Genesee District Library (GDL) has a whole world of education and entertainment, and it’s all free with your library card: eBooks, audio books, movies, music, magazines, TV series, comics and graphic novels are available digitally, in the comfort of your home. With a library card, there’s a wealth of free entertainment and resources available to you. You can also stop by one of the 19 branches and check out DVDs, video games, CDs, large-type books, magazines, games, toys and books.
GDL also offers a wide variety of great programs including story times, technology, STEM, concerts, fitness, cooking, magic, nature, gardening, animals, drama, art, puppets, chemistry, history, crafts, college prep, book sales and more.
My City met up with GDL Community Relations Manager Kelly Flynn to chat about the history of the library and some of the exciting things happening there.
Tell us about the history of the Genesee District Library.
We are a public library system serving residents of Genesee County. The GDL service area covers all communities within the county with the exception of the City of Flint, which is served by the Flint Public Library. The GDL system consists of 19 locations, and includes the Robert T. Bolo Business Center (Grand Blanc-McFarlen), and Talking Book Center Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped (Headquarters).
Over one million visits are made annually to the GDL for books, movies, music, technology and programs. Residents within the service area also have online access to books and music.
The GDL was formed on January 1, 1980 through a partnership between Genesee County and Grand Blanc Township. Governed by an eight-member volunteer board, it is funded by a county-wide millage (excluding the City of Flint). An additional 0.25 mills was approved in May, 2011. The last millage renewal was in August, 2016. The remaining revenue comes from fees and fines, state aid, grants and gifts.
What types of educational programs are offered and at what locations?
We offer a wide variety of educational programs on every topic!
We typically have approximately 12 weekly children’s Story Times happening at various branches around Genesee County. In our “Paws to Read” program, children can practice reading aloud to certified therapy dogs. We also offer “Mini Yogi & Me”, a yoga-based story time for children.
Also available at the library is “Folklore for Adults with Disabilities” which is an interactive program. The library also holds four reading challenges per year.
At several local senior centers, GDL offers technology tutoring on topics like Smartphone Basics, Cybersecurity, Cord-Cutting (ditching cable TV), Using Facebook, Digital Couponing and “What is AI?” We also offer many 3D printing classes and technology tutoring at Flint Township-McCarty, Burton Memorial and William F. Delaney Headquarters Library.
“If you don’t have a library card, you are missing out on TONS of free entertainment and resources!”
Kelly Flynn, GDL Community Relations Manager
GDL partners with Sloan Longway Museum to provide many educational, hands-on programs in our 19 branches.
Fenton-Winegarden, Montrose-Jennings and Forest Township have “Seed Libraries” and we offer many gardening programs such as seed-saving, lawn alternatives, and native landscaping.
We offer genealogy programs, host cooking demonstrations, and have held several programs on how to draw comics, manga, and graphic novels.
Our recent programs include: Rosie the Riveter, Juneteenth, Quest for Morel Mushrooms, Autism, Women’s Self Defense and Car Maintenance. The list is long and changes constantly.
What are some of the most popular educational programs?
All of the story times are very popular, and our programs about animals always pack the house – they are very educational and fun! Our animal programs include “Bunny Rabbit Roundup”, “Animals and our Environment”, “Reptiles from Around the World” and “Wild Dogs of Michigan.” We have educational programs for all age groups.
Tell us about the library’s virtual programs.
Each month, we offer a few virtual programs on topics we think will interest a lot of people. The beauty of virtual is that you can participate from the comfort of your home. Often, we’re able to leave the program online for a period of time, so if you miss it, you can view it later.
For more information, visit: thegdl.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GDL24_The_Nineteen_Summer.pdf
thegdl.org/events for the Calendar of Events
What are some of the programs that will be offered in the fall?
Here are a few of the things we’ve booked for fall:
Small Business Administration Workshop
- Mon., September 9 – 6pm
- Grand Blanc-McFarlen
- The “SBA 101 Programs and Services Workshop” will discuss free resources for new or existing business owners, accessing capital for funding a business, federal contracting to do business with the government, and disaster assistance in the event of a natural disaster.
Comic Book Workshop + Portfolio Review
- Sat., September 14 – 11am
- Grand Blanc-McFarlen
- J.R. Harris, a full-time artist based in Flint, gives insights into the world of comics.
Autism: Helping Family and Friends with Micro-Accommodations
- Tues., September 25 – 6pm
- Goodrich Library
- A general overview of neurodiversity and autism, this presentation details “micro-accommodations” or real-world strategies to accommodate neurodiverse family and friends.
“Under The Radar Michigan” – How It All Started
- Sat., September 28 – 2pm
- Grand Blanc-McFarlen
- Ever wonder how two regular guys ended up with a popular PBS TV show and book that feature the cool people, places and things that make Michigan a great place to be? Well, if you’d like to find out, join Tom Daldin and Jim Edelman for an inspirational story of reinvention and discovery.
Poetry Reading and Author Talk
- Mon., October 21 – 6pm
- Grand Blanc-McFarlen
- Brittany Rogers discusses her new poetry collection Good Dress documenting the extravagant beauty of Black relationships, language and community.
Paranormal History: Michigan’s Haunted Bars & Pubs
- Wed., October 23 – 6pm
- Davison Area Library
- Haunted history comes alive in this event hosted by a real paranormal investigator.
Cooking with Ming: Ratatouille Crêpe
- Tues., October 29 – 5:30pm
- Forest Township Library (Otisville)
- Our favorite chef, Ming Louie, will teach you to make a delicious Ratatouille Crêpe.
The GDL is so much more than you think – so, get yourself a library card and get ready to have some fun!
