This year VBDL is bringing the world to Southwest Michigan with events inspired by countries around the globe!
Throughout 2023 we are inviting our patrons to travel Around the World with VBDL. To keep track of where you go, we will provide a VBDL passport. Inside the passport, one side will track countries and the other side will track continents. Every VBDL branch will have programming throughout the year covering different countries and in the summer each branch will cover a continent. Every time you travel to a country or continent (i.e. attend a program), you’ll get a stamp in your passport and a small prize! If you travel to at least 3 countries or at least 1 continent, you’ll get entered for a grand prize basket of snacks from around the world!
You can fill up your passport by traveling to countries or continents at any VBDL branch! So pack your bags and let’s go!
See the Around the World with VBDL events below or check on our online calendar for all of VBDL’s events!
Please note: Some events may need registration as space may be limited. Please check the online calendar or call the library to see if registration is needed.
Antwerp Sunshine Branch
Mexico
Tuesday, September 12, 5pm
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a snack and a craft!
Canada/United States
Tuesday, November 14, 5pm
Join us for snacks and a craft inspired by the incredible Niagara Falls.
Bloomingdale Branch
Chile
Monday, September 4, 6pm
Enjoy the traditional flavors of Chile during this Small Bite program for adults.
Iceland
All December long
See if you can find all the Yule Lads during a month long scavenger hunt. Yule lads are troll-like creatures from Iceland that cause mischief during the days leading up the Christmas. Can you catch Spoon Licker and Door Slammer and all their brothers?
Iceland
Tuesday, December 19, 6pm
Join us for an Icelandic Christmas Eve Book Tradition! Make a candle and a small fleece blanket and borrow a book to enjoy this cozy Icelandic Christmas tradition!
Covert Branch
Mexico
Friday, September 15, 3:30pm
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day at the Covert Library!
Chile
Saturday, October 14, 11:30pm
Travel to Chile and explore its food and culture!
Mexico
Tuesday, October 31, 3:30pm
It’s Día de los Muertos! Join us and celebrate this day of remembrance.
Gobles Branch
San Marino
Saturday, September 9, 11am
Stop by the library to make castles inspired by those in the beautiful microstate of San Marino!
Lawrence Branch
India
Tuesday, September 19, 3:30pm
Don your chefs hats and join us for Kids Cooking! We will be preparing a yummy treat from India, so stop by to learn cooking skills and try some new flavors!
Japan
Tuesday, October 17, 3:30pm
We’re back in the kitchen (well, the library) for Kids Cooking and we’re making delicious ramen!
Webster Memorial Branch
Nigeria
Monday, September 18, 6pm
Join us for a presentation from a special guest and learn about the food and culture of the Igbo people of Nigeria.
Egypt
Saturday, November 11, all day
Sign up and play by yourself or as a group while you solve puzzles inspired by ancient Egypt and see if you can escape the pharaoh’s tomb with your life!
