In a bold response to the eBook revolution, Kent District Library will develop an exclusive OverDrive eBook Collection.  This collection, scheduled to be available this fall, will provide KDL cardholders access to over 14,000 new eBooks and eAudiobooks.  With the announcement that library eBooks will be accessible using the Amazon Kindle later this year, KDL has taken a proactive step to increase the availability and quantity of its digital media to meet the anticipated demand.

KDL eBook downloads increased 193 percent from 2009 to 2010. Year-to-date 2011 statistics reveal that KDL patrons have downloaded more eBooks thus far in 2011 than in 2009 and 2010 combined. The unprecedented increase in use of eBooks and eAudiobooks signifies a major shift in how library users access materials. As ownership of eBook readers, tablets, smartphones, and other such devices increases, Kent District Library aims to remain relevant by providing digital materials to meet patron expectations.

Currently, KDL patrons can access eBooks and eAudiobooks through the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services, but must compete with patrons from 24 other libraries for a limited number of digital titles. With this change, KDL will provide cardholders with convenient access to eBooks and eAudiobooks directly from the KDL website.

States KDL Library Director, Lance Werner, “Moving to an exclusive eBook collection for our patrons continues KDL’s long tradition of being a library leader and will result in the development of a premier digital collection, unsurpassed by any public library in Michigan.”

For more information, please call 784-2007 or visit www.kdl.org.

The Kent District Library invites the whole family to sign up for the Summer Reading Club and spend some time reading this summer! This year’s Summer Reading Club runs from Monday, June 13 to Saturday, August 6.
With new activities for babies and adults, KDL’s Summer Reading Club really does offer something for everyone! There’s Baby Bingo for babies 0-18 months, One World, Many Stories for kids 18 months through 5th grade, You are Here for teens grades 6-12, and Novel Destinations for adults. Meet your reading goals and enter to win great prizes such as gift certificates, a new bicycle, and even a Barnes & Noble Nook Color eReader.
KDL is also offering an exciting line-up of summer programs, including Animal Crackers Petting Zoo, Master Arts Street Theatre, Zumba Dance Party with Aimee, Summer Carnivals, and so much more!
Not only is KDL’s Summer Reading Club a great way to have fun this summer, but it’s also an important step in helping to prevent what’s known as summer reading loss. Studies show that “students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of summer vacation.” The Kent District Library aims to help prevent summer reading loss by providing programs and activities that encourage learning while children and teens are away from school. By developing these habits now and making learning fun, we hope to help people succeed in school and in life.
Sign up for KDL’s Summer Reading Club starting June 13 at any of KDL’s 18 branch locations.
For more information, please call 784-2007 or visit http://www.kdl.orgwww.kdl.org.

The Kent District Library is pleased to announce the selection of Lance Werner to serve as new Director of the Kent District Library in Kent County, MI. Werner currently serves as Director of the Capital Area District Library in Lansing, MI, and previously worked as Library Law Specialist at the Library of Michigan. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, a J.D. from Michigan State University, and an M.L.I.S. from Wayne State University.
“I am extremely excited and honored to have the opportunity to serve as the Director of the Kent District Library, one of Michigan’s premier public library systems,” states Werner. “Public libraries are needed now more than ever and the Kent District Library is committed to providing the best service possible.”
Werner begins his appointment as Kent District Library Director on Monday, May 2, 2011.
Kent District Library is a millage-supported system encompassing 18 branch libraries in 26 governmental units throughout Kent County, Michigan. KDL serves 362,312 people in all areas of Kent County except the Cities of Grand Rapids and Cedar Springs, Village of Sparta, and Solon and Sparta Townships.

Jumpstart your winter reading and sign up for Kent District Library’s Winter Reading Road Trip. Read books, complete challenges and sign up to win prizes as you travel through KDL-land. Visit any KDL branch and pick up a map that will guide you on your journey. The Road Trip is for adults and runs from December 1 to March 19.
With every book you read and every challenge you  complete, you get closer to winning a prize in our weekly Reading Raffle for gift certificates to local businesses. Complete the entire road map and turn it in for the final drawing on Saturday, March 19, 2011. Winners will receive a $50 gift certificate to area restaurants.
For more information, visit any KDL branch, call 784-2007 or visit www.kdl.org.