The Atrium

In celebration and support of small businesses in Grand Rapids, we are pleased to announce the opening of the Small Business Resource Center at the Grand Rapids Public Library!

The Small Business Resource Center is located on the Lower Level of our Main Library and provides the timely and reliable business information you need to start, manage and grow your business. You will find designated workspace and Internet access, specialized business databases, fax and copier access, plus librarians to help guide you through the stages of small business research.

Use the Center to write your business plan, target new customers, find sources of financing and much more! Check out the webpage, take a look at the brochure, and don't forget the many books of we have available on the topic.

For more information, email our business librarian at businesslibrarian@grpl.org

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

It's stories like this that the Child and Family Resource Council are working to prevent.

This past Wednesday, several of my co-workers and myself were invited to the Child and Family Resource Council to participate in their Hand in Hand tour. I highly recommend this tour, which is open to the public. On the tour we learned some staggering statistics. According to the Council, an amazing 85% of abuse and neglect cases are preventable. Also, for every $1 spent on child abuse prevention, $34 will be saved on, “...publicly-funded, crisis-oriented programming such as protective services, foster care, special education, counseling, etc.” Also, the Council publishes the wonderful Family Resource Guide, which can be found here at the library.

Education is an important component of preventing neglect and abuse. Check out the resources we have on parenting and child development. Please be sure to pass the word along about our resources and the excellent work the Child and Family Resource Council is doing in our community.

Posted by Marianne at 11:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Don't forget to come down to the Main library and catch Earthwork Music Collective featuring Seth Bernard and Daisy May from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm in the Ryerson Auditorium, Level 3.

The concert is free and open to the public. The first 100 people in the door will be given an energy efficient compact fluorescent bulb. Check out their myspace pages: Daisy May, Seth Bernard.

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

Passes for various local entertainment venues are available at the Grand Rapids Library. A single pass allows up to three people free access to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Frederick Meijer Garden, Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Civic Theater, Grand Rapids Ballet, Grand Rapids Opera, Griffins Hockey games, or the John Ball Zoo. From time to time we also have passes for special events like the annual Calvin College Festival of Faith and Writing.

Passes are available only to Grand Rapids Public Library cardholders and are good for a one-time visit within six days of being checked out. Once a membership is checked out, a patron is not eligible to check that membership out again for one year. Passes cannot be reserved and are available on a first come basis.

Most passes are available at each Grand Rapids Public Library location. For more information about the program, visit our website at www.grpl.org, or to find out what passes are available call 616-988-5400.

Posted by Martin at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Don't forget:

April 19, Through April 26, 2008
Information Desk on Level 1

Drop off your old cell phone at the Main Library and in return, get an energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulb (while supplies last). Your old cell phone will be donated to Secure the Call Foundation and converted into a 911 emergency only phone.

For more information or to obtain a receipt for tax purposes, please visit: http://www.donatemycellphone.org

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

According to an article in yesterday's Rapid Growth, Comprenew Environmental is putting collection sites for small appliances around town from April 19-22. Spokesperson Lynell Shooks says they will “...recycle anything operated by a cord or battery, except major appliances.”

For more information, click here. (Thanks to Johanna on G-RAD for the heads up!)

Posted by Marianne at 04:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's almost time to celebrate Earth Week here at GRPL! To celebrate, I thought I'd pass along an interesting link I came across in this month's issue of Readymade (website). It's called How Can I Recycle This? The items in question can range from the expected, like yogurt containers and kitty litter containers to the odd, like plaster casts of feet. The site is fun and inspiring to look through. It's definitely being added to my bloglines. Of course, this isn't a free ticket to buy all the junk you want. Conscious consumption is still key.

Also check out our wiki page on Environment and Sustainability. There are some really terrific links under Community Resources as well as Web Resources.

Don't forget to come down to the main library to check out tomorrow's events:

• Indoor Farmer's Market and Film Festival

  Saturday, April 19
  1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  Level 3

  A showcase of West Michigan Co-op members will be on hand to sell their goods. Shop for local meats, cheese, vegetables, fruits, soap, syrup and more! While you are here, stop by the auditorium to watch films about the impact of large factory farms on small, family-owned farms and the environments.

• Film schedule:

  1:15 pm As We Sow
  2:00 pm Through Farmers' Eyes: Impacts of Industrial Agriculture
  2:35 pm The True Cost of Food
  3:00 pm The Future of Food

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

Wild Ride: A Graphic Guide Adventure
Written by Liam O'Donnell and illustrated by Mike Deas

On a flight to visit their environmentalist parents who are working to stop a logging company from clear-cutting a remote valley, A plane crash strands Devin, Nadia, and Marcus. Soon the trio discover that they are stranded with the enemy and must rely on their survival skills.

Available now: NEW jGraphic Novel O'Donnell

The Willoughbys
Written by Lois Lowry

Abandoned by their parents, Tim, the twins, Barnaby A and Barnaby B, and their sister, Jane, attempt to fulfill their roles as good old-fashioned children. Then an unquestionably ruthless act sets in motion the transformations that lead to their salvation and to happy endings. This hilarious parody pays homage to classic works of children's literature.

Available now NEW jFiction Lowry

The Tooth Book: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums
Written and illustrated by Edward Miller

Taking good care of your teeth and gums is an important part of maintaining overall health. After all, you need your pearly whites to eat, smile, and talk. But what should you expect when you go to the dentist? What should you do if you lose a tooth? Full of straightforward advice and animated, colorful art, as well as some bite-sized bits of history and lore, this guide provides accessible information about taking care of your teeth.

Available now: j617.601 M613t

Canned
Written by Alex Shearer

Fergal Bamfield is an oddball and his tin can collection is as strange as everything else about him. One day he finds a can without a label. What could be in it? Peaches, soup, perhaps spam? But instead it's something gruesome: a human finger. Then Fergal finds another can, this time containing a one-word message, HELP! Now Fergal and his friend Charlotte are knee-deep in an adventure, and they're about to learn something horrible: Everybody has an expiration date.

Available now: NEW jFiction Shearer

Arabella Miller's Tiny Caterpillar
Written and illustrated by Clare Jarrett

Arabella Miller finds a tiny caterpillar, brings him home and feeds till the caterpillar sheds his skin and disappears inside his chrysalis. Arabella misses her friend until he emerges and she is filled with wonder at the beautiful creature he has become. Clare Jarrett’s sweet story and vibrant illustrations weave details about a caterpillar’s transformation into this elaboration on the song Little Arabella Miller.

Available now: NEW Picture Book Jarrett

My Friend, the Starfinder
Written by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by Stephen Gammell

Dazzled, a little girl listens to her old neighbor's story of following a falling star when he was a boy. He found it, too. He put it in her hands. But that's not all the starfinder has to tell. One day something found him. It's a story too good to keep. See for yourself.

Available now: NEW Picture Book Lyon

One Tractor: A Counting Book
Written by Alexandra Siy and illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers

Certain to delight young vehicle lovers, this fantastical number book perfectly balances imaginative play with counting instructions. When one tractor in the grass runs out of gas, the backyard doesn't stay quiet for long. Soon pirates sail in to play, and the backyard races to life with airplanes, cranes, trucks, and trains. Readers can count along as the vehicles and machines soar, hoist, dig, and zoom.

Available now: NEW Picture Book Siy

Thirteen
Written by Lauren Myracle

Winnie Perry is a teenager—at last! And it’s a really big deal. A ginormous deal, which, wouldn’t you know it, brings along ginormous problems. Winnie’s bff #1 is growing up too slowly, while her bff #2 is growing up too fast, leaving Winnie stuck in the middle. Winnie’s boyfriend, Lars, is fabulous—except when he’s not. And as for her family, well, BIG changes are in the air. Myracle concludes her trilogy about Winnie, whose humor, daring, and compassion is infectious and unforgettable.

Available now: NEW jFiction Myracle

Snail's Good Night
Written by Ann Whitford Paul and illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger

Snail slowly glides along to bid his friends goodnight, but by the time he reaches Rabbit she's nearly asleep. Snail better hurry! Will he make it before everyone goes to bed? Beginning readers will love following this well-intentioned snail as he slides through each jewel-colored page. The lush, dream-like art, friendly characters, and humorous scenario is sure to charm librarians, parents, and newly independent readers alike.

Available now: NEW Easy Reader Paul

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

Mark your calendars!

• Indoor Farmer's Market and Film Festival

  Saturday, April 19
  1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  Level 3

  A showcase of West Michigan Co-op members will be on hand to sell their goods. Shop for local meats, cheese, vegetables, fruits, soap, syrup and more! While you are here, stop by the auditorium to watch films about the impact of large factory farms on small, family-owned farms and the environment.

• Film schedule:

  1:15 pm As We Sow
  2:00 pm Through Farmers' Eyes: Impacts of Industrial Agriculture
  2:35 pm The True Cost of Food
  3:00 pm The Future of Food

• Author Visit: Peter Annin

  Monday, April 21
  7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
  Ryerson Auditorium, Level 3

  Peter Annin, author of The Great Lakes Water Wars will talk about the stories behind the battle for our lakes. The first 100 people in the door will be given an energy efficient compact florescent bulb! The lecture will be followed by a book signing.

• Celebrate Earth Day @ Your Local Library

  Tuesday, April 22
  11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  Youth Services, Level 2

  Find ways to save the planet and celebrate Earth Day with some fun activities, stories and environmentally friendly crafts. For ages 6 and up.

• Rain Garden Groundbreaking

  Tuesday, April 22
  11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  East side of building

  Grand Rapids Public Library staff and Calvin College biology students will begin work on our Rain Garden. The Rain Garden will collect run off from the Library's roof, sidewalks, and surrounding areas, diverting it into a natural filtration system that will clean the pollutants out of it, rather than letting it go directly into the sewer, which flows directly into the Grand River and out to our Great Lakes.

• Earthwork Music Collective featuring Seth Bernard and Daisy May

  Thursday, April 24
  7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
  Ryerson Auditorium, Level 3

  The Earthwork Music Collective believes in the intrinsic and historical power of music to raise both community and self-awareness and serves to facilitate and encourage original music in Michigan and beyond. This concert is free and open to the public. The first 100 people in the door will be given an energy efficient compact fluorescent bulb. Check out their myspace pages: Daisy May, Seth Bernard.

• Recycle your old cell phone!

  April 19, Through April 26, 2008
  Information Desk on Level 1

  Drop off your old cell phone at the Main Library and in return, get an energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulb (while supplies last). Your old cell phone will be donated to Secure the Call Foundation and converted into a 911 emergency only phone.

  For more information or to obtain a receipt for tax purposes, please visit:http://www.donatemycellphone.org

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

Bill Vits, the principal percussionist from the Grand Rapids symphony, entertained a crowd of all ages at the Main Library with his Spring Sound Bits program. He brought a variety of instruments and had the crowd dancing and drumming right along with him!

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

Beginning April 17, there will be some cosmetic changes coming to the catalog search pages. Here, you can get a sneak peek at those changes.

For the full GRPL experience, if you run Mozilla Firefox and add the Greasemonkey extension, you can make your pages at home look just like what you'll see here at the Library.

Just install this Greasemonkey script.

Posted by Bill at 09:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Girls from around the city came to different GRPL locations to pick out a free prom dress! Those coming to the Main library were able to watch Ellie have her make-up and hair done, while getting tips on how to do get ready themselves. One lucky winner won a gift basket provided by Clinique.

Many thanks to Younkers Department Stores, Goodwill, Hotel Venus Salon, and Clinique! We hope to make this an annual event, so hang on to those dresses. Maybe you can exchange it next year!

Posted by Martin at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Around 25 percent of our honey bees died in the Colony Collapse Disorder of recent years. Loss of these valuable insects can have a profound ecological implication to our planet and drastically affect pollination-dependent crops. According to the North America Pollinator Protection program, nearly 80 percent of the world's crops require pollination.

San Fransisco State University is promoting the Great Sunflower Project, and needs your help. They want you to plant sunflowers, observe and document the behavior of the bees that visit the blooms, and report back to them your findings. They'll even send you a free packet of sunflower seeds for your efforts!

Although Great Sunflower Project participants don't have to know anything about bees or sunflowers, it's still a good idea to read a bit about them, and you can find lots of helpful resources at GRPL.

Haagen Daz, makers of extraordinary ice cream, also has a green project to help the honey bees. They've designed an awesome interactive honey bee display with a feature that lets you "Create and Send a Bee," in which you design a digital honey bee and send it to family and friends. Find out about it here.

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

The Kayla Chronicles
by Sherri Winston

“This just in... Kayla Dean, budding feminist and future journalist, is about to break the story of a lifetime. Egged on by her best friend, Kayla has decided to try out for her high school's notorious dance team, the Lady Lions, in order to expose their unfair selection process. But when she actually makes the team, the true investigation begins! Now a Lady Lion, Kayla is transformed into a dance diva. But does looking good and having fun mean turning her back on the cause? Soon Kayla is forced to challenge her views, coming to terms with who she is and what girl power really means."

Available now: NEW Teen Fiction Winston

Saving Juliet
by Suzanne Selfors

"Mimi Wallingford has a life most girls can only dream of - complete with the starring role in her family's production of Romeo and Juliet. But acting is not her dream, and she's fighting for the right to become a doctor. During the play's final performance, Mimi's wish to get away actually comes true when she and her costar are magically transported into Shakespeare's Verona. Now that she knows the real Juliet, Mimi doesn't want to stand by and allow the play to reach its tragic end. But if saving her new friend means changing the ending, will she and Troy ever make it back to Broadway?"

Available now: NEW Teen Fiction Selfors

Vampire Kisses 1: Blood Relatives
by Ellen Schreiber, Art by rem

"The absolute last thing goth-girl Raven and her vampire boyfriend, Alexander, need is another hitch in their nighttime-only romance - but dark trouble hovers on the horizon. When a crew of sketchy vampires takes up residence in Dullsville's lonely graveyard, Alexander finds this motley bunch led by his very own blood-sucking cousin, Claude Sterling. Claude and his creepy crew can only spell out more problems for the pair, especially when Raven finds them in daylight in the very last place she could ever imagine. What could Claude and his invaders be doing - or searching for - in Dullsville?"

Available now: NEW Teen Graphic Novel Schreiber

The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook
by Dilara Hafiz, Imran Hafiz, and Yasmine Hafiz

“What does it mean to be a Muslim? Ask ten people, and you'll probably receive ten different answers. The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook is a positive, informative guide to Islam in America. Timely and engaging, it conveys the basics of the fastest-growing, most stereotyped and misunderstood religion in America from a progressive, teen perspective. Whether struggling to define themselves as Muslims in American society or simply curious about Islam, teens will find much to love about this entertaining book.”

Available now: NEW Teen 297.570835 H119a

Bunker 10
by J. A. Henderson

"At eight o'clock in the evening, 24 December 2007, Pinewood Military Installation exploded. The blast ripped apart acres of forest and devastated the remote highland valley where the base was located. No official cause was given for the incident. Inside Pinewood were 185 male and female miliatary personnel - a mixture of scientists and soldiers. There were also seven teenagers. This is the story of their last day..."

Available now: NEW Teen Fiction Henderson

Posted by Martin at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)