Everyone Gathers to Read 2011

Lego Sculpture Contest Voting Area

Posted on March 24, 2011 by everyonegatherstoread2011

Hello everyone,

Each of the 14 Lego sculptures was assigned an entry number. Please vote through comments below this blog post, using that number, for the sculpture you think most embodies the Everyone Gathers To Read theme this year: Unity-What Unites Us All? You may vote one time per creation per day until March 31, 2011

Winners will be announced April 1, 2011. The 2 entries with the most votes tallied will receive gift cards to a local store.

The photos may be viewed through the Kent District Library – East Grand Rapids Branch Facebook album link below. Please return to this blog post to actually cast your votes if you do not have a Facebook account.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=63390&id=117737424919771&l=cb0a5801d7

April 1, 2011 – Voting is now closed. First place winner was City Unified by Calvin Tran. Second place tie between A Better World by Shemma Tigchelpot and Mi ghty Man of Green by Vu Tran. Congratulations and thanks to all our participants!

Legos Unite Us All!

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Welcome to our Everyone Gathers to Read Discussion Forum!

Posted on February 10, 2011 by everyonegatherstoread2011

We hope you take some time to enjoy our month-long celebration of reading, culture and the arts at the East Grand Rapids branch of the Kent District Library. Enjoy reading the books and participating in the activities, contests and programs inspired by them.

Please take time to read through the contents of this blog so that you can take full advantage of all the Everyone Gathers to Read opportunities. We hope to see you soon at the library!

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Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Posted on February 10, 2011 by everyonegatherstoread2011

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson, was selected this year because of its poignant and humorous examination of one man’s response to the cultural and generational changes occurring in his community and in the larger world. We hope you take some time to enjoy Major Pettigrew, Mrs. Ali, and the other assorted characters of Edgecombe St. Mary. And please take some time to tell us what you think about the book.

Some questions to consider: (made available by www.litlovers.com)

1. Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali have known one another for a time. What is it about this one moment, when he opens the door to her at the story’s onset, that makes him fall in love with her?

2. How would you describe Major Pettigrew? In what way do we see him as “typically English”?

3. Reading and love of books play a defining role in how we are to perceive characters in this book. What are the differences in reading habits among Roger, Mrs. Ali, and Major Pettigrew?

4. How does Helen Simonson portray Americans in this novel? Is it a fair depiction…or overdrawn?

5. How are outsiders treated in this village…and who are considered outsiders?

6. Small mindedness is an underlying motif in this book. Who in the novel is small-minded? How does this parochialism lead to misunderstanding?

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Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

Posted on February 10, 2011 by everyonegatherstoread2011

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox, illustrations by Leslie Staub, was selected this year because of its bold, colorful pictures and its simple strong message about our global society and the humanity that ties us all together. We hope you are inspired by this book and encourage you to share your unique self through poetry, photography or bookmark design. Wherever you are, we hope you take time to enjoy this stunning book with the people who are important in your world.

Please share your thoughts about this book.

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Everyone Gathers to Read Contests

Posted on February 10, 2011 by everyonegatherstoread2011

Photo Contest: Get out your cameras and take up to three photos using Whoever You Are by Mem Fox as inspiration. For adults, teens and kids of all ages.

Photo submissions (at least 4X6 in size) will be accepted March 1—20, 2011, at the East Grand Rapids Branch of the Kent District Library. A digital copy should also be submitted to EGRreads@gmail.com.
Submissions become the property of Kent District Library and will not be returned. Be sure to make a copy for yourself.
Winning Entries will be displayed in the library and celebrated at the Everyone Gathers to Read Finale Party at the East Grand Rapids Library. Details and applications are available at the East Grand Rapids Branch.
Winners will be announced by Friday, March 25, 2011, and will receive a gift card.

Bookmark Contest: Design up to three bookmarks using Whoever You Are by Mem Fox as inspiration. For adults, teens and kids of all ages.

Bookmarks may be submitted between March 1 and March 21, 2011 at the EGR Branch of the Kent District Library.
Submissions become the property of Kent District Library and will not be returned. Be sure to make a copy for yourself.
Several bookmarks will be selected and printed for distribution at the Everyone Gathers to Read Finale Party. Details, bookmark templates and applications are available at the East Grand Rapids Branch.
Winners will be announced by March 25, 2011, and will receive a gift card.

Poetry Contest: Write up to three poems using Whoever You Are by Mem Fox as inspiration. For adults, teens and kids of all ages.

Poems may be submitted between March 1 and March 21, 2011 at the EGR Branch of the Kent District Library. Also send a digital copy to EGRreads@gmail.com.
Submissions become the property of Kent District Library and will not be returned. Be sure to make a copy for yourself.
Several poems will be selected and printed for distribution at the Everyone Gathers to Read Finale Party. Details and applications are available at the East Grand Rapids Branch.
Winners will be announced by March 25, 2011, and will receive a gift card.

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Events for Adults

Posted on February 10, 2011 by everyonegatherstoread2011

Tea & Titles: Come for a Spice Merchants tea tasting event in the Parks and Recreation room 102. Enjoy experiencing and learning about different types of teas, and then sit back and enjoy as we offer you a taste of titles that would make great spring reading. Registration is required. Thursday, March 17, 12:00pm

Visit Spice Merchants online at

https://secure.spicemerchants.biz/sm/

LEGO Sculpture Contest: Create a LEGO sculpture at the library! We provide the LEGOs, you provide the creativity and skill! LEGO sculptures will be put on display and voted on by the public. Winners of the contest will receive a gift certificate. Sunday, March 20 from 2:00pm-4:00pm