The Atrium

Most of us would like to think that we won't be the victim of a crime, especially the non-violent kind like personal property theft. But it can happen to the best of us, especially if the item is pocket-size and can easily be stolen.

With the increased popularity of personal electronic devices, almost everyone carries a cellphone, laptop, PDA, or digital player on a daily basis. While the items themselves are relatively easy -- though not inexpensive -- to replace, it's the information they contain that's often invaluable and not so simple to recover (unless you keep data backups of everything -- which the average person does not). If your device contains a lot of sensitive or hard to recover information, you face the risk of loosing that information if some unscrupulous person decides that they deserve to have your property more than you do.

It's probably worth your time to consider protecting your property by registering it with a serial number tracking service. An example of such a service is SmartProtec, a free online tracking database that lists serial numbers for electronic devices. Check the web site for details. You can register the serial numbers for your cellphone, laptop, PDA, digital player and other items and attach a registration notification label to the item. If your property is lost or stolen it can easily be traced via the database.

There are also paid services that offer personal property protection, with added benefits. For example, Absolute Software and The CyberAngel make products that alert the companies when a computer that has been reported stolen logs onto the Internet. The companies use satellite tracking technology to locate the stolen computer.

Finally, always keep two or three copies of everything contained on your personal electronic devices. You can back them up to an online server (safest), CDs, or a zip drive.

Posted by Angela at 01:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm intrigued by the cultural icons of Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran). From the striking colors used in Persian art, to the high arches that grace their architectural façades. I also love the intricate designs of hand woven Persian rugs -- which are highly sought after in the Western world. And if there's anything else I'd add to this list it would be the delicious food, rich with saffron, cinnamon, mint and an array of other exotic ingredients. Beyond these things, there's a lot more about Iranian culture, besides what you hear on the news. To find out what I mean check out these books recently cited in The Wall Street Journal as "masterly works on Iranian culture, politics, and life."

You can also find Persian-related materials at these links:

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

So, one of the more popular series of books for quite a few years has been The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman. I loved listening to this book. Not only was the production a BIG production (full cast), it is one of the best written books around.

Well, Hollywood has, of course, made a movie of this first title in the trilogy. And before it is even RATED, there is controversy surrounding it. In this article, people are being encouraged not to take their children based on some misconceptions about the book. It IS heavy material with controversial subject matter, but I wish that those concerned would read the book and/or see the movie before encouraging others to boycott. I realize not every book or movie is for every person, but every person has the right to decide for themselves. If the children are too young, their parents do have every right to forbid them, THEIR OWN CHILDREN, to read or see it. And they should as the books or the movie, I would assume, are for children under 12. (I would even argue the books are for older readers than that) So, it's easy for book lovers to feel passionate about possible censorship. We are extremely interested to hear what YOU all have to say. Also, does someone telling you NOT to read a book or watch a movie make you do as they say or does it peak your curiosity more?

Posted by Mary at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yep, the library has had bats in it's belfry for many, many years. Since we renovated in 2003 the bats seem to like our Grand Rapids History and Special Collections department best. Just today, one of them didn't make it back to a more protected roost and has spent the day sleeping outside the GRHSC windows. We've named him Martin in honor of our early benefactor.

Of course, bats are an important part of our ecosystem, even in an urban setting. Groups such as the Organization for Bat Conservation provide insight into the role of bats. Their visits have been popular programs at the library and have helped demystify these amazing creatures.

And I know what they'd suggest to us--install a bat house!

Posted by Marla at 01:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

China is in the news a lot lately, from the multiple import of American goods to their ambition to be the first Asian country to put a man on the moon. As China grows in power and global influence, people want to know about its culture and people. Here is a list of books cited in The Wall Street Journal as the best to read for a firm grasp on Chinese culture, politics, and life in the largest populated country in the the world.

You can also browse the catalog for audiovisual material here, find more books on Chinese culture here, and find reviews of books written by Chinese authors here.

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

In recognition of the contributions, rich heritage and traditions of the first Americans, November is Native American Heritage Month. This year's themes are Guiding Our Destiny with Heritage and Traditions and A Native Prescription: Balancing Mind, Body & Spirit. The Library of Congress has put together a wonderful website featuring audio, video, and digital images from their archived collections on Native American history and life.

Visit the main Grand Rapids library and check out the display in honor of Native Americans located on the second floor. You can also browse through our extensive collection of Native American movies and books about history, art, literature, and biographies.

One of my favorite recent reads is a novel written by Native American author Sherman Alexie. Although written for teens, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian, will make you root for young Arnold Spirit, Jr., an outcast living on the Spokane Indian Reservation who yearns to be a cartoonist. Delightful cartoons accompany the book's text.

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

Cold weather has finally arrived in Grand Rapids. That means it's time to curl up in front of the fireplace with a hot cupa something and a good book. And if you're a marathon reader like me and always looking for the next best read, you'll want to sign up for GRPL's Spilled Ink book club. (Isn't that a cool name?) All you have to do is read 10 of your favorite books, record the titles and authors, and give the list to us by February 29, 2008 to claim prizes. Oh, and audio books are included!

You must be at least 16 years of age to participate. To register, simply stop by any Grand Rapids Library location, pick up one of our lovely brochures (see photo), and give the librarian your name and contact information. You'll get a really nice pen just for registering. You can also sign up via phone and pick up your brochure and pen when you come to the library.

Remember. Read or listen to 10 titles + Make 1 list = Get cool prizes. That's it!

If you want reading suggestions try these resources:

Posted by Angela at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ever wonder about state tax rates? Or where Michigan stands among the other states for sales tax and income tax rates? Well, the FTA (Federation of Tax Administrators) has a very handy site with ranking charts.

Hopefully, Michigan will soon have a new taxation plan, but just in case, don't forget to let your state representatives know how you feel by clicking here and here.

Posted by Lisa at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On October 20th the library hosted its 3rd annual Celebration of the Book, featuring free lectures & workshops with authors, poets, librarians, scholars and storytellers. More than 2,000 excited patrons attended the event, which promotes literacy and the culture and history of books.

The guest list included more than 35 authors who shared their talents and insights with attendees. Presenters included Michigan authors Jacqueline Carey, Rodney Torreson and Tracy Gallup. A panel of Michigan Notable Authors included Liesel Litzenburger, Anne-Marie Oomen, and Steve Lehto. There were also genre panel presentations by librarians and authors on romance, science fiction/fantasy, and mystery books. The grand finale was a talk given by keynote speaker Eric Jerome Dickey, a New York Times bestselling author.

If you missed the event, podcasts of some of the presentations are available on our site here. We expect next year's Celebration of the Book to be even more grand, so don't miss it!

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