Summer Wonder at KDL

This year, we will take you on a Summer Wonder journey of reading, learning and experiencing!

The challenge is designed for multiple learning styles to keep families engaged and inspired. KDL is excited to bring you a spectacular summer of outdoor discovery, scavenger hunts, reading, STEAM activities and lots of fun for everyone.

Get Started

On Paper

Stop in to any KDL branch to pick up a WonderFold that includes a tracking log.

Pick up multiple tracking logs at a branch or download and print it yourself (PDF).

Online

  1. Login to Beanstack and register for Summer Wonder.
  2. Record your activities in Beanstack thru August 8.
  3. Contact us if you need any help.

Beanstack helps you track activities for multiple people. Simply install the app or login to the Beanstack website.

Prizes

All Summer Wonder completers will receive a prize:

  • Birth through age 17 will choose a free book.
  • Adults will receive a two-deck set of KDL playing cards.
  • All completers will be entered in the drawing for Meijer gift cards and gift baskets.
Free Book (Kids and Teen Prize)
KDL Playing Cards (Adult Prize)

Find Curi

Map with Find Curi locations

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Find Curi Now

Free Lunches

We are partnering with Feeding America of West Michigan to provide free lunches to students on weekdays from June 2 - August 29 (three weeks after Summer Wonder ends).

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Find Lunch Locations

All-Star Readers!

Reach 45 days of activities between June 2 and August 8 (that's 15 extra days) for a chance to win a $50 gift card to a local bookstore! Plus, you'll help Kent County Parks plant more trees.  Log those extra days in Beanstack or ask a librarian for an All-Star Reader paper log starting on July 1.

You can also register for a fall Annual Native Species Planting Day event at Kent County Parks in September or October:

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Volunteer with the Parks

Use any of the "Kent County Success Basics" for 30 days:

  • LOVE: Maximize love and minimize stress
  • TALK, sing and point
  • COUNT, group and compare
  • PLAY: Explore through movement and play
  • READ and discuss stories

Prizes:

  • A free book for all completers
  • Chance to win $100 Meijer gift card
  • Chance to win a gift basket

Keep your child's brain active with 30 days of any of these activities:

  • READ for at least 20 minutes. Choose from books, magazines, graphic novels,
    comics, audiobooks, or have a book read to you.
  • WRITE a story, a letter, journal entry or try our writing prompts.
  • DO one of our awesome and easy STEAM activities.
  • ATTEND a library program or visit a KDL branch you haven't been to.

Prizes:

  • A free book for all completers
  • Chance to win $100 Meijer gift card
  • Chance to win a gift basket

Writing Prompts

  1. Imagine that you own your very own island. What rules would you set on this island? Who would be allowed to stay on this island? What would the creatures and animals on this island get to do?

  2. Write a how-to guide on planning the best picnic ever!

  3. You are going to the seaside. Make a list of 10 things you need to pack into your suitcase and explain why you need each item.

  4. Have you ever gone to a summer camp? What was it like? If you haven't been to a summer camp, write a fictional story about your ideal experience.

  5. One day you are flying a kite in your backyard when all of a sudden...

Try Our STEAM Activities

What Floats Your Boat?
Make a Handprint Using Ultraviolet Light
Telephone with Paper Cups and String
Be a Fossil Detective
Paper Airplane Aerodynamics
Musical Bottles
Let's Build a Gnome Home!
Sea Foam
Nature Face
Kitchen Science
Coloring Page 2023
Coloring Page 2024
Coloring Page 2025

Learn and grow with 30 days of any of these activities:

  • READ (or listen) for at least 20 minutes.
  • WRITE a story, letter, journal entry or poem.
  • ATTEND any of our events.
  • DO or explore something new (see suggestions below).

Prizes:

  • Teens (11-17) get a free book
  • Adults (18+) get KDL playing cards
  • Chance to win $100 Meijer gift card
  • Chance to win a gift basket
KDL Playing Cards (Adult Prize)

Suggested Activities

For Teens

Create your story for the Teen Graphic Novel Contest.

Play video games at these library branches during open gaming hours.

Experiment with different types of journaling: bullet, art, travel, junk, and more.

Take creative photos for the Teen Photo Challenge and submit them in October.

Attend a teen gaming program.

Hang out with other teens at a Teen Zone program.

Attend a teen drawing program to prepare for the Teen Graphic Novel Contest.

Listen to an episode of the Stump the Librarian podcast.

For Adults

Attend an online KDL Author Talk.

Work on a short story for the Write Michigan contest.

Learn a new career skill with LinkedIn Learning.

Journal: try bullet, art, junk or travel journaling to find what works for you.

Begin learning a new language with Rosetta Stone, Mango or ASLdeafined.

Watch a movie on Kanopy.

Reserve a PerkPass to visit a local attraction.

Attend a library program for adults (bingo, crafting, Vibes concerts, etc.).

Check out a Beyond Books item.

Browse themed book displays to find your next great read.

 

Events

From captivating animal programs to mesmerizing magicians and beyond, KDL brings you an array of exciting free events for all ages this summer!

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All Summer Events

Discover New Summer Reads

Books for Young Children

Changing Seasons for Babies and Toddlers

Use these books to talk with your youngest children about all the beautiful seasonal changes happening right outside your window.

Go Lions has many meanings!

From the Land of Oz to the African plains, lions can be anywhere, including within us. Do you have the strength and courage of a lion?

Cookbooks to Nourish Your Baby and Toddler

Top baby & toddler recipe books with healthy, easy meals for little ones—perfect for new parents!

Books for School Age

New books for new readers

Check out these recent additions to KDL's Early Reader collection. Discover a new favorite? You're in luck: many are part of a series!

Fiction for Gamers

If your parents are nagging you to put down your controller and read a book, we've got some great suggestions!

October is Learning Disabilities Month

These books feature kids who have learning disabilities. Check them out!

Books for Tweens

October is Learning Disabilities Month

These books feature kids who have learning disabilities. Check them out!

July is Disability Pride Month

Check out these books featuring kids with disabilities!

Back to school

School's back in session soon. Get back into the zone with one of these. Some will remind you of your own school, and others ... won't.

Books for Teens

Instrumental Music to Chill/Study to

A mix of instrumental jazz, ambient, post-rock, and more. Great for reading, studying, or just finding your focus.

What does fall have in store for you?

These books premiered in the fall with stories told through space & time, mysterious islands & exotic countries to our own current world.

October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month!

These books feature teens who are living with learning disabilities. Check them out!

Books for Adults

Instrumental Music to Chill/Study to

A mix of instrumental jazz, ambient, post-rock, and more. Great for reading, studying, or just finding your focus.

Cozy Reads from Distant Shelves

Healing reads from around the world—translated tales to savor slowly, with a blanket, a hot beverage, and a quiet corner.

Pie, Pizza, and Pastry

Autumn means baking season. Say goodbye to the beach, pick up some apples, and warm up your house with some fresh fragrant bakes!

Illustrations by Anthony Carpenter | Sketchman66@gmail.com

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