Portage District Library

We have loved seeing so many readers from the Youth and Teen Summer Reading Program come in this week for their first free book!

While we are closed today it is the perfect time to make sure your Beanstack account is up to date so when you come visit our Summer HQ you are ready to redeem any prizes you have earned!

Happy Reading!

Please note: The library will be closed tomorrow, Friday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth.

To learn more about the newest federal holiday, browse a Juneteenth page created by the National Museum of African American History & Culture at the link below https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth.

Revolutionary Encampments at Portage: Celebrate America's 250, Saturday, July 11th, 10 AM-4 PM. Join Jerry Berg and friends for this educational and entertaining experience! Swordsmanship Museum and Academy

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!

This event runs concurrently with the Historical City Center Walking Tours. You must register for tours. You can do so by visiting this link: https://portage.libnet.info/event/16133579

Please bring sunscreen, hats, comfortable shoes, and sunglasses, etc., as the library will not be providing protection from the sun.

For more information, please visit: https://events.portagelibrary.info/event/16312271

Chronicles of Cass County with Author Rose Mary Wood, Tuesday, July 7th @ 6:00 PM. Along the Indiana border in Southwest Michigan lies Cass County, a place rich in historical significance. Nearly one thousand freedom seekers on the underground railroad traveled through the area on their way to Canada. The first rendition of "The Old Rugged Cross" was sung in a local church before it became one of the best-loved gospel hymns in America. The first stop on the Orphan Train, which moved street orphans from New York City to homes across the Midwest, was in Dowagiac, and the invention of Kitty Litter by local Edward Lowe allowed cat lovers the world over to finally bring their furry friends in from the cold. Author Rose Mary Wood commemorates the events and individuals who left their mark on Cass County and the world. Registration is required.

To register or for further information, please visit:

Chronicles of Cass County Rose Mary Wood traces Cass County's rich history from the underground railroad to the wide-reaching achievements of individuals in this little known region.. Event starts at July 7, 2026 6:00 PM EDT

Recognizing Scams and Fraud with the Kalamazoo County Sherriff's Office, June 24th @ 6:00 PM. Join us for an informational seminar; Lieutenant Baker will instruct us on how to recognize scams and fraud and how to protect yourself. Real-life case studies and dollar figures from the area will be used as examples. Participants will have resources to take home with them. Registration is required.

For further information or to register, please go to: https://events.portagelibrary.info/event/15648385

Summer Reading is in full swing!

For anyone participating or interested in the Youth or Teen Summer Reading Programs look for our Summer HQ when you are in! This is where you can sign up for the programs, log your reading, and redeem prizes. Make sure to visit us once a week to collect your sticker and make sure your log is up to date!

Introducing two new kits to the Library of Things for those rainy summer days. An all-in-one Mah-Jongg set and a beautiful Italian-made chess set. Both sets come with books for beginners. You must be 18 years old or older and be a resident or a paying non-resident to check out these kits.

Cooking Demo with Chef Gandia: Live on the Charlie Cart, Thursday, June 25th @ 6 PM. Chef Gandia from Gandia's Catering will be here for a delicious cooking demo and tasting. Chef Gandia’s passion for food is matched only by his commitment to excellence. He has a family-owned business in Kalamazoo, Gandia's Catering. With years of experience in kitchens and a dedication to farm-to-table dining, he has built a reputation for delivering bold flavors, artistic presentation, and impeccable service.

For further information or to register, please visit: https://events.portagelibrary.info/event/16292462

Join Steve Rossio for a historical walking tour of Portage's City Center, Saturday, July 11th. To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we will be celebrating locally with a historical City Center Tour of Portage from 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. For more information or to register, please visit: https://portage.libnet.info/event/16133578

Occurring from 10 AM - 4 PM on July 11th, there will be the Revolutionary War Encampments at Portage. Join Jerry Berg and friends for this educational and entertaining experience! 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! Click here for more information: https://events.portagelibrary.info/event/16312271

For all ages! Poetry Carnival with the Kalamazoo Friends of Poetry, THIS Thursday, June 11th @ 6:00 PM! Come to the Poetry Carnival and enjoy a range of poetry activities brought to you by the Friends of Poetry! This event will consist of poetry games, activities, and workshops such as: Poetry poker, individual challenges, group poetry writing, critiques, and even open mic readings.

All are welcome, regardless of age or experience!

Registration is required. To register or for further details, please visit: https://events.portagelibrary.info/event/15730929