Abstract The Archives: Sampling the Past collection was created from the facsimiles used in the exhibit held at the Grand Rapids Public Library from June 2005 to December 2006; part of this exhibit remained on display with another exhibit. The exhibit illustrated a variety of material types, such as photographs, maps, serials/magazines, postcards, furniture catalogs, etc. Items selected represent only a portion of the 350-plus collections in the archives. One photo panel focused on the Robinson...

Abstract The Cultural Services Consolidation Committee was organized in 1984 by the Grand Rapids City Commission to plan the consolidation of the Grand Rapids Public Museum, John Ball Zoo and area libraries. The effort ended on May 13, 1986, when Kent County residents voted against the proposed $2.1 million millage necessary to implement the consolidation. The collection contains reports, correspondence, meeting minutes, financial records, and plans of the Cultural Services Consolidation Committee....

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 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...

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...