The Grand Rapids Public Library is hosting a month packed with good reads and free, educational events. Travel the Lakes, cook up some good food with the family, celebrate the Day of the Dead — and plenty of others. For complete details, visit grpl.org.
Reading the Great Lakes
Main Library
111 Library St. NE, Grand Rapids
Oct. 1, 7 p.m.
Unwind with a book and check out the Lakes with the Grand Rapids Public Library. This outdoorsy book club will take place the first Thursday of every month. The librarians will lead this literary adventure in the Great Lakes region from Chicago to Cleveland. A range of titles will be offered for the upcoming months from mystery, history, fiction and nonfiction. To view a complete list of the books, visit grpl.org. October’s selection is Love, Sex and 4-H: A memoir by Anne-Marie Oomen.
Introduction to Essential Oils
Oct. 5, 7 p.m.
Lavender, clover and peppermint! Oh my! Indulge your senses and discover the natural healing properties of essential oils, from treating acne to weight loss. Aromatherapy and essential oils expert Ilka Handshaw will divulge what essential oils are, how they work, and how they are made.
Cooking Matters for Families
Tuesdays, Oct. 6–Nov. 10, 6 p.m.
Calling all future chefs! Find out what’s cooking at the Grand Rapids Public Library. In partnership with the YMCA, Cooking Matters for Families will instruct families on how to make healthy meals on a budget. The six-week class will teach participants what healthy foods to reach for in the grocery store and the best ways to prepare them. Recipes, books and groceries will be given to the families. The class is for parents and up to two of their kids ages 6-12. Those interested must agree to attend all six classes and have a Grand Rapids Public Library card. Registration is required. Sign up at grpl.org/register.
Human Library
Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Speak with some “human books!” The Human Library offers a great opportunity to speak with individuals whose lives have frequently been stereotyped or misunderstood. Fifteen human books have volunteered to share their personal stories and engage in stimulating discussions with their audience. The diverse group includes a Hindu, Muslim, refugee, transgender person, same sex couple, blind person, deaf person, Spiritual Intuitive, a person living with early onset dementia and her spouse, and a person living with mental illness.
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Oct. 24, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and Oct. 25, 1–4 p.m.
Looking for a good book to read? Come on down to the Main Library’s huge used book sale. All proceeds benefit the Grand Rapids Public Library.
Dia de los Muertos: Honoring Day of the Dead
Oct. 30–Nov. 1 during open hours
The Grand Rapids Public library hosts Dia de los Muertos, the traditional Mexican holiday, at the Main Library. Day of the Dead honors the lives of loved ones who have passed. Families and friends come together to create altars, reminisce and share stories of those who have died. Come see the uniquely decorated altars on display and join in on the celebration.
