On the shelf: ‘The Siege of Budapest: 100 Days In World War II’ by Krisztian Ungvary

The book captures the suffering and ultimate survival of the people of Budapest masterfully and illustrates how the strength of a people’s spirit can overcome the horrors and challenges of war.

By:Will Miner, GRPL, Main Branch

On the shelf: ‘Working Words: Punching the Clock and Kicking Out the Jams’, edited and introduced by M.L. Liebler

The 563-page volume features fiction, non-fiction, poetry, memoir and song lyrics that chronicle the lives and times of workers over the last 100 years.

By:M. Christine Byron

Grand Rapids Public Museum hosts special ‘Be the Astronaut’ planetarium evening

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is hosting a special evening planetarium event “Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Astronaut,” including a special spotlighted showing of “Space School.”

By:Christie Bender, Grand Rapids Public Museum

On the shelf: ‘We Learn Nothing: Essays and Cartoons’ by Tim Kreider

Proustian themes of time, community, and family, are the backbone of Kreider’s writing, and the question of how can we truly “know” anyone, even ourselves.

By:Lisa Boss, GRPL, Main Branch

Air Supply’s weekend concert at Meijer Gardens postponed until Aug. 16

All previously purchased tickets will be honored at the new date. Fans that are unable to attend the new date may request a refund.

By:Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

‘Full-grown’ guitar wunderkind Jonny Lang to flash ‘Signs’ at 20 Monroe Live

Now at age 36 he is showcasing the latest of six studio releases: 2017’s Signs.

By:K.D. Norris

On the shelf: ‘This Old House Salvage-Style Projects’ by Amy Hughes

The 22 ideas for using old house parts have the potential for keeping you occupied for many hours. Many, many hours.

By:Diana Wenger, GRPL, West Leonard Branch

Here we go again! Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s surprised musical is ‘Mamma Mia!’

As many flock to the movies to see the sequel, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre announces its surprise musical will be the ABBA-inspired “Mamma Mia!”

By:Nancy Brozek, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

22nd annual Chalk the Block brings midsummer family fun to St. Joseph

The sidewalks of St. Joseph will be colorful as the city hosts the 22nd Annual Chalk the Block Aug. 3 – Aug. 5.

By:Amy Zapal, St. Joseph Today

Milk Carton Kids new-release support tour includes stop at St. Cecilia Music Center

The group’s latest release —  All the Things That I Did and All the Things That I Didn’t Do, which came out June 29 — was produced by Joe Henry.

By:K.D. Norris

On the shelf: ‘The Round House’ by Louise Erdrich

The author flawlessly weaves the threads of the reservation community into her plot, as many locals provide a crucial piece of the puzzle.

By:Lisa Boss, GRPL, Main Branch

Krasl Art Center partners with the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival to present ‘The Merchant of Venice’

This performance is FREE and open to the public. Bring the whole family, pack your own chairs.

By:Amber Erickson, Krasl Art Center

Holland Area Arts Council offering a variety of new, unique adult classes and workshops

The Holland Area Arts Council is excited to offer a variety of workshops and classes for adults this summer, featuring instructors who are masters in their craft.

By:Mary Sundstrom, Holland Area Arts Council

Enjoy a literary classic or rock ‘n’ roll at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s summer productions

School may be out for the summer, but the students of Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s School of Theatre Arts are hard at work preparing for two summer productions.

By:Nancy Brozek, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

On the shelf: ‘The Circle’ by Dave Eggers

The entire book revolves around the tension between social justice and human rights, and whether constant access to anyone’s life would be worth it if everyone also had access to yours.

By:Drew Damon, GRPL, Main Branch

‘Tis the season to snag tickets for ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’

Tickets for the musical go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m. The show will be at DeVocal Performance Hall Nov. 18.

By:Hilarie Szarowicz

On the shelf: ‘Planthropology: The Myths, Mysteries, and Miracles of My Garden Favorites’ by Ken Druse

Every plant has a story to tell, and they are often sensational.

By:Lisa Boss, GRPL, Main Branch

Allied forces: Veterans find community, opportunity with Electric Forest program

The Electric Forces veterans support effort has become a vital part of the rainbow fabric of the annual music, arts and cultural event.

By:K.D. Norris

On the shelf: ‘You: On a Diet … ‘ by Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

A particularly interesting chapter explains the relationship of feelings and food. The authors explain the chemical relationship of emotions and stress on the brain chemistry of appetite and eating responses.

By:Michelle Hannink, GRPL, Main Branch

Grand Rapids Public Museum announces planetarium evenings

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced that a special evening series of programs will take place this summer at the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium.

By:Christie Bender, Grand Rapids Public Museum

On the shelf: ‘Home Before Dark’ by Susan Wiggs

Too many secrets. Too little time.

By:Megan Andres, GRPL, Seymour Branch

A guide to outdoor music in West Michigan

There’s nothing better than being outside and hearing music in the distance. As you get closer, the music gets louder, and soon you find yourself at one of the many outdoor concerts right here in West Michigan.

By:Jeremy Witt, WMTA

On the shelf: ‘High Fidelity’ by Nick Hornby

Throughout the book, the main character discusses heartache, hardship, lost love, and even songs he wants played at his funeral.

By:Karen Heeringa, GRPL Main Branch

Public invited to kayak sculpture unveiling event

The Lakeshore Art Festival in conjunction with the Muskegon Museum of Art will host a public unveiling event on Thursday, July 5, to celebrate nine new sculptures in downtown Muskegon.

By:Lakeshore Art Festival

On the shelf: ‘Live Right and Find Happiness (Although Beer is Much Faster)’ by Dave Barry

It’s worthwhile reading to see what Barry makes of how the overly self-absorbed generation has come to terms with its time on the field.

By:WKTV Staff