| March 2012 ____________________ |
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KDL Kaleidoscope
Pick up a copy of KDL's seasonal event and news publication at your local KDL branch. |
| ____________________ Free Downloads @ KDL  eBooks, eAudiobooks and music -- download them today at KDL.org. |
| TumbleBooks is an interactive reading resource for kids available 24/7 with your KDL card. |
| ____________________ What's Happening @ KDL Check our online event calendar for a complete list of events and activities for all ages. Search by branch, age group, and more. |
| ____________________ Connect with KDL |
| | Fair Funding, Strong Libraries Greetings! The proposal in Michigan's Legislature to eliminate the personal property tax on businesses without a clear replacement strategy has those who provide services deemed essential by you, the voters, feeling as though we're walking a tightrope. We're promised a safety net by our legislators, but we can't see one. All libraries in Michigan are at risk. At Kent District Library, the PPT accounts for nearly 8 percent (over $1.1 million) of our operating budget. We have already cut expenses to the bone after several years of declining tax revenue. If PPT is not replaced, KDL will need to make significant operational cuts such as staff layoffs, cuts to the materials budget, fewer open hours and elimination of early literacy workshops and classes for job seekers. Click here to see an easy-to-read slideshow about possible cuts. These reductions come at a time when use of the library is booming; the number of items checked out from our libraries has increased by 50 percent over the last six years. More people -- 3.3 million -- visit KDL than any other library in Michigan except Detroit Public Library. While I agree that the PPT is not necessarily a wise tax, the services it funds -- municipalities, schools and, of course, libraries -- are vital. These are the entities voters have regularly said are worthy of their tax dollars. These are services that keep property values steady and growing, and create vibrant communities that attract new businesses and residents. Michigan's public libraries are not asking for more money; we're simply asking that we be allowed to continue to provide quality library services that meet the needs of our residents. Please tell your legislators you want a PPT replacement plan, and that you want libraries included. Thank you for your support. Lance Werner, Director Kent District Library
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 Celebrate the Mitten Michigan Authors Series & Showcase From March to May, Kent District Library will host "Celebrate the Mitten," a Michigan authors series and showcase aimed at highlighting the state's home-grown literary talent. More than a dozen authors from across the state are scheduled to appear at various KDL branches to read from their work, talk about the craft of writing and host discussions and writing workshops. Also, on April 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Kentwood branch, 4950 Breton SE, nearly 20 Michigan-made authors will be on hand to meet with readers, sign copies of their books for sale and participate in a trio of panels aimed both at aspiring writers and book lovers. And it's all FREE! For a detailed list of authors and their books and bios, plus appearance dates and specifics, click here. __________________________________________________________________ |
| Computer Classes  Whether you're a computer novice or looking to update your skills, KDL's free Computer Confidence classes can help you learn something new! Our large line-up of classes includes Email Basics, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Online Photo Editing Fun and much more! For class descriptions and schedule, please see our brochure or search our events calendar. Unless otherwise noted, registration is required and will begin the month before the scheduled classes on the first Monday of each month for KDL patrons and the second Monday for non-KDL patrons (if space is still available): - March classes: Registration began Monday, February 6 for KDL cardholders (Monday, February 13 for all others)
- April classes: Registration begins Monday, March 5 for KDL cardholders (Monday, March 12 for all others)
- May classes: Registration begins Monday, April 2 for KDL cardholders (Monday, April 9 for all others)
To register, please call 616-784-2007. ___________________________________________________________ |
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Disney On Ice Giveaway We are excited to offer you the chance to win tickets to Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey, presented by Disney on Ice! Stop by your local branch before March 9 and register to win by filling out an entry form (one entry per person please). Each of our 18 branches will be giving away a family four-pack of ticket vouchers to the opening night performance taking place at 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 22 at the Van Andel Arena. One lucky winner will even win VIP tickets and a Disney prize pack! Don't miss out on this great opportunity to win a free evening of family fun! Good luck! ________________________________________________________ |
Branches:  Stories Rooted in the KDL Community If walls could talk, those that line the sorting area at KDL's Comstock Park Service Center would have many tales to tell: of love and longing, faith and family, humor and humility. Read the full story here. _____________________________________________________________ |
| Photo of the Month Checkups aren't so scary, see? Pint-sized patrons of the teddy bear clinic, presented at a number of branches in partnership with the |
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