GTPL Amateur Photography Contest

CONTEST RULES The contest is open to amateur photographers of any age. Each participant may submit up to 2 photos. All photos must be submitted in 8 x 10 print form. Please make sure photos are matted or framed. All entries must be original, unpublished, and the work of the person who submits it. The photographer is responsible for obtaining a written release for public use of the photo from all identifiable individuals in the photo and accepts all liability for the use of a photo where this release has not been obtained. Photo submissions will be accepted April 1-15 and displayed throughout the month of May. By entering the contest, you acknowledge that the library may use your photo to promote and publicize library events. Entries will be exhibited publicly, so they must be appropriate for family viewing. VOTING Voting will be done by library patrons May 1-13 and winners will be announced in each of the three age groups (12 & under, 13-17, and 18+)

GTPL Seed Library

Harry Potter Camp

Kids and Teens Ages 8+, join us for four days of Hogwarts! Day 1: Get Sorted, create wands, design your patronus, and play Harry Potter trivia Day 2: Potions Class Day 3: Care of Magical Creatures with John Ball Zoo Day 4: Play Quidditch! (This depends on the number of people registered. If we don't have enough, we'll do a Harry Potter Escape Room!) *We hope that you will be all in and attend every day of the camp! However, we know that sometimes things come up so if you can't come every day you may still sign up for the days you can attend.

LEGO Club

Kids ages 6 - 13 years old are invited to bring a one gallon re-closable storage bag of their own building bricks to the Library. Each child will have 45 minutes to create something around the theme that will be announced that afternoon, or they can free-build! We do not have LEGOs for everyone, children must bring their own. Registration required. New Policy: If you register for a children's program and don't attend (without canceling your registration by the start of the program) twice in a row, you will not be able to register for children's programs for one month. You may stop by at the start of a program to see if there's room and you may still attend drop-in programs.

Wee Ones Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 18 months to 3 years, but all ages are welcome.

Preschool Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 3 to 5 years, but all ages are welcome.

Harry Potter Camp

Kids and Teens Ages 8+, join us for four days of Hogwarts! Day 1: Get Sorted, create wands, design your patronus, and play Harry Potter trivia Day 2: Potions Class Day 3: Care of Magical Creatures with John Ball Zoo Day 4: Play Quidditch! (This depends on the number of people registered. If we don't have enough, we'll do a Harry Potter Escape Room!) *We hope that you will be all in and attend every day of the camp! However, we know that sometimes things come up so if you can't come every day you may still sign up for the days you can attend.

Wee Ones Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 18 months to 3 years, but all ages are welcome.

Local History Room Staffed Hours

The Local History Room is staffed by members of the Jenison Historical Association and can be accessed on Wednesday from 11AM-1PM. Volunteers can help you with local history and genealogical research. The room can be accessed by using the stairs to the lower level (past the vending machines) or the elevator in the Township Office.

Preschool Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 3 to 5 years, but all ages are welcome.

Harry Potter Camp

Kids and Teens Ages 8+, join us for four days of Hogwarts! Day 1: Get Sorted, create wands, design your patronus, and play Harry Potter trivia Day 2: Potions Class Day 3: Care of Magical Creatures with John Ball Zoo Day 4: Play Quidditch! (This depends on the number of people registered. If we don't have enough, we'll do a Harry Potter Escape Room!) *We hope that you will be all in and attend every day of the camp! However, we know that sometimes things come up so if you can't come every day you may still sign up for the days you can attend.

Writers Group

A casual setting to share your writing and receive encouragement and advice. Led by Jeremy Cook.

Easter Egg Hunt

Be sure to visit the Children's Area and hunt for some Easter eggs. Bring them to the Circulation Desk and trade them for candy. Limit 5 per child please.

Preschool Bingo

Join us for Preschool Bingo! We will use BINGO boards that are easy for little ones to understand (more pictures than letters and numbers) and have fun prizes! We have a limited number of Bingo cards, so please be sure you're registering the correct number of children you'll be bringing. You can register as a group, or each child separately. New Policy: If you register for a children's program and don't attend (without canceling your registration by the start of the program) twice in a row, you will not be able to register for children's programs for one month. You may stop by at the start of a program to see if there's room and you may still attend drop-in programs.

Harry Potter Camp

Kids and Teens Ages 8+, join us for four days of Hogwarts! Day 1: Get Sorted, create wands, design your patronus, and play Harry Potter trivia Day 2: Potions Class Day 3: Care of Magical Creatures with John Ball Zoo Day 4: Play Quidditch! (This depends on the number of people registered. If we don't have enough, we'll do a Harry Potter Escape Room!) *We hope that you will be all in and attend every day of the camp! However, we know that sometimes things come up so if you can't come every day you may still sign up for the days you can attend.

Library Closes at 1PM

Purposeful Play

Play is an important part of early literacy development. In this program, parents and caregivers will engage in purposeful play with their children! Activities are separated by development area (imaginative play, fine motor skills, music, letters and numbers, etc). This is a drop-in program, come anytime during the hour. Ages 0-5 welcome!

Drop in Puzzling

Drop in Puzzling

Adult Chat & Craft: Acrylic Painted Clay Pots

Chat a little, craft a little. Come to the library and chat with other adults. This month we will be painting clay pots and providing you with soil and basil seeds. Chat and Craft registration for the next month opens on the date of the program at 8am.

Ottawa Area ISD Play N Learn

Designed for families with children ages birth to 5 years old. Monthly sessions are based on a children's book, with a story, finger plays, crafts, and activities centered around the book. Each family receives a children's book to take home. Child development and reading readiness information are also available for parents. No pre-registration required.

Ottawa Area ISD Play N Learn

Designed for families with children ages birth to 5 years old. Monthly sessions are based on a children's book, with a story, finger plays, crafts, and activities centered around the book. Each family receives a children's book to take home. Child development and reading readiness information are also available for parents. No pre-registration required.

Kid's Cooking Club

Join us for a new Kid's Cooking Club! Each month we'll make a fun and easy recipe that will get kids interested in cooking. This month's recipe: TBD. Because we will sometimes be using sharp utensils and hot plates, a parent or other adult (18+) must attend the program with their children. One adult per family group is fine. Ages 8-12, registration required. Please only register children attending, not adults. New Policy: If you register for a children's program and don't attend (without canceling your registration by the start of the program) twice in a row, you will not be able to register for children's programs for one month. You may stop by at the start of a program to see if there's room and you may still attend drop-in programs.

Wee Ones Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 18 months to 3 years, but all ages are welcome.

Preschool Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 3 to 5 years, but all ages are welcome.

Ukrainian National Iryna Wells speaks on the War in Ukraine

Since the war in Ukraine started on February 24, 2022 many people have unanswered questions. What's really going on? Why did Russia attack? What is the history behind this war? One of the best ways to learn the answers is from a Ukrainian national. Iryna will present Ukrainian cultural and historical background information, as well as share first-hand stories about the war and the people affected by it. Iryna Wells was born in Ternopil in the western part of Ukraine. Having had a chance to be an exchange student in the US, she decided to pursue her future in English. She earned two Master's degrees (ESL teacher and project management). She progressed her career at IREX, an international education and development organization. In recent years, she has devoted more time to family and has worked as a freelance translator. Iryna and her husband Bradley have three children and have lived for the last 17 years in Ukraine. At the beginning of the war, their family had to escape Ukraine.

Teen Afterschool Hangout

Teens ages 13-17 are invited to spend their afterschool time at the library. Each week we will have board games, video games, craft supplies, snacks, and more available to teens to enjoy. We will also have special craft days, movie days, and even pizza days. This is a drop-in program so no registration is required and teens may arrive/leave anytime during the program.

Contour Beauty Class

Contouring is a great way to enhance natural features and sculpt the structure of the face. It's a makeup method that helps to illuminate the high points of the face, such as the cheekbones and the bridge of the nose, and shadow areas such as the jawline and forehead (both powder & cream options will be available to try).

Wee Ones Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 18 months to 3 years, but all ages are welcome.

Local History Room Staffed Hours

The Local History Room is staffed by members of the Jenison Historical Association and can be accessed on Wednesday from 11AM-1PM. Volunteers can help you with local history and genealogical research. The room can be accessed by using the stairs to the lower level (past the vending machines) or the elevator in the Township Office.

Preschool Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 3 to 5 years, but all ages are welcome.

Adult Book Group: "The Edge of Summer"

Please join our book group! This month we will be discussing "The Edge of Summer" by Viola Shipman. Copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk while supplies last. Bestselling author Viola Shipman delights with this captivating summertime escape set along the sparkling shores of Lake Michigan, where a woman searches for clues to her secretive mother's past

Writers Group

A casual setting to share your writing and receive encouragement and advice. Led by Jeremy Cook.

Adult Fitness Class

Refit with Valerie. Powerful dance moves paired with positive music in a one-hour format focused on total body workout. So much FUN!! All abilities are welcome, just do what you are able to do. Meets in the lower-level program room.

Pins & Needles Craft Group

Are you a crafty person? Do you have crafts that you just can't seem to get done at home? Now is your time to finish them! Bring the craft you are currently working on (or have been waiting to start), whether it is knitting, quilting, scrapbooking, or anything else! Come and spend time socializing, sharing crafting experience, and enjoying snacks. Please bring along everything you need for your own craft. The library will provide tables, chairs, and snacks. Please register in advance as space is limited. Ages 18+

Films & Food: "80 for Brady" (PG-13)

Enjoy a free movie! Bring a lunch or just enjoy some free snacks provided by the library. 80 For Brady (PG-13) Four best friends live life to the fullest when they embark on a wild trip to see their hero, Tom Brady, play in the 2017 Super Bowl.

Talk with a Tech

Sign up for a 25 minute slot with our resident tech guru who will answer your questions and walk you through troubles with your devices.

Kid's Art Club

Join us for a kids art class! Each month will focus on a different style of art. Kids will learn about and create art that they can take home! Registration required. Ages 6-12 welcome! New Policy: If you register for a children's program and don't attend (without canceling your registration by the start of the program) twice in a row, you will not be able to register for children's programs for one month. You may stop by at the start of a program to see if there's room and you may still attend drop-in programs.

Adult Yoga Class

Join our community for a one-hour, gentle flow class with yoga teacher Jami Kok. This class is thoughtfully designed for all skill levels. Please bring your own mat or towel and meet us in the lower-level basement program room.

Sensory Play

Touch, hear, see, and play! This drop in play time focuses on letting kids play and learn using their senses, using things like textured blocks, water, sound tubes, ball pit, and foam paint. Come and go as you please during the hour. Ages 0-5. Play clothes that can get messy are encouraged. PARENTAL SUPERVISION REQUIRED. Some of our sensory bins include small pieces, which are great for sensory play, but mean you'll want to keep a close eye on your little ones!

Plant and Take: Microgreens

Join us to learn about microgreens and plant some of your own to take home. One per family, please.

Adult Book Group: "The Diamond Eye" with Virtual Author Visit

Please join our book group! This month we will be discussing "The Diamond Eye" by Kate Quinn. Copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk while supplies last. Additionally, the author will be joining us virtually for 30 minutes to discuss the book with us. The bestselling author of The Rose Code returns with an unforgettable World War II tale of a quiet bookworm who becomes history’s deadliest female sniper. Based on a true story.

Little Global Citizen

Kids ages 6-12, join us as we learn about a new country each month! Using a subscription box called Little Global Citizens, we will learn about a different country each month. We'll read a book and then have stations with some fun games, activities, and crafts based on the culture of the country. You can travel the world without ever leaving Michigan! Registration required. New Policy: If you register for a children's program and don't attend (without canceling your registration by the start of the program) twice in a row, you will not be able to register for children's programs for one month. You may stop by at the start of a program to see if there's room and you may still attend drop-in programs.

Preschool Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 3 to 5 years, but all ages are welcome.

Wee Ones Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 18 months to 3 years, but all ages are welcome.

Teen Afterschool Hangout

Teens ages 13-17 are invited to spend their afterschool time at the library. Each week we will have board games, video games, craft supplies, snacks, and more available to teens to enjoy. We will also have special craft days, movie days, and even pizza days. This is a drop-in program so no registration is required and teens may arrive/leave anytime during the program.

Wee Ones Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 18 months to 3 years, but all ages are welcome.

Local History Room Staffed Hours

The Local History Room is staffed by members of the Jenison Historical Association and can be accessed on Wednesday from 11AM-1PM. Volunteers can help you with local history and genealogical research. The room can be accessed by using the stairs to the lower level (past the vending machines) or the elevator in the Township Office.

Preschool Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 3 to 5 years, but all ages are welcome.

Read, White and Blue Book Group: "The Heartbreak of Aaron Burr"

Take a monthly journey through American history through various works of award-winning non-fiction, historical fiction, and some American classics. Copies of the books will be available at the library as supplies last. Join us at any or all of the discussion groups to talk about the book and the time period it represents. The Heartbreak of Aaron Burr by H.W. Brands Though he was a hero of the Revolutionary War, a prominent New York politician, and vice president of the United States, Aaron Burr is today best remembered as the villain who killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel.

Pizza and Pages

Join our theme-based book club! Participants in 3rd - 6th grade will eat pizza, discuss what they have read, and participate in a Library auction to end the hour. Registration required.

Writers Group

A casual setting to share your writing and receive encouragement and advice. Led by Jeremy Cook.

Spice of Life Grab & Go Recipe Kit: Asafoetida carrots or bread

Want to try cooking or baking something new but aren't sure where to begin? Pick up a Spice of Life: Grab & Go Kit from the library. Each month will feature a new recipe with the different herbs and spices needed for the dish. The kits are first come, first serve, while supplies last! No registration is required. One kit per person, please. This month's feature is Rose Petal Cookies. Kits will be available starting at 10 AM.

Playdough Club

Join us for a fun hour of exploring with playdough! During this drop-in program, we'll have playdough, tools, and some other fun accessories for you to use. Working with playdough is great for using and advancing fine motor skills, developing hand-eye coordination, encouraging imagination, and promoting math and literacy development. All ages welcome.

Sing Song Yoga for Families

Join Deb Weiss-Gelmi for Family Yoga and Literacy! Kids of all ages and their adults can join us for stories, songs, and yoga. All ages welcome. Families, please bring yoga mats or beach towels for each person.

Women at Risk International: Human Trafficking

Women at Risk International will provide an update on local and global human trafficking and connect us with ways to get involved and help.

Wee Ones Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 18 months to 3 years, but all ages are welcome.

Preschool Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 3 to 5 years, but all ages are welcome.

4th Tuesday Adult Book Group: Our Missing Hearts

4th Tuesday Adult Book Group: Our Missing Hearts

Teen Afterschool Hangout

Teens ages 13-17 are invited to spend their afterschool time at the library. Each week we will have board games, video games, craft supplies, snacks, and more available to teens to enjoy. We will also have special craft days, movie days, and even pizza days. This is a drop-in program so no registration is required and teens may arrive/leave anytime during the program.

Wee Ones Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 18 months to 3 years, but all ages are welcome.

Local History Room Staffed Hours

The Local History Room is staffed by members of the Jenison Historical Association and can be accessed on Wednesday from 11AM-1PM. Volunteers can help you with local history and genealogical research. The room can be accessed by using the stairs to the lower level (past the vending machines) or the elevator in the Township Office.

Preschool Storytime

Join Miss Kaelyn for books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Developmentally geared for kids age 3 to 5 years, but all ages are welcome.

Writers Group

A casual setting to share your writing and receive encouragement and advice. Led by Jeremy Cook.

Adult Fitness Class

Refit with Valerie. Powerful dance moves paired with positive music in a one-hour format focused on total body workout. So much FUN!! All abilities are welcome, just do what you are able to do. Meets in the lower-level program room.

Music & Movement

A new kind of story time! This program, geared for kids age 12 months to 5 years, offers early literacy benefits while focusing on music and movement. Perfect for kids who can't quite sit through a traditional story time, or anyone who loves to move! Children of all ages welcome.