Abstract The Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation is the funding arm of the Grand Rapids Public Library in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was created as the Ryerson Library Foundation in the early 1990s and funds numerous programs and projects within the Gradn Rapids Public Library. The largest endeavor to date was fundraising for the library building program in the late 1990s to 2003, when the Main Library building reopened after major renovations. The name was changed to the Grand Rapids Public...

Abstract

May G. Quigley was the first children's librarian of the Grand Rapids Public Library. She was Chief of the Boys and Girls Department from 1904 to 1943 and inspired several Grand Rapids writers, including Newbery Medal winner Meindert DeJong. This collection documents her professional life and also includes some family or unidentified photographs.

Abstract The Raz/Massingill Oral History Collection is the result of a Friends of the Grand Rapids Public Library 100th Anniversary Project. It contains interviews with retired staff of the Grand Rapids Public Library conducted in 2004-2006. Those interviewed were librarians, library assistants and administrative, support and specialized staff who worked at the Grand Rapids Public Library. The information from the interviews pertains to the personal history of the interviewee, history of the Grand...

Abstract Samuel H. Ranck (1866-1952) was director of the Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids, Michigan for 37 years, covering the years 1904-1941. He was also an outdoor lover, an active member of the Grand Rapids community and a member of numerous organizations and associations throughout the state of Michigan and the nation. This collection contains bibliographical information about Ranck and various writings by Ranck. The bulk of the collection is photographs, diaries, writings and...