March is Reading Month
Welcome Spring & Celebrate Reading with these activities during the month of March!
Kid’s Event: Challenge yourself with “Make Reading a Habit” and explore the library with our March Scavenger Hunts.
Early Literacy Activity Table: Imagine, explore, and grow with hands-on early literacy fun!
Guest Storytime Readers: We have special guests coming to the library for our Tuesday morning 11am Preschool Storytimes! See below for our guest schedule.
Teen Book Box: Teens from 7th to 12th grade can register for a special March-only Teen Book Box! See below for our Registration Form.
March Mystery: Adults, celebrate March by unwrapping a hand-picked surprise Mystery!
Guess this Book: Adults, can you “Guess this Book”? We’ve stuffed pages from a damaged book in a guessing jar.
Kids
Starting March 1 test yourself with our “Make Reading a Habit” Challenge!
How to Play: Pick up a mini reading log at the library and start reading! Kindergarten to 6th grade, read at least 10 minutes a day for 21 days to make daily reading a new habit.
Prizes: Earn a treat or small prize after 7, 14, and 21 days of reading. Finish your challenge by April 10 to enter the drawing of your choice to win a grand prize!
March Scavenger Hunts: Hunt for special locations in the library and favorite characters! The Important Library Locations Hunt starts March 1 and the Popular Character Hunt starts March 17.
Teens and Adults
Teen Book Box: Teens from 7th to 12th grade can register for a special March-only Teen Book Box! These Japanese manga themed boxes include snacks, a fidget item, and stickers plus a library-owned manga from the YA collection. The manga book must be returned to the library but teens get to keep the other fun items from the box! When registering, teens indicate what sort of book they might like to read so the manga can be selected to match their reading preferences. A library card is required to register, and boxes are limited in availability.
March Mystery: Adults, celebrate March with a mystery! A surprise mystery book, to be exact. Check out one of the wrapped up mystery books from GLADL’s collection, read your mystery, and then rate & review your book on the included bookmark. Return the book and special bookmark by April 10 to enter a drawing for a mystery prize.
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!
Special Guest Readers
Grand Ledge Chief of Police Ron Erickson; Tuesday March 3 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.
Grand Ledge Fire Chief Mike Roman: Tuesday March 10 at 11am
The Library welcomes Fire Chief Mike Roman. The Chief and his firefighters love to visit the library and share safety tips with our youngest patrons and their families. Mike retired from the Delta Townshp Fire Department after over 30 years of service. Mike was hired as Fire Chief for the City of Grand Ledge in 2022.
Retired Teacher Extraordinare Marilyn Hansbarger: Tuesday March 17 at 11am
The Library welcomes Marilyn Hansbarger. Marilyn retired from the Grand Ledge Public Schools after a long and distinguished career teaching and was active with the Wacousta Cooperative Preschool. She is known by generations of students and we are looking forward to having her as Special Guest Reader during our March is Reading Month. Marilyn and her husband Roger were named Citizens of the Year by the Watertown Township Board in 2021.
Linda Kuhlman: The Storybook Quilt Lady! Tuesday March 24 at 11am
Linda graduated from MSU with a degree in Child Development & Teaching long ago and spent years teaching preschool & kindergarten. She graduated to work in a library in Lansing with all ages but her favorite activities were story times for babies and children. Linda has presented programs in many schools and libraries as The Storybook Quilt Lady.
Her hobby has always been quilting and she combined her love of children’s books and quilting to have a collection of books & quilts to go with them. Some have been autographed by the author! Linda has been married to her husband John for many years, has one daughter, and three grandchildren.
Ben Hassenger; Tuesday March 31 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!
Exciting March Events!
Youth Event Highlights
Ready to Read Storytime for Toddlers
Wednesday March 4 | 6pm – 7pm | 18 months – 3 years
Parents and caregivers will learn how to talk, sing, read, write, and play with their littles ones to promote pre-reading skills. Concludes with hands-on activity stations. This storytime uses the Ready to Read Michigan program from the Library of Michigan.
Mario Day Party
Tuesday March 10 | 6pm – 7pm | Grades K – 6
Reading Challenge participants can join us for a Mario Party with snacks, games, and crafts. Not a Reading Challenge participant? You can sign up at the party!
Ready to Read Storytime for Preschoolers
Wednesday March 11 | 6pm – 7pm | Ages 3 – 5
Parents and caregivers will learn how to talk, sing, read, write, and play with their littles ones to promote pre-reading skills. Concludes with hands-on activity stations. This storytime uses the Ready to Read Michigan program from the Library of Michigan.
Action Figure/Toy Photography Workshop with Kevin Epling [Registration Required]
Saturday March 28 | 12pm – 1:30pm
Enjoy a fun and engaging beginner’s session of one the fastest growing aspects of toy collecting and modeling: Toy Photography. Attendees can bring a toy (3”-7”) to photograph, and several toy dioramas will be on display for photo opportunities.
Teen & Adult Event Highlights
Red Cross Babysitting Workshop
Saturday March 7 | 10am – 3pm | Teens Ages 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.
The Gallowglass: Irish Renaissance Warriors
Thursday March 12 | 6pm – 7:30pm | Ages 10+
Join Swordsmanship Museum and Academy historian Jerry Berg as he leads us on a journey back to the 1500s to explore the unique warriors that fought in and defended Ireland during this century of conquest and invasion. High quality replicas from the Museum’s collection will also be featured, including some of the largest swords and the most intimidating ranged weapons!
Adult Craft: String Easter Eggs
Wednesday March 25 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Gather in the daytime with other adults for coffee, conversation and make a fun seasonal Spring craft–String Easter Eggs! Adults can meet up at the Library monthly at this time for interesting presentations, crafts, games– and coffee, snacks and conversation with friends you know– and those you’ve just met.
… and More!
Preschool Family Storytime
Tuesdays | 11am | Ages 1 – 6 and Caregivers
Join us for fun stories, songs, and a simple craft each week!
Youth Beginning Chess Workshop
Fridays March 6, 13, 20 | 3pm – 4:30pm | Ages 8 – 18
This workshop series offers a structured and engaging introduction to the “game of kings,” taught by professional chess coach Tyler Hug. Beginners on up will gain valuable skills in a fun, supportive environment. Attend one or all sessions.
Salt Dough Easter Eggs
Monday March 9 | 6pm – 7pm | Ages 6 – 12
Use salt dough, cookie cutters, and faux jewels to create a beautiful Easter ornament!
Adult Bingo
Wednesday March 11 | 2:30pm – 4pm
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!
Lucky Leprechaun Party
Saturday March 14 | 12:30pm – 2pm
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a bit of library magic! Stop by our Lucky Leprechaun party before the parade downtown for festive crafts and a fun scavenger hunt.
Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt
Monday March 16 | 6pm – 7pm | Families
Bring the kids anytime between 6pm and 7pm to participate. Venture into the darkened Children’s Department to find 3 eggs per child, then trade the eggs in for a small treat.
Minecraft Mania
Tuesday March 17 | 6pm – 8pm
Come out and join us for an evening of fun and friendly competition. We’ll have our Minecraft server set up and the laptops ready to go. No experience needed!
GLPS Student Art Showcase & Reception
Thursday March 19 | 5:30pm – 7pm
March is Reading Month, but did you know it is also Youth Arts Month? To celebrate many of the fantastic Young Artists in our community we welcome you to join us at the library for our GLPS Art Show! Nearly 100 different objects of student art will be on display. Artist’s works will remain on display March 19 – April 2.
Ready to Read – Baby Stories & Play
Saturday March 21 | 10:30am – 11:30am | Ages 0 – 2
We’ll read a story, sing and rhyme together, and have fun while learning and playing. We’ll end with time for caregivers to socialize and babies to play.
Egg Decorating
Monday March 23 | 6pm – 7pm
Bring your eggs to the library and discover new creative ways to decorate them. Bring up to 1 dozen eggs per child.
Silent Book Club Grand Ledge at BrickHaven Brewing Company! [Reg. Req.]
Wednesday March 25 | 6pm – 7pm | Adult
Participants gather at our designated tables at BrickHaven, and everyone brings a book of their choice to read silently for 45 minutes while enjoying a drink/meal. Then they will share a bit about the book they’re reading. Registration required to reserve space.
Switch Gaming: Mario Kart
Monday March 30 | 6pm – 8pm
Join us for a night of fun and friendly Switch gaming! We’ll play Mario Kart tonight! Who’s the best driver around? Feel free to bring your Switch to play between your turns! All skill levels welcome!