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)

Whenever I make a new purchase, I want what I'm spending my hard earned cash on to be the best possible product for the cheapest amount of money. To figure this out, I like to start my research with Consumer Reports. Of course, we have paper copies of Consumer Reports on hand at all library branches. But did you know you can also access these articles from the comfort and convenience of your own home? It's true! All you need is the internet and your GRPL library card. Revolutionary, isn't it?

Perhaps you're toying with idea of buying a new digital camera or laptop? Or maybe you are like me and this icy cold weather has you craving a space heater. Regardless, you can find all you need through a little thing called General Reference Center Gold. It's pretty easy to use.

Continue reading "General Reference Center Gold & You" »

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

This holiday season I decided to put a cap on all my spending and, in return, I've asked my family and friends not get me anything. I realize that this is a hard concept for most to comprehend. My brother isn't having any of it and being that he lives on the other side of the country, has already shipped my presents with notes on them to not open till Christmas.

In return I purchased him a subscription to Green Dimes. Green Dimes stops junk mail coming to your house and saves tree. I signed up about 6 months ago and have seen a significant decrease in the amount of junk mail to my house. When you spend $15, they do all the work to get you off the largest mailing lists in the country. You can also report who you're getting junk mail from and they will take care of it for you. It really works! Not only do they reduce your junk mail by 90%, but they also plant 10 trees in your name! Right now they are running a special for the service for only $12.

Another great sight that is working hard to help consumers choose products wisely is Story of Stuff. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world.

There is also a great green gift giving guide on Grist.

So as you think about what to buy for your friends and family, remember that everything we buy has an impact on our lives and the environment.

Posted by Kolene at 11:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)