Byron Center

Collaborating to address community mental health education and support needs

In response to community needs, the Kent District Library (KDL) has partnered with Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) to offer a free mental health series. This is in addition to their regular virtual resources and physical materials available for checkout to help with anxiety, depression, health and wellness.

Library reference desk areas transform to live music stages with VIBES concert series

Designed to showcase West Michigan musical talent, the VIBES collection is expanding to include a pop-up mini concert series. On Thursday nights, the VIBES Reference Desk Mini Concerts transform library branches to live music settings.

KDL’s mission remains strong amongst book ban movements

Public libraries exist to serve their communities. At the heart of their mission, the goal is to provide materials and resources that reflect and represent their diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC populations. A recent uptick in book-banning discussions is putting pressure on libraries, including Kent District Library, threatening their future funding and millages. 

GROW is now Grow: New name reflects long-standing organization’s evolution

Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women, GROW is rebranding as Grow because it serves all genders across nine West Michigan counties.

Community resources promote literacy, education and family fun at KDL

Oftentimes, the summer can mean a learning drought for many children. Kent District Library provides many free items to help students utilize literacy resources and maintain reading grade levels.

KDL’s STEAM Work Lab offers hands-on activities to foster children’s curiosity

Just because school is out for summer doesn’t mean the learning needs to stop for children. In the summer months, the Kent District Library provides a safe space for youth to explore their curiosity with STEAM Lab programming.

Active Commute Week: Walk, Roll + Ride

It’s Active. Commute Week in West Michigan, a celebration of cleaner, healthier, less congestion-causing transportation. The Rapid’s West Michigan Rideshare program, West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (WMSBF) and participating businesses are encouraging people to walk, bike, scooter, carpool or take the bus to get where they want to go from June 16 to 23

KDL’s summer feeding program helps to fill gaps in student nutrition

Children need food to help fuel their bodies and minds, but over weekends and during summer months, many students who receive free or reduced lunches suffer without proper nutrition. Kent District Library’s summer Lunch at the Library program offers youths ages 2-18 free nutritious meals.

KDaLe Brewing Program taps into local beer culture

Grand Rapids is known as Beer City, USA, with beer-related events and happenings year-round. With the KDaLe brewing competition and tap takeovers, the Kent District Library is putting the ‘pub’ in public library.

KDL’s Let it Snow club encourages winter reading

Wintertime can often bring a decrease in activity, both physically and mentally. Kent District Library offers plenty of resources and programs to encourage keeping your mind active during the cold months, including the Let it Snow winter reading club.

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