There are several events scheduled by the Grand Rapids Public Library system today that are sure to interest readers. Throughout the summer (and the rest of the year), the Grand Rapids Public Library system and the Kent District Library System both host amazing informational sessions and social events, some of which are literary-related, others of which are just educational and entertaining.
Tonight, for example, at the Blanford Nature Center, the Grand Rapids Public Library system will be hosting Ghost Stories for Adults, a guided walk through the nighttime woods at the nature preserve. Everyone knows that one of the best ways to beat the late spring heat is to induce a major case of the goosebumps, and this little adults-only campfire could be the perfect opportunity to do so. Sadly, registration for this free event is currently closed; all available spots have already been RSVPed, but those who scored a spot around the campfire are sure to enjoy the spooky stories being shared by John Steven Crowley, Gloria Cangelosi and Bob Sadowski
If scary isn't your thing (or you didn't know about Ghost Stories for Adults in time to register), you're in luck! There's also an amazing Cartoonists of Grand Rapids Exhibit taking place beginning today and running through Saturday, August 15th. This free exhibit will be housed at the main branch of the Grand Rapids Library, which is located downtown at 111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The exhibit contains artwork pulled from the Grand Rapids History and Special Collections Department, and includes artwork by and biographies of Kreigh Collins, Ray Barnes, Jaro Hess, Gertrude Van Houten, and Orville Bulman. Works available for purusal will include Ray Barnes' Razzin' the Rapids and Kreigh Collins' Do You Know Michigan, among others.
Not all the events are aimed at entertainment. Later in the week, on Thursday the 18th, there will be an event at 7 pm at the main lilbrary titled “Transgender: Defined and Updated.” This event has been scheduled for months, but is more culturally relevant than ever given the fallout in mainstream and social media following the release of Caitlyn Jenner's post-transition photo shoot. Those who are confused about the term “transgender” or what all of this has to do with civil rights will likely find the lecture by Dr. Julie Nemecek, enlightening. She will talk about what the term means, what the medical consensus is regarding the cause of and optimal treatment for, transgender people. There will be a question and answer session following the lecture, allowing for those with questions to pose them directly to an expert.
These are just three of the numerous free programs this one week; more events are scheduled throughout the summer. Other events by the library this week include a free play featuring handmade puppets on Tuesday morning, entitled Greg Lester’s Puppet Adventures: Jack and the Beanstalk and Everyday Hero Multicultural Stories & Music on Wednesday afternoon, which features not only storytelling but also musical instruments. For more inforamtion on the excellent educational, free programs offered by the Grand Rapids Public Library, visit their website here!