The Atrium Blog

51st Anniversary of the Wreck of the Carl D Bradley

Chris — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:44:27 +0000

Author Michael Schumacher on left with Steve Elve. Elve acquired an original lifesaving ring from the Carl D. Bradley.

Last night the Vander Veen Center for the Book hosted Michael Schumacher, author of The Wreck Of the Carl D: A True Story of Loss, Survival and Rescue at Sea. November 18th was the 51st anniversary of the tragedy of this lost ship in Lake Michigan. Schumacher did an excellent program and was very sensitive to the loss of life as he conducted interviews with the families of the deceased men as he gathered material for the book. Many fans of maritime history attended the program, including a widow of one of the men lost and John Milhaupt, who was a photographer for the Grand Rapids Herald in 1958, and was sent to Charlevoix to document the story.

When Thanksgiving Almost Wasn’t…

Kate — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:08:04 +0000

Turkey day is fast approaching and I know my mouth is already watering at the thought of the glorious feasting it entails. Alright so there are no Thanksgiving presents, but when there is good food to be had I could care less. Thanksgiving is probably one of my favorite holidays (yep even better than Christmas in my mind!) and so it was quite distressing to hear it was almost canceled for good way back when. Prior to 1863 Thanksgiving was not observed as a National Holiday, in fact many states wanted to do away with it all together. Fortunately for all of us turkey fans out there a woman named Sara Hale had our backs.

Mrs. Hale was quite the lady and quite the writer, being one the first published American women with her book Northwood: A Tale of New England, an editor of American Ladies Magazine (Godey’s Lady Book), and she even managed to compose ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’. Hale began her crusade to save Thanksgiving when pretty much anywhere but New England was celebrating the holiday and she began writing letters. Sarah wrote to five different presidents to plead her case, her example encouraging other women to follow her example. It was in 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln finally decreed Thanksgiving as a national holiday to be celebrated the fourth Thursday of November.

The library has some great Thanksgiving titles, from kids books to cook books, so make sure to check them out to further appreciate this delicious holiday.

Thank You, Sarah by Laurie Halse Anderson, illustrated by Matt Faulkner

Turk and Runt by Lisa Wheeler, Illustrated by Frank Ansley

Thanksgiving 101 by Rick Rodgers

Thanksgiving Day Crafts by Arlene Erlbach

America’s Dog

Lisa — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:55:38 +0000

I was at the Humane Society the other day, and that prompted me to get out the old Jasnowski photo albums. I was struck by two things: the Humane Society had a lot of Pit Bulls up for adoption– really a lot, and I remembered my dad telling me often about the wonderful dog he’d had as a child. This dog could have been a candidate for canine sainthood, the way he was so gentle and loving and played with my dad in their little yard right by the railroad tracks in downtown Detroit. There were often chalk marks in front of their house, left by hobos indicating that you could get a sandwich there. Men riding the rails would politely knock at the back door and my great-grandmother or grand-mother would hand them out a small sandwich. Once, dad said, a man tried to open the door and come into thehouse, but when he heard the low, rumbling growl he let go of the handle very fast indeed.

The dog in many old photos was Beau, and he looked very much like a Pit Bull. Pit Bulls were called “Amer

ica’s Dog” in those days. One can’t ignore their history, but one can train for love and obedience. It’s sad to think of these animals caged and trained to fight. Let men fight each other if they wish to. Most dogs would rather snuggle on the couch with you. Wikipedia has an interesting chapter on Pit Bulls.

Shelters, Humane Societies, and private Pet Rescues often have an abundance of these dogs. Accidental litters, people moving, the unexpected time and expense of the commitment to an animal; there are many reasons for animal abandonment.

So, if you’re thinking of a new pet anytime in the future, remember to check out the shelters, and “America’s Dog”. The Humane Society offers great puppy and dog classes, and your library offers many books and videos to get you off to a good start with your new best friend.

Do you like free things?

Amanda — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:17:09 +0000

Nicely designed, useful free things? Then I promise you will love this year’s Spilled Ink prize! We’ve created a lovely little 2010 desk calendar for you! Each month features a different illustration evoking moods or memories associated with the season. January’s illustration is a close up of a cozy sweater (like the one I am wearing right now!).

How do you get this precious gift? Simply sign up for Spilled Ink, the book club for the rest of us, read or listen to 10 books, and turn in your Reading Record at any of our 8 locations. That’s it! The club runs through February 28 but the new year starts on January 1 so you better get reading. And for those of you eager readers who’ve already whipped through 10 books, hang in there just a few more weeks. The calendar is off at the printer and should be back early December.

Jim McClurken on Michigan Indians

Chris — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:08:04 +0000

On Wed, November 11, 2009, Jim McClurken did a presentation for the Grand Rapids Public Library on his work in researching the history of Michigan Indians. He commented that when he started his research in the 1970s at the Grand Rapids Public Library there were only three books on Michigan’s Native Americans. Since that time much more has been written, especially by Native Americans documenting their own history. McClurken spent countless hours reading microfilm of old newspapers searching for references to Michigan Indians. He has donated hundreds of these newspaper clippings to the local history department. McClurken commented that since the earliest days, the Grand Rapids Press paid attention to the local Indians and his collection of clippings prove that. He also mentioned that when Civil Rights became a big issue in the 1970s the Grand Rapids Press made sure to include articles on local annual Pow-wows. This public exposure was the first time that many people realized that we had Native Americans in our community.
McClurken also made mention of the fact that the Grand Rapids Public Library was one of the first, if not the very first, organizations in Michigan that made an effort to collect oral histories of local Indian elders. Based on these interviews, the Grand Rapids Public Library published the book, The Tree That Never Dies: Oral Histories of Michigan Indians which attempted to document the history, lifestyle, mores, religion, society, economic conditions, crafts, and education of Indians in West Michigan.

Friends Bookstore Sale

Kristen — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:45:46 +0000

The Friends Bookstore at the Main Library is having a great sale now through the end of the year. Receive up to 20% off new books and gift items. The Friends Bookstore offer new books by local authors, books about local history, art, and more. It is the right time to stock up on gifts or something fun for yourself! The store also sell used books, movies, and music for some of the lowest prices around. Stop by and find a bargain. Located on Level 3 at the Main Library.

City of GR Seeks Input

Kristen — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:30:06 +0000

The City of Grand Rapids encourages residents, businesses, and community organizations to attend one of six community budget gatherings. These gatherings are designed to engage attendees in a conversation about government serving as a “platform” that provides a basic level of essential services and relies on collaboration with residents, businesses, and customers to provide additional services they feel are important for quality of life.

Six Community Budget Gatherings will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on the following dates:

November 16, 2009 – City High School (1400 Fuller NE)
November 18, 2009 – Gerald R. Ford Middle School (851 Madison SE)
November 19, 2009 – Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School (703 Shamrock SW)
November 23, 2009 – Union High School (1800 Tremont Blvd. NW)
November 30, 2009 – Creston High School (1720 Plainfield NE)
December 02, 2009 – Alger Middle School (921 Alger St. SE)

At these gatherings the City’s Chief Financial Officer Scott Buhrer will explain our current and projected fiscal condition; Deputy City Manager Eric DeLong will report on last year’s actions; and City Manager Greg Sundstrom will share his vision of transforming the City to a new form of government–a government that will serve as a platform and provide a basic level of essential service to its customers, and one that must rely on collaboration with residents, businesses, and customers to provide additional services they feel are important for quality of life. During small group discussions, participants will be asked to share how this new form of government can work for them.

City Manager Greg Sundstrom is challenged to produce a balanced budget in these difficult economic times, while transforming the organization to become sustainable. He is inviting conversations to understand what tools citizens need and what barriers need to be removed to make the platform work for them.

Twilight Tourism?

mdavis — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:23:43 +0000

Are you one of the many who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the
newest Twilight Saga movie New Moon? Did you know you could visit actual places in the books and movies? Did you know they were ACTUAL cities? Stephenie Meyer did not make them up! They are real and Forks, WA and Volterra, Italy have had an influx of tourists since the books and movies have been out. There is even a vampire themed restaurant opening in Forks! So all you Twihards, when planning your next trip, maybe you want to check out these intriguing destinations.

Book Cards Are Here!

Rebecca — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:18:26 +0000

Can’t decide what to read next? We can help!

All GRPL branches now have Book Cards – cool little business cards for books! New and exciting titles are featured with the cover on the front of the card and a blurb on the back telling you what it’s about and why you’ll like it. We have 32 cards to start with and will be producing more in the coming months. Sort of like baseball cards for nerds! Collect them all!

DSM-IV

Lisa — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:36:36 +0000

What book do we all reach for before the holidays? No, silly– not Martha Stewart, the DSM-IV, (Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders) .

Do you get stressed just thinking about seeing your smarty-pants brother-in-law, your know-it-all sister with her great job in the capital, your annoying parents, the second and third spouses, politically incorrect in-laws, horrible children, maybe even their dogs. I could go on, but the important part of the holidays is to enjoy your extended family, and I’ve found the DSM-IV is a big help. You’ll feel better quietly diagnosing their neurosis masquerading as snobbery. Awful table manners could be caused by a personality disorder. Unpleasantness may be a result of many serious mental conditions…

We have lots of more traditional books for the holidays of course, but I like to get ready by going through the mental health section. It’s amazingly interesting…. hmmm…. maybe I’ll just glance through some of those books on “how to calm down and enjoy life”. “Unstuck” by James S. Gordon looks really good….