The Atrium

Each summer and fall and perhaps even sooner, seniors all over the country start to apply and visit possible colleges they will attend. If you are one of those on the fence about whether or not you should attend, you might want to think about going. According to new statistics, college graduates earn about $23,000 more per year than those who enter the work force with only their high school diploma. Those with a post graduate degree earn even more. If the cost is a deterent check out the many books the library has to offer dealing with financial aid and scholarships. Not sure where to attend? The library can help there, too. We even have ACT, SAT, and Clep test prep books!

• College Board guide to getting financial aid
• CLEP : official study guide
• Cracking the Act
• How to survive getting into college : by hundreds of students who did

Posted by Mary at 08:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have the flu. And I am at work. What's wrong with this scenario? I don't want any pity and I'm sure I don't deserve any. We've all been there. Balancing illness with work piling up. It's tricky business for lots of people and it's hard sometimes to make the call. However good it may be to get caught up at work and ease some of that stress, I am still putting my co-workers at risk of illness by being here. Hopefully I have been careful enough. Sorry co-workers. Anyway, now that you've read my sob story, take a minute to educate yourself about the coming flu season. It is supposed to be a record year for influenza. Maybe they'll hand out ribbons! Probably not.

The flu is serious business. The library has a list of health-related links online and also provides access to 3 different health databases so you can find out more about the flu and other illnesses. Also, you can visit the Kent County Health Department's website for information on staying healthy this flu season. Of course, you can always talk to your doctor for advice.

That's all I'll say about that. Stay germ-free, folks.

Posted by Ben at 04:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Pablo Picasso was a legend in his own lifetime, something that is rare for an artist. If you are interested in learning more about one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, check out these books and DVD's:

• The Ultimate Picasso by Brigette Léal, Christine Piot, Marie-Laure Bernadac
• Picasso and the invention of Cubism by Pepe Karmel
• Picasso [videorecording] = Magic, sex, & death
• Le Mystere Picasso [videorecording] = The mystery of Picasso
• Picasso : the real family story by Olivier Widmaier Picasso
• Pablo Ruiz Picasso : a biography by Patrick O'Brian

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

So, to all those adults out there that worry that their son or daughter spends too much time playing video games, take heart. A new study shows some games can lead to skills employers are looking for and perhaps be implemented in school classrooms. Of course, there need to be guidelines and training on how to use the game effectively. But don't worry, parents, the games may not be numbing their minds after all. Play on!

Posted by Mary at 02:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Shelters and rescue groups are over-flowing with pure breed dogs and silly mutts looking for homes. Some dogs are there simply because their owners don't have the time or the financial resources to take care of them. Some are there due to behaviour issues; often with a little time and effort these issues can be worked out.

According the The Humane Society of the United States, a few things to consider before adopting a pet are:

1. Why do you want a pet?
2. Do you have time for a pet?
3. Can you afford a pet?

There are also many books you can check out to find out more information on dog breeds, training advice, and basic care instructions for your new dog.

• Essential dog : the ultimate guide to owning a happy and healthy pet
• The complete dog book
• Adopt the perfect dog
• Dr. Pitcairn's complete guide to natural health for dogs & cats

Click here to find local animals that are ready for adoption.

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

This week the library is hosting the 2nd annual "Celebration of the Book" featuring lectures & workshops with authors, poets, librarians, scholars and storytellers. Ok, I know what you're thinking. Books? Shouldn't we be hosting the "Slow, Painful Demise of the Book", you say? Not so! It is true that electronic media like radio, the internet and television have come to dominate much of our attention and play a more active role in learning over the past few decades. But like those newer media, the book has its own positive attributes that have helped it stand the test of time.

Since the Gutenberg Bible started rolling off the presses at a blistering speed of 2 pages an hour, books and reading have flourished (to put it mildly) around the globe. Books are symbols of learning,

free speech and culture. They still affect our social and political discussions (look no further than Washington Post columnist Bob Woodward's recent book) and play a part in shaping public opinion. These effects are increasingly being created by other media like the internet, but not to the exclusion of the printed page. The book has a unique tactile quality, lending to a very different reading experience from scrolling on a computer screen. There is also the artistry and workmanship of the books themselves. These things make books desireable as collector's items as well. Try getting Lemony Snicket to sign your e-book. It ain't happenin'.

New media are wonderful tools for learning and discovery. They have their place in the ever-increasing list of communications technologies and will shape the future of our world. But there is still room for the humble and powerful book. The library is a perfect example of how all types of media can coexist to offer us the broadest possible well of information. So that is why we celebrate. We celebrate the mass medium that started it all and continues to retain it's power in our electronic world. We celebrate reading, writing, drawing, collecting, binding, printing and everything else involved in the creation and use of a book. And most importantly, we celebrate the quest for knowledge books represent.

This week we'll be featuring an amazing list of lecturers and programs for all ages. Tonight author Thomas Dilley speaks on Grand Rapids history through postcards. Tomorrow, Tim Skubick, host of the television program Off The Record and a 35 year veteran of Michigan politics, will discuss his new book and the 2006 gubernatorial race. Then on Saturday & Sunday we offer over 25 authors, poets, lecturers, children's performers and presenters with a variety of topics and activities. This is not to be missed, and it is all free.

So take some time out of your busy week of e-mails, talk radio, blogs and TV shows to celebrate the art form that started it all. Join is at the Main Library for the "Celebration of the Book". Maybe even pick-up a book while you're here. They are portable, powerful and don't have Google ads in every margin. Imagine that.

Visit our October programs calendar for a complete schedule of the week's programs.

Posted by Ben at 09:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last week some libraries threw dreadful celebrations to honor it, and now it has finally arrived. The end. The thirteenth of a Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. The final book in this wildly popular (and dismal) series hit stores last week, Friday the 13th of all days. Fans are wondering if they will find out answers to some of the mysterious events that have happened throughout the book such as what really happened to the Beaudelaire parents, what do the initials V.F.D stand for, and who exactly is Lemony Snicket. Lemony Snicket's official representative, Daniel Handler, cautioned readers NOT to read this final account. But if you must, read at your own risk.

Posted by Mary at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Haven't heard of Phishing? It has nothing to do with standing in the Grand River, or even the hippie rock band. No, Phishing is a very real identity theft threat--and I know it's real because my friend nearly lost $1000 last week (but didn't, thanks to her savvy credit card company). How does this scam work? Really devious folks send out emails that look like they are legitimate messages from PayPal, eBay, or your bank. It's usually some urgent message about how your account has been violated, and they will send you to an authentic looking (but phony) website and ask you to enter personal information like passwords or credit card information. If you see one of these emails, move on! Or if you think it may be real, contact the company directly and ask them about it.

For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission's website
on preventing identity theft or their alert on Phishing

We also have books on how to prevent identity theft, including:

• Identity Theft Toolkit : How to Recover From and Avoid Identity Theft
• Computer Privacy Annoyances : How to Avoid the Most Annoying Invasions of your Personal and Online Privacy
• 50 Ways to Protect Your Identity and Your Credit : Everything You Need to Know about Identity Theft, Credit Cards, Credit Repair, and Credit Reports

Posted by Lori at 03:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We've all seen commercials offering amazing deals that seem to defy corporate ideologies only to notice tiny, unreadable print on the bottom of the screen. What does all that fine print actually say? Even with my DVR and its wonderful capability to pause live television, the print is usually too blurry to read. Well, the folks at mouseprint.org have solved the mysteries for us. Their decoding of advertising double speak will make you know that something is awry instead of just sensing that it sounds fishy.

Looking to be more pro-active in your consumer awareness or just a little unsure of your next big purchase? Our Consumer Information collection (located on the first full-length shelf behind the Reference Desk) has numerous Consumer Reports' buying guides as well as back issues of the magazine since 2003. We also have consumer rights law information and several different automobile price indexes. Don't have time to come to the library? Consumer Reports can be accessed at home via database. Infotrac OneFile, one very large and fantastic database that contains over 12,200 full-text titles, is yours free to search with a Grand Rapids Library card. With all of this consumer advocacy information available, never again should you waste your savings on roaming charges or Y2K tap lights.

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

Mad enough to vote yet? October 10th is the deadline to register for this election.

Pundits continue to debate the declining trend in voter turnout in the U.S.
Why don't people vote?

My feeling is that many people either feel things are going along well enough, or that their vote wouldn't matter much, or that they have never voted in the first place and are not sure exactly how the system works. Why risk embarrassment, inconvenience, etc. for something that only comes around once in several years, and you're not sure who is the lesser of two evils anyways? As a person who votes in every election, I can say with certainty that you don't need to know much about the process. I never remember how it works! The poll workers are delighted to explain the whole business and as our local Secretary of State explained to me, “no one will ever know that you haven't voted before” unless you tell them.

It's an easy mail-in process to register to vote . The Main Library has free copies of the registration form for you, and we also have all the information about the specific proposals on the ballet Tuesday November 7th.

The library is offering a free book bag (while supplies last) to anyone who votes Tuesday, November 7th and wears the sticker saying they voted. We want to thank you for participating in our government!

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

I'm no expert on aging. By most accounts, at age 36, I'm not old. But recent events have mad me think about getting older and what that means to me, and to Baby Boomers like my mother. My mom turns 60 next week, an age that always seemed to be the beginning of "old" to me. Visions of retirement, gray hair, grandchildren & condos in Florida come to mind. But that isn't the case anymore, is it? Yes, my mother is a grandmother, she is semi-retired and I am sure she has some gray she colors out each month (sorry mom!). But, like many people her age, she is a vibrant, independent and truly youthful person. I still don't think of her as old. I am sure many people out there who have reached 60 don't feel old either. Your bodies may feel a little rough around the edges,

but your mind is still charging ahead. I mean, my mom didn't want a quilt or some new knitting needles for her birthday. Llike most mothers, she dutifuly declared she didn't need anything. But when pressed, do you know what she wanted? TiVo. Yes, my mother is interested in time-shifting her favorite TV shows around her busy schedule. How wonderfully "elderly" of her.

There have been countless articles over the past 5 years about the aging population, Baby Boomers retiring and the changing face of our nation. You can read the stories just about everywhere. I've read some of them myself, and we are surely going to see some shifts in our society. But I won't bore you with my poorly-informed opinion. If you're like me (or like my mother), though, and you want more information on what it means to age in our society in the 21st century, the library has resources that can help you. Check out our Senior Links page online to start. If you have more questions, just call the Library (616-988-5400) or stop by and visit us yourself. We have databases on Health, Technology, Genealogy, Adult Education and more. And hundreds of books on aging and related topics. Even programming your TiVo. We even have a staff dedicated to helping you find what you need. So start right now online, but feel free to visit us in person.

Just like your mother used to do.

Posted by Ben at 09:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Youth Services Department at the Main Library is looking for kids who'd like to display their collections. Located at the entrance to the Youth Services Deppartment, we will be showcasing a new collection every month. Right now, we are displaying a button collection - all kinds of stuff, Snoopy to American Girls to Disneyland. Do you have a collection you'd like to display for a month? Come to the Youth Services Department for a sign-up sheet!

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

You won't be able to miss the Teens area of the Youth Services Department at the Main Library with the addition of our new sign! Hanging over the Teens section is our new graffiti style neon Teens sign. Next time you're around Main, stop by and take a look!

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

There is a strange dichotomy of weight issues flying around out there. First, there is the belief that Americans are in the midst of a childhood obesity epidemic. More children, and Americans in general, are overweight than ever before. Then there are the models and celebrities that are so skinny, you can see their rib bones sticking out. Spain recently banned models who were too thin from their runways, and yesterday designer Jean Paul Gaultier had a plus sized model strut down the catwalk. A discussion on a morning talk show revealed that even some of these reporters felt that having a plus sized woman "show off" the clothes made the clothes less appealing. Yet, they were concerned when their daughter noted how great Nicole Richie, one celebrity who is stick thin, looked. So, in this battle against childhood obesity, should we stand with designers like Gaulthier and applaud plus sized models? Should we really encourage teenage girls to strive for the Nicole Richie ideal? Or is there an answerof a health and fitness somewhere in between? My hope is that we could find, encourage, and strive for that.

See this article for Karl Lagerfeld's view

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

The Internet is a big place and not finding the information you're looking for can be very frustrating. When using search engines like Google and Yahoo! is not enough, perhaps it's time to tap into the Deep, or Invisible, Web. These are the pages that web searches don't reach. Now I'm not promising anything but these links are at least interesting if you enjoy surfing for esoteric information.

• Those Dark Hiding Places: The Invisible Web Revealed
• OAIster

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

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed during the month of October but affects our community every single day. The Grand Rapids Public Library has partnered with the Child and Family Resource Council with a display of books and informational materials at the Main Library.

Contact the Kent County Domestic Violence Community Coordinated Response Team through their web site, or at 616-454-4673, for information on community events to be held this month, as well as for more information on this important issue.

Other local organizations providing assistance to people dealing with domestic violence include:

• Child and Family Resource Council
  118 Commerce Ave. SW
  Suite 220
  Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  616-454-HOPE (4673)
• Men's Resource Center of West Michigan
  Fountain Hill Center
  534 Fountain St. NE
  Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  616-456-1178
• Safe Haven Ministries
  3501 Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE, Suite 335
  Grand Rapids, MI 49546
  616-452-6664
• YWCA of Grand Rapids
  25 Sheldon Blvd SE
  Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  616-459-4681
  616-451-2744 (24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline)

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

Make time in your busy schedule next week to come on down and see a free film! In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month the Grand Rapids Public Library, in conjunction with Grand Valley State University's Latin American Studies Program and the international film group Chiaroscuro, will be showing the award-winning Argentinian film Historias Mínimas.
The film tells the story of three very different people who are undertaking seemingly mundane journeys that turn out to be life changing. Check out a review here

The film will be shown in our Ryerson Auditorium on October 11 at 6:30pm. There will be refreshments and a roundtable discussion afterward. The movie is free and open to all

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

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed during the month of October. The statistic one in eight is often cited as a lifetime risk of diagnosis. Thousands of people took part in the recent Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure, evidence of how many lives are touched by breast cancer; perhaps yours is one of them. Another walk, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is being held Saturday, October 14.

We have put together an online resource guide to provide access to books, videos, pamphlets, and web sites, as well as to local and national organizations dealing with breast cancer. Let us know if you find this helpful. If you happen to be in the Main Library downtown during October, stop by the Breast Cancer display on 1K where we have books to check out and free informational items.

Posted by Jane at 05:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Technology is cool. That's what I'm told anyway. Advertisers have been trying to sell us things based on a perceived "lifestyle" for decades, even if those lifestyles don't really exist. I love movies, music and digital technology as much as the next person. In fact, I love using my iPod and my MacBook. But every time I see one of those Mac Guy/PC Guy commercials on my TV, I want to throw my ipod at the screen until there are iSparks and iFlames all over my iCrib! Geez! Now, I know these ads aren't necessarily targeted at me. And since I feel we get what we ask for in the end, I guess I don't care if they try to market us a fictitious lifestyle in $100 pre-destroyed jeans. I may not understand the usefulness of a MySpace page, but lots of other people do. So let's talk "digital lifestyle" and let that mean whatever the heck you want it to mean. Just make sure you visit www.grpl.org to let the library help you out...

So, you don't quite see what a library has to offer a high-tech world citizen like yourself? Well, get prepared to be schooled. Free access to information wasn't started online. It was started at the library before computers were even conceived (although the wheel may have been around for a few years). Whether you are an old pro or just getting your feet wet in the, um, uh...digital ocean? (sorry) we can help. The library has a ton of FREE resources to help you get started:

- Computer classes on basic internet use, word processing and more
- Internet access (30 minutes a day) to check your e-mail or visit your favorite websites
- Access to many online & local databases available only to patrons
- The GRPL website at www.grpl.org giving you access to your library account, the entire library catalog, The Atrium (the library's blog), links to almost every topic imaginable, programs and events calendars, AskUs reference services, downloadable audiobooks and so much more.
- Hundreds of DVD titles (many you won't find at Blockbuster)
-Thousands of Music CDs
-Hundreds of audiobooks

So there is no better place to start than the GRPL for technology and related resources. We have the latest information and equipment and we won't try to sell you a plasma TV. So, if you ever get up from that XBox, we have books & magazines on all sorts of technology-related topics. Research the latest high tech trends or just enjoy a new book (old-school tech). Either way, we can help you get acquainted with the latest additions to your world.

Posted by Ben at 09:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recently I had lunch with a friend whose daughter just started middle school. This young lady is extremely intelligent and a voracious reader (she always enjoys the signed copies of books I get for her). My friend was telling me that her daughter spends at least 2-3 hours per night on homework! And recently, she had a book report due. So, on top of her 3 hours per night, she was trying to read a very long book, Eldest by Christopher Paolini, which normally would not be a problem for her.

Now, recent studies are showing this phenonmenon is not unusual. "Tweens" or those students generally in the 5th or 6th through 9th grades are being assinged more and more homework. It is often believed this is to help them
compete more in education. Some believe, though, that it is becoming too much for them. In fact, one researcher found that having more than an hour and a half of homework at night can hurt middle school students performance. So, are schools assigning too much homework in hopes of making our students more competive, and is it actually helping or hurting them?

For more info, check out this article from CNN.

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