Grand Rapids Public Library

The widely popular Genealogy Lock-in is coming up on Friday, October 5, 2012, and for once, registration isn’t full! So, if you’ve been trying to attend, register today. Volunteers will be on hand to offer individualized assistance. A beginner’s class has been scheduled. This is a great opportunity to learn a new search technique, discover [...]

The Library has been collecting material of Grand Rapids citizens for over 100 years. These materials range in scope and size from newspapers to menus, diaries, scrapbooks, and everything in between. Come and explore with Grand Rapids History and Special Collections Manager Tim Gleisner, on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 7pm, the stories and the [...]

Please join us on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 7 pm at the Main Library as Kendall College of Art & Design professor Suzanne Eberle will discuss the fascinating history of the wedding dress. She will explore the evolution of the white wedding dress, its cultural and social symbolism, and the changing styles that reflect [...]

Join us on July 9th at 7pm in the VanderVeen Center for the Book on the 4th Floor to learn about scrapbooking basics from Janet Jensen – everything from choosing the right materials and tools to organizing and creating the scrapbook to tips, techniques, and more! Janet has been a Creative Memories Independent Consultant for [...]

Attention all genealogists! Registration for July 20, 2012 Lock-in is open. Remember space is limited, and this program fills up fast! Volunteers will be on hand to offer assistance. Parking is free.

Once again, the GR Reads Committee has picked out ten fabulous titles for your summer reading enjoyment!  Some are beach reads, some are autobiographical, some are nonfiction, some are local, and others are a great fiction read.  We hope you enjoy these books and have an opportunity to attend some of the programs. Before I [...]

Genealogists, this night is especially for you! Register to attend the widely popular lock-in now. We offer one-on-one assistance with the help of our wonderful volunteers from the Western Michigan Genealogical Society, free printing, free parking for the event, refreshments and a great opportunity to mingle with other genealogists.  I hope to see you there!! [...]

Registration is now open for the next Genealogy Lock-in. The event will be Friday, January 13, 2012, 6:00 – 10:00pm. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned genealogist, come join us for an evening of research and fellowship. Volunteers will be available to answer your questions or to help get you started. Seating is limited. [...]

After ten years, 44 boxes, and 46,391 entries later, the index cards used by Z. Z. Lydens to create the Story of Grand Rapids, published in 1966, are now  online. This index can be used to find articles in early newspapers, such as the Evening Press and Evening Leader. Later, these papers became the Grand [...]

One of my favorite activities during the summer is attending car shows. Ever since I was given my grandpa’s 1970 Chevy Chevelle, I have had a love affair with cars. It had such a smooth ride, all my friends loved to ride in it. It was a sad day when I had to sell it, [...]