Library News

Summer Reading Program

Portland District Library is looking to ignite your love of reading and all things library with this year’s Summer Reading Program: Adventure Begins At Your Library! Our all-ages program will run for a total of 8 weeks from June 7 until August 2. Use PDL’s virtual reading tracker, Beanstack, or log time read by picking up a passport tracker; both options are available for youth and adult patrons. Spend time reading, earn level prizes (new for adults this year!), and enter to win one of our many grand prize packs. Registration began at our kickoff on June 7 and will continue throughout the entire summer program!

Paperpalooza

We’re surrounded every day by practical, functional paper, so it’s about time to create something beautiful.  We’ll make marbleized paper out of old magazines, handcraft paper from old scraps, and more.  It will be messy and smelly, so (weather permitting) we’ll be outside on June 24 at 6:00 p.m.  Registration is required, ages 16 and up.

Children’s and Teen

Petey L.’s Summer Adventures

Travel, play, and explore with Petey L. this summer! Starting Wednesday, June 19, patrons ages 8 & under can register for Petey L.’s Summer Adventures. Receive a Take-and-Make bag that will include supplies to make your own version of Petey L. Take them on all your summer adventures, snapping a picture, and submitting them to the library for a chance to win a prize pack every Wednesday until August 14. 

Books & Blankets

Embark on a jungle safari at Portland District Library’s Books & Blankets on Thursday, June 27 at 6:00 pm. Bring a blanket to the Children’s Sensory Garden and get ready to explore the wonders of jungle creatures, big and small. Have a treat on us and take home a book from our friends at the Ionia County Great Start Collaborative! This program is recommended for families with children ages 8 & under. Registration is required!

Barks for Books 

Read to Reagan during this summer’s Barks for Books! Our furry friend from Love On A Leash will be at the library on Wednesday, June 12 from 6:30-7:30 pm, Saturday, June 15 from 10:00-11:00 am, Monday, July 15 from 6:30-7:30 pm, Saturday, July 20 from 10:00-11:00 am, and Wednesday, August 14 from 6:30-7:30 pm.

Readers, ages 6-12, can sign up for a 15-minute time slot to practice their reading aloud; this improves communication skills while also building self-confidence. Added bonus: every patron that reads to Reagan gets to pick a bookmark or sticker to take home, AND they are also entered to win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card (we draw a winner every quarter)!

Virtual Teen Art Hour: Cyanotype Sun Art

Harness the power of the sun to produce multiple artworks in shades of blue and white. Use found objects, flowers, leaves, or the templates provided to make unique pieces of art. Everything you need to get started is provided in the Take-And-Make bag. Get yours starting Monday, July 1 when you register at the Youth Desk. Space is limited to 15 teens, ages 13-18.

Teen Art Hour: Sand and Sun

We are excited to partner with Loafing Goat Bakery on our in-person cookie decorating class for August's Teen Art Hour, “Sand and Sun." Teens will learn the art of decorating adorable beach themed cookies with royal icing. Join us in the Community Room from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Thursday, August 8. Registration begins Saturday, June 1 and is limited to 10 teens, ages 13-18. Run, don't walk, to the Youth Desk as this program is sure to fill up quickly!

Totally Tubular Teen Movie Matinee

We are legit going back in time to the 80s and watching some gnarly movies. Cut loose and dance your way on down to the Community Room Thursday, July 18 at 1:00 pm to watch "Footloose." Who you gonna call on Thursday, August 15 at 1:00 pm? "Ghostbusters!" Popcorn, candy, and drinks will be provided at all showings. Teens are welcome to dress up and bring their pillows and blankets. This Totally Tubular Teen Movie Matinee is open to all teens, ages 13-18.