Lending Library
The club maintains a growing collection of beekeeping books (list here) covering beginner topics, hive management, queen rearing, honey production, treatment options, and more, generously supplied by GRABC President and owner of Z's Bees, Dave Zimmerman.
Borrowing Information
- $5 per book per month
- Books are available during club meetings
- Books must be returned by the next club meeting
Important notes
- Books are rented on a first-come, first-served basis
- Members who fail to return books may be blacklisted from future borrowing privileges
We encourage members to browse the library table at meetings and ask mentors for recommendations!
Oxalic Acid (OA) Dribble Kits
OA dribble treatments are an effective and affordable method for managing varroa mites during broodless periods.
OA Dribble Kits
- $10 per kit
- Includes 60ml syringe, 1 treatment pre-measured Api-Bioxal, 3 pair nitrile gloves, 1 N95 mask
- Additional treatments are $5/treatment
- Buyers keep the kit after purchase
Availability
- Sold during club meetings
- First come, first served while supplies last
Please speak with a mentor if you are unfamiliar with OA dribble treatments or have questions about safe application or see this video from Betterbee.
Refractometer
A refractometer measures the moisture content of honey to help determine if it is ready for extraction and bottling.
Rental Information:
- $10/rental (3 day rental)
Requesting a Refractometer
Members should request the refractometer at least one week in advance to allow time for confirmation and pickup (pickup in Grand Rapids).
A club volunteer will follow up via email to confirm availability for the requested date.
👉 Request the Refractometer here
👉 How to Use a Honey Refractometer here
Extractor
The club extractor is a VIVO Electric Honey Extractor (4 deep/8 medium - see specs here) and allows members to extract honey without purchasing their own equipment.
Rental Information:
- $30 per rental (3 day rental)
- Extractor must be returned clean and in good condition
Requesting the Extractor
Members should request the extractor at least one week in advance.
A club volunteer will follow up via email to confirm availability for the requested dates and pickup (pick up in Grand Rapids).
👉 Request the Extractor here
Please read the terms carefully when requesting. Equipment that is returned late, dirty or in poor condition will incur additional fees.