CRDL Teen Night tonight...

After today's CRDL Computer Class, and CRDL Storytime & Kid Stuff Crafts at the Weidman branch we'll order the pizza and sit down with Inkheart.

CRDL Pizza & Pages is a book discussion group for teen in grades 7-12.

Click crdl.org for more fun @ your library

Wow!!!!

Yesterday was an amazing day at your library. We had a bunch of fun at CRDL Storytimes and Kid Stuff crafts in Rosebush and Weidman. The "Drummunity" program at Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant was amazing. If you didn't get a chance to attend check out some of the pictures and a quick video on our facebook page.

We're rested up and ready for another day of CRDL Summer Reading Program fun. You can bring the kids to a CRDL Storytime @ 10:15am at Veterans Memorial Library. There's a CRDL Storytime plus Kid Stuff Crafts at 1:30pm in Shepherd. And CRDL Kid Stuff crafts at 2pm in Mt. Pleasant.

At Faith Johnston Memorial Library in Rosebush you can meet all the artists displaying their masterpieces in the library tonight at 7pm.

Need more details about the CRDL Summer Reading Program? Click our website.

Summer Reading Program fun today at your library

Lots of CRDL Summer Reading Program fun today. CRDL Storytime & Kid stuff crafts at 11am at Faith Johnston Memorial Library in Rosebush and at the Rolland Township Library in Blanchard.

Or you can join us for a special hands on CRDL Summer Reading Program performance from "Drummunity" at 11am at Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant.

Click http://www.crdl.org/ for more CRDL Summer Reading Program fun.

It's Monday...

The CRDL Teen Battle of the Bands was AMAZING. The two finalists put on a great show Saturday. Our judges, Elizabeth Hansen & Mitch Anderson from B's Music and Scott Harding and Carol Hebert from CMU's School of Music, had a tough time deciding. In the end Strength in Numbers was our runner up and Shock was our winner. See pictures and a few video clips on our facebook page.

It's a pretty light week at your CRDL, but there's still CRDL Summer Reading Program fun. Today at 10:15am bring the kids to a CRDL Storytime at Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant.

Carol Miller will present The Gardens of France today at noon, as part of your CRDL Brown Bag Artist Series.

There's a free class at 2pm in the CRDL Computer Training Center: Excel Charts & Formulas.

CRDL Summer Reading Program this weekend

We'll open the doors to the CRDL Cinema today at 2pm. We're showing "Hotel for Dogs" on the big screen. We'll pop the popcorn, all you have to do is stop by and grab your seats.

Stop in Saturday for some great music. The 1st ever CRDL Teen Battle of the Bands starts at noon.

See you there.

Lots of CRDL Summer Reading Program fun today!

Bring the kids to a CRDL Storytime @ 10:15am at Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant or CRDL Storytime & Kid Stuff Crafts @ 1pm in Shepherd. Later in the afternoon stop by for CRDL Summer Reading Program Kid Stuff crafts at 2pm at Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant.

Tomorrow we'll open the doors to the CRDL Cinema. We're showing "Hotel for Dogs" on the big screen in the CRDL Annex Meeting Room at 2pm. We'll pop the popcorn all you have to do is grab your seats.

Click http://www.crdl.org/ for more CRDL Summer Reading Program details.

CRDL Summer Reading Program fun today!!

Free (air conditioned) fun today. CRDL Storytime & Kid Stuff Crafts today @ 2 in Weidman. CRDL Teen Night (Henna Tattoos) at 6pm in Mt. Pleasant. http://www.crdl.org/ for more details and to register for the CRDL Summer Reading Program.

CRDL Summer Reading Program Fun!!

Hmm...what are we going to do today? How about CRDL Storytime at 10:15am in Mt. Pleasant, CRDL Brown Bag Artist Series (local musician Tim Mocny) at Noon in Mt. Pleasant, CRDL Storytime & Kid Stuff Crafts at 1pm in Winn. All part of your CRDL Summer Reading Program. Register, read, and win at http://www.crdl.org/

CRDL Teen Battle of the Bands

The registration deadline for the CRDL Teen Battle of the Bands has been extended. Teens can click http://www.crdl.org/ and register their band TODAY!!

Counting Down To Registration

CRDL Summer Reading Program registration starts Monday the 8th. You can register in person at any CRDL branch or online at crdl.org.

Make sure you click the CRDL Summer Reeading Program page at crdl.org for a complete list of all the fun free events we have planned for kids, teens, and adults.

Friday at your CRDL

The TRACES BUS-eum "Held in the Heartland" will be parked outside of Veterans Memorial Library today (Friday) from 10am-1pm. Admission is FREE.

It's hard to believe that Monday is June 1st and that school is almost out. But what's really exciting is the fact that we're only a week away from the start of your CRDL Summer Reading Program. Registration starts Monday June 8th!

Express Yourself @ Your Library

This year's CRDL Summer Reading Program is all about being creative and expressing yourself through the arts, so this summer we're giving teens from around central Michigan a chance to express themselves musically. The first ever CRDL Summer Reading Program Battle of the Bands is on the calendar for Saturday June 27th at the Veterans Memorial Library branch of the Chippewa River District Library system. We are proud to have Today's Best Music 95.3 CFX, B’s Music, and the Isabella County Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking join us in giving teens an avenue to showcase their musical talents in a safe environment.

Join us on Saturday June 27th as we give teens from throughout central Michigan a chance to get out of their parents basements and garages and perform in front of an audience in a safe and encouraging environment. Registration forms for the first ever CRDL Summer Reading Program Battle of the Bands can be picked up at B’s Music, any CRDL branch library, or online at crdl.org.

The Battle of the Bands isn’t the only way teens will be able to express themselves during this year’s CRDL Summer Reading Program. Teens can register for the CRDL Summer Reading Program starting Monday June 8th at any CRDL branch or online at crdl.org. Accumulate points by reading and checking off items from your SRP To-Do list”. Points add up to prizes, and yes we’re throwing in chocolate again this year. After prize number 6 we’ll toss your name in the hat for a chance to win an Ipod Shuffle generously provided by the Isabella County Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking.

One way to accumulate points is by attending CRDL Summer Reading Program events and activities. On Tuesday June 16th at 6pm Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant will host an ice cream social and paperback book exchange. If ice cream’s not your thing, Faith Johnston Memorial Library will have a CRDL Teen Gaming Night at 6:30pm on the 16th.

Tuesday June 23rd Veterans Memorial Library will welcome Henna Tattoo artist Anshu Varma at 6pm. Don’t worry Mom, there are no needles and no they’re not permanent.

Michigan resident and graphic novel artist Jane Irwin will return to Veterans Memorial Library on Tuesday July 7th at 6pm. At CRDL Pizza and Pages we’ll be discussing Inkheart by Cornelia Funke while munching on free pizza. CRDL Pizza and Pages is set for Tuesday July 14th at 6pm at Veterans Memorial Library.

He started with bookmarks and wallets and eventually made his own prom tuxedo and his date’s prom dress. William Beacom will show you how to create with duct tape on Thursday July 21st at 6pm at Veterans Memorial Library.

We’ll open the doors at Faith Johnston Memorial Library in Rosebush for another CRDL Teen Gaming Night on Thursday July 21st.

Some events have space and size limitations, some events require registration, but all events and activities are free. The easiest thing to do is click the CRDL Summer Reading Program at crdl.org and see why everybody is saying I Love My Library.

Counting down to SRP

We’re just about ready to dot the I’s and cross the T’s on your CRDL Summer Reading Program schedule of events at your Chippewa River District Library. Besides the list of special performers visiting your library that we went over last week, there’s a full schedule of fun activities for all ages.

CRDL Storytime and Kid Stuff Crafts take place each week at all six CRDL branch locations. In Mt. Pleasant bring the kids to a CRDL Storytime on Mondays and Thursdays at 10:15am at Veterans Memorial Library. Kid Stuff Crafts happen each Thursday at 2pm at Veterans Memorial Library.

Other CRDL Storytimes and Kid Stuff Crafts to put on your calendar: Mondays at 1pm at the Fremont Township Branch Library in Winn, Tuesdays at 2pm at the Weidman Public Library in Weidman, Wednesdays at 11am at the Rolland Township Library in Blanchard, Wednesdays at 11am at Faith Johnston Memorial Library in Rosebush, and Thursdays at 1:30pm at the Coe Township Library in Shepherd. This summer we’re going to Be Creative at your Library with fun Kid Stuff crafts such as Now You See It: Collage, Ham It Up, I’ve Got Rhythm, Crafty Creations, Build It, and Quick Quilts. Kid Stuff crafts are recommended for children in grades Kindergarten and up. Space is limited; Kid Stuff crafts will be available to the first 40 children on a first-come-first-serve basis.

CRDL Summer Reading Program Music and Movement should be on your calendar for Wednesday June 3rd, Wednesday July 1st, and Wednesday August 5th all at 10:15am at Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant. CRDL Music and Movement is for children up to 5 years old.

Teens around Central Michigan will enjoy more events this summer than ever. An Ice Cream Social and Paperback Book Exchange and Gaming Gabbing & Good Food on June 16th, Henna Tatoos with Anshu Varma on June 23rd, the first ever CRDL Battle of the Bands on June 27th, Graphic Novel Art with Jane Irwin on July 7th, CRDL Pizza and Pages on July 14th, William Beacom ‘the Duct Tape Guy’ on July 21st, and another Gaming Gabbing & Good Food on July 21st. Click events at crdl.org for times, details, and locations of teen events at your Chippewa River District Library.

For Mom and Dad we’ve put together the CRDL Brown Bag Artist Series. Each Monday at Noon a different artist will share their talent with you at Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant. Needle Felting and Wool Rolling with Lavana Shurtliff, the Marimba with musician Tim Mocny, the Gardens of France with Carol Miller, local metal sculptor Rose Wunderbaum Traines, and Michigan musician Mike List are just some of the events you’ll enjoy this summer as you Master the Art of Reading.

With Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults, the whole family can participate and stay engaged in reading and learning. Click events at crdl.org for a full schedule of CRDL Summer Reading Program events and to see why everybody is saying I Love My Library.

Countdown to CRDL Summer Reading Program

We are less than a month away from your CRDL Summer Reading Program. Registration starts June 8th at crdl.org or at any CRDL branch. Register, read, and earn prizes.

Click crdl.org for more information on your CRDL Summer Reading Program.

Special Performance TODAY!!!

Don't miss a special performace by the Storytellers. Today, 10:15am at Veterans Memorial Library, 4pm at Faith Johnston Memorial Library.

Studies show that students who don’ t read during the summer can experience “summer set-back”, losing ground in learning and returning to school less ready for the next year than when they began their summer break. So, yes there is an educational benefit to exercising your mind as well as your body this summer, but it’s also fun. Not only will the stories contained in the pages of a book take you on a journey to far off places, but a series of programs and special performances happening throughout the summer at your library will add to the journey.

On Wednesday June 17th at 11am Joel Tacey will bring his Circus Creatus Comedy Show to your library for two shows. Amazing tricks, books, music, and art come together at the library during Joel’s exciting new show. Featuring dazzling juggling and a creative whirlwind of new tricks and audience favorites, Joel’s Circus Creatus Comedy Show has something for everyone. Kids and parents alike will have BIG fun at the library at hear positive reading messages throughout the show. Catch Joel’s free show at 11am at Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant, or at 3pm at Faith Johnston Memorial Library in Rosebush.

Then join us at Veterans Memorial Library on Wednesday June 24th at 11am. Using puppetry, music, laughter, poetry, imagination, audience participation, and humor, Kevin Kammeraad will share his love of writing, reading, music, and art with us during his show.

Lori Fithian and Drummunity visit your Veterans Memorial Library at 11am on Wednesday July 8th. Drummunity is a unique, interactive program where everyone participates. Using hand drums, percussion, and simple drum circle games. Lori will bring her collection of instruments from all over the world and create a positive experience that will leave everyone smiling.

You can Be c-READ-active at your library on Wednesday July 15th. The Acting Up Theater Company will perform at 11am at Veterans Memorial Library and at 3pm at Faith Johnston Memorial Library. What if you were paid ten million dollars and all you had to do was paint a picture? That’s what the famous artiste Pate’ Brushe’ has been assigned to do, but unfortunately he has lost all of his creativity, imagination and inspiration so he has spent the last 6 months playing Guitar Hero instead of painting. But today is the day the museum is expecting the painting to be done so Pate’ is then visited by some friends who help him to “BE CREATIVE”. His friends then leave him with a bit of advice and creativity and at the very end each of them is transformed by not only their own imaginations but through the power of BOOKS as well. The show “Be c-READ-ative!” has all of the Acting Up Theatre Company staples that have been with them since their very first production ten years ago. Revolving colorful characters, fast moving action, comedy, pop-culture references, a moral and of course the audience participation that will have everyone in the place yelling: “BE CREATIVE!” With the audience’s help, a few books and some imagination the painting is done, the book is written and the opera is sung and the “Creativity Emergency” is all fixed.

Wednesday July 22nd Baffling Bill the Magician will show us the Magic of Reading. Baffling Bill’s show is an effective educational program that uses magic as a medium to teach the importance of reading. See magical effects used to emphasize the fun and importance of reading in everyday life. Showtime is 11am at Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant.

Each Friday throughout the summer we’ll pop some popcorn and open the doors to the CRDL Cinema. Each movie will start at 2pm at Veterans Memorial Library. Click events for a full schedule of movies and to see why everybody is saying I Love My Library.

The Storytellers are coming to your Library

If the date isn't circled on your calendar yet it should be. Monday May 11th your Chippewa River District Library system will welcome The Storytellers and their Be Creative: Musical Folktales Concert. Be Creative: Musical Folktales uses out of the ordinary musical instruments together with the imaginative talents of Audrey and Robert Allison to create interactive stories, beautiful music, and humor.

Audrey’s uncanny vocal effects and multiple voices distinguish her as one of today’s finest storytellers. Robert has performed with Diane Carroll, Della Reese, Andy Williams, Buddy Rich, Barry Manilow, even the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

The Storytellers use instruments from around the world; rhumba box, m’bira keyboard, djembe, berimbau, udu, didgeridoo cuica, dondo, even steel drums to create Brazilian melodies, familiar American songs, Caribbean tunes, Australian melodies, original compositions and more to accompany their stories.

On Monday May 11th The Storytellers will bring their unique show to Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant at 10:15am and to Faith Johnston Memorial Library in Rosebush at 4pm. Grab your family, friends and neighbors and get ready for a one of a kind performance. Both shows are family friendly and free but seating is limited, so get there early.

Click events at crdl.org and see why everybody's saying I Love My Library.

1 Month and Counting...

Ask any child. They’ll tell you exactly how many days of school are left. Some even have it down to minutes and seconds. Now just because the school books are closing for the summer doesn’t mean others shouldn’t open. Studies show that students who don’ t read during the summer can experience “summer set-back”, losing ground in learning and returning to school less ready for the next year than when they began their summer break. Read this summer, and win prizes while you’re doing it! Registration for your Chippewa River District Library’s Summer Reading Program starts June 8th.

With Summer Reading Programs for children, teens, and adults, the whole family can participate and stay engaged in reading and learning. The kids will Be Creative at Your Library, teens can Express Yourself at Your Library, and adults can Master the Art of Reading. By reading with our families and sharing a love of learning with them, we can help support the growth of our children and teens. Books are the perfect companion to take along to the park, take an audio book along on a long car trip, even break out the comic books. People of all ages can have fun reading and earning prizes this summer. Register in person at any branch of the Chippewa River District Library, or online at crdl.org starting June 8th.

Participating in your Summer Reading Program is easy. Register, read, and win prizes from: Doozies, Riverwood, Spinning Wheels, the Isabella County Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking, Bennigan’s, Big Boy, Big Apple Bagels, Italian Oven, Pixie, Ponderosa, Let’s Do the Dishes, even La Senorita.

Our summer schedules seem to fill up fast, and while stealing away for a few minutes with a good book is pretty easy, finding affordable events and activities can be a little more challenging. That’s why your Summer Reading Program has a summer full of FREE fun for all ages. No matter what your age, schedule, or availability there’s always something going on. There are Storytimes and Kid Stuff crafts, the CRDL Cinema will be open all summer long with free movie events for all ages, CRDL Summer Reading Program performers, special Teen Nights…they happen all summer long. The easiest thing to do is to pickup at CRDL Summer Reading Program schedule at any CRDL branch or click events at crdl.org, see what’s happening and make your plans to join us for CRDL Summer Reading Program Fun.
Each summer, more and more groups, businesses, and organizations realize the importance of reading as it relates to lifelong learning. Each summer our list of those who help make your Summer Reading Program possible grows. With the generosity of The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Art Reach of Mid Michigan, Logos Galore, and the Friends of the Veterans Memorial Library, this year’s Summer Reading Program promises to be the best yet.
Need help deciding what to read? That’s easy, new releases land on the shelves almost daily. Your old favorites are always available, and reference librarians are always willing to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Be Creative at Your Library this summer and see why everyone is saying I Love My Library.

CRDL Mad Science Lab

Another one of the CRDL Mad Scientists crazy experiments has escaped and he’s run off after it...leaving the door to the CRDL Mad Science Lab wide open. Stop in anytime today (Wednesday) between 3pm and 5pm and have fun with all the wild whatchamajiggies and crazy
concoctions he’s left lying around.

CRDL Dinner & Discussion Tonight at 6pm

CRDL Dinner and Discussion is a book discussion group for children in grades 5th-7th. Tonight we’ll discuss Zach’s Lie by Rolland Smith while munching on some free pizza. CRDL Dinner and Discussion happens tonight at 6pm at the Veterans Memorial Library branch of the Chippewa River District Library system.

Children and teens who actively participate in discussions about books they find interesting develop into critical and careful readers. They learn how to express their opinions in a group setting while developing the skills needed to articulate their own ideas about a variety of subjects.

Children’s and teen book discussion groups offer the opportunity to share and consider differing viewpoints and develop comprehensive and empathetic thinking skills in a relaxed setting.Participating in book discussion groups at an early age develops today’s readers into tomorrow’s leaders.

CRDL Adult Literacy Tutor Training

Hopefully you're already signed up. Free adult literacy tutor training starts tonight (Friday) at 6pm and again tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9am at the Veterans Memorial Library branch of the Chippewa River District Library system.

We'll see you there.

CRDL Mad Science Lab

One of the CRDL Mad Scientists crazy experiments has run off again and he's gone after it...leaving the door to the CRDL Mad Science Lab wide open. So we're inviting you to have some fun with the weird concoctions and crazy whatchamajiggies he's left lying around.

Stop by the Veterans Memorial Library branch of the Chippewa River District Library system Wednesday anytime between 3pm and 5pm on Wednesday April 29th and have some fun in the CRDL Mad Science Lab.

The CRDL Mad Science Lab is appropriate for all ages, but parents are encouraged to help their children with the experiments. Experiments are available on a first come first serve basis while supplies last.

Free Adult Literacy Tutor Training

Learn the skills necessary to help adults in our community improve their reading skills. There's still room. Call Linda at 989.773.3242 ext. 20 and tell her you want to become an adult literacy tutor.

CRDL Holiday Closing

All branches of the Chippewa River District Library system will be closing at Noon on Friday April 10th and will be closed all day on Sunday April 12th so that our Patrons and staff can spend the holiday's with their families and friends.

CRDL Dinner and Discussion...Tonight

CRDL Dinner and Discussion is a book discussion group for children in grades 5th-7th. Tonight we’ll discuss Chasing Vermeer while munching on some free pizza. CRDL Dinner and Discussion happens tonight at 6pm at the Veterans Memorial Library branch of the Chippewa River District Library system.

Children and teens who actively participate in discussions about books they find interesting develop into critical and careful readers. They learn how to express their opinions in a group setting while developing the skills needed to articulate their own ideas about a variety of subjects.

Children’s and teen book discussion groups offer the opportunity to share and consider differing viewpoints and develop comprehensive and empathetic thinking skills in a relaxed setting.
Participating in book discussion groups at an early age develops today’s readers into tomorrow’s leaders.

What do you want from your library?

2008 was an eventful year for the Chippewa River District Library. The millage passing in August means that basic operations have been secured for the next 10 years but many decisions still need to be made on how to best utilize the library’s limited resources. The needs of the community as well as the ability of the library to meet those needs have changed since our last plan in 2002. Throughout 2009 the CRDL will be looking for community input to help the library Board of Directors decide how to best maximize library resources to meet current community needs. To do this, we will be undertaking the Public Library Association’s Strategic Planning for Results to develop a plan for the next three years.

We will rely on a committee that will be a combination of people who can speak for all the constituencies in our community and who can reflect the demographics of the community. The focus of the planning committee will be to defne a vision for the community, identify what needs to happen to reach that vision, and how the library can make a contribution toward achieving that vision.

We are also fortunate to have the Central Michigan University Center for Applied Research and Rural Studies working on a community wide survey about library services and community needs to help collect more statistical information. The results of that study will be used by the Strategic Planning Community Committee to help make their recommendations to the Library Board of Directors.

If you're interested in more information about the library's Strategic Planning, click the Strategic Planning button at crdl.org, and click to read the article from the Morning Sun.

CRDL Twilight DVD Premiere

The best selling book by Stephenie Meyer turned blockbuster movie is being released to DVD on Saturday March 21st and your Chippewa River District Library is celebrating. Saturday the 21st, we’re going to keep the lights on after hours and show Twilight on the big screen in the CRDL Annex Meeting Room.

The CRDL Twilight DVD Premiere is free, but seating is limited. The doors to the CRDL Annex Meeting Room will open at 5:30pm. We’ll pop the popcorn, you just come and enjoy Twilight on the big screen.

At the end of the night someone will go home with their own copy of the DVD so don’t forget to register to win.

Celebrating March

Chocolate-chip cookies, Kevlar, potato chip bags and windshield wipers. What do these things have in common? Each was invented by a woman!

Last week, we at CRDL told you March is National Reading Month. Did you know March is Women’s History Month, too? The best part is CRDL has resources for you to learn all about it!

We promise history can be interesting. For example, Hillary Clinton is widely recognized for her campaign for President, but she wasn’t the first to make the run. Way back in 1872, Victoria Woodhull ran for President of the United States–and this was before women could vote! You can read all about her in “A Woman for President: The Story of Victoria Woodhull,” by Kathleen Krull.

I bet there’s a lot more you might not know about women’s history. Luckily, CRDL has many exciting books for you to check out!

Tonya Bolden’s “33 Things Every Girl Should Know About Women’s History” uses poems, essays, letters and photographs to help you learn tons of great facts and important female figures throughout American history.

Other great books to look for include Louise Bernikow’s “The American Women’s Almanac: An Inspiring and Irreverent Women’s History,” Virginia Law Burns’ “Bold Women in Michigan History” and Constance Jones’ “1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Women’s History.”

It’s fun to learn even more about all the well-known women in history, too. CRDL has lots to choose from, including books on Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, Madame C.J. Walker, Amelia Earhart, Pocahontas and tons more.

With so much to read for Women’s History Month, it should be easy finishing your four books for CRDL’s Books Are Lifesavers. Don’t forget to pick up your log sheets today at Veterans Memorial Library or Faith Johnston Memorial Library. After completing and logging four books, bring in your sheet, because you’ll be very sweetly rewarded.

As always, great books, fun events and awesome activities can be found by visiting our newly-designed Web site at crdl.org. You’ll see why everyone’s saying, “I Love My Library!”

CRDL Music & Movement "Dance Party"

It's a CRDL Dance Party. We'll open the doors to this special edition of CRDL Music and Movement on Wednesday March 11th at 10:15am at Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant.

Sing and dance with your child! Wave some ribbons, play with scarves, tap some rhythm sticks, and shake some shaker eggs. What do music and paper plates have in common? Find out! Let your inner child come out and play as you help your child develop the ability to learn!

Children are born with the ability to respond to music and sound. That means that before a child learns to speak, they connect with song and sound. Active participation in musical activities alters the anatomy of the brain. Early musical experiences intensify the development of interconnections between brain cells (neuronal synapses). Essentially, early musical experiences enhance a child’s ability to think, learn, reason and create.

For music to have a profound effect on brain development, a child must physically engage in musical activities. They need to feel, make, hear, and memorize sounds and patterns; they need to sing, clap, dance, and remember movements. Musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with processing language.

• Young children with developed rhythm skills perform better academically.


• Music is now being recognized as a form of intelligence, not just a manifestation of it.


• Music enhances brain development


• Music improves your child’s memory, problem solving techniques, understanding and recollection


• Dancing, clapping and other choreographed physical movements develops a child’s fine and gross motor skills


• Music aids language development

CRDL Music and Movement for children up to 5 years old.

CRDL Music and Movement happens the second Wednesday of the month at 10:15am at the Veterans Memorial Library branch of the Chippewa River District Library System (dates may occasionally vary, call 989.773.3242 or click http://crdl.org/ to verify)

March is National Reading Month

March is National Reading Month. There's no better time to introduce young children to the early literacy skills they will need to succeed as adults. Early literacy is what children know about reading before they can actually read and write. Research shows that children get ready to read years before they start school. You, as parents, set the first example your child has at learning important skills that will help them become great readers. There are six pre-reading skills that children start learning from birth. They are:

Narrative skills - Being able to describe things and events and tell stories.

Print motivation - Being interested in and enjoying books.

Vocabulary - Knowing the names of things.

Phonological awareness - Being able to hear and play with the smaller sounds in words.

Letter knowledge - Knowing letters are different from each other, knowing their names and sounds and recognizing letters everywhere.

Print awareness - Noticing print, knowing how to handle a book and knowing how to follow the words on a page.

At each different variation of CRDL Storytime, we pick one or two of the six pre-reading skills and put together a series of stories, music and activities designed to develop those particular skills. While we can't focus on all six skills at once, we make it a priority to spotlight at least one or two of the skills at each CRDL Storytime and give parents ideas of how to work on developing those skills at home. CRDL Storytime, designed for preschool aged children, happens each Monday and Thursday at 10:15 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant, and each Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Faith Johnston Memorial Library in Rosebush. CRDL Lapsit Storytime happens the last Wednesday of each month at 10:15 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant. CRDL Lapsit Storytime is designed for children up to two years old. CRDL Music and Movement, an additional variation of the CRDL Storytime, is designed for children up to five years old and happens the second Wednesday of each month at 10:15 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Library.

To help celebrate March is National Reading Month, we're asking you to read as if your life depends on it. In fact we're claiming that Books are Lifesavers. You can pick up your reading log sheets at either Veterans Memorial Library or Faith Johnston Memorial Library and start reading. Finish four books during the month of March, and we'll reward you with free Lifesavers candy, kind of a sweet way to celebrate National Reading Month. Stop by either branch to pick up your log sheets today and start reading as if your life depends on it, because Books are Lifesavers.

There are a lot more fun events and activities on the calendar at your Chippewa River District Library. Click events on the newly redesigned crdl.org website and see why everyone's saying "I Love My Library".