On Ada library’s ‘golden’ birthday, Amy Van Andel reflects on its origins, possibilities
Amy Van Andel looks back on her role in building Ada’s library, inspired by family, community needs, and a lifelong love of reading.
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From moonlit dinners to WMAAA leadership: Yilin Wendland-Liu builds community
Scholar Yilin Wendland-Liu's journey from rural China to West Michigan leadership, embracing identity, empowering youth, and strengthening Asian American community connections.
The trail as a classroom: Indigenous knowledge, reciprocity, and the future of greenways in West Michigan
What began as a snow-day chat with Kaya DeerInWater soon evolved into a trail-side lesson in reciprocity, encouraging West Michigan to view greenways not merely as pathways to develop, but as relationships to respect.
Letter from the publisher: On 20 years of listening and the sharing of solutions rooted in community.
As Rapid Growth marks its 20th anniversary, publisher Tommy Allen reflects on what the publication’s solutions journalism model has meant for telling the stories of Grand Rapids. While he has not led the organization for its entire history, Allen has spent two decades as one of its key storytellers, much of that time as a photographer.
Under the stars, together: Don’t miss GRPM’s 9th planetarium concert series
Grand Rapids Public Museum’s highly anticipated annual live-music series Concerts Under the Stars returns in 2026. Historically, delaying ticket purchases for this series might result in missing this once-a-year event entirely.
12 days of Snowflake Break: Curiosity is on the calendar at the GR Public Museum
At a time when winter slows the city down, Snowflake Break shows how curiosity, culture, and community come together at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
BANK program prevents evictions, keeping Dwelling Place residents housed through sudden crises
Donor support is needed to sustain BANK, which prevents evictions through one-time rental assistance and services that build lasting housing stability.
KDL databases help residents launch businesses, plan investments, access resources
With over 100 free databases, KDL gives patrons powerful tools for business research, skill building, and personal finance.
The little vintage district that could
Nestled in the center of Grand Rapids, a group of fashion-oriented creatives is subtly turning South Division Avenue into a lively cultural hub rooted in sustainability, community, and shared goals.
Retailer Hank Meijer shows off his storytelling talents at Dutch American celebration
At Dutch-American Heritage Day, retailer leader and author Hank Meijer reflects on family stories, immigrant roots, and the legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer.
From moonlit dinners to WMAAA leadership: Yilin Wendland-Liu builds community
Scholar Yilin Wendland-Liu's journey from rural China to West Michigan leadership, embracing identity, empowering youth, and strengthening Asian American community connections.
The trail as a classroom: Indigenous knowledge, reciprocity, and the future of greenways in West Michigan
What began as a snow-day chat with Kaya DeerInWater soon evolved into a trail-side lesson in reciprocity, encouraging West Michigan to view greenways not merely as pathways to develop, but as relationships to respect.
Letter from the publisher: On 20 years of listening and the sharing of solutions rooted in community.
As Rapid Growth marks its 20th anniversary, publisher Tommy Allen reflects on what the publication’s solutions journalism model has meant for telling the stories of Grand Rapids. While he has not led the organization for its entire history, Allen has spent two decades as one of its key storytellers, much of that time as a photographer.
Under the stars, together: Don’t miss GRPM’s 9th planetarium concert series
Grand Rapids Public Museum’s highly anticipated annual live-music series Concerts Under the Stars returns in 2026. Historically, delaying ticket purchases for this series might result in missing this once-a-year event entirely.
12 days of Snowflake Break: Curiosity is on the calendar at the GR Public Museum
At a time when winter slows the city down, Snowflake Break shows how curiosity, culture, and community come together at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
BANK program prevents evictions, keeping Dwelling Place residents housed through sudden crises
Donor support is needed to sustain BANK, which prevents evictions through one-time rental assistance and services that build lasting housing stability.
KDL databases help residents launch businesses, plan investments, access resources
With over 100 free databases, KDL gives patrons powerful tools for business research, skill building, and personal finance.
The little vintage district that could
Nestled in the center of Grand Rapids, a group of fashion-oriented creatives is subtly turning South Division Avenue into a lively cultural hub rooted in sustainability, community, and shared goals.
Retailer Hank Meijer shows off his storytelling talents at Dutch American celebration
At Dutch-American Heritage Day, retailer leader and author Hank Meijer reflects on family stories, immigrant roots, and the legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer.
