Have you signed up yet for the Cedar Springs Library’s summer reading program? Experience the fun and shenanigans both in person and online! Today, June 24, they will have a live animal program at the amphitheater from 2-3 p.m. Bring a blanket to sit on. If it’s raining, the event will be held inside the library. Sign up for the summer fun at the library or online at http://cedarsprings.readsquared.com/.

Brenda Krueger, her son Nathaniel and daughter Rebekah, won the Cedar Springs Library’s Grand Registration Launch Prize! The Library was able to offer a giant popcorn basket, thanks to Mission Point, (formerly Metron of CS) for one lucky winner, who signed up June 8 and June 16 for the summer reading program online.  

“Brenda’s name was drawn and she and her children came for the prize a few hours later,” said Librarian Donna Clark.  

Nathaniel also had earned enough points by reading and attending special online programs that he was able to claim his packet of local coupons for finishing (5) levels for his age group. 

“They were very excited and mentioned that they plan to take a trip and will enjoy sharing the popcorn and other goodies in the basket,” said Clark.

 Sign up now for the Summer Reading Program at https//cedarsprings.readsquared.com.  Get points for reading and for linking into their many programs. Spend your points on great local prizes in our Reading Raffle—prizes like a hoverboard, a one night stay for a family of four at the Cedar Springs Holiday Inn Express, a subscription to Netflix and a Firestick, $25 gift cards to local restaurants, and more!  Fulfill this year’s theme, “Imagine your story!”

Beginning next week, the CS Library will be open by appointment, and the following week at 25 percent capacity—22 people at a time.

Libraries gearing up to reopen

Good news! All those library materials that patrons have been holding onto for the last couple of months can be returned soon. Exterior book drops at all Kent District Library locations will open on Monday, June 8. Curbside service, for picking up items, will begin Monday, June 15 and the projected reopen date for limited service in the branches is Monday, July 6. 

KDL is taking this phased approach to reopening, introducing those services that can be immediately provided while staff make adjustments within the facilities to ensure safety and compliance. The most significant changes are required within the library facilities, to move public computers, designate safe-distancing areas and implement additional sanitation procedures. Executive Order 2020-110 states that the library may reopen for public access, subject to the rules governing retail stores described in Executive Order 2020-97 or any order that may follow from it. 

Library patrons are reminded that since KDL is a fine-free library, it is okay to hold onto materials until it’s convenient to return them. With more than 240,000 items currently checked out, book drops may become busy during the first few days, but the library will be ready for returns. Items will be placed in quarantine for three days before being returned to the collection for future checkouts. 

The new curbside service is an easy and safe way for people to pick up checked out materials from the convenience of their car. To use curbside service: 

1.      Visit kdl.org, search the catalog and place items on hold, indicating the branch location for pickup. 

2.      After receiving notification that items are ready for pick-up, visit the branch during normal open hours and park in one of the designated Curbside Pick-up spots. 

3.      Call the number listed on the signs in the parking lot; please have your library card number ready. 

4.      A library staff member will bring the items to the car. 

Details for visiting library branches will be announced shortly before the July 6 reopening date. Check kdl.org for the latest updates. 

The Cedar Springs Public Library is also getting ready to reopen, but has no firm date. “Here we are weeks into our ‘Safe Homes,’ longing for the day we can host you once again in the CS Library!  You are surely wondering WHEN we will reopen. Though there is no official date, we are making plans to reopen in stages, along with KDL and all of our library neighbors in Western Michigan,” said Library Director Donna Clark.

Full Summer Reading Program starting June 8 with registration, reading logs, prizes and programs are all online.  Pick from dozens of prizes with reading points. Story on page 3.

The Cedar Springs Public Library may not be physically open, but they still have a great lineup for their summer reading program, titled Imagine Your Story.

You can watch their fun-filled Launch Day on Facebook Live at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 8. They will be giving away a huge prize basket and going over how to register and fill out your reading log online via a program called  READsquared. Everyone can sign up, from babies to adults.

There are a few changes to the summer reading program including online registration; online reading logs; and you can earn points for reading and put those points towards prizes. There will be virtual events with no registration; and if you attend events you get points towards prizes. The readsquared app is downloadable for phones and other devices. There are in app games and you can create your own avatar and so much more. Register online at http://cedarsprings.readsquared.com.

Check out the ad on this page for a list of virtual programs and events and the various prizes you can win! 

Kent County – Summer looks a little different this year and so does Kent District Library’s summer reading program, but it still contains all the learning, fun and prizes you love… with some bonus excitement! KDL is pleased to introduce Summer Wonder, an at-home, self-guided program for all ages that kicks off Monday, June 1 and extends through Saturday, August 8.

For the first time ever, KDL cardholders will receive a Summer Wonder workbook and a Kaleidoscope, KDL’s showcase quarterly magazine, delivered to them in the mail. The workbook features ten at-home projects for kids while the Kaleidoscope includes information, ideas and excitement for all ages. Kids will be introduced to Curi, the robot guide for Summer Wonder.

Summer Wonder is a STEAM-powered program that focuses on science, technology, engineering, art and math.

Since KDL branches are closed for now, Summer Wonder can be completed from your home. You can sign up at kdl.org/summer and use KDL’s new smart phone app, Beanstack. This app enables people to record their progress and register for prizes right from their phone, tablet or computer.

“The new reality of doing more at-home learning has created challenges in keeping our brains active while maintaining safe social connections,” said Kris Vogelar, Youth Specialist at the Grandville Branch. “KDL wants to meet you where you’re at with a specially designed summer program for all ages.” 

Those who register for Summer Wonder can qualify for prizes by completing the 30-day challenge. In 2019, over 19,000 people completed KDL’s summer reading program.

Summer Wonder is a great opportunity to limit the “summer slide” that negatively affects learning between the end and start of the traditional school year. Extensive research shows that children involved in summertime reading programs sponsored by public libraries are more likely to maintain their academic skills, and in many cases do better on standardized tests.

The website, kdl.org/summer, is your one-stop-shop for all things related to Summer Wonder. You can download the workbook and access online programs and activities. The program line-up includes appearances by 1,2,3 Andrés, Magician Tom Plunkard, Outdoor Discovery Center and many more.

KDL would like to thank the many sponsors of Summer Wonder, including the Friends of the Cascade Library and the Friends of the East Grand Rapids Library, who gave the lead gifts.

From Donna Clark, Director

We at the Cedar Springs Public Library are working hard to reinvent our famous Summer Reading Program and have it ready to go by our target launch date of Monday, June 8.  There are many challenges we face as a staff and as a community this year, posed by the invisible enemy, COVID-19.  The six-foot rule won’t work with large crowds of excited people, in line to register, grab a free ice cream cup, choose fun programs to attend, and getting a good look at the Prize Wall in the Library.  

The Library will likely not even be open to the public by then.  If so, what will we do for our Summer Readers?

Thanks to the Friends of the Cedar Springs Library, we now have new online registration, tracking resources for reading, and even a way provided to earn points and put them on the prize desired for the Library’s Famous Raffle. This new software, ReadSquared, is now being programmed to host our Reading Program in a very similar fashion as earlier years…just not in person for now.  

You can still attend programs, too, from your phone, your computer or tablet. You can be in a park, in a car, in the woods, at home or away, and still show up for a program. We have a great line-up this year you won’t want to miss. Like you, we miss being together, seeing our friends, hanging out…but we are comforted by the fact that we are in this new day together. We are Cedar Strong.

At some point we will be able to reopen. At first it will likely be curbside service, just picking up an order. The next phase would be letting a few people in at a time to check out, use the computers, make copies, fax, etc. No inside programs at this time yet. We will take one day at a time and see where it leads. Right now, things are happening on our Facebook page, on YouTube and our website.  

So set your calendar for June 8, and join us on our Facebook page for our new Summer Reading program: Imagine your story!

Bounce houses and water slides were a big hit at the summer reading celebration last week. Post photo by J. Reed.

Kids loved the sno cones supplied by the Green family at the summer reading celebration. Photo by Donna Clark.

By Judy Reed

Last Thursday, August 2, was a great day for the celebration that ended this year’s summer reading program for the Cedar Springs Library.

Over 1300 people turned out for the event, which was held in Morley Park, from 1-3 p.m. Included in the celebration was a lot of fun stuff for kids to do—bounce houses, water slides, carnival games by the Green family, a petting zoo with Animal Junction and Double K Farms, the Kent County Sheriff mounted police, face painting, and more. 

There were long lines for sno cones supplied by the Green family, and Mayor Gerald Hall and his wife, Amy, popped 12 pounds of popcorn! Lots of great prizes were also given away at the event.

Librarian Donna Clark and her staff sure know how to put on a great party. Hope to see you all there next year!

By Judy Reed

The 2018 Summer Reading program at the Cedar Springs Library kicked off a weeklong summer celebration of events this past Monday.

This year’s reading program theme is “Libraries Rock” and it certainly did. According to Library Director Donna Clark, 1,550 people came through the library Monday, with 823 signups on that day alone. With 367 pre-signups, that means 1,190 people have signed up to be part of the reading program so far. 

“We had incredible crowds,” remarked Clark.

The Red Flannel Court was on hand to pass out “Happy Birthday” stickers in celebration of the Library’s first birthday, with 450 given out. Kelly’s Restaurant bought 900 ice cream cups to last from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. but they ran out at 3 p.m. Mayor Gerald Hall and his wife, Amy, passed out popcorn in the morning and again in the late afternoon.

Kids also could get a balloon hat; pet animals from Double K Farms; enjoy a magic show; see the Cedar Springs Fire trucks; play carnival games; take part in a rubber duck race; and more.

It’s not too late to sign up for the summer reading program. Just head over to the library, at the corner of Main and W. Maple Streets, or call 616-1910 for more info.

For more info on the Summer Celebration week, visit the “Cedar Springs Community Summer Celebrations” page on Facebook, or check out last week’s story and ad in our e-edition at http://www.cedarspringspost.com/pdf/ThePOST2318.pdf.

The Kent County Sheriff’s mounted unit appealed to kids of all ages. Post photo by J. Reed.

The water slide was a big hit at the summer reading program party. Post by J. Reed.

By Judy Reed

The Cedar Springs Community Library’s summer reading program ended with a bang last Thursday, July 27, with a big celebration in Morley Park.

According to Library Director Donna Clark, at least 642 people attended the event.

There was a lot going on to keep both kids and adults entertained. Bounce houses, water slides, games, face painting, music, popcorn, ice cream, and water were all part of the festivities. Special guests on hand included the Kent County Sheriff Mounted unit with two of their horses, and the Cedar Springs Fire Department, who kept kids cooled off.

Prizes for the end of the year raffle were also given away—45 in all. At least 389 kids in grades K-12 finished their five-ticket reading goal to be a finisher. For those first 5 tickets local businesses treated the students to pizza, ice cream, meals, and the Whitecaps and Griffins provided tickets to a game. They then got to enter that ticket into a drawing for a prize. “So it wasn’t just read for a chance to win, but they were rewarded every 2-1/2 hours of the way,” explained Clark. “Everyone had a great time!”

Clark said that 1.642 people signed up for the summer reading program, including adults, and the 25 programs they held throughout the summer brought in 1,606 people (not counting the grand finale party).

The annual summer reading program, which costs about $3,500, is funded by donations from area businesses and individuals. See the library’s thank you ad in next week’s paper.

By Judy Reed

Exciting things are happening this summer at the new Cedar Springs Community Library, and Monday is just the beginning as the annual Summer Reading Program kicks off.

The kickoff event to their biggest program of the year starts Monday, June 12, at 10 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m. And this year, there will be lots of room to move around in the building.

“We have so much room!” said Library Director Donna Clark. “Five of our old building would fit in the new one—going from 2,000 sq. ft. to 10,000!”

During the kickoff event, adults and kids—from babies to seniors—can register and receive a reading log in the large classroom, and then move on to the community room to sign up for special programs that will happen throughout the summer, and take part in a new woman’s bike raffle. Themed t-shirts will be on sale there, and the Friends of the Library book sale will also be in the community room.

There will also be fun outside for everyone. Outside by the large tree and the historic well will be the Double K Petting Barn with Animal Junction 4H members assisting. Cindy Karafa says that there will be lots of new baby animals to show. Classic Kelly’s is giving away free ice cream cups again this year, the Cedar Springs Fire and Rescue trucks will be there, and Ronald McDonald will come to share a book and some magic tricks from 2-4 p,m. These activities will end between 3 and 4 p.m. The ice cream will then be moved to the Community Room.

At closing on Wednesday, June 7, 321 people had already preregistered for the summer reading program. “We usually have over 700 after the first two or three weeks of our kickoff,” said Clark.

June and July will be filled with reading and special events. The more hours a person reads (K-12) and the more books adults read, the better his/her chance is to win one of the prizes offered by 29 local businesses.

The last day to turn in reading logs is July 21. The program will end with a carnival at Morley Park on July 27, where the prizes will be given away. But kids in grades K-12 don’t have to wait until July 27 to win something—they win with every one of the five reading coupons turned in throughout the summer. “Every coupon turned in is a special local treat,” remarked Clark. “Come on in and join us and we will ‘treat’ you well, compliments of our local business community!”

The new library has been a big hit with the community. According to Clark, they are averaging 300 people a day. They issued 73 new library cards in their first 12 days of being open, and have updated many of the KDL patrons who use their service as well. If you haven’t made it there yet, stop in Monday, June 12, and have some fun!

Kids had a splashin’ good time on the water slide at the summer reading celebration party. Post photo by J. Reed.

By Judy Reed

It was a super celebration Wednesday, July 27, when the Cedar Springs Public Library celebrated the end of their summer reading program at Morley Park.

At least 500 people (and possibly more) attended the finale to this summer’s reading program. “It was an awesome turn out,” said Library Director Donna Clark.

The heat didn’t keep people away. Clark said that 400 bottles of water were gone within the first hour of the two hour program.

The theme for this year’s reading program was Super Fun and Fitness. They had 1,031 people sign up—734 kids and 297 adults—the most ever, and held 25 different programs over a six-week period.

In keeping with the fitness theme, the grand finale celebration was a field day program set up with lots of activities for kids to do. Kids had a riot playing games, jumping in the bounce houses, slippin’ and slidin’ on the water slide, getting their face painted, munching on popcorn, and cooling off with ice cream and ice water.

The Kent County Sheriff Department’s Mounted Unit was a big hit with kids of all ages at the summer reading celebration. Photo by J. Reed.

Also on hand was the Kent County Sheriff Department’s Mounted Unit, a Kent County Sheriff Deputy from the Cedar Springs Unit, a petting zoo, and the Cedar Springs Fire Department to hose kids down.

The kids who won prizes also picked them up at the event.

The event was staffed and sponsored by dozens of people and businesses in the community. “I love my community partners—the businesses, service organizations, and individuals—they make this all possible,” remarked Clark.

Jase “the Ace” Dussia entertained the crowd with his skillful flying of his remote-controlled aircraft. Here it’s hovering not far off the ground. Photo by J. Reed.

It was a beautiful evening Monday to enjoy the Wolverine Skyhawks remote-controlled airplane show, an annual event with the Cedar Springs Library’s summer reading program.

Oohs and ahhs were heard from the crowd, who gathered at the club’s field on West Street and were treated to a great show, along with hotdogs, chips and water.

All the club pilots are skilled at flying their beautiful planes, but one pilot especially dazzled the crowd—16-year-old Jase “the Ace” Dussia, from Otsego. Jase is an XFC (Extreme Flights Championships) 3D Aerobatics champion and has been flying since he was seven years old. He flew two different planes and showcased his skill with some tricky maneuvers—dancing, swooping, and much more.

Kerissa Basso, 14, was the winner of the remote controlled airplane system given away by the Skyhawks. Pictured (from L to R): Skyhawks Club Treasurer Rick Steinport, CS Library Youth Services Miss Heidi, winner – Kerissa Basso, and Skyhawks Club President Eric Pipenger. Photo from the Wolverine Skyhawks facebook page.

The club also gave away a remote controlled airplane system, and the lucky winner was Kerissa Basso, 14.

About 150 people were at the event, with 53 kids ages Kindergarten through 12^th grade entering the raffle for the plane.

According to Library Director Donna Clark, this year’s Summer Reading Program has been wildly successful with 1,031 people signed up. “In year’s past we always seem to exceed 700, 749 tops. This year we have 734 kids and 297 adults! I believe it’s because we have the finest summer program around and the excitement of a new library,” she said.

The Summer Reading program has had 25 programs crowded into 6 weeks.

The grand finale to the program will be next Wednesday, July 27, at Morley Park, from 2-4 p.m., when they have their Super Fit Field Day Reading Celebration. Prizes will be given away for reading, and the Mounted Police will also be there. Plan to come out for a great celebration!

Also, anyone interested in seeing more of the Wolverine Skyhawks in action, can stop out a the field at the end of West Street on Wednesday evenings, when the club is there to fly their aircraft.