December Library News and Events
Marcia Anderson
Check it out @ your Library™
What’s Happening at the Grand Rapids Area Library
December 2, 2011
This week at the Library:
News:
The heat exchange equipment for the Riverfront Energy Center was just delivered early this week, and the contractors are busy installing it and will connect it soon. It should be up and running in a couple of weeks! (the Energy Center will use heat from wastewater discharged by the UPM Blandin paper mill and transfer it for use by the Library’s heating system)
The Library Foundation just received a donation of $2000 (the first part of a pledged 6,000) from the Wisconsin Public Services Foundation on behalf of Minnesota Energy Resources. This will go towards the Riverfront Energy Center education projects. The first project, the Dashboard, is an interactive display showing system operations, energy consumption and savings that will be accessible both on site and remotely. This will be a great resource for students learning about alternative energy.
The Foundation is accepting individual and corporate contributions for the educational project, which will also include demonstration wind and solar power units. Contributions can be made at www.GiveMN.org Enter Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation in the “search for a cause” box..
Tomorrow:
Tech Gadget Petting Zoo Saturday Dec. 3 from 10-12.
The Tech Petting Zoo will give library visitors an opportunity to see and touch a variety of technological devices on the market that can be used with library resources. Stop by display tables and talk to current owners of electronics including an IPod Touch, an IPad, a variety of MP3 players; readers such as Kindles and Nooks and smart phones; as well as a Netbook mini flat laptop computer. A librarian will also be available to demonstrate the library resources for downloading ebooks and audio books onto many of these devices.
Next Week
Beginning Computer Class Thursday, December 8 2 pm – 4:30
Discover how to use a computer with this free workshop. (Please tell friends and family about this workshop!)
Topics include basic computer terminology and use, including how to use your email account, how to spot a safe and secure internet site, and how to do simple e-commerce such as online banking and bill pay.
Instructor: Cheryl Bocnuk.
Preregistration is required as class size is limited to 6.
Register by calling the Library at 326-7640 and asking for the reference desk.
This class is possible through the MN Intelligent Rural Communities Project
Friends of the Library Holiday Book Sale Wednesday, December 7 from 9 am to 7 pm
There will be a Holiday Sale set up in the community room, including many holiday books and many books suitable for gift giving (including books to give yourself!) CDs, DVDs and puzzles are also in the mix. Find something fun for yourself or someone else, and support the Friends of the Library.
All proceeds benefit the Library.
Household Chemicals Wednesday, December 7 7 pm
Learn about chemistry and common household chemicals found in the home, what to avoid, and what precautions to take when using household chemicals. Learn about volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can become concentrated inside homes and how to measure these compounds. Also discuss chemical sensitivities and different levels of concentration of chemicals and how to determine what concentration levels to be concerned about
Mom’s Day Out Saturday, December 10 from 10:00-1:00
Back by VERY popular demand! Do you need a few extra hours of quiet to finish your shopping, wrap your presents, or take a very well deserved nap? Bring the kids to the library! Local Girl Scouts will be on hand to read stories, play games, and have fun with your kids while you have a few hours to knock off the to-do list.
You MUST be pre-registered for this event. Open to children ages 3-10. Space is limited, so call today!! 327-8823
Later this month:
Z Puppets Rosenschnoz Tuesday December 13 at 7:00 pm
Don't miss this fun family show! "Innovative blend of puppetry, physical comedy, and live music." Perfect for the whole family! Check out their website for more information, and join us!! http://www.zpuppets.org/home
Paul Metsa and Blue Guitar Highway Thursday December 15 at 7 pm
Author, singer Paul Metsa talks about the story behind his new book, Blue Guitar Highway. This is a musician's tale, the story of a boy growing up on the Iron Range, playing his guitar at family gatherings, coming of age in the 70's and honing his craft as a pro in the Minneapolis popular music scene in the 80's. Paul will talk about his musical journey and share a few of his songs.
Let’s Build IT! Saturday, December 17, 11 am – 1 pm
It's time for WINTER READING!! Sign up on day one, pick up your book log and join us for: Let's Build It! Be the architect as you draw and build! With Creativity Tank artists we'll look to author David Macaulay's books for inspiration. Put your imagination to work using the basic process of design, and map out solutions as you build fantastic constructions from found objects.
Open to all ages. Children 0-6 must be accompanied by adult.
This is a FREE Children First! event.
Registration required. Please register online www.getlearning.org Select Children First! or call ISD 318 Comm. Ed. 327-5730 or the Children's Library at 327-8823.
Winter Reading Program
Curl up with a good Book begins December 17 and continues through February. Sign up, pick up a reading track and an activity book, and record the number of minutes read. Return the completed track, and pick out a free book!
Family Movie Night Thursday, December 29, 6:00 pm
This month we will present "Kung Fu Panda 2" on the big screen in the community room! Bring dinner or a snack and join us!
Holiday Hours
The Library will be closed Saturday, December 24 and Monday, December 26. We will be open regular hours during the remainder of the week. We will be closed Monday, January 2nd
Note: Due to budget cuts for 2012, beginning January 3 we will be closing at 7 pm Monday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday hours will remain unchanged.
Story times! Bring the little ones for a fun morning with stories, songs, rhymes, a snack and craft.
Saturdays at 10:30 and Mondays 9:30 and 10:30.
We will not have story times on Mondays the 19th and 26, or on Saturdays the 24th and 31st.
Have a great December!
Find more upcoming events on our Event Calendar
A direct link to the Library’s online event calendar is here. A link to just the events for children is available by clicking on the “kids” button on the Library's web site
You can renew or request material online through our web site at www.grandrapids.lib.mn.us. You can also call the automated renewal line at 218-741-9085
For more details on any of the programs, go to the Library’s Web Site: www.grandrapids.lib.mn.us You can also find a calendar on the left side of the page. Click on “Calendar” for a link to the complete list of events at the library.
Marcia Anderson
Library Director
Grand Rapids Area Library
140 NE 2nd Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744-2662
Office: 218-326-7643
Mobile: 218-398-2172
Fax: 218-326-7644
NOTICE: The information contained in this email and any document attached hereto is intended only for the named recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient, nor the employee or agent responsible for delivering this message in confidence to the intended recipient(s), you are hereby notified that you have received this transmittal in error, and any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this transmittal or its attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmittal and/or attachments in error, please notify me immediately by reply e-mail and then delete this message, including any attachments.