Education Everywhere — November is Native American Heritage Month and the Grand Rapids Public Library is promoting learning opportunities for kids and adults through books and events.
The library’s recommended reading lists provide options for people of all ages to learn more about Native American history and culture.
For kids, the staff at the GRPL Seymour branch put together this list of books. Young readers interested in local history can check out titles like “S is for Sleeping Bear Dunes,” by Kathy-jo Wargin. Middle school students with an interest in local tribes may be interested in “Deadly Aim: The Civil War Story of Michigan’s Anishinaabe Sharpshooters,” by Sally Walker. Also included are books by Sarah Tieck, each of which covers a different Native American nation, like the Sioux, Hopi and Blackfoot.
Adults are invited to learn more, too, with this reading list compiled by a librarian, including titles from Louise Erdrich and Danica Nava and a book of poetry.
Two GRPL branches are also hosting special educational events this month. On November 9, the Yankee Clipper Branch at 2025 Leonard St. NE will host an Indigenous fashion show from 6-7 p.m. On November 16, the main downtown library at 111 Library St. NE will hold a beadwork workshop for adults from 6-7 p.m.
These events are produced by Bead & Powwow Supply, an Indigenous-owned business in Grand Rapids.
