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 Richard F. Vander Veen (1922-2006) was a Grand Rapids, Michigan lawyer and politician. He served as the Democractic Congressman from the 5th District of Michigan from 1974 to 1977. Beyond his political activities, Vander Veen was devoted to his family, headed a law firm, was a rare bookman, loved sailing and headed an alternative energy company later in life. He was particularly important to the Grand Rapids Public Library, having been primarily responsible for developing the Ryerson Library...