March is Reading Month
Welcome Spring & Celebrate Reading with these activities during the month of March!
Library Land Game: Sing silly songs, find books, and tell a story as you journey through our Library! Instant Prize each time you play, complete the game to enter our Grand Prize drawings!
Early Literacy Activity Table: Try our monthly manipulative activity that supports Early Literacy!
Guest Storytime Readers: We have special guests coming to the library for our Tuesday morning 11am Preschool Storytimes! See below for more info.
Scavenger Hunts: Hunt for objects around the library and earn a candy prize! See below for more info.
Teen Activity Table: Each week we will have a game, puzzle, or a craft set up for teens to enjoy!
Guess this Book: Adults, can you “Guess this Book”? We’ve stuffed pages from a damaged book in a guessing jar. Guess the title and the author from just what you can see! Winner drawn on March 31!
Library Land!
Starting March 1 take a fun journey through our Children’s Library , playing a giant “board game” as you go! Sing silly songs, find books, tell a story — Can you do them all?
How to Play: Grab a game sheet and a six-sided die at the front desk. Travel to the Children’s Department and begin at the “Start” rectangle. Roll the provided die, count the dots, and advance to the numbered space. Look at the shelves and library around you at each game space. Complete the action called for on the game sheet, then mark as completed on your card. Repeat until you have completed the game at space #24! Game may be completed all at one visit or on multiple visits.
Parents may assist young children, who may describe things to parents or library staff.
Prizes: Earn an Instant Prize each time you play Library Land at GLADL for however much of the Game you complete! When you finish the Game, turn in your Game Card and enter the drawing of your choice for a fabulous book prize! Show the front desk staff your Game card and claim your prize at the desk. Turn in all Game cards by March 31, 2025.
Library Scavenger Hunts!
Our young patrons love Scavenger Hunts in the Library, and the rewards are oh so “sweet”! Starting March 1, kids will be able to participate in the following hunts:
I Spy! – Our Bulletin Board will be turned into giant “I Spy” board! Kids get a paper list telling them what to find on the board. Turn in the paper at desk for candy prize!
Popular Book Characters – Laminated pictures of popular children’s book characters are hidden throughout Children’s Department. Kids get a paper list of hidden characters, and will check them off as they find the characters. Turn in the paper for candy prize!
Special Guest Readers
Grand Ledge Chief of Police Ron Erickson; Tuesday March 4 at 11am
The Library welcomes Chief Ron Erickson to Grand Ledge and as a father himself he loves storytime. Ron is originally from Lake Orion, Michigan. He attended Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement. Ron started his career as a patrol officer with the Adrian Police Department in Adrian, Michigan, where he worked for two years prior to laterally transferring to the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office-Illinois in January of 1995. He retired from the sheriff’s office in December of 2023 as the Operations Commander/Captain. Ron was hired as the Chief of Police with the City of Grand Ledge on January 3rd, 2024.
Ben Hassenger; Tuesday March 11 at 11am
Ben Hassenger is well-known as Michigan’s Ukulele Ambassador, teaching ukulele in Michigan classrooms and communities through the Music is the Foundation non-profit. He is also the founder of the Mighty Uke Day festival and the Lansing Area Ukulele Group, and is involved in many other ukulele adventures. As a voracious reader in his younger days, Ben loves nothing more to read to, and sing with, his three grandchildren and is looking forward to sharing his joy of reading and music with you!
State Rep. Angela Witwer; Tuesday March 18 at 11am
State Rep. Angela Witwer is serving her fourth term representing the 76th House District, which includes much of Eaton County; the cities of Charlotte, Olivet, Potterville, and Eaton Rapids; parts of Lansing and Grand Ledge; and the townships of Brookfield, Benton, Carmel, Chester, Delta Charter, Eaton Rapids, Hamlin, Oneida Charter, Vermontville, Walton, and Windsor Charter.
An alumna of Waverly Community Schools, Witwer went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in business and marketing from Northwood University. Witwer began her professional career in clinical health care, working first in Sparrow Hospital’s burn unit and later as the manager of pediatric rehabilitation. The desire to help others, coupled with her clinical expertise, propelled Witwer to become manager of Sparrow’s community relations and marketing department.
After 22 years working in health care, Witwer left Sparrow in 2007 to co-found Edge Partnerships, an award-winning public relations, marketing and advocacy group. During this time, she was a strong advocate for quality public education and community engagement, serving as the vice president of Waverly Community Schools Board of Education and was an active member of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Economic Club committee, the Wharton Center for Performing Arts Advisory Council, and the McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation Board of Directors.
Witwer lives in Delta Township with her husband, Bruce, and enjoys spending time with her two children and four granddaughters.
Jody Nelson with CMHA- CEI; Tuesday March 25 at 11am
Jody Nelson LMSW is a public speaker and therapist who has worked with children and families in Families Forward at Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton Eaton Ingham Counties for over 25 years. He has loved reading since he was a child and believes that a love for reading is one of the most important gifts we can give children. Jody is the manager of Youth Engagement Services and works to help connect community youth and families with behavioral health services across the Tri-county area so we can all live happier, healthier lives.
Exciting March Events!
Youth Event Highlights
Baby Stories & Play
Saturday March 1 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | 18 months & younger and their parents or caregivers
We’ll read a story, sing and rhyme together, do a fingerplay, and have fun while learning and playing. We’ll end with time for caregivers to socialize and babies to play & interact with each other.
Reading Challenge Dinosaur Dig [Registration Req.]
Monday March 10 | 6pm – 7pm | Ages 5+
Calling all Dino-ROAR readers! Join us for an exciting Dino Dig program where you can unleash your inner paleontologist and uncover the past by digging for dinosaurs, listen to dino stories and dig up some dinosaur bones. Not enrolled in our Dino-ROAR challenge? Not a problem, there is still time to sign up at the event and start earning prizes!
Elephant and Piggie Party
Monday March 31 | 6pm – 7:30pm | Ages 5+
Celebrate the end of March is Reading Month and our friends Gerald the Elephant and Piggie! Come make elephant and pig themed crafts, have some laughs, and do a special scavenger hunt.
Adult Event Highlights
Meet “Rosie the Riveter”!
Tuesday March 4 | 6pm – 7:30pm | Adult
Meet Claire Dahl, a Tribute “Rosie” reenactor and learn more about the Michigan Flight Museum & Air Adventures (formerly the Yankee Air Museum). “Rosie’s” presentation includes great pictures and fascinating information about the history of the Willow Run B-24 Bomber plant, part of the “Arsenal of Democracy” and of course, Rosie, the Riveter.
Adult Bingo
Wednesday March 12 | 2:30pm – 4pm | Adults
Join us for a fun and engaging afternoon of Bingo complete with light refreshments and prizes for the lucky winners! No registration required, just show up ready to have fun!
“Woman of the Watch, Keepers of the Light”
Wednesday March 12 | 6pm – 7:30pm | Ages 12+
“Women of the Watch, Keepers of the Light,” written and performed by Kamryn Marck and directed by D.B. Schroeder, is an uplifting 45-minutes of music, laughter, and simple honest storytelling. The performance follows Kamryn as she relives family trips to lighthouses in MI, which ignites a passion to share the spectacular stories of various female lighthouse keepers of the Great Lakes. The followed by a Q & A.
… and More!
Let’s Dance: Beginning Contra Dance Workshops
Sunday March 2 | 1:30pm – 3pm | Ages 7+
Learn the basics of Contra Dance and have fun at this lively FREE workshop! Come solo, bring some friends, make some friends, and learn fun dances in a friendly, relaxed, judgment-free atmosphere. Recorded music, live, in-person instruction, these fun dances are like an amusement park ride you make for yourself! Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you can move easily in.
Red Cross Babysitting Workshop [Registration Req.]
Saturday March 8 | 10am – 4pm | For Teens 12+
Learn emergency procedures, discipline techniques, diapering, age-appropriate activities, rescue breathing, the Heimlich maneuver, and basic first aid skills needed while babysitting. Upon workshop completion, students receive an American Red Cross babysitting course certificate. Registration required, class size limited. Participants bring a sack lunch, water bottle. Parents: please come into the library to sign in your children the morning of the class. Participants bring a sack lunch, water bottle.
Minecraft Mania
Tuesday March 11 | 6pm – 8pm | Ages 8 – 12
We’ll have our Minecraft server set up and the laptops ready to go. No experience needed — all levels of players/builders welcome.
Glitzy Green Party
Saturday March 15 | 12:30pm – 2pm | All Ages
Families are invited to join us for a festive time before the St. Patrick’s Day parade. We will have crafts and our Library Land game available while you wait for the parade to begin.
ECLC Family Literacy Celebration
Sunday March 16 | 1pm – 3:30pm | Ages 0 – 5
The Lansing Mall (near Best Furniture)
Join us for a fun-filled day of children’s activities and storytelling! Meet beloved children’s book characters like Clifford the Big Red Dog, Kevin Henke’s Lily, and Frog and Toad! Every child receives a free backpack filled with books, courtesy of WKAR (one per child while supplies last). Rock out with Chicago-based Parents’ Choice Award-winning family musician Leonardo. Through sing-a-longs, jokes, stories, and dance moves this interactive performance will spark imagination, creativity, and a love for reading among all ages. Meet author/illustrator Lisa Wheeler!
Clay Pot Leprechaun Hats
Monday March 17 | 4:30pm – 5:30pm | Ages 6+
Get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with our Clay Pot Leprechaun craft! Transform a simple clay pot into an adorable leprechaun hat using paint and ribbon to make a charming decoration.
Financial Literacy Workshop: The Informed Renter [Registration Req.]
Wednesday March 19 | 6pm – 7:30pm | Adults
Considering renting but not sure where to start? Already a seasoned renter but want to learn how to become a better one? This workshop will equip you with valuable information about the rental process including costs, the application and approval process, and tenant rights and responsibilities. Participants will receive handouts to help document expenses, assess housing needs, and record important information about their rental. Presented by Ezra Pompos, Financial and Homeownership Program Instructor, MSU Extension. Office: 517-887-4575, email epompos@msu.edu.
Michigan Safe Boating Course & Certification [Registration Req.]
Saturday March 22 | 8am – 4:30pm | Ages 12+
Learn and Earn your Safe Boating Certification in one day! To legally operate a boat in Michigan, state law requires anyone born AFTER 7/1/1996 to have their Safe Boating Certification. The Michigan Safe Boating Course is the definitive 8-hour course for acquiring the Michigan Safe Boating Certification. The State of Michigan charges $29.50 for the online course and test. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Lansing Flotilla will teach the entire course live/in person AND administer the test on the same day. Registration required. There is no cost for the course, but a $20 dollar donation per person is recommended. Checks made payable to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Lansing Flotilla. For ages 12+, under 16 accompanied by responsible adult.
Aquarium in a Jar
Monday March 24 | 6pm – 7pm | All Ages
Dive into creativity with our Aquarium in a Jar craft! Patrons of all ages are invited to design their very own miniature aquarium in a jar using an assortment of miniature sea creatures, colorful pebbles, and aquatic themed decorations.
Balloon Animals Workshop with Mr. Greg!
Wednesday March 26 | 11am – 12pm | Ages 6+
Kids learn some basic skills to make Balloon Animals! Join Mr. Greg, “Balloon Zoo Wrangler” and have some fun making their own Balloon Creations! Learn types of balloons to use, where to get them, how to inflate them and twist and bend to make a fun creation to take home!
Hoop it Up! Hula Hoop Show & Class
Wednesday March 26 | 6pm – 7pm | All Ages
Kids, teens and adults–Come “Hoop it Up” with us this Spring! This fantastical hula hoop show begins and ends with a hoop dance performance. Sandwiched in the middle, kids of all ages will learn how to hoop dance, how to build hula hoop huts, and of course parents are encouraged to join us! We’ll spin, move and try something new as we move to fun music! Presented by Nat Spinz and the Motley Misfits Circus Entertainers.
Switch Gaming: Mario Kart
Thursday March 27 | 6pm – 8pm | Ages 8 – 12
Join us for an afternoon of fun and friendly Switch gaming! We’ll play Mario Kart today! Who’s the best driver around? Feel free to bring your Switch to play between your turns! All skill levels welcome!