The Atrium

So, you can finally fit into your bathing suit, but guess what, summer is almost over. That's right, time for back-to-school, racing your kids to and fro, weather's turning colder and you can't find your coat...argh! Before you say "Calgon, take me away," why not give yoga a try. There are some great yoga studios in Grand Rapids, not to mention the wonderful programs at the YMCA. However, before you get started you might want to check out what the library has to offer to get you motivated. We have an extensive collection of yoga videos and books. Just go to our online card catalog and, using a subject search, type in yoga. Also, check out our magazine room for the latest issues of Yoga Journal and Yoga + Joyful Living.

I have been taking yoga for over 10 years and I can tell you that you will not only feel more energized (no, yoga practitioners don't sit around for an hour saying 'Om') but you will also learn to take a step back and, well, take time to smell the roses.

Posted by Kelly at 06:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

We've all been there. You're running late, you're in a line and right in front of you stands a person who's checking out the complete works of Elmore Leonard and the library's entire collection of smooth jazz. As you start to fidget and stare at your watch that little vein in your neck the doctor warned you about starts to throb. Do you:

(a) practice the Pilates techniques you only vaguely remember from a class last year,
(b) become the first documented case of Library Rage in the country, or
(c) take matters into your own hands?

The answer, of course, is (c). But not in the Chuck Norris/Charles Bronson way you're envisioning. No, you simply slide out of line and take yourself to one of the library's Self Check-Out machines! Within minutes you've scanned your card, scanned your book, printed a receipt with your due date and are out the door. The last thing you hear as you leave is the sound of 20 smooth jazz CDs falling to the ground, plastic splintering everywhere.

Our circulation staff work hard at all locations to make your wait as short as possible. But with the ever-increasing use of library resources and materials, you're bound to have a wait occassionally. We've added Self Check-Out machines to 4 of our 8 locations to shorten the time you spend waiting. Why wait in long lines when you can do it yourself? You already do it at the grocery store when you just need a pint of ice cream and some light bulbs. Why not at the library? The directions for using the machines are simple and available right on the machine or right here on our website. Run into trouble? Ask a librarian for help at any service counter. It's that easy.

We now have four (4) Self Check-Out machines at the Main Library and one at each of our regional branches (Southeast: Seymour Branch, Northeast: Yankee Clipper Branch, Northwest: West Leonard Branch). Self check-out gives you the choice. You just need to take it! So the next time you're in a hurry (or even if you're not) take a step away from the Check-out desk and over to the Self Check-Out machines at the GRPL. Don't waste another minute!

Posted by Ben at 08:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Remembering the days of old time radio has gotten a little bit easier with 21st Century technology. Since many of these shows are not copyrighted, several websites offer free downloads of yesteryear's entertainment that can be listened to off your computer or MP3 player. Here are some of the easier-to-navigate sites:

• RadioLovers
• Botar's Old Time Radio
• Old Time Radio Fans

Posted by Matt at 06:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gender Blender by Blake Nelson tells the story of two sixth grade students, Tom Witherspoon and Emma Baker. They have known each other for most of their lives and were the best of friends until 4th grade. Tom has become, in Emma's opinion, the typical boy only caring about sports and in particular baseball and slacking. Tom thinks Emma has become a dull, boring, activities dork. In health class, they are assigned to work together on what they learn about the other gender. In the process, Tom and Emma switch bodies. While both are jumping on the school trampoline, the one in which Tom had no right to be on, they bump heads and when they wake up, their bodies have switched. The book goes on to tell what they learn while in the others body including how the other must use the bathroom, how to do each others sports, and what the people whom they have crushes on are really like. Although this wasn't my favorite book of the year, it was an interesting study in how boys and girls see each other and what they can actually learn about the opposite gender. Do we all really have limited ideas and opinions of what the other gender is really like?

Posted by Mary at 09:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Since the theme of the Summer Reading Program this year was "Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales" one of the displays at the Seymour branch library was a pet puppet iguana placed in an aquarium behind the Reference Desk. (MANY kids thought is was real!) When kids filled our their registration cards for reading club, they could fill out a "Wanna Name the Iguana" form too. After SRP ended, staff at Seymour voted on the best name of all those submitted. We had many good names, so it took 3 rounds of voting before "Polliguana" was voted the winner! Thanks to everyone who contributed! The winner, Andrew, shown below, won a bag of prizes including a beany baby iguana.

Andrew and Polliguana

Andrew attends 4th grade at Millbrook Christian. Good job Andrew!!!

Posted by Kolene at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Have you ever printed an entire webpage when you only wanted a single image off that webpage, and ended up with 4 pages to pay for? It's very easy to view only one image per page, and thus, pay for only one page.

Right-click on the picture
Select 'View Image' from the drop down menu

The image will open on its own page. From there you can print the page and just that one single image.

For more Firefox tips and tricks, visit http://www.mozilla.org/support/firefox/tips

Posted by Kolene at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thursday, August 17 the main library had an eco-mystery game about the endangered golden lion tamarin. It's like being in a play because each participant is given a part and you can adlib and ham it up. Those who came had fun figuring out who actually kidnapped the tamarin. In this game some of the suspects were a soon-to-be ex-husband bent on sullying his wife's reputation in the environmentalist community, a native of Brazil who logs to feed his family, a site analyst and owner of a luxury resort company, and a pet store owner. Using some painted paper, props, and a monkey hat, the area by the elevator on the 2nd floor of the Main Library was turned into an "elaborate" golden lion tamarin observation station. Have you ever participated in a mystery program? My son doesn't like the format.

The teen, playing Kira, a publicity-seeking environmentalist, crosses the borders around the nesting site and peeks in the tamarin nest.

Posted by Deb at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Did you know that the Grand Rapids Public Library has memberships to local organizations available for check-out? Thats right! Now Grand Rapids Public Library patrons can visit the Grand Rapids Childrens Museum, Gerald R. Ford Museum or the John Ball Zoo for free when they check out a family membership, good for up to six people.

The Family Membership is available only to Grand Rapids Public Library cardholders. It is good for a one-time visit to one of the organizations within 6 days of being checked out. After checking out a membership, a patron will not be eligible to check it out again for one year.

The Grand Rapids Childrens Museum celebrates childhood and the joy of learning by providing interactive, hands-on exhibits and programs for kids ages 2-10. The John Ball Zoo has over 1100 animals representing the wilds of Africa, Asia, South America, Australia and the United States. The Gerald R. Ford Museums permanent exhibits allow visitors to actually participate in history while reviewing the lives of President and Mrs. Ford. There is so much to see and do at each of these amazing organizations!

Family Memberships are available to be checked out at the Reference Desk at each of the Grand Rapids Public Librarys 8 locations.

Posted by Ben at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It has often been the belief that girls are better readers than boys. Now, there are statistics to back this belief. Last spring, I heard Michael Sullivan speak passionately about this very subject. He is a library director at a small New Hampshire library. He runs a program where he visits schools at lunchtime to read to the students. And the boys love it! He stated that boys, from a young age, love to hear stories. Even as they grow older, they still love to hear stories, so his program has been very successful. Studies have shown that the best way to get boys interested in reading is to provide books that most interest them which include stories, fact or fiction, that are about a place, subject of hobby. Non-fiction, magazines, and newspapers should not be discouraged. These are often materials boys enjoy reading because they include those areas that interest them. So, they should be made available to them. Boys may develop slower than girls, but they don't have to lag behind the reading race.

You can find resources after the jump.

Guys Read - Jon Skiesza's Guys Read page

Connecting Boys with Books - Resource from the ALA

Targeting Male Readers from UK's National Literacy Trust

Connectin gBoys with Books: What libraries can do by Michael Sullivan

Posted by Mary at 10:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our Online Library Catalog allows you to do so much more thant just search for books. You can place holds and renew books all online. You can also save your catalog searches so you can revisit them later.

To get started you will need to visit http://www.grpl.org/catalog.html and click on Your Account. Your PIN is the last 4 digits of your phone number, unless you have previously logged in and changed it. From there, use the Tips on using the Online Library Catalog to get you started.

Tips on using the Online Library Catalog will walk you through renewing a book, placing a hold, performing advanced searches, and creating a "Book Cart" to save your searches.

Posted by Kolene at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Census Bureau just released its latest population estimates, and it appears that our city lost some people. Actually over 4000 people. In 2000, the City of Grand Rapids had 197,800 people and in 2005, only
193,568. Where did those people go? I'm not a demographer, so I'll let you debate it.

This would be a good place to tell you about how the latest census information is collected. It's called the American Community Survey (ACS). The ACS is the new version of the census "long form" that used to be conducted every 10 years. The ACS is conducted every year for a sampling of houses across the U.S. and you may see a form from the Census Bureau show up in your mailbox. Occasionally we get the question: this isn't a 10 year census, so do I have to fill this thing out? The short answer is yes! It's required by law, one of those citizen requirements like jury duty. Your answers are very important because the data that you and others provide help evaluate federal, state and local government programs--programs like school construction, roads, police, and public housing. For more information on the census
and the ACS, visit their website. And visit our collection of census links on our government page.

Posted by Lori at 06:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Although officially we still have about 5 more weeks of summer, the unofficial "end of summer" Labor Day weekend is fast approaching. With it comes change for many of us. The same goes for the Library. Here are a few things to think about:

-Sunday Hours Return to the Main Library - The Main Library ends summer hours and returns to it's regular schedule on Sunday, September 10th. Labor Day weekend is the last weekend the Main Library

will be closed on Sunday for the rest of the year (excluding holidays) and will return to being open from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. every Sunday.

Back to School - September means a return to school for most students. With most K-12 and college student's returning to their studies, all of our libraries will have more patrons visiting to study and use library resources. Whether you're visiting for research, internet acess or just browsing for books, please remember to respect your fellow patrons by following library rules and guidelines. There are plenty of resources for everyone and our professional staff will help you any way they can.

Fall Programming - We have lots of exciting free programs lined up for Fall 06. Check our online calendar regularly for details. We'll have programs for children and adults alike. Plus, our 2nd Annual Celebration of the Book has been expanded from a single day to an entire week of activities!

As always, all library materials and all library programs are free and open to everyone. So as the dog days of summer dwindle away and you start to plan things for the fall, keep the library in mind. We have eight Grand Rapids locations. One is close to you!

Posted by Ben at 09:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Starting August 15, 2006, a Lakeland Library Cooperative library card number or a permanent internet user number will be required to access the internet. The Library will no longer be issuing temporary internet numbers.

Library card users are entitled to 1 hour of internet use per day. Patrons who have a permanent internet number are entitled to 30 minutes of internet use per day.

The use of multiple numbers to access the internet is prohibited.

A picture ID is required for anyone over the age of 18 to get a permanent internet number.

Replacement cards are $1.00.

And as always, please follow the Rules for Computer Use.

Posted by Kolene at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is my nephew Victor. He is a super reader.

I was over there the other day while he was wearing his Summer Reading t-shirt that he earned by completing the Summer Reading Program. Apparently he has a habit of wearing his cape and mask to the West Leonard Branch Library. He put it on to show me.

His sister Ruth also completed the Summer Reading Program. Their mother told me that Ruth adores Ms. Sue and whenever she needs help she runs right up to her. She also said all the staff at the West Leonard branch are always so nice and helpful, even when in the presence of the Super Reader!

Posted by Kolene at 08:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I don't know if you know it or not, but Michigan's DNR has a great website and they have just made it a little better. If you are looking for an outdoor activity for your child try this interactive map. Just click on one of the designated state parks and the full schedule of events for children come up for that individual park. The scheudle is limited only to the two current weeks, but when you see it you realize how hard these folks are working. I clicked on Holland State Park and up came a full schedule of events for kids, ranging from activities on fishing in the park to dune hikes, to a program on bugs.

Posted by Martin at 06:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Governor Jennifer Granholm paid a visit to the main library on Tuesday to announce the Michigan State Police Sex Offender Registration Unit, a web-based system for tracking sex offenders within the state. It's an online tool that alerts the public of the 10 Most Wanted sex offenders who have not registered with the state police within the 10 day notification period. The governor was joined by Col. Peter Munoz of the Michigan State Police and other officials for the announcement. You can learn more at the Michigan State Police Sex Offender Registry Unit on their website.

The governor, currently campaigning for re-election, took the opportunity to make the announcement at the library against the backdrop of the library's many public internet computers. As is usually the case, the internet computers were completely full with patrons as the governor spoke. With all of the media, patrons & library staff added to the governor's staff and security detail, it was quite a scene. Afterward, the governor took time to shake hands and pose for photos with patrons and staff. She also took the opportunity to speak with Library Director Marcia Warner before she had to leave for another stop on her schedule.

Posted by Ben at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ok, so I admit I am a nut for History, any History will do. So when I saw this exhibit at the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing I thought I would share it with you.

It is an exhibit entitled Michigan's Family Album. The exhibit is a collection of photographs of different scenes of Michigan life from the 1860's to the 1920's. According to the website "this collection includes a kaleidoscope of faces, some whose names will never be forgotten, others whose identity is lost to history. They include public figures like Michigan Territorial Governor Lewis Cass and U.S. Senator Zachariah Chandler, as well as anonymous businessmen, workers, mothers and schoolchildren."

Michigan's Family Album will be on display from August 5th, 2006 to January 7th, 2007 at the Michigan Historical Museum.

Posted by Martin at 06:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

After last week's Calc tutorial, I was asked if there was anything similiar for OpenOffice.org's Writer.

It just so happens that there is a very informative document called How to Write and Manage OpenOffice.org text documents using Common Features and Styles.

This document takes you step by step through creating an OO document, and has some wonderful diagrams like this:

It teaches you how to format your text with different fonts, sizes, alignment, you name it!

If you are wondering how to get started, I suggest starting on this site!

Posted by Kolene at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This coming Tuesday, August 8th the primary elections are here!

Do you know where to vote?
Are you perplexed by the new voting machines?
Are you registered to vote?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then I have a link for you! Try the Michigan Votes website through the Michigan Secretary of State. Once you put in your name, date of birth and zip code you can find out whether you are registered to vote, where you need to vote and how the voting machine in your area works!

Posted by Martin at 06:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well have you seen it yet? Michigan has a new license plate! At the Grand Rapids Press there is a forum where you can have your say. Tell the paper whether you like it, or if the state should get rid of it. Now the question is what to do with the old blue plates? Are they junk or could they be the next find on Antiques Roadshow? Perhaps, just perhaps you can get an inkling of what that old plate might be worth from the works below?

• Car memorabilia price guide
• A Collector's guide to automobilia
• Official license plate book : how to read and decode current United States & Canadian plates

Posted by Martin at 06:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Grand Rapids has undergone some drastic changes over the last several years, and now there is a website to track it all. The Rapid Growth website contains a slew of information about what's happening in our neighborhoods, local businesses, and people who are making a difference in our community.

My favorite part of this page is the News bar on the right. Now you can get all your news about GR in one place from every source!

Check out the Neighborhoods section! Selecting a neighborhood will connect you to information on shopping, events, culture, and organizations involved in that specific neighborhood.

There's a Photo Essays section with pictures of buildings and events around our city to show off our town!

So go check out Grand Rapids - Rapid Growth. It is one of the best websites I have seen reporting on our city!

Posted by Kolene at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wondering how to stay cool during these hot days of summer? With record temperatures hitting us, "cooling stations" have popped up all over West Michigan:

Cooling Centers around the area:

Caledonia

• The American Legion at 9548 Cherry Valley Avenue. The south door of the building will be unlocked. The Legion is open until midnight.
  

Carson City

• St. Mary's Hall, 404 N. Division is open August 2 until 9 p.m.
  

Grand Rapids

• The American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids is providing a place for people to obtain temporary relief from the heat August 2 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m at the YWCA at 25 Sheldon SE. Beverages and snacks will be available.
  
• City View Church at 960 Alpine NW is open August 2 until 4 p.m.
  

Greenville

• First United Methodist Church of Greenville is open August 2 until 9 p.m.
  

Holland

• First United Methodist in Holland is open August 2 until 8 p.m.
  

Kalamazoo

• Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 120 Roberson, open August 2 from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  
• Red Cross, 5640 Venture Ct, open August 2 from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  
• Senior Services, 918 Jasper, open August 2 from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  

Lake Odessa

• The Lake Odessa Middle School will remain open Tuesday as a primary cooling station from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The school is located at 7455 North Woodland Road.
  

Muskegon

• North Muskegon Fire Department at 1102 Ruddiman is open August 1.
  

Nashville

• United Methodist Church in Nashville is open August 2 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  

Portage

• Portage Community Outreach Center at 7130 S. Westnedge Avenue
  

Stanton

• Senior Center, 615 N. State Street
  

Wyoming

• Wesley Park Church will be open August 2 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for anyone who needs to get out of the heat. The church is located at 1150 32nd Street SW, just north of the Wyoming Public Library.
  
• Wyoming Park United Methodist Church at 2244 Porter SW is open August 1-2 from noon to 8 p.m.
  

Also remember to drink plenty of water and check on your neighbors who may not have air conditioning, especially the ederly!

Posted by Kolene at 02:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)