Library News

Bold Bead Necklaces

A good statement necklace can make or break an outfit, and now you’ll have a chance to craft your own.  Register anytime, and then pick up a bag containing wooden beads and all the other items you’ll need starting January 12.  Whether you paint your beads or keep it natural with wood stains, your necklace is sure to let everyone know you are a force to be reckoned with.  Ages 16 and up, registration required.

Picture a Lantern

Did you know that you can build a beautiful lantern using inexpensive picture frames?  Come to the library on Tuesday, February 6 at 6:00 p.m. to build your lantern, and then add the embellishments that will make it shine.  Ages 16 and up, registration is required.  

Puzzle It Out

What could be better when winter blusters and blows than to be warm and cozy and working on a jigsaw puzzle?  Join us for the Portland District Library’s sixth jigsaw puzzle contest on Saturday, February 17.  Sign up as a group of 2-4 puzzlers, or as an individual to be placed in a group.  Puzzle solving starts at 11:00 a.m. and goes until 3:00 p.m., with lunch provided.  The team closest to completion when time runs out wins.  Each member of the winning team gets a prize.  Ages 10 and up, with at least one adult per team. Registration required.

Children’s and Teen

Catch Some Love

Love catchers are the new dream catchers! Make your very own during Catch Some Love; perfect for crafters ages 6-12. Registration for Take-and-Make bags begins Friday, February 9. Follow along to our step-by-step tutorial on YouTube, then hang your finished project above your bed to start catching all the sweet dreams! Some parental supervision may be required to complete the project. Only 35 spots available.

Battle of the Books 

Ionia County’s Battle of the Books is BACK and we are so excited for this year’s program! Registration starts on Tuesday, January 2 for students in 4th & 5th grade. Sign up your team of 4, or sign up individually – each team must be led by an adult or teen team leader. Read all 3 battle books, attend spirit nights at the library, and be one of the best at answering book trivia questions to take your team to the final battle between the Ionia County libraries on Thursday, April 25. Information and registration sheets can be picked up at the Youth Desk and must be completed no later than Saturday, February 10. Read books. Have fun. Win prizes!

Teen Lock-In

Teens, you have the power to rule the library after hours! During Portland District Library's Teen Lock-In on Saturday, February 24, teens will have the opportunity to eat pizza, play games, create crafts, and win prizes. The program will run from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Space is limited to 30 teens, ages 13-18. Call the library at 517-647-6981 or stop down at the Youth Desk to register.  What are you waiting for?

Virtual Teen Art Hour: February Cupid's Arrow

Celebrate the month of love by creating adorable wall art, brought to you by Portland District Library's Teen Art Hour. You will have all the felt, glue, and embroidery floss you need to make Cupid's Arrow plus an array of pink, white, and red hearts. Grab your Take-And-Make bag at the Youth Desk. Registration begins Thursday, February 1. There are 15 spots available for teens, ages 13-18.