www.portagelibrary.info

MAY

library events & classes

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portage district library300 library lane portage, mi 49002269.329.4544www.portagelibrary.info

PAGE 2May 2-13 Library Programs

PAGE 3May 16-30 Library Programs

PAGE 4Portage District Library’s 50th Anniversary

PAGE 5Portage District Library’s 50th Anniversary

library hoursMonday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

library boardBetty Lee OngleyLibrary Board Chair

Alisha SiebersLibrary Board Vice Chair

Michele BehrLibrary Board Trustee

Stephanie BrownLibrary Board Trustee

Annee DunnLibrary Board Trustee

Martha PachecoLibrary Board Trustee & Liaison to the Friends of PDL

Joe YantisLibrary Board Trustee

what’s insidethis month’s newsletter

PORTAGE COMPUTER USERS CLUBThursday, May 2nd10:00 AMAge Group: ADULTSDrop-in computer question and answer session.No registration required.

WHAT SOME ARE READING: CHAPTER EIGHTThursday, May 2nd6:30 PMAge Group: ADULTSCome join us for our eighth year presenting this book talking soiree. Exchange book titles with other book group members and find out what titles have stimulated lively discussions. You will take home booklists for your book group and your own simmering summer reading. Susan Ramsey and Beth Amidon are back again to share their favorite titles and Gloria Tiller, co-owner of Kazoo Books, will help us look at what are hot and current literary trends. No registration required.

SUNDAYS LIVE: DESERT SQUIRREL STRING BANDSunday, May 5th2:00 PMAge Group: ADULTSCome hear this American/ bluegrass acoustic string band from Kalamazoo which includes Rose Willey and Karen Bondarchuk, Vocals; Dan Denov, Bass; Bob Anemone, Guitar; David Code, Fiddle; and Chris Barnes, Banjo/GuitarNo registration required.

GEEK DISCUSSION GROUP: APOCALYPTIC/DYSTOPIANMonday, May 6th6:00 PMAge Group: ADULTS & TEENSCome to the library at 6 PM on the first Monday of every month and talk about the science fiction or fantasy genre of that evening. Bring a book to use as an example, or just have a book, movie, or even game in mind to talk about. This year long series of informal discussions, moderated by library staff, will lead you

to new reading experiences as you learn about hot subgenres. Share your own reading interests, and learn about others.No registration required.

PORTAGE COMPUTER USERS CLUBThursday, May 9th10:00 AMAge Group: ADULTSDrop-in computer question and answer session.No registration required.

INTERNATIONAL MYSTERY BOOK GROUP DISCUSSION Death at the Chateau Bremont by Longworth, M.L. (French #1 in the series)

Thursday, May 9th7:00 PMAge Group: ADULTSSet in charming and historic Aix-en-Provence, France, Death at the Château Bremont introduces readers to Antoine Verlaque, the handsome and seductive chief magistrate of Aix, and his on-again, off-again love interest, law professor Marine Bonnet. When local nobleman Etienne de Bremont falls to his death from the family château, the town is abuzz with rumors. Verlaque suspects foul play and must turn to Marine for help when he discovers that she had been a close friend of the Bremonts. This is a lively whodunit steeped in the rich, enticing, and romantic atmosphere of southern France. (Excerpted from mllongworth.com)No registration required.

CRAFT OF THE PARANORMAL: FEATURING MICHIGAN AUTHOR JENNY TROUTMonday, May 13th7:00 PMAge Group: ADULTSFans and aspiring writers of the paranormal/urban fantasy genres won’t want to miss this open discussion with Jenny Trout. Come away with tips and advice for writing paranormal, horror and fantasy titles for YA and adult readers. No registration required.

programs & eventsMay 2-13

programs & events

MA

YMay 16-30

PORTAGE COMPUTER USERS CLUBThursday, May 16th10:00 AMAge Group: ADULTSDrop-in computer question and answer session.No registration required.

KALAMAZOO MACINTOSH USER GROUP (KMUG) Saturday, May 18th9:00 AMAge Group: ADULTSThis drop in group meets the third Saturday of each month. Anyone may attend. The meetings begin with a presentation of a software program, computer or accessory by an experienced club member The meeting continues with a “Help Session.” Experienced Mac users share their in-depth knowledge answering questions about any aspect of the Mac. Beginners on Mac computers are welcome.No registration required.

SUNDAYS LIVESunday, May 19th2:00 PMAge Group: ADULTJennie Miller & Ginny Parnaby play classic and contemporary tunes on recorder and dulcimer. No registration required.

OPEN FOR DISCUSSION: A DROP-IN BOOK DISCUSSIONThe Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce Tuesday, May 21st10:30 AMAge Group: ADULTSHarold Fry--retired sales rep, beleaguered husband, passive observer of his own life--decides one morning to walk 600 miles across England to save an old friend. Setting off on the long journey, he wears the wrong jacket, doesn’t have a toothbrush, and leaves his phone at home--in short, he is wholly, endearingly unprepared. But as he travels, Harold finally has time to reflect on his failings as a husband, father, and

friend, and this helps him become someone we (and, more important, his wife Maureen) can respect. After walking for a while in Harold Fry’s very human shoes, you might find that your own fit a bit better. Excerpted from a review by Mia Lipman (Amazon) No registration required.

PORTAGE COMPUTER USERS CLUBThursday, May 23rd10:00 AMAge Group: ADULTSDrop-in computer question and answer session.No registration required.

CLASSIC FILM FEST: PRIVATE BUCKAROOSaturday, May 25th2:00 PMAge Group: TEENS & ADULTS“A Universal Army enlistment promotion, produced as a musical showcase for Harry James, the Andrews Sisters, Joe E. Lewis, and Donald O’Connor & Peggy Ryan. The film’s thin plot has James drafted, and joining him is the band’s lead vocalist Lon Prentice (Dick Foran), who doesn’t believe that Army training and regulations are necessary for anyone of his skill and fame. Shemp Howard (of the Three Stooges) also has the opportunity to clown onstage with the Andrews Sisters during a musical finale, as they perform Don’t Sit Under the Appletree.” We will also show a Popeye army cartoon and several shorts. No registration required.

PORTAGE COMPUTER USERS CLUBThursday, May 30th10:00 AMAge Group: ADULTSDrop-in computer question and answer session.No registration required.

BIRDS: A MULTI-MEDIA EXHIBIT April 5th – May 31st

SOLO GALLERY: STEVE HESS, WATERCOLORApril 5th – May 31st

May 2-13

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How long is a half century? It’s 50 years… or 2,600 weeks… or 18,250 days…or 438,000 hours … or 26,280,000 minutes! When you break it down like that, it makes you stop and realize that it’s quite a significant amount of time! But the true impact comes when considering WHAT has happened during that length of time. For the people in the Portage community, it has meant a half century of wonderful library service. Please take a moment now to say “Happy 50th Birthday” to the Portage District Library… and then thank the fine folks who 50 years ago had the foresight and determination to get the ball rolling. It was Mrs. Vivian Belsky and her crew of volunteers who began gathering donated materials back in the fall of 1961, and then in 1962, it was Township Supervisor John Plantefaber who helped the library achieve official status as a township library, setting up shop in the WMU Agricultural School building on W. Milham Ave. In 1963, the library moved to a store front facility in the Portage Shopping Plaza and operated there for 13 years. Mrs. Dorothy Ellis was hired as the first paid librarian and was later joined by two part-time librarians, Maurice Mc Nitt and Olive Halstead. At the same time, Portage officially became a city and the library was given the title of “public” library. From that point forward, the pace accelerated and Frank Hemphill was hired as the new City Librarian, serving in that capacity for over 30 years. During his tenure, Hemphill moved the library in 1976 to a newly constructed building at 300 Library Lane and 20 years later initiated an expansion project that tripled the building’s size. At the dedication of the library in 1976, speakers included then City of Portage Mayor Betty Lee Ongley, who now serves 37 years later as our current Library Board Chair (Thank you, Betty Lee!). One of the most momentous milestones for the library came in 1998 when voters approved

Exterior of the first Portage Library (a.k.a. The Chicken Coop) located at 1525 West Milham Avenue. March, 1963. (Kalamazoo Gazette Photograph)

Children visiting the first Portage Library located at 1525 West Milham Avenue during the summer of 1962. (Kalamazoo Gazette Photograph)

This image is only labeled “Volunteers Process Books” It was taken inside the first Portage Library at 1525 West Milham Avenue. Summer, 1963. (Kalamazoo Gazette Photograph)

Interior of the first Portage Library (1525 West Milham Avenue). The image is dated May 15th, 1963. (Kalamazoo Gazette Photograph)

Portage District Library has 50 Years of Growing and Glowing!

a 1.5 separate dedicated library millage in perpetuity and the Library of Michigan officially recognized the library as an independent district library. At that point, Christine Berro was appointed Library Director and started a whirlwind of amazing changes that included technology enhancements (Internet, WiFi, RFID self checkout, online catalog, award winning website) as well as wonderful collection development (CDs, DVDs, research databases, eBooks, etc.) and facility and customer service improvements. The library’s Adult and

Youth Departments, Business Room, Heritage Room, Community Art Wall, meeting rooms and Atrium browsing area are among the best in the state. In fact, in 2004, Portage District Library was given The Library of Michigan Foundation’s State Librarian Excellence Award for excellence in customer service. For 50 years, the library has stood the test of time, and with the loyal support of all of you who “Love Where You Live” and are very proud of your library… we say, Thank You!

Moving books from the first library on Milham Avenue to the new “store front” library located in the Portage Plaza (7526 South Westnedge). December, 1963.

Trying out the new Portage Library book-drop.

Moving Day…Staff moves books from the Portage Public Library’s store-front location in the Portage Plaza to the new library located at 300 Library Lane. June 1976.

Children’s Puppet Show at the Portage Store-Front Library (Portage Plaza – 7526 South Westnedge). 1972, August 17th (Kalamazoo Gazette Photograph)

Reading-time inside the Portage Store-Front Library located in the Portage Plaza (7526 South Westnedge). Late 1960’s.

Reading-time inside the Portage Store-Front Library located in the Portage Plaza (7526 South Westnedge). Late 1960’s.

a

at the Portage District Library

Summer Reading Program 2013

Summer Reading is free

and starts June 5th

300 LIBRARY LANEPORTAGE, MI 49002

269.329.4544WWW.PORTAGELIBRARY.INFO

EXPERIENCE ALL WE OFFER:

Look for our Summer Events Calendar at

www.portagelibrary.info for all our summer events

KEEP READING ALL SUMMER LONG!

Children, Teens & Adults

Sponsored by

at the Portage District Library

300 Library Lane | Portage, MI 49002 | 269.329.4544 | www.portagelibrary.info

Kids Summer Kick-Off/Movie NightJune 7, 7:00 pm (Gates open)Location: Celery Flats Historical Area

Movie: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (original version, “G” rating) Movie begins at dusk (Approximately 9:40 pm)

50 years ago the library was created and Portage became a city! Help us celebrate and share all the fun things we have planned for you this summer that tie into our history and the love of reading.

The fun begins with our family summer kickoff party on Friday, June 7th at the Celery Flats Historical Area. Bring your blankets and bug spray! Concessions available for purchase. Free entry.

A joint venture with the Portage Summer Entertainment Series.

7:00 pm: Gates open

7:30 – 8:15 pm: The Josh and Roy Show, Old-Fashioned Vaudeville Entertainment

8:30 – 9:30 pm: Community-sponsored activity booths and birthday celebration

9:45 pm (dusk): Movie in the park – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Art Encounters: A Festival of Local Music and Art

Saturday, August 10, 1:00 – 3:00 PMLocation: Portage Senior Center and Portage District Library

Please join us at the 3rd annual Art Encounters event! The afternoon will feature several local musicians, interactive art activities, an artist reception and demonstrations, and is topped off with a

“create your own sundae” ice cream social. Art Encounters is a joint venture with the Portage Summer Entertainment Series, the Portage Senior Center, and the Portage District Library.

Join us for fun, free events all summer long! Visit the online Events Calendar at www.portagelibrary.info for more information about the Kick-Off, Art Encounters, and other fun happenings at the library.

Have a great summer and Happy Reading!

FREE EVENT!

FREE EVENT!

Sponsored by

What’s Coming to PDL in June!YOUTH SUMMER READING PROGRAM!Starts June 5th

ADULT SUMMER READING PROGRAM!Starts June 5th

TEEN SUMMER READING PROGRAMStarts June 5th

Summer Kick Off PartyJune 7thThe fun begins with a family kickoff party at the Celery Flats

Friends of the Library Book SaleJune 8thThousands of books for sale

Business Research EssentialsJune 10thDiscover resources to help make decisions about your business

Beyond Fifty ShadesJune 12thTwo Librarians share their favorite steamy beach reads

Lunch & LearnJune 13thDiscover the nocturnal world of animals

Movie: Forrest GumpJune 14th

Baby & Toddler TimeJune 17thA special time for children from birth to 23 months

Exploring the Celery FlatsJune 17thExplore the rich natural world along the trail

Family StorytimeJune 19thChildren will build language skills listening to stories

Traveling off the Beaten Path & Close to HomeJune 19thSteve Ellis, publisher of Spark Magazine will present photos

Movies of the 1960’s: GoldfingerJune 19th

Teen Advisory Group MeetingJune 20thTeen who volunteer to help plan events at the library

LEGO! LEGO! LEGO!June 21stCome on in and express your creativity

Art Around the World! D-3June 22ndGet ready to become an adventurer

Dig into a World Below Your FeetJune 24thExplore the strange world below your feet

Decade Day: 60’sJune 26thCome to the library dressed in 60’s garb along with the staff

It Came from BelowJune 27thCome unearth an amazing array of history’s mysteries

Classic Film Fest: Road to MoroccoJune 29thRoad to Morocco

Starting June 2ndThe Library will be CLOSED on Sundays

Be sure to go to the library website and see ALL of the Summer Programs the Library has to offer!

www.portagelibrary.info