Sunday, May 11, at 3:00 pm.

 Monday, May 12, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

 Tuesday, May 13, at 7:00 pm.

Anyone who wants to safely operate a boat or jet ski on Michigan waters.  Sign up for this free two-part class taught by Tim Young of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department Marine Unit.

Wednesday, May 7, from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Wednesday, May 14, from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

The SLDL Book Club will meet Wednesday, May 14, at 7:00 pm.  The topic for this month's discussion is Infidel, by Ayaan Hirsi Ali.  Members are encouraged to read the book and share their experiences.

Readers with an eye on European politics will recognize Ali as the Somali-born member of the Dutch parliament who faced death threats after collaborating on a film about domestic violence against Muslim women with controversial director Theo van Gogh (who was himself assassinated). Even before then, her attacks on Islamic culture as "brutal, bigoted, [and] fixated on controlling women" had generated much controversy. In this suspenseful account of her life and her internal struggle with her Muslim faith, she discusses how these views were shaped by her experiences amid the political chaos of Somalia and other African nations, where she was subjected to genital mutilation and later forced into an unwanted marriage. While in transit to her husband in Canada, she decided to seek asylum in the Netherlands, where she marveled at the polite policemen and government bureaucrats. Ali is up-front about having lied about her background in order to obtain her citizenship, which led to further controversy in early 2006, when an immigration official sought to deport her and triggered the collapse of the Dutch coalition government. Apart from feelings of guilt over van Gogh's death, her voice is forceful and unbowed—like Irshad Manji, she delivers a powerful feminist critique of Islam informed by a genuine understanding of the religion.

 Thursday, May 15, at 7:00 pm.

Job seekers are invited to attend free monthly networking sessions at the library.  Changing Directions Career Coach Bobbie Twa will begin each session with a helpful job search tip.

May's Job Search Tip:  How Do I Stand Out in this Job Market?

Thursday, May 15, at 7:00 pm.

Our Fine Feathered Friends

 Join Ottawa County Parks Naturalist Chip Franke for an entertaining evening of birding.  Chip will have a great free presentation followed by a field trip to nearby Mill Point Park to observe our avian friends in their natural habitat along the Grand River.  Be sure to bring your binoculars, dress for the weather, and provide your own transportation to Mill Point Park.  Be sure to check out Birds of North America Online at the library or at home with your SLDL library card.

Tuesday, May 20, at 7:00 pm.

Automotive Advantage Presents:

Certified mechanics from Automotive Advantage, of Grand Haven will present:

 Too Hot?  How Heat Can Kill Your Car.

• Four Ways to prevent heat failures.

• Brakes, friction, and heat.  Keeping it cool.

• Six tips on getting better gas mileage.

Pre-registration for this free program is required by May 16.  Call (616)  846-5770, ext 107, or register online at www.cars4keeps.com.

Snacks provided by Pruebelo Restaurant and beverages will be provided by Jumpin' Java.  Goodie bags for everyone.

 Wednesday, May 21, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

It's Time for Patricia's Chocolates

 Join chocolatier Patricia Christopher for a virtual tour of her chocolate kitchen.  Learn about the processes involved in creating these hand-crafted artisan chocolates and taste the difference all natural ingredients make!  Space is limited, so pre-registration is required.  Call (616) 846-5770, ext. 107, to register.

Thursday, May 22, at 7:00 pm.

Free Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Clinic

 Stop by the library Friday, May 23, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, to have your blood pressure and blood sugar checked.  The fourth Friday of every month, SLDL and In-Home Care Nursing, an affiliate of the North Ottawa Community Health System, offers this free clinic to our patrons.  No appointment is necessary, and all are welcome.

Ages 10 and up, escape to the library every fourth Wednesday of the month for food, friends, and fun.  Play Xbox and Wii games, and get in on the pizza tasting contest to decide who has the best pizza in Spring Lake.

Wednesday, May 28, from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.

Free CPR Training

 Join us Thursday, June 5, for a free Friends and Family CPR Training class.  Learn how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants.  The instructor will cover basic procedures only.  No certification will be given.  Pre-registration is required.  Call (616)  846-5770, ext. 107, to register.  Training is provided by North Ottawa Community Hospital.