Library News

March is Reading Month 

Celebrate March is Reading Month with us! We have a special challenge for all of our patrons this year: library bingo! Pick up a board from the library starting March 1, complete as many squares as you can during the month, and return it to the library by 8:00 p.m. on April 1. For each bingo (five squares in a row) you earn, you’ll be entered to win a Barnes & Noble gift card! We will have a winner for each of our age categories: Littles, Middles, Teens, and Adults! On top of bingo, everybody in the family can guess how many bookworm candies are in our jar for a chance to win this sweet treat!

On the Same Page Kick-Off

Every year, the Ionia County Library Association presents our “On the Same Page” program, where we attempt to get everyone in the county to read the same book and attend programs related to it.  This year’s book is “The House is On Fire” by Rachel Beanland, a beautifully written historical fiction novel that contains a terrible tragedy, an escaped slave, a ragtag troupe of actors, ill-treated women, and much more.  The Portland District Library will be kicking off this year’s slate of programs on Wednesday, March 13, when we’ll be giving away free copies of the book to the first 20 patrons.  And stay tuned to this space for a full calendar of “On the Same Page” events!

Tassel Time Wreath

Yarn isn’t just for knitting anymore! We can show you a craft that uses yarn and wooden embroidery hoops to make a fun and funky tassel wreath. Register anytime, and pick up your take-and-make bag on March 20th. There are only 12 spots available for ages 16+. 

Children’s and Teen

Tiny Tots 

Miss Theresa is counting the days until the next sensory storytime for Tiny Tots (ages 2 & under). It's all about numbers! On the count of 3, we will read a story and sing songs. In-person storytime at the library will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday April 5, April 19, May 3, May 17, and May 31. Virtual options are also available, with new sensory items for all to take home; register beginning March 11. Tiny Tots are #1! Registration is required for both virtual and in-person storytime.

Book Cubs

Book Cubs and Caregivers, jump into spring with Miss Jamie to explore everything from rainbows to gardens to butterflies and bees. This quarter we will begin offering a hybrid of in-person and virtual storytimes. Pop into the library on Wednesday April 10, April 24, May 8, and May 22 at 10:00 a.m. Registration for virtual storytime will begin Monday, March 11. New Take-And-Make bags available every other week from March - May. Registration is required for both virtual and in-person storytime.

Beantastic Art 

We’re combining dried beans, wooden boards, glue, and some creativity to make natural works of art this spring! Crafters, ages 6-12, are invited to register for Beantastic Art Take-and-Make bags beginning Friday, March 8. Follow along to our step-by-step tutorial on YouTube to create your work of art.

Some parental supervision may be required to complete the project. Only 35 spots available! The best part about this project? You can submit your finished product in Portland Creates, our annual art contest!

Virtual Teen Art Hour: Hook Me Up! 

Teens, let your imagination soar, and design your very own latch hook masterpiece! In March's Virtual Teen Art Hour, you will have all the supplies you need to create and hook an 8"x10" picture with yarn. You can then submit your showpiece in Portland Creates, Portland District Library's annual art contest. Submission for Portland Creates runs from April 1-20. Pick up your Take-And-Make bag for "Hook Me Up!" at the Youth Desk beginning Friday, March 1. Space is limited to 12 teens, ages 13-18.