The best of my education has come from the public library... you don't need to know very much to start with, if you know the way to the public library.
--Lesley Conger

One million, five hundred eighty-seven thousand, three hundred and seventy-nine items circulated through the Grand Rapids Public Library last year. That's 1,587,379 books and other items into the hands of more than 965,235 library users! Can you imagine that?

And just who are these 965,235 people borrowing items from the Library?

• They are seniors who use the Library for health research or computer classes so they can email their grandchildren.
• They are children who are sitting on their mothers. laps at story-time or choosing their first books.
• They are teenagers coming for homework help or to play computer games in the teen lounge.
• They are neighbors, checking out the latest investment news.
• They are people who want to improve their job skills and learn more about computer technology.

In essence, they represent everyone.

By donating to the Ryerson Library Foundation, you support the good work the Grand Rapids Public Library does in our community.

The Ryerson Library Foundation is made up of people just like you, people who care about the community and want to make it better. There are many ways to give including donating to the Annual Fund, taking advantage of the Pension Reformed Act (which has a December 31, 2007 deadline), signing up for a charitable gift annuity, making the Foundation the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, and including the Foundation in your estate planning.

The opportunities are endless. Please call me at 988-5493 to discuss how you can create your own legacy with a gift to the Ryerson Library Foundation in support of the Grand Rapids Public Library.

Best regards,


Marcie Lewis