The Atrium

Whether you're Dewey Decimal challenged or obsessive enough to use Dewey to classify your personal collection, you'll probably appreciate the innovative libraries I've included in this blog entry.

The Library Hotel in New York is a concept hotel with a 6,000 book collection that's housed throughout the building. Each of its 60 rooms, divided among 10 floors, is dedicated to one of the ten Dewey decimal classifications. The Dewey Decimal system (000 through 999) is used in most public libraries to classify materials into ten main subject categories. In addition to the typical hotel amenities, the hotel also has a poetry garden, a writer's den, and an outdoor terrace with a city skyline view.

In Kenya rural villages get access to library services via camel. Take a look:

Posted by Angela at 04:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

While browsing among the Express shelves (where we display popular items) recently I discovered a reed-thin little red book confined between two 300-page tomes. About the height and width of my hand, I though perhaps it was a misplaced children's book. However, when I pulled it out to take a look I discovered How the Water Feels to the Fishes, a wonderful 60-page little gem with a journal-like binding filled with funny, silly, sad, yet descriptive passages written by Dave Eggers. And no, it's not a children's book.

I'd not heard of this title and it looked interesting enough that I read the entire book in one sitting. It's fiction, though not a single story, but rather a collection of short musings about life observations. There's something in it to make you laugh, cry, and think critically about life. Each passage is an enjoyable read. One of the shorter pieces that I particularly like is Once a Year, which simply reads: "Once a year, she remembers that she is insignificant. Then she forgets again, because more than she is insignificant, she is forgetful."

If you've read this book please let me know what you think.

Posted by Angela at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

On Saturday, January 21st, Grand Rapids Public Library participated in the Public Museum of Grand Rapids', Ethnic Heritage Festival, which kicked off their newest permanent exhibit, “Newcomers: The People of the This Place.” The exhibit, seven years in the making, tells the story of the many ethnic communities who made their home in Grand Rapids. Over 3,000 people took advantage of the free admission to the museum and enjoyed the scheduled events of the day including ethnic music and dance, storytelling, and even a beer tasting. At noon, an announcement was made for the 2008 “One Book, One County” selection, A Free Life by Ha Jin. Local Ethnic societies and community organizations had promotional tables throughout the Van Andel building.

The GRPL table promoted the the library's immigration project with one section of Rebecca's Near's photo exhibit, now on display at all the GRPL branches. We also gave out flyers for the February African American events in February at GRPL and the History Detectives event on February 9th. Items highlighting ethnic resources in the Grand Rapids History & Special Collections department included notebooks with copies of some of our Native American and African American photographs and handouts referencing various ethnic resources. Ruth Van Stee, Chris Byron and Rebecca Near, employees on hand that day at the museum, enjoyed talking with visitors.

The event was a huge success and the museum plans on making it an annual affair. We were happy to be part of the day's success and represent GRPL.

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

Every year I wait excitedly for the announcements of the winners of the big awards in children and teen literature. Some years I am surprised, others a bit disappointed, only because MY favorite may not have won. This year, there were a couple of surprises.

The Caldecott Medal, awarded for the best book illustrations, went to The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, a novel for children. Granted, it is a novel in pictures and words, and it isn't always picture books that win, but this surprised me. I actually liked the illustrations more than the story, so it was a pleasant surprise.

The Newbery Medal, given for the best writing in children's literature, was for a non-fiction title this year, Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz. I have to admit, this one ran under my radar, and of course now there is a waiting list for it!

The Michael L. Printz Award, given for the best teen book, went to White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean. I've seen this book and read about it; however, I haven't read it yet. Time to order that one, too!

Since I had no clear favorites this year, I'll have to wait to read the winners I haven't yet read to form my opinion.

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

BusinessDecision, a new web-based service that combines extensive consumer household, business, and demographic data with a powerful mapping technology known as geographic information systems (GIS), is now available to Grand Rapids Public Library patrons for free. With this new service, local businesses can access demographic data to help with such tasks as finding prospective customers, analyzing trade areas, evaluating competitors, identifying new store locations, and targeting media buys and direct mail campaigns. Data can instantly be created and emailed to users or stored on-line.

Patrons can access BusinessDecision at any Grand Rapids Public Library, and GRPL card holders can access from any internet computer. Just access the database page of the library website. BusinessDecision is provided to Grand Rapids Public Library patrons through a generous grant from the Titche Family Fund--Ryerson Library Foundation. For more information on getting started, visit our BusinessDecision help page.

Posted by Lori at 03:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In addition to a long list of items I've usually borrowed from the library, I also buy lots of books. Over the years I've managed to accumulate a collection that requires its own room. In our house we refer to it as the "library" but it's actually a spare bedroom. The books are kept on traditional bookcases but lately I've been trying to redesign the space and make it more contemporary. And I've discovered some awesome new designs for home book displays.

One is the Conceal Bookshelf designed by Umbra. It's an invisible floating book display which stacks books vertically, and makes a collection look as if it's suspended mid-wall. Or if I'd like to store them horizontally, the Flybrary is another cool design by the same company.

For something that combines both words and music I like the Storyline shelf by Dutch by Design. The shape mimics the lyrical forms that words make when read aloud. It's truly poetic.

Another cool option is the Equation Shelf designed by Estudio Breder. It displays a collection in mathematical order. I think this might make a good "library books only" shelf on which I could place items I've checked out in due date priority in order to avoid overdue fines. This one's definitely a conversation piece.

I decided to group the final two options together because I think they're too trendy for my tastes -- but I think they're fun and couldn't resist sharing them here. The Cave, designed by Sakura Adachi is a bookcase with a built-in padded seat. This one would be great for a child's room. Don't you think? (There's even a mini version for a pet.) The Bibliochase from Nobody and Co. is a wooden chair with a cushioned seat that also let's readers stay close to their books.

Well, this is going to be a tough decision but with a bit of help from the latest GRPL room design books I'm sure I'll get it right.

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

The Rubais of Rumi
Translations and commentary by Nevit O. Ergin and Will Johnson

I haven't read much Rumi, but it's always in the back of my mind that I might. I think I'll start with this volume, which is a full of "rubais," which are described in the introduction of the book as being, "...considered a Persian form of Japanese haiku: short and pithy aphorisms and observations about life."

Available now: NEW 891.5511 J216ru

The Voyage That Never Ends: Fictions, Poems, Fragments, Letters
by Malcolm Lowry

Published in 2007 - the 50 year anniversary of Malcolm Lowry's death. This book compiles a wide variety of writings, including some lesser known pieces.

Available now: NEW 818.54 L955v

Words in Your Face
by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz

The title alone is enough to make me want to check this one out. According to the back cover the book is, “The first definitive history,” of slam poetry and includes input from the likes of Saul Williams, Maggie Estep, and Bob Holman among others. This book covers the beginnings in the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and works its way to the present day.

Available now: NEW 811.5409 Ap86w

The Making of a Story
by Alice LaPlante

Do you want to work on your creative writing skills, but don't feel like taking a class? This book is for you. The cover describes this book as being, “fresh and inspiring,” as well as “accessible.”

Available now: NEW 808.042 L316m

The Lost Saranac Interviews: Forgotten Conversations With Famous Writers
by Connie and Joe David Bellamy

These conversations with respected writers including Joyce Carol Oates, E.L. Doctorow and Margaret Atwood, available for the first time, will take you back to the 1970's writing haven in upstate New York.

Available now: NEW 810.9005 B414L

Posted by Marianne at 08:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, if you haven't heard by now, next year on February 17, 2009, analog broadcasts of television will cease to exist and everything will turn digital. Maybe you have digital capabilities on your television already or through your cable service, but if you're like me and you rely on the old bunny ears to get your weekly fix of The Office then you'll need to buy a converter.

When I heard that I'd need to spend money on a converter I was pretty disappointed. However, I just found out that the government has set up a program to provide assistance for purchasing a converter. By simply filling out an application you can receive a forty dollar coupon to apply towards the purchase of a converter. And if you don't want to bother, well, there's always a large selection of television programs available at GRPL, and by the way, they're free.

For more information on these coupons or on whether you may need a converter, visit www.dtv2009.gov.

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

We are having Guitar Hero III tournaments starting in January. The event is for 11-18 year olds. Pizza and prizes provided. The winners of each contest will qualify for the Grand Tournament on February 17 at the Main Library and will compete to win a $25 gift certificate.

Guitar Hero III
Platform: Nintendo Wii

Locations

Yankee Clipper- Tuesday, Jan. 29th at 5 pm
Seymour Tuesday- Tuesday, Feb. 5th at 5 pm
West Leonard- Tuesday, Feb. 12th at 4 pm
Main Library: Grand Tournament- Sunday, Feb. 17th 1:30 pm

Below are the tournament rules. It's your event so if these rules don't seem fair or if something else needs to be added here is your chance to have some input.

Pre-Tournament Seeding round- There will be one song that everyone will play on MEDIUM. Seeding will be based on how many points you score.

Unless limited by time and/or number of participants the tournament will be double elimination.

The tournament will begin with the mode setting at MEDIUM. Until the semi final rounds each round will use a song chosen by the judge.

Semi-Final Rounds- The mode setting will be changed to HARD. Scores will be based on average of two songs. Each player will pick one song. The judge will pick the other song for this round.

Final Round - To determine First and Second place - the final round will have 3 songs - chosen by the judge, winner will be based on average score.

3's & 7's - Queens of the Stone Age
Anarchy in the U.K. - Sex Pistols
Avalancha - Heroes del Silencio
Barracuda - Heart
Before I Forget - Slipknot
Black Magic Woman - Santana
Black Sunshine - White Zombie
Bulls on Parade - Rage Against the Machine (Encore)
Can't Be Saved - Senses Fail
Cherub Rock - The Smashing Pumpkins
Cliffs of Dover - Eric Johnson
Closer - Lacuna Coil
Cult of Personality - Living Colour (Encore)
Don't Hold Back - The Sleeping
Down 'N Dirty - LA Slum Lords
Even Flow - Pearl Jam (Encore)
F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X. - The Fall of Troy
Generation Rock - Revolverheld
Go That Far - Bret Michaels Band
Guitar Battle vs. Slash
Guitar Battle vs. Tom Morello
Hier Kommt Alex - Die Toten Hosen
Hit Me with Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar
Holiday In Cambodia - Dead Kennedys
I'm in the Band - The Hellacopters
Impulse - An Endless Sporadic
In Love - Scouts of St. Sebastian
In the Belly of a Shark - Gallows
Knights of Cydonia - Muse
Kool Thing - Sonic Youth
La Grange - ZZ Top
Lay Down - Priestess
Mauvais Garçon - Naast
Metal Heavy Lady - Lions
Minus Celsius - Backyard Babies
Miss Murder - AFI
Mississippi Queen - Mountain
My Curse - Killswitch Engage
My Name Is Jonas - Weezer
Nothing for Me Here - Dope
One - Metallica
Paint It, Black - The Rolling Stones (Encore)
Paranoid - Black Sabbath
Prayer of the Refugee - Rise Against
Pride and Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughan (Encore)
Radio Song - Superbus
Raining Blood - Slayer
Rock and Roll All Nite - Kiss (Encore)
Rock You Like a Hurricane - Scorpions
Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs
Same Old Song and Dance - Aerosmith
School's Out - Alice Cooper
She Bangs the Drums - The Stone Roses
Slow Ride - Foghat
Story of My Life - Social Distortion
Stricken - Disturbed
Sunshine of Your Love - Cream
Take This Life - In Flames
Talk Dirty to Me - Poison
The Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels Band [guitar cover])
The Metal - Tenacious D
The Number of the Beast - Iron Maiden
The Seeker - The Who
The Way It Ends - Prototype
Through The Fire And Flames - DragonForce
Welcome to the Jungle - Guns N' Roses (Encore)
When You Were Young - The Killers

Posted by Asante at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

A week ago today Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales released his new search engine, Wikia, to the public. Here at GRPL we're always looking for new and better resources to help patrons find the information they need, so I played around a bit with Wikia just to see what it offers and it looks promising.

Wikia has the usual social network options -- personal profiles, media sharing, inviting friends, etc. However, it's different from other major search engines because it's also a hub for subject-specific wiki groups -- currently more than 4,700 in 70 languages. They're grouped into traditional subject categories but they also include categories like biggest, newest, most active, languages, imagination, politics and activism. Each community is filled with content written by people who are passionate about their subject. If the level of detail and information with which most Wikiapedia articles are written is an indicator, Wikia could be the beginning of a really good thing. Here are highlights of some sections I found interesting:

Books is not just about reading and writing literature. It houses wikis dedicated to specific subjects (literature, scifi/fantasy, suspense, romance, etc.) and authors. A few examples are Horatio Hornblower, Phantom of the Opera, Brian Jacques' Redwall series, and even Dr. Seuss. There are fan fiction hubs and book concordances which include plot synopsis old and new -- and Wikia claims they're "spoiler rich."

Entertainment has communities dedicated to favorite television shows like the old Flash Gordon and Hogans Heroes, to newer shows like The Bionic Woman (both series), Hannah Montana, and the Colbert Report. Movies include everything from Indiana Jones and Godzilla to the X-Files and The West Wing.

Gaming hubs are sure to be popular. There's new release announcements and detailed content on old favorites like RuneScape, Warcraft, and Guildwars.

Wales says he wants Wikia to grab a modest five percent of the search engine market, which might be a challenge since Google dominates about 60 percent of the market and the rest of the pie is split between Yahoo and Microsoft Corp. But we'll see how it all turns out. Give Wikia a try and let us know what you think.

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

Here are a few additions to our collection of art and architecture books:

Mediterranean Modern
by Dominic Bradbury

This beautiful book takes us on a journey around the Mediterranean to showcase masterpieces of modern architecture. From Casa CH in Spain to the B2 House in Turkey, this book is filled with stunning photos that take you to another world.

Available now: New 728.370918 B726m

Louis I. Kahn: Beyond Time and Style
by Carter Wiseman

Known for such works as the Kimbell Art Museum, Kahn's style and influence have defined late twentieth-century architecture. Here is an in-depth look at this stalwart architect.

Available now: New 720.92 K122 W7

Modernism Rediscovered
by Julius Shulman

Famous for capturing the image of California chic with his "Case Study House #22, Los Angeles, 1960. Pierre Koenig, Architect," Julius Shulman is a master architectural photographer. This three volume set, directed and produced by Benedikt Taschen himself, is absolutely gorgeous.

Available now: New Oversize 778.94 Sh92m v. 1, 2, and 3

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

This past Friday I moved. I was shocked by the sheer volume of stuff I have. Up until now I've been operating under the delusion that I have my participation in consumerism under control. The piles of boxes proved I couldn't have been more wrong.

It seems I've simply exchanged one form of consumption for another. About a year and a half ago I made a commitment to myself that I would not buy anything new that I could otherwise buy used. One could say I've been fairly successful. I thought it would help with my case of affluenza, but I was wrong.

To help me out with this conundrum, I'm doing what I always do -- turning to the library for help. Here are some books I've found:

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

The holidays are over, and if you're like me, you're regretting all the cookies, fudge and adorable chocolate Santas consumed in December. Now that the new year has begun, what better time to start eating healthy again? There are many quality websites to help. FruitsAndVeggiesMatter.gov may be one of the most creative ".gov" urls I've heard of. I really like the diagram showing what counts as a serving (1/2 or whole cup) of a fruit or vegetable. For more info on healthy eating, visit Nutrition.gov, which links you to the new food pyramid and the government's many trusted medical research sites like Medline Plus.

And stop by the library to check out the latest books on health and nutrition. Two of my favorites are Stealth Health: How to Sneak Nutrition Painlessly into Your Diet and Superfoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life. These books both have super easy recipes that taste great. Try the fabulous Patty's Pumpkin Pudding recipe in Superfoods Rx!

Posted by Lori at 04:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Latvian immigrants at Union Station, 1949
(GRPL Coll. 125-H004570)

As the Public Museum prepares to open a new permanent exhibit on January 19th called, Newcomers: The People of This Place, the Library is also celebrating the enormous impact that immigration has had in shaping the city that we know today. Historic photographs, newspaper clippings, and first-person accounts, as well as books and resources are on display at each library branch. Each display offers a unique selection of images, so be sure to visit them all!

How did your family happen to settle in Grand Rapids? We want to know! In an effort to document the changing face of Grand Rapids, the Library is inviting the public to share their immigration story in 500 words or less. Just go to www.grpl.org/grip to submit your story online, or stop by any library location to pick up a paper form.

Posted by Martin at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

January is both National Glaucoma Awareness Month and National Eye Care Month.

Millions of people are at risk for vision loss from glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in the United States. Take this eye-q test to see how much you know about glaucoma.

The Grand Rapids Public Library will be hosting Free Glaucoma Screenings provided by the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. No appointments are necessary. For more information, contact Rosemary Ramos of the Association at 616-458-1187 or 800-466-8084, ext. 14, or call the Main Library at 616-988-5400.

Glaucoma screenings will be held:
Tuesday, January 8, from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Main Library
Thursday, January 17, from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Yankee Clipper Branch
Tuesday, January 22, from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Main Library

Search our catalog for information on glaucoma and eye care, and check the following web sites:

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

Do you want to know what book everyone in Kent County will be reading and discussing this winter?

Find out on January 19, at noon, at the Public Museum's Ethnic Heritage Festival. The festival runs from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and includes music, dance, crafts and food representing the various ethnic groups that call West Michigan home.

Join all the fun of One Book, One County! Look for more information soon.

Posted by Martin at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Along with the New Year, January brings us Calvin College's award winning January Series. This year, they've added remote webcasts at a dozen sites in the area to make it easier for everyone to experience these interesting speakers. This means that the same program being presented in the Calvin Fine Arts Center from 12:30 - 1:30 pm will be shown simultaneously on a big screen at a venue near you. One location is the Ladies Literary Club, 61 Sheldon Blvd SE, practically a stones throw away from our very own downtown location. The Ladies Literary Club auditorium holds over 400 people. There is no cost to attend, and reservations are not necessary.

For more information on the 2008 lineup of speakers and programs click here.

Check out some of the titles GRPL has to offer from these speakers:

• Bill McKibben
• Sonia Nazario
• Eleanor Clift
• Debra Rienstra
• Ishmael Beah
• Margaret Lowman

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