MeLCat, Michigan’s eLibrary Catalog, Celebrates 20 Years of Sharing Resources

The Grand Rapids Public Library is proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat), a transformative statewide resource that has revolutionized access to library materials for Michigan communities. Since its inception, MeLCat has connected thousands of individuals to millions of library resources, enabling equitable access to knowledge regardless of geographic or…
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Book Review: “Beloved Economies: Transforming How We Work”

By Ashley Bovin, Library Assistant What comes to mind when you think of “success” in work and business? Measurables like reduced costs, financial growth, and better quality products and services?  What about feelings of connection and belonging, peace, purpose, happiness, and hope?  Beloved Economies: Transforming How We Work by Jess Rimington and Joanna L. Cea…
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Board of Library Commissioners Welcomes New Members

The Board of Library Commissioners of the Grand Rapids Public Library welcomes Justine Bryant and Bryan Holt as new Commissioners – their first board meeting taking place on January 28, 2025. Bryant and Holt join 5 other publicly elected Commissioners including; Rachel S. Anderson (President), Kelly Boston (Vice President/Secretary), Kathryn Dilley, Kevin Peterson, and Lauren…
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Book Review | “We Are Not Able to Live in the Sky: The Seductive Promise of Microfinance” by Mara Kardas-Nelson

By Business and Career Librarian, Steven Assarian  Every so often, I read a book that upends my previous understanding of an idea. I just read a book like that.  It’s the book We Are Not Able to Live in the Sky: The Seductive Promise of Microfinance by Mara Kardas-Nelson.  It’s a book about micro-finance: extending…
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Interview with Carlos Martinez, President of People First Economy

Interview by Steven Assarian, Business and Career Librarian People First Economy is a business support organization that provides equity and resiliency-building resources here in Grand Rapids to help build a ‘people first’ economy. But what does it mean to be ‘people first’ in business? I sat down with Carlos Martinez, President of People First Economy…
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An Interview With Roy Messing, Executive Director for the Center for Employee Ownership

Interview by Steven Assarian, Business and Career Librarian I met Roy Messing by chance at an event for professionals that help businesses thrive, and he most certainly fits that bill. He works to promote employee ownership of companies in our state. I saw down with Roy to understand how employees can become owners, and why…
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“Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout” by Cal Newport

Book Review by Steven Assarian, Business and Career Librarian  Human beings, by and large, want to produce. And we want to know that we’re producing.  In sectors like manufacturing and agriculture, it’s fairly easy to know that you’re productive. How much grain is grown or how many widgets get made are easy questions to answer.…
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