Storytimes near PORTAGE DISTRICT LIBRARY

Portage District Library, *Long/Austin/Sugarloaf/West Lake Rooms

Incoming Fall 2026 young 5s, Kindergarteners, first graders and second graders are invited to attend "Winter Activities" during the summer. REGISTRATION REQUIRED This program is designed for children entering Young 5s, Kindergarten, 1st grade or 2nd grade in the Fall of 2026. There will be station-based activities, including art stations, movement stations and other surprises. This activity is not designed or appropriate for younger children. ACCOMMODATIONS If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Annette Wendt at awendt@portagelibrary.info in advance of your visit or the Youth Department at 269-585-8740.

Portage District Library, **Maker Space

Join us for an art project in the Makerspace! Jamie McKinney, Makerspace Coordinator, will lead you through a printmaking lesson. This event is for youth, 9 to 12 years old. REGISTRATION REQUIRED Join Makerspace Coordinator for a hands-on printmaking project. All materials will be provided. No prior experience needed. Learn more about youth art lessons and mixed media at Creativebug . What to bring All materials are provided. Patrons may consider bringing an apron or wearing clothes that can get dirty. Accommodations If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Jamie McKinney for assistance in advance of your visit. Location Details This event will take place in the Makerspace, room 213 on the main level of the library.

Portage District Library, **Maker Space

Staff are available in the Makerspace during these hours to help you with a project or using our equipment. Work independently or take advantage of the knowledge of the staff to learn something new. Any time the library is open and we don't have a scheduled program in the Makerspace, you are welcome to use this space for a project. So me of our equipment requires staff to be present, so you should make an appointment with our staff . You can also reserve a Creation Station computer to work on digitization projects. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Jamie McKinney in advance of your visit. Location Details: Makerspace/Creation Stations toward the back of the main level of the library.

Portage District Library, *Long/Austin/Sugarloaf/West Lake Rooms

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Portage District Library

Join Steve Rossio for a historical walking tour of Portage's City Center. Registration Required Please note, these tours are 30 minutes long To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we will be celebrating locally with a historical City Center Tour of Portage. Join local historian, Steve Rossio, for a walking tour of what Portage would have looked like in bygone days. We will meet at the Veterans' Monument and tours will run in three slots. Please sign up for one of these three slots: 10:00 AM- 10:30 AM 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM We will start the tour by meeting in front of the Veterans' Monument. NOTE: Tours will be cancelled in the event of severe, inclement weather. We will post cancellation on social media and in this event listing. Please bring sunscreen, hats, comfortable shoes, and sunglasses as the library will not be providing protection from the sun. Tour Stops STOP 1: Portage Center Hotel STOP 2: First Portage Police Department STOP 3: Church Development, Parsonages, and Cable Building STOP 4: Methodist Church, District No. 5 One Room School, and Portage Central STOP 5: New Farmers' Market, Township Hall, Portage Garage, Masonic Temple, and Wolbers' Grocery Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access to the locations visited, please email Rachael Wiegmann in advance of your visit. Location Details: This event will be take place as a walking tour through Portage's City Center. Event Contact: Rachael Wiegmann

First Reformed Church of Portage's Side Lawn, First Reformed Church of Portage\'s Side Lawn

Join Jerry Berg and friends for this educational and entertaining experience! On July 11th, step back in time to the era of the American Revolutionary War as we host the "Revolutionary Encampments at Portage." Join Jerry Berg and friends for an educational and entertaining experience. Walk through military encampments of the Revolutionary War and talk with reenactors on the British and American sides as they share their perspectives on the war. Stick around, as the two sides will skirmish! The spirit of the Revolution is alive in Portage! Please bring sunscreen, hats, comfortable shoes, and sunglasses, etc., as the library will not be providing protection from the sun. Accommodations: All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Rachael Wiegmann at rwiegmann@portagelibrary.info or Steve Rossio at srossio@portagelibrary.info in advance of your visit. Event Contact: Rachael Wiegmannn or Steve Rossio Location Details: This event will take place as a walking tour through Portage's City Center.

Portage District Library, **Maker Space

Staff are available in the Makerspace during these hours to help you with a project or using our equipment. Work independently or take advantage of the knowledge of the staff to learn something new. Any time the library is open and we don't have a scheduled program in the Makerspace, you are welcome to use this space for a project. So me of our equipment requires staff to be present, so you should make an appointment with our staff . You can also reserve a Creation Station computer to work on digitization projects. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Jamie McKinney in advance of your visit. Location Details: Makerspace/Creation Stations toward the back of the main level of the library.

Portage District Library

Join Steve Rossio for a historical walking tour of Portage's City Center. Please note that the tours are 30 minutes Registration Required To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we will be celebrating locally with a historical City Center Tour of Portage. Join local historian, Steve Rossio, for a walking tour of what Portage would have looked like in bygone days. We will meet at the Veterans' Monument and tours will run in three slots. Please sign up for one of these three slots: 10:00 AM- 10:30 AM 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM We will start the tour by meeting in front of the Veterans' Monument. NOTE: Tours will be cancelled in the event of severe, inclement weather. We will post cancellation on social media and in this event listing. Please bring sunscreen, hats, comfortable shoes, and sunglasses as the library will not be providing protection from the sun. Tour Stops STOP 1: Portage Center Hotel STOP 2: First Portage Police Department STOP 3: Church Development, Parsonages, and Cable Building STOP 4: Methodist Church, District No. 5 One Room School, and Portage Central STOP 5: New Farmers' Market, Township Hall, Portage Garage, Masonic Temple, and Wolbers' Grocery Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access to the locations visited, please email Rachael Wiegmann in advance of your visit. Location Details: This event will be take place as a walking tour through Portage's City Center. Event Contact: Rachael Wiegmannn

Portage District Library

Join Steve Rossio for a historical walking tour of Portage's City Center. Please note that this tour is 30 minutes Registration Required To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we will be celebrating locally with a historical City Center Tour of Portage. Join local historian, Steve Rossio, for a walking tour of what Portage would have looked like in bygone days. We will meet at the Veterans' Monument and tours will run in three slots. Please sign up for one of these three slots: 10:00 AM- 10:30 AM 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM We will start the tour by meeting in front of the Veterans' Monument. NOTE: Tours will be cancelled in the event of severe, inclement weather. We will post cancellation on social media and in this event listing. Please bring sunscreen, hats, comfortable shoes, and sunglasses as the library will not be providing protection from the sun. Tour Stops STOP 1: Portage Center Hotel STOP 2: First Portage Police Department STOP 3: Church Development, Parsonages, and Cable Building STOP 4: Methodist Church, District No. 5 One Room School, and Portage Central STOP 5: New Farmers' Market, Township Hall, Portage Garage, Masonic Temple, and Wolbers' Grocery Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access to the locations visited, please email Rachael Wiegmann in advance of your visit. Location Details: This event will be take place as a walking tour through Portage's City Center. Event Contact: Rachael Wiegmannn

Portage District Library, *Long/Austin/Sugarloaf/West Lake Rooms,Café

Children will have an opportunity to practice Kindergarten skills at the library. Registration Required This program is designed for children entering Kindergarten this fall to practice Kindergarten skills, including fine motor skills, teamwork and taking turns, listening to a teacher, lining up, and more. Children will join a small group of other new Kindergarten students for brief activities, ending in a snack time in our cafe. Caregivers will have the opportunity to observe the class from a separate room. This is one of two repeated sessions of this program. The other program will be offered the same day from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Please only register your student if they have not attended a prior session. Accommodations All participants entering Kindergarten in Fall 2026 are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Emily Mingle at emingle@portagelibrary.info or (269) 585-8720 in advance of your visit.

Portage District Library, **Maker Space

Staff are available in the Makerspace during these hours to help you with a project or using our equipment. Work independently or take advantage of the knowledge of the staff to learn something new. Any time the library is open and we don't have a scheduled program in the Makerspace, you are welcome to use this space for a project. So me of our equipment requires staff to be present, so you should make an appointment with our staff . You can also reserve a Creation Station computer to work on digitization projects. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Jamie McKinney in advance of your visit. Location Details: Makerspace/Creation Stations toward the back of the main level of the library.

Portage District Library, *Long/Austin/Sugarloaf/West Lake Rooms,Café

Children will have an opportunity to practice Kindergarten skills at the library. Registration Required This program is designed for children entering Kindergarten this fall to practice Kindergarten skills, including fine motor skills, teamwork and taking turns, listening to a teacher, lining up, and more. Children will join a small group of other new Kindergarten students for brief activities, ending in a snack time in our cafe. Caregivers will have the opportunity to observe the class from a separate room. This is one of two repeated sessions of this program. The other program will be offered the same day from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Please only register your student if they have not attended a prior session. Accommodations All participants entering Kindergarten in Fall 2026 are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Emily Mingle at emingle@portagelibrary.info or (269) 585-8720 in advance of your visit.

Portage District Library, **Maker Space

Staff are available in the Makerspace during these hours to help you with a project or using our equipment. Work independently or take advantage of the knowledge of the staff to learn something new. Any time the library is open and we don't have a scheduled program in the Makerspace, you are welcome to use this space for a project. So me of our equipment requires staff to be present, so you should make an appointment with our staff . You can also reserve a Creation Station computer to work on digitization projects. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Jamie McKinney in advance of your visit. Location Details: Makerspace/Creation Stations toward the back of the main level of the library.

Portage District Library, **Maker Space

Staff are available in the Makerspace during these hours to help you with a project or using our equipment. Work independently or take advantage of the knowledge of the staff to learn something new. Any time the library is open and we don't have a scheduled program in the Makerspace, you are welcome to use this space for a project. So me of our equipment requires staff to be present, so you should make an appointment with our staff . You can also reserve a Creation Station computer to work on digitization projects. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Jamie McKinney in advance of your visit. Location Details: Makerspace/Creation Stations toward the back of the main level of the library.

Portage District Library, *Austin/Sugarloaf & West Lake Rooms

These registration-required storytimes are designed for children ages 5 and under, but children of all ages are always welcome. Registration Required Registration Instructions: Please register EVERYONE in your group. Register yourself, then click "Add More People" to register each child and additional adults. Class size is limited to 50 people. Accommodations: If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Kristy Zeluff in advance of your visit.

Portage District Library, *Austin/Sugarloaf & West Lake Rooms

These registration-required storytimes are designed for children ages 5 and under, but children of all ages are always welcome. Registration Required Registration Instructions: Please register EVERYONE in your group. Register yourself, then click "Add More People" to register each child and additional adults. Class size is limited to 50 people. Accommodations: If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Kristy Zeluff in advance of your visit.

Portage District Library, **Maker Space

Staff are available in the Makerspace during these hours to help you with a project or using our equipment. Work independently or take advantage of the knowledge of the staff to learn something new. Any time the library is open and we don't have a scheduled program in the Makerspace, you are welcome to use this space for a project. So me of our equipment requires staff to be present, so you should make an appointment with our staff . You can also reserve a Creation Station computer to work on digitization projects. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Jamie McKinney in advance of your visit. Location Details: Makerspace/Creation Stations toward the back of the main level of the library.

Portage District Library, *Austin & Sugarloaf Lake Rooms

Join Apral Milan-Corcoran from Sunshine and Pebbles, LLC for an hour of invitational movement. Registration Required A slow and gentle flow to ease yourself into your week. Take the time to care for yourself with some invitational movement, meditation and rest. Ending with an optional lavender essential oil head towel. This program will take place on carpeted floor. If you require extra padding, please consider bringing blankets or yoga mats. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Rachael Wiegmann for assistance in advance of your visit. Location Details: Austin and Sugarloaf Rooms are located on the lower level of the library. Event Contact: Rachael Wiegmann

Portage District Library, **Maker Space

Jamie McKinney, Makerspace Coordinator, will guide you through a short tour of the Makerspace. Registration is Required Get to know the resources you have at the Portage District Library Makerspace! We will give a quick tour of the space, introducing you to each machine with an example of what it can do. This is a great time to get ideas and have your questions answered. This is a tour only. Participants will not be creating a product. If event registration is full, check our event calendar for next month's repeat of this session. Instructor Bio Jamie McKinney has been an art educator for over 17 years and has been working in the Makerspace since October of 2025. When not in the Portage Makerspace, she works in her home ceramics studio or is out riding her bike. Accommodations If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Jamie McKinney by email in advance of your visit. Location Details: This event will take place in the Makerspace, room 213 on the main level of the library. Seating is available.

Portage District Library, *Austin/Sugarloaf & West Lake Rooms

Enjoy a presentation about the library's registered Monarch Waystation, what is does to support monarch butterflies and other pollinators and then go outside to see what's currently in bloom. Registration Required Join Portage District Library staff and native plant enthusiast Quyen Edwards on a tour of the library's Monarch Waystation and native plantings. Meet in the lower-level meeting rooms for a presentation about how the library started its Monarch Waystation, the native plants growing on the property, and learn how you can support butterflies, moths, and other pollinators in your own backyard. We will then go outside to explore what is currently in bloom. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Quyen Edwards for assistance.

Portage District Library, **Maker Space

Staff are available in the Makerspace during these hours to help you with a project or using our equipment. Work independently or take advantage of the knowledge of the staff to learn something new. Any time the library is open and we don't have a scheduled program in the Makerspace, you are welcome to use this space for a project. So me of our equipment requires staff to be present, so you should make an appointment with our staff . You can also reserve a Creation Station computer to work on digitization projects. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Jamie McKinney in advance of your visit. Location Details: Makerspace/Creation Stations toward the back of the main level of the library.

Portage District Library, *Austin/Sugarloaf & West Lake Rooms

Join us for stories, songs and fun. Activities are designed for children ages 5 and under, but children of all ages are always welcome. Registration is not required. Join us with your little ones for a bedtime storytime. We will enjoy many of the same songs, stories and games that we do at our morning storytimes, but with a mellow, bedtime vibe. Accommodations: If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Kristy Zeluff in advance of your visit.

Portage District Library, Makerspace

There is a library sponsored event using the Makerspace for a program today. Any time the library is open and we don't have a scheduled program in the Makerspace, you are welcome to use this space for a project. So me of our equipment requires staff to be present, so you should make an appointment with our staff . You can also reserve a Creation Station computer to work on digitization projects. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Jamie McKinney in advance of your visit. Location Details: Makerspace/Creation Stations toward the back of the main level of the library.

Portage District Library, **Maker Space

Create a fresh floral arrangement under the direction of a floral designer! Students ages 9-12 will learn how to properly prepare a container and select appropriately sized flowers and greens. REGISTRATION REQUIRED Each participant will design their own arrangement using a step-by-step modeled approach. Participants are invited to display their creations at the Flower Show or take them home. Creations left on display can be picked up on Monday, July 20th. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Quyen Edwards in advance of your visit. Location Details: Makerspace is toward the back of the main level of the library.

Portage District Library, Café & Lower- Level Community Rooms

Free flower show featuring hundreds of horticultural specimens, creative floral designs, botanical photography, youth exhibits, and guided tours of the library's native wildflower gardens. The show offers something for everyone — from experienced gardeners to families, looking for a fun and educational outing together. Children and adults alike will find opportunities to be inspired by the beauty and creativity of summer gardens. Visitors can also vote for a People’s Choice Award! The show is organized into four divisions: horticulture, design, education, and botanical arts. NGC flower shows, such as ours, adhere to standard rules set forth by the National Garden Clubs guidelines and are judged by accredited NGC judges. Held nationwide, these shows educate the public about plants, gardening, the environment, and highlight opportunities to get involved with local garden clubs and the community. Community members are invited to participate. Entry details and deadlines are available at the Kalamazoo Garden Council's website. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Quyen Edwards in advance of your visit. Location Details: Café and lower-level community rooms.

Portage District Library, Café & Lower- Level Community Rooms

Free flower show featuring hundreds of horticultural specimens, creative floral designs, botanical photography, youth exhibits, and guided tours of the library's native wildflower gardens. The show offers something for everyone — from experienced gardeners to families, looking for a fun and educational outing together. Children and adults alike will find opportunities to be inspired by the beauty and creativity of summer gardens. Visitors can also vote for a People’s Choice Award! The show is organized into four divisions: horticulture, design, education, and botanical arts. NGC flower shows, such as ours, adhere to standard rules set forth by the National Garden Clubs guidelines and are judged by accredited NGC judges. Held nationwide, these shows educate the public about plants, gardening, the environment, and highlight opportunities to get involved with local garden clubs and the community. Community members are invited to participate. Entry details and deadlines are available at the Kalamazoo Garden Council's website. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Quyen Edwards in advance of your visit. Location Details: Café and lower-level community rooms.

Portage District Library, Main Level Conference Room 220

KMUG meetings begin with a presentation of a software program, computer, or accessory by an experienced club member. The meeting continues with a "Help Session." Beginners on Macs are welcome. No registration is required. This drop-in group meets on the third Saturday of each month (except in December, when it meets on the second Saturday). Kalamazoo Macintosh Users Group kindly requests that you wear a mask while attending this program. Thank you! Event Contact : Rachael Wiegmann Location details: Long Lake Room, located on the lower level of the library. Accommodations : All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at rwiegmann@portagelibrary.info in advance of your visit.

Portage District Library, **Maker Space

Your child will be creating self-designed blooms from recycled household materials. A parent/guardian must remain in attendance with their child. REGISTRATION REQUIRED As part of this program, children will learn about the basic parts of a flower. Upon completion, the fancy blooms will be "planted" into a recycled barnwood planter box which will be put on display as part of the Kalamazoo Garden Council Flower Show. Participants are invited to display their creations at the Flower Show or take them home. Creations left on display can be picked up on Monday, July 20th. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Quyen Edwards in advance of your visit. Location Details: Makerspace is toward the back of the main level of the library.

Portage District Library, **Maker Space

Staff are available in the Makerspace during these hours to help you with a project or using our equipment. Work independently or take advantage of the knowledge of the staff to learn something new. Any time the library is open and we don't have a scheduled program in the Makerspace, you are welcome to use this space for a project. So me of our equipment requires staff to be present, so you should make an appointment with our staff . You can also reserve a Creation Station computer to work on digitization projects. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Jamie McKinney in advance of your visit. Location Details: Makerspace/Creation Stations toward the back of the main level of the library.

Portage District Library, **Maker Space

Staff are available in the Makerspace during these hours to help you with a project or using our equipment. Work independently or take advantage of the knowledge of the staff to learn something new. Any time the library is open and we don't have a scheduled program in the Makerspace, you are welcome to use this space for a project. So me of our equipment requires staff to be present, so you should make an appointment with our staff . You can also reserve a Creation Station computer to work on digitization projects. Accommodations All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Jamie McKinney in advance of your visit. Location Details: Makerspace/Creation Stations toward the back of the main level of the library.