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September 2012
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KDL Kaleidoscope
Pick up a copy of KDL's signature seasonal event & news publication at your local KDL branch.
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FREE Downloads
@ KDL
eBooks, eAudiobooks and music -- download them today at KDL.org. |
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Featured
Back-to-School
Online Resource
Teacher-approved resources
for reports and papers! |
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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. |
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Connect with KDL
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Public Libraries: Transforming Lives
Greetings!
Staff in our branches hear it every day: the tremendous ways the library impacts our patrons' lives. You could see it this way too: the tremendous ways patrons use the library to transform their own lives.
We've told a handful of these personal stories on our Branches web page. This month, we feature Wyoming branch patron Sean Gavin (below), who has rediscovered the value of his public library during his own journey through tough economic times.
The fact is, libraries help level the playing field for job seekers. For example, only 44 percent of the top 100 U.S. retailers accepted in-store paper applications last year -- down from 68 percent in 2004. Patrons turn to library computers and Internet access to find work, apply for jobs online, type résumés and cover letters and open email accounts.
KDL also is a great resource for those who want to polish their employment and computer skills. This fall we're once again offering a series of workshops for job seekers through a partnership with Career Transitions Center West Michigan, including programs on interviewing and networking techniques, how to develop and make the most of your personal brand and the popular LinkedIn Boot Camp. How can KDL help you transform your life?
Lance Werner, Director
Kent District Library
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We're Going Paperless!
As of November 1, KDL will no longer mail courtesy overdue and fine notices via the U.S. Postal Service.
Customers who currently receive notices by mail will be automatically switched to our telephone notification system. If you aren't sure we have your correct phone number, please call us at 616-784-2007, or visit any KDL branch.
If you prefer, and aren't already receiving email notification, visit www.kdl.org and select "sign up for email alerts." KDL staff can also assist you.
We estimate that eliminating this annual expense will save KDL about $9,000 and free up more than 500 hours of employee time, as well as dramatically reduce our paper usage.
Sustainable operations with cost savings--some of the many ways KDL is working to provide you with excellent service!
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Write, Vote, Win!
Short Story Contest Under Way
Writers, here is your chance to reach a broad audience with your work, get published and win cash prizes! Writers of all ages are invited to submit their best short story to the Write Michigan short story contest. A submission fee of $10 does apply for those 18 and older. A Readers' Choice and Judges' Choice will be awarded in both the adult and youth categories.
The top 10 short stories in each age category (18 and older and 17 and younger) will be published in a book by Chapbook Press using Schuler Books & Music's Expresso Book Machine. Visit WriteMichigan.org for more information.
As part of the contest, Ludington-area author and Pushcart Prize nominee George Dila will lead a writing workshop on Saturday, September 15 from 9:30 AM to noon at the East Grand Rapids branch. Adults and teens are welcome; come prepared to write! __________________________________________________________________ |
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Great Classes for
Parents and Caregivers
 Parents and childcare providers are invited to attend the Early Childhood Essentials classes at KDL branches this fall. If you have young children or work in child care and need professional development hours, this program series is for you!
Covering topics like kindergarten readiness, stress management and teaching pre-reading skills, these free programs will provide you with a host of valuable information. The classes are for adults and registration is required. Classes fill up fast, so sign up today by calling 784-2007.
Click the link above for a list of programs, dates and locations.
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  Branches:
Stories Rooted in the KDL Community
A major financial challenge has led Sean Gavin to rediscover the value of public libraries.
The 50-year-old Wyoming man was downsized in November after more than a decade from his radio industry information technology job, and with the expense of a new house and car competing for increasingly limited funds, costs such as cable television and Internet at home had to go.
To save money, Sean visits KDL's Wyoming branch at least once a week to use the free Wi-Fi to search for jobs, submit applications online and use library printers. He calls the library "vital in my job search."
Read Sean's story here.
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Photo of the Month
Bubble Fun at the Krause Memorial branch! |
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