Intro to Genealogy January 24, 1:30 pm, CEN Learn how to start compiling your family tree through databases like Ancestry.com, Heritage Quest, FamilySearch, KPL’s index to local publications, plus important print sources, major collections, and more.

Registration required; call 553-7808 or register online starting January 2.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Kalamazoo, Allegan, and Van Buren Counties, Michigan (Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1892)

Covert at the Smithsonian February 12, 6:30 pm, WSQ Learn how and why the first black settlers of Covert, Michigan, will be featured in an opening exhibition at the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture when it opens in 2015.

Genealogy Lock-In February 22, 6-10 pm, CEN After-hours event for genealogists. Explore our newest resource, FamilySearch. Take advantage of free copying, printing, and parking in the library lot.

Registration required; call 553-7808 or register online starting January 21.

Browse Online kpl.gov/local-history/blog Local History staff recently launched a project to make collection curiosities available online. Their first offering? A HendersonAmes Company catalog of Odd Fellows regalia and costumes!

3

annual report Dear Friends,

2011‐2012

As I consider the work of this past year, I’m very pleased to report that KPL staff members’ commitment to our 2010-2013 strategic plan objectives resulted in an award from Michigan colleagues as well as continued growth in priority services to you, our patrons and community.

at a glance Population 123,979

We celebrated a number of important anniversaries this year, including a big birthday. Our 140th year saw even greater library use by the community, as you’ll see in the left column. I’ve included the percentage increase next to each “at a glance” item.

Michigan State Librarian Nancy Robertson presented a Citation of Excellence to Kalamazoo Public Library for superior customer service at the Michigan Library Association conference in November. We were very honored to be so recognized.

New Registrations 9,435 (+28%) Materials Circulated 1,612,133 (+21%)

Customer service at KPL has many dimensions…one-on-one staff-patron interactions; partnering with other local agencies, especially the Kalamazoo Public Schools; and the materials, programs, and services we offer to all ages. The state award affirmed that KPL provides superior service with a can-do attitude, in a cost effective manner, and by always delivering on promises.

Circulation Per Capita 13 (+21%) Programs Offered 1,202 (+12%) Program Attendance 46,308 (+35%)

host of ways, not only by providing outstanding customer service but in making a lasting impact towards creating community literacy.”

KPL and KPS continued our highly successful first grade visits and First Saturday events, with a host of community partners and kids checked out 19% more books this year.

Meanwhile, our revenue dropped 9.3% from last year’s $12,852,451. We kept expenditures in line with revenues by continuing to increase backroom efficiencies, to more effectively target materials selection, to cut additional staff positions through attrition, and other economies, all without noticeable impact on customer service, thanks to our excellent staff.

Come visit soon!

In their letter of support for KPL’s award nomination, Kalamazoo Public Schools praised KPL, saying we “exemplify excellence in a

expenditures

92%

Salaries & Benefits

revenue Property Taxes

$11,016,155

Gifts and Other Revenue

60%

$300,235

$6,780,831

Debt Service

1,162,101

Materials

977,010

Purchased Services

562,317

Technical Services

462,004

Penal Fines

$292,421

Facilities Maintenance

451,050

Library Fines & Fees

$165,841

Capital Outlay

260,738 210,138

State Aid

78,069

Misc. Operating Expenses

Investment Return

70,537

Taxpayer Refunds

208,304

Supplies

182,228

Programming

104,586

Total Revenue

$ 11,923,258

Total Expenditures

$ 11,361,307

10% 8% 5% 3%

4

2%

1%

1%

1%

4%

4% 2%

2%

2%

2%

1%

Teen Open Mic

tween/teen

January 28 February 25 4:30 pm, POW

Candy Craze January 2, 2 pm, WSQ Enjoy yummy candy then create projects like journals, magnets, bookmarks or buttons with the wrapper. We supply the materials, you supply the creativity. Gr. 5-12.

Registration required; call 553-7807.

Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.) January 7, February 4, 3:30 pm, CEN Plan programs and service projects, discuss books, movies, music, and web sites, eat snacks, play games, and have fun! Gr 7-12.

Create with Duct Tape January 12, 2 pm, OSH Choose from a rainbow of colored and printed tapes that will make your creative energy soar! Samples, instructions, supplies provided. You supply the creativity! Gr 5-12.

J-Pop Club January 21, February 18, 3:30 pm, CEN Enjoy Japanese Anime, manga, Pocky and food. Drop in any time! Gr 7-12.

Japanese Language Club Thursdays January 10-February 28 6-7:15 pm, CEN Interested in learning Japanese? Come to this free weekly class and learn a new language in a relaxed environment.

No experience necessary!

Cosponsored by WMU’s Soga Japan Center.

Gr 7-adult.

Art Attack January 24, 4 pm, EAS Drop in downstairs at the library after school. Fun, food, games, crafts! Gr. 5-12.

Teen Open Mic January 28, February 25, 4:30 pm, POW Calling teen performers! Sing, read, act at the open mic, or just hang out. Enjoy snacks, network with other performers. Gr. 7-12.

Anti-Valentine’s Party February 12, 4:30 pm, EAS Drop in and make your own cards.

Decorate a tee shirt. Enjoy some not so festive Valentine’s treats and music. Gr. 5-12.

Cupcake Fun February 13, 3:30-6 pm, OSH & POW February 14, 3:30-6 pm, WSQ & EAS Make a Valentine’s card for a special someone! Celebrate Valentine’s Day by decorating a cupcake with frosting and candies. While supplies last.

Winter Warm Up January & February, Monday-Thursday from 4-7 pm, CEN, TEEN AREA Relax in the Teen Area this winter! We have plenty of space to do your homework, use the computers and hang out with friends. Take a break with drop in craft projects and games. Enjoy hot cider, hot chocolate, and snacks!

Gamers’ Arena February 16, 2 pm, CEN From the newest favorites to old classics, it’s an afternoon of strategy, skill and fun.

Choose from our board, card or video games, or bring your own! Gr 5-12.

5

kids Toddler Talk

Thumbprint Art Class

January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10 am, OSH February 6, 13, 20, 27, 10 am, OSH Toddlers play while adults share the joys and challenges of the parenting 1-3 year olds.

Connie Koning, RN, facilitator.

January 3, 10 am, CEN Ed Emberley believes that everyone can learn to draw. Parents who loved his books when young now share them with their own kids. Hear some of his stories and create thumbprint art pictures. Grades K-3.

Baby Talk January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 1:30 pm, OSH February 6, 13, 20, 27, 1:30 pm, OSH Talk about care of babies up to one year with other parents. Connie Koning, RN, facilitator.

Make a Calendar

half day hootenanny

Winter Crafts

Movie & Popcorn

January 2-4, open hours, OSH Drop in and make some fun winter crafts!

Family Fun

LEGO at the Library

January 4, 2 pm, POW, The Lorax February 22, 2 pm, WSQ, Cat in Paris February 22, 2 pm, POW, The Pirates!

Band of Misfits

January 25, 2-5 pm, CEN Drop in and play Legos, make crafts, and get some winter reading suggestions!

Winter Crafts January 25, open hours, POW & EAS Drop in and make some fun winter crafts!

Movie & Popcorn January 25, 2 pm, POW, Ruby Bridges

January 2, 2-3 pm, POW January 3, 12-2 pm, EAS January 5, February 2, 10:30 am, OSH January 15, 6:30 pm, WSQ January 19, February 16, 10:30 am, CEN Build, create, race, inspire, and imagine with other Lego fans. Bricks provided, from Duplo to expert builder. All ages welcome.

Read with Bailey January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 4-5:30 pm, EAS Enjoy a “pawsitive” reading experience.

Read to Bailey the loveable Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle mix). Registration required, call 553-7811.

January 25, 2 pm, OSH, Madagascar 3

January 3, 3 pm, WSQ Make a cool calendar for the New Year.

Stickers and supplies provided. Grades 1-4.

First Saturday January 5, February 2, 2-4 pm, CEN Take your family to the library the first Saturday of every month! Enjoy stories, activities, guests, and door prizes! Hosted

by KPL, Kalamazoo Public Schools. Monthly sponsors are Girls Scouts Heart of Michigan, with activities and crafts in January, and Kalamazoo Valley Museum with a Storytelling Festival in February.

MLK Day Celebration January 21, 5 pm, POW Honor civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Listen to a story and do some activities.

Bookworms

Fit Families January 3, 2 pm, EAS Families that are fit together, stay healthy together. Carol Raseman will show you how to make family exercise fun and rewarding.

6

January 24, February 21, 4:30 pm, CEN In January, talk about The Whipping Boy

by Sid Fleischman, make crafts, and enjoy other activities. Pick up a copy of the book at the Children’s Desk starting the first of the month. For kids in grades 1-3 with their adults. We’ll choose February’s book at the January meeting.

Little Scientists February 11, 10 am, CEN Early literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) for preschoolers. Read familiar stories and practice retelling. Explore scientific vocabulary with crafts and activities.

Ages 3-6.

Africa! Animals!

February 18, 6 pm, OSH Don’t be a stodgy old “faru.” Leap like a “chui” for stories, activities, and crafts.

Faru means rhino and chui means leopard in Swahili. Grades 1-4.

Kalamazoo Lion Dance Troupe February 23 2 pm, CEN Celebrate the Year of the Snake! See a 30-foot dragon weave a sinuous Dragon Dance. Hear “Lina the Shepherdess,” a folktale about a talented girl who defeats an evil landlord. In the final act, five colorful lions display their skills in an amazing Lion Dance.

Fun for the whole family.

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley February 23, 10:30 am, CEN March 2, 10:30 am, CEN March 9, 1 pm, Parish Theater Budding actors! Learn about acting, expressive movement in storytelling, and how to create a character. Based on the adventures of Stanley Lambchop, who’s just a normal boy until a bulletin board falls on him during the night and flattens him to half an inch thick! Ages 5-7. Plan to attend all three sessions to participate. Series cosponsored by the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre.

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

Preschool Storytime Mondays, 5 pm, CEN January 7, 14, 21, 28 Febrary 4, 11, 18, 25 Stories, crafts, fingerplays, and other fun activities. Ages 3½-5.

Baby Lapsit

From the Heart February 4-9, Open Hours All Locations Drop in during open hours at all branches. Spread a little joy. Help us make Valentines for residents of local nursing homes.

Tuesdays, 9:30 am, CEN January 8, 15, 22, 29 February 5, 12, 19, 26 15-30 minutes of rhymes, songs, and books plus time to talk with other caregivers.

Birth-walking.

Baby Steps Tuesdays, 10:30 am, CEN January 8, 15, 22, 29 February 5, 12, 19, 26 Little ones enjoy jumping, dancing, clapping to 15-30 minutes of rhymes, songs, and books. Walking-2 years.

Family Storytime Stories and activities designed for birth-5.

Wednesdays, 10:30 am, POW January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 20, 27 Thursdays, 10:30 am, EAS January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28 Thursdays, 10:30 am, OSH January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28

Valentine’s Day Cupcake Fun! February 13, 3:30-6 pm, OSH & POW February 14, 3:30-6 pm, WSQ & EAS Make a Valentine’s card for a special someone!

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by decorating a cupcake with frosting and candies.

While supplies last.

Fridays, 10:30 am, CEN January 4, 11, 18, 25 February 1, 8, 15, 22

7

Kalamazoo Public Library

Non-Profit Org. US Postage

315 South Rose Street Kalamazoo, MI 49007

PA I D Kalamazoo, MI Permit No. 1224

Central Library – CEN 315 S Rose St, 49007 553-7800

Friends of the Library Bookstore

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

315 S Rose St, 49007 553-7820

Eastwood – EAS 1112 Gayle Ave, 49048 553-7810

Oshtemo – OSH 7265 W Main St, 49009 553-7980

director's note As I look ahead to next year, I’m excited by several new KPL initiatives, especially a new grant award designating KPL as a Family Place Library.

Family Place grants help public libraries expand traditional children’s services. Family Place builds on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parental involvement and supportive communities play a critical role in young children's growth and development.

Several Youth Services staff members and I will attend the Family Place Training Institute this spring, the first step in creating a Family Place at KPL. We’re also working to expand and refresh family program and play areas.

Early in 2013, we’ll add Freegal Music to our services. With a KPL card, you’ll get access to millions of songs from 10,000+ labels, including all Sony Music labels. From the easy-to-use website, you can download Mp3 files that can be played on ANY device (including iPods). Watch for an announcement at kpl.gov.

Our current strategic plan runs through June 2013. We’ll send a survey to a scientifically-selected sample of citizens; we’ll also link to the survey from our website. We’re very interested in your input as we plan for the next three years. If you receive a survey in the mail, please take a few minutes to fill it out. We’ll be grateful for your help!

We’re also looking forward to two of our biggest annual events, coming up this spring—Reading Together and the 10th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival. Your support, and funds from our wonderful Friends of the Library, help make these exciting, creative programs possible. Thank you!

8

Alma Powell – POW 1000 W Paterson St, 49007 553-7960

Washington Square – WSQ 1244 Portage St, 49001 553-7970

Library Board Lisa A. Godfrey President Valerie Wright Vice President James VanderRoest Treasurer Robert Paul Brown Secretary Fenner Brown II Bruce Caple Cheryl TenBrink Trustees

Credits Kalamazoo 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