Traverse Area District Library - April 2025 ** What's new? ------------------------------------------------------------ Happy spring! Welcome to the 261 new cardholders who joined us during the first 27 days of March. 1) The Kingsley Branch Library will be CLOSED March 23 - April 6 for remodeling. 2) Woodmere will be CLOSED on Sunday April 20 for the Easter holiday. 3) IMLS Funding - Funding for Institute for Museum & Library Services is in the news, and watch for the red items throughout this newsletter. Learn more here (https://www.tadl.org/imlsfunding) ! 4) Happy Birthday Bookmobile! Our bookmobile turns 3 on April 6, details below - 5) MeLCat Modernization! MeLCat will be down for updates the week of March 31. Details below - MeLCat Modernization Project - Scheduled Pause in MeLCat Services! Starting March 31st, MeLCat will be going through a modernization project for several days. We look forward to it being better than ever! However, during this time we will have some disruptions to our MeLCat service: * You won't be able to place any new requests or renew any items currently out. * Any items returned will remain on your account until the system is back up and running. So please don't fret if you see something on your account that you returned! * You will still be able to pick up any MeLCat holds that you were notified were available prior to 3/31. We'll post a notice on our website homepage (http://tadl.org) when the system is back up and running after the modernization. Note: MeLCat is a service funded primarily by IMLS dollars, with supplemental funds from the State of Michigan. Click to skim what's new at TADL: * New Fiction (https://bit.ly/36KpU4N) * New Non-Fiction (https://bit.ly/36KQVVH) * New in Large Print (https://tinyurl.com/5n8npp6k) * New Audiobooks (https://bit.ly/2I3Ry2o) * New DVDs (https://bit.ly/3nv66bv) * New Music (https://bit.ly/34Ai4Iw) Youth (https://www.tadl.org/ youth) Reading is a family project! These photos are from our March 1000 Books Before Kindergarten celebration. You can almost feel the gears turning for these young readers-to-be! One thousand may sound like a lot, but you can easily hit the goal by reading about three books a day - and yes, reading the same book over and over counts each time. (Who can say no to a favorite?!) You can sign up for this free program anytime - the more the merrier! 1000 Books Before Kindergarten (https://www.tadl.org/1000-books) April Storytime Calendar * Mondays - Wigglers with Miss Carrie, 10 am + Special theme 4/7 - $mart Money Kids Storytime + Special theme 4/14 - Body Safety with the TBCAC * Tuesdays - Babytime with Miss Michele, 9:15 am; Toddler Time with Miss Michele, 10 am * Wednesdays - Make-Believers with Miss Kate, 10 am * Thursdays - Storytime for Bigs with Mr. Andy, 10 am * Fridays - Storytime with Miss Amanda, 10 am It's almost time for MakerFest 2025! Join in the fun at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center April 26 - visit the event page for details. MakerFest 2025 (https://www.tadl.org/makerfest2025) Other Events & Programs * Build & Create - Wednesdays at 4 pm * 4/5 - TC Phil Tots, 11 am * 4/8 - Tell-a-Tail, 4 pm * 4/10 - Bricks & Build Motorized Lego, 4 pm * 4/12 - + Inclusive Storytime with AAC, 11 am (Link (https://www.tadl.org/event/inclusive-storytime-aac-devices-22326) ) + Computer Build for Tweens, 1 pm (Register (https://www.tadl.org/event/computer-build-tweens-20617) ) * 4/24 - Smart Money Habits for Tweens, 4 pm ** Tumblebooks is back! ------------------------------------------------------------ TumbleBook Library is an online collection of 1200+ animated, talking picture books! It includes Spanish and French books, read-along chapter books, non-fiction books, plus exciting games and puzzles! Click here to explore this great lineup of books right now (https://tinyurl.com/tadltumble) - Summer Reading Club 2025 Theme Announcement The CSLP (https://www.cslpreads.org/) 's 2025 theme is Color Our World - a celebration of how books and library materials add so much color to our lives. We'll be announcing more details in the May newsletter (and starting school visits) but get ready to get colorful this summer with TADL! [Note - the CSLP is a program funded for libraries via IMLS dollars.] Teen (https://www.tadl.org/teen) ** Whaaatt?? ------------------------------------------------------------ Keep up with Teen Services with our new blog! Fun facts, event/craft kit news and more - posts publish every other Tuesday. https://tinyurl.com/tadlteenblog ** Ongoing Events ------------------------------------------------------------ * Twisted Quills Teen Writing Group - Every Tuesday at 4 pm + See World Fair below! * Teen Volunteers - Every other Wed. (4/2, 4/16, 4/30) at 4:30 pm ** Twisted Quills Presents: World Fair - 4/26 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Twisted Quills, TADL's teen writing group, will be presenting their most recent work. All school year they have worked to create a multilayered world where murder happens and readers make choices that will move the story forward. Come see a 3D story display, meet the authors and artists, and be one of the first people to experience the story. For anyone unable to attend, a copy of the book will be available in the library after the event. Additional Teen April Events 4/12 & 4/26 - Teen Chess Club , 11 am 4/13 - Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament, 1 pm (Register.) 4/21 - Teen Escape Room, 5:30 pm (Register) 4/29 - Exquisite Corpse Poetry, 4 pm * Come make a wacky, one-of-a-kind group poem with us using the Exquisite Corpse technique to celebrate National Poetry Month this April! New!! A quick way to check the TADL BATA schedule You can now check arriving/departing BATA buses in the Woodmere area at any card catalog station. Simply click on the top header that says "BATA Bus Schedule" to get a real-time update on buses. If you're not sure how to ride BATA, check out the video below! How To Video: Catching a Ride on BATA! (https://youtu.be/QVwQG6T17vs) Adults (https://www.tadl.org/adults) Poets’ Night Out – join us April 6 for a free evening of local poets reading their work, 7 pm at the Kirkbride Center (Grand Traverse Commons). Book Groups & Author Events * 4/3 - Doris Kearns Goodwin (https://www.tadl.org/kearnsgoodwin) on Leadership in Turbulent Times, 1:45 pm * 4/15 - Queer Tales, 7 pm (Link with Book Ideas (https://www.tadl.org/event/queer-tales-book-club-17689) ) * 4/17 - Shelf Aware Readers: Wellness Book Group, 6:30 pm (Link (https://www.tadl.org/event/super-smash-bros-ultimate-tournament-teens-and-adults-21580) , Book (https://catalog.tadl.org/main/details?id=48259594) ) * 4/28 - Books & Brewskis at Silver Spruce Brewing, 7 pm (Book (https://catalog.tadl.org/main/details?id=48287467) ) * 4/29 - Tuesdays @ Two, 2 pm (Book (https://client.catalog.tadl.org/eg/opac/record/48314322?query=The%20mystery%20of%20Mrs.%20Christie;qtype=keyword;locg=1;detail_record_view=0) ) The Michigan Digital Preservation Network is online! On March 12 we hosted a little ribbon-cutting ceremony in the server room to celebrate the launch of the MDPN (https://mipres.org/) . TADL is one link in this new network dedicated to preserving Michigan’s digital cultural heritage. “We’re excited to be a part of preserving Michigan's local history for all to access,” Library Director Michele P. Howard said. “This project underscores the importance of our shared, collective history and preserving it for future generations.” Photo at right features William Rockwood, TADL Systems Architect, cutting the ribbon. The MDPN is possible due to a large IMLS grant to the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services to help get the network established. Health & Wellness * 4/4 - Lunchtime Tai Chi, Noon * 4/18 - Lunchtime Tai Chi, Noon * 4/23 - Medicare 101 (https://www.tadl.org/event/medicare-101-22390) , 6 pm * 4/25 - Chair Yoga, 11:30 am * 4/28 - Ageless Grace, Noon Let's Learn Together! Digital Drop-Ins - Every Tuesday from 10-11:30am - Bring your device and we can try to help! * 4/2 - French Language Conversation Meet-Up, 6:30 pm * 4/5 - Spanish Language Conversation Meet-Up, 10:30 am * 4/6 - Morel Mushroom Hunting Seminar with the Champ! (https://www.tadl.org/event/morel-hunting-20862) 2 pm * 4/10 - Freestyle Writing Workshop (https://www.tadl.org/event/freestyle-writing-workshop-21561) , 6 pm * 4/24 - Grand Traverse Area Genealogical Society, 1 pm * 4/27 - Traverse Area Historical Society, 2pm - Grace Yakuber: History of the TC Airport It's nearly Seed Library time! If you saved seeds last fall we're open to taking seed donations now - please bring them in plastic bags to the Reference Desk on the 2nd floor. Write what type of seeds of they are on the outside of the bag please. Thank you! Just for Fun TADL Stitchers - Every Tuesday evening at 6 pm (Join us to work on your own needlecraft project.) * 4/6 - Books to Movies (https://www.tadl.org/event/books-movies-17876) : Conclave, 1 pm * 4/13 - Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament, (https://www.tadl.org/event/super-smash-bros-ultimate-tournament-teens-and-adults-21580) 1 pm (Teens and adults, registration required.) * 4/26 - Seed Sowing, 4 pm Local History Collection - April Feature People and Pets: The Long History of Animal Companionship in Grand Traverse County People of the past were as obsessed with their pets as we are today and Traverse City locals were taking pictures with and of their pets for at least 150 years. The animals and the people who loved them remind us of the pervasiveness of human and animal relationships. Affectionately called names like Fuzzy, Topsey, Toots, and Peggy, these historical cats and dogs make an appearance in April’s exhibit and online article (https://www.tadl.org/posts/people-and-pets-long-history-animal-companionship-grand-traverse-county) . Witness the cuteness of these furry friends with the TADL Local History Collection as we celebrate animal companions. Happy Birthday TADL Bookmobile - Sun. 4/6 Join Library Director Michele P. Howard in the south parking lot (by the EV chargers - weather permitting) and wish our TADL Bookmobile a happy third birthday! In the case of inclement weather we'll have a table in the Woodmere front lobby. The TADL Bookmobile has a busy calendar, making regular stops each month at baby pantries, schools, daycares, assisted living/group homes, and senior centers - in addition to special event appearances. ** Spring Book Sale! ------------------------------------------------------------ There's a book sale coming up - details will be posted on tadl.org/events! * 5/2 - Friday night members only presale * 5/3 & 5/4 - Sale open to the public Yes - we're having another yard sale on the Woodmere front lawn Sat. May 3 - save the date! No presale inquiries please, sales will open at 10 am. East Bay Branch Library (https://www.tadl.org/eastbay) Ongoing Sing & Stomp Wednesdays - 11 am Sing & Stomp Fridays - 10 am * 4/1 - Adult Coloring Night, 5:30 pm - 7 pm * 4/3 - Body Safety Storytime with TBCAC, 11 am * 4/4 - Chair Yoga, 11:30 am * 4/11 - Introduction to Tai Chi, 12 - 1 pm * 4/15 - French Conversation Group, 5:30 - 6:30 pm * 4/19 - Cardio Drumming + 11 am (Register (https://www.tadl.org/event/cardio-drumming-east-bay-i-21919) ) + Noon (Register (https://www.tadl.org/event/cardio-drumming-east-bay-ii-21920) ) * 4/22 - Composting 101 with SEEDS Ecology & Education, 4 - 5:30 pm * 4/22 - Picture Book club for Grown-ups, 6 - 7 pm * 4/29 - East Bay Book Club, 6 pm * 4/30 - Adult Crafternoon: Perler Beads, 2 - 3:30 Kingsley Branch Library (https://www.tadl.org/kingsley) Ongoing (Starting April 8) Wigglers Storytime Tuesdays and Wednesdays - 10:30 am Big Kid Storytime Homeschool Edition - Thursdays except 4/17 - 11:30 am * 4/10 - Everyone Has a Story, 5:30 pm * 4/17 - Body Safety Storytime with TBCAC, 11:30 pm * 4/19 - The Mighty Morel with Anthony Williams - 10 am * 4/26 - Simply Delicious with Chef Tom, 10 am * 4/30 - Afternoon Book Club, 2 pm From the Director’s Desk with Library Director Michele P. Howard Every day over 1,000 community members visit TADL libraries for a variety of reasons. We’ve had over 1.5 million visits since 2020! This is a testament to the fact that we have an amazing staff who curate an astounding array of materials and programs that respond to the wide range of needs and interests in our community. Do you have a suggestion for a program or book purchase? Email us (mailto:ask@tadl.org) ! National Library Week We'll kickoff our celebration of National Library Week (April 6-12) with the Bookmobile’s Birthday on April 6th. What started as a dream and a Rotary Charities Grant, has blossomed into a service appreciated by all age ranges. Last year, the Bookmobile drove over 2,048 miles! Right to Read Day We’ll also celebrate the Right to Read Day on April 7th. There has been some press coverage about our recent Request for Reconsideration of the book, Grandad’s Pride. A patron questioned the location of the book. Library policy stipulates a first step of having a committee review the request. We denied the request, and the patron chose to appeal to the Board - the second step and final step in our reconsideration process. It provided a great opportunity for the Board of Trustees, staff, and community to discuss how books are selected for the library, what people read, the Constitution, and First Amendment. After 1.5 hours of public comment, it became clear that while we all might not agree on what to read, we can all agree that the right to read is paramount to our community and democracy. IMLS Funding News While so many of us hold the value of the library near the top of what makes our community the special place that it is, a recent Executive Order would defund a small but vital government agency called the Institute for Museum and Library services. This agency is only .0004% of the Federal budget. While this is a tiny amount, its impacts are felt throughout our nation. For TADL patrons, this could be a loss of MelCat (Michigan interlibrary loan) and MEL databases that range in topics from literacy to career development. Learn more here (https://www.tadl.org/imlsfunding) ! Patrons of TADL check out about 50 books a day using MelCat. The loss of this service cannot be underestimated. Over the coming months IMLS funding for MeLCat will continue to be an issue, we’ll keep you posted as things develop. (If you don't use MeLCat currently this is a great opportunity to see what's all available to you with that service.) Join me in celebrating the Right to Read this month! Michele Infographic with more data is repeated on the webpage – tadl.org/imlsfunding ============================================================ ** Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TraverseAreaDistrictLibrary) ** Link (http://www.instagram.com/notjustbooks) ** Website (http://tadl.org) ** YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/TADLnotjustbooks)