The Alto Library High

The Kent District Library (KDL) Alto Branch has been under the direction of Branch Manager Sandy Graham since 1991.  She loves what she does reaching out to people of all ages in the Alto area and beyond offering programs throughout the year.  There’s a feel of an old historic town around the site but inside the building amenities help patrons keep up in today’s technology rich world.

A Brief History
The Alto branch started in 1937 originally in the parlor of a farmhouse and joined KDL the following year.  Moving to another three separate locations on Linfield their current building has been home since 1996.  As with other libraries in the KDL family Alto provides a variety of free resources and programs.  

The branch likes to toot its whistle whenever it can on the subject of trains taking pride in its location.  Signs welcoming visitors to Alto have a train on them.  Some of the signage and artwork in the library have a locomotive theme.  The railroad track which runs near the branch is the highest spot on the line running from Grand Rapids to Detroit.  Alto received it’s name due to this high spot along the tracks as altus is Latin for high.  

Resources and Programs Educate and Entertain
Computers are available with internet access for those who have a need.  A kids’ area provides space for exploration and learning.  Adults can find a comfy spot to read a book or work on a personal laptop.  There really is something for everyone.

When asked about which programs are the most popular at the branch Graham says, “The favorites are anything with live animals.  That never fails to draw. A very close second are the magic shows.”  In July Outdoor Discovery Center and Magic by Renee Hudson entertained young audiences.  Both programs allowed for audience engagement and extracted laughs from kids and adults.  

The Snakes, Turtles, and Lizards, Oh My! program was presented by Outdoor Discovery Center from Holland.  Animals native to Michigan were shown to the audience.  Empty turtle shells and snake skin which had been shed was passed around.  The hosts also worked the crowd while holding various animals giving people a close up look.  At the end of the presentation kids were invited to touch a Box Turtle and Garter Snake.  

The Magic with a Smile event had Magic by Renee Hudson entertaining with her jokes and illusions.  Kids were eager to be participants as items disappeared, changed shape, and even appeared to go through a brave volunteer.  

Branch Manager Sandy Graham participates in a recent magic show.

This Thursday, July 20 starting at 1:30pm Street Theater with Master Arts takes the weekly program slot.  Kids will watch medieval street theater style performances of classic children’s stories, fables, and folktales.  A list of activities for all ages can be found on the Alto Library Branch portion of the KDL website.  

Check Out Your Library and Visit Another
KDL’s Alto branch isn’t too far from Lowell’s Englehardt branch.  Many of the programs at each branch do not overlap giving members of the Lowell community, and those visiting from other areas, twice the opportunities to participate in a variety of activities and presentations.  

In the fall Alto’s First Grader Card Party will help kick off the school year.  For the past three years Alto has joined KDL’s initiative to have all first grade students have a library card.  Students come to the library for a tour and are sent home with an invitation for a Card Party.  Anyone without a library card is invited to the party.  A representative from the Clarksville Library also participates as many of the Alto students live in Ionia County.  Activities and a hotdog cookout involve the Lions Club.  

Libraries provide valuable information throughout the year.  However, summer vacation from school is an important time for regular library visits.  “There is something called the ‘Summer Slide’, where students who don’t keep their minds engaged, lose not just information, but the ability to learn.” comments Graham.  “For students who haven’t been reading over the summer, it takes several weeks for them to relearn how to learn.  Twenty minutes a day, five days a week will prevent this from happening.”  Arrow Readers on the Move will be at the Alto branch next Tuesday from 6pm-8pm for the final two weeks of their program.  

Have you been into a KDL branch and noticed the ribbons on staff name tags with “400 Minutes” on them?  If kids read this much over the summer their minds will be ready for the start of school without having to relearn how to learn.  That’s just 20 minutes of reading five days a week.  Make reading fun by going to a park, sit along the Riverwalk, or find another fun and different spot to read.   

If you’re looking for activities any time of the year remember to check out what the library offers.  Alto’s library may not have the biggest footprint compared to other branches but it offers the same resources to its patrons.  

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