The Grand Rapid’s Public Library is hosting numerous educational and literature-based events throughout the summer. Books, theater, science, comics and even animals can be expected to make an appearance at a few of their events. The best part: They’re all free. For all the details, visit grpl.org.
Science on Tap: Profile of a Poisoner
SpeakEZ Lounge: 600 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. July 9–10
Looking for some late-night intellectual discussions? Science on Tap, which is co-sponsored by Grand Valley State University and SpeakEZ Lounge, hosts monthly scientific discussions geared toward adults. This month, join Dr. Bryan Judge, toxicologist and Program Director of the Emergency Medical Residency Program with Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University, for a conversation about poisons. Sit back, enjoy delicious food and adult beverages while listening to Dr. Judge discuss how and why criminals use poison.
Shakespeare in the Park
Riverside Park: 2001 Monroe Ave. NW,
Grand Rapids. July 11, 7–9 p.m.
Relax under the sun at Riverside Park, while watching Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company perform William Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets as you follow the fairy-tale story of King Leontes of Sicilia and the crazy journey he and his family undergo. Bring your own meal and drinks, excluding alcohol, and feel free to purchase food at one of the numerous food trucks.
Family Comic Night
Main Library: 111 Library St. NE, Grand Rapids. July 15, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
This isn’t a stand-up comic night – this family comic night focuses on the different elements of newspaper comic strips. Cartoonist Sam Carbaugh, Comics in Literature student Mary Hancock, and Charley Tucker from Vault of Midnight will educate guests on the elements of comics and how they have evolved over time. This event will reveal your creativity as you produce a four-panel comic.
Petpalooza
Main Library: 111 Library St. NE, Grand Rapids. July 18, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
For those in search of a new furry friend Petpalooza is where you should be July 18. Multiple animal rescue organizations such as Pet Tales Rescue, Allies for Greyhounds, Michele’s Rescue, LuvnPupz and Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance will show off loving pets. Most of these organizations do not allow same day adoption, so get ahead in the game and fill out an application for pre-approval.
Animal Hero Tales
Seymour Branch: 2350 Eastern SE, Grand Rapids. July 22, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Story time and a petting zoo is the perfect summer-morning happening for animal-lovin’ families. Bring your children to the Grand Rapids’ Public Library Seymour Branch July 22 to experience animal hero tales with Animal Encounters. Words and pictures of Mercer Mayer’s acclaimed children’s story There is an Alligator Under My Bed will be displayed on a nine-foot video screen. After the story, children and adults will have the opportunity to meet and interact with friendly live animals.
Genealogy Lock-In
Main Library: 111 Library St. NE, Grand Rapids. July 31, 6–10 p.m.
Come to the Main Library for a scientific, analytic event to wrap up July. This summer happening is impeccable for the future genealogists out there. Meeting in the Grand Rapids History and Special Collections department, you will have the opportunity to learn how to use a microfilm reader/scanner/printer, save images, search databases, and receive answers to any genealogy questions. To attend, registration is required. Visit grpl.org/register or call (616) 988-5400.
