A frontier fur-trading town that continues to evolve as a hub of innovation and can-do spirit, the Center City district of Grand Rapids is the financial and cultural anchor of Michigan's West Coast. Rising on the eastern shore of the Grand River, Center City features numerous attractions. The Civic Theatre is Michigan's oldest community theatre. The GRAM holds more than 5,000 works in its permanent collection. The Monroe Center walking mall offers a wide selection of coffee houses, restaurants, and boutique shops. Rosa Parks Circle, the district's public park and amphitheatre, hosts weekly blues concerts in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Another unique highlight is La Grande Vitesse, a large outdoor sculpture at the center of government square, which is distinguished as America's first publicly-funded art installation. The district's major festivals include a three-day arts celebration in June, as well as distinct Polish, Irish, Italian, Native American, Latino, Mexican, German, and African American celebrations of cultural heritage throughout the summer. Incorporated as a city in 1850 with a population of 2,686, Center City now is the heart of Michigan's second largest city. Once known as the Furniture Capitol of the World, this also is the epicenter of Grand Rapids effort to redefine its identity as a leader of modern medical research and sustainable design.
June is Audiobook Appreciation Month, and the Kent District Library (KDL) provides patrons with a wide range of audiobook and digital resources year round. This collection provides a convenient option for enjoying titles whilst traveling, working, multitasking and more.
The 2023 Wege Prize provided an opportunity for students worldwide to create solutions to challenging social and environmental issues. Looking ahead, additional opportunities are available to continue the momentum and develop a more sustainable future.
Within Kent District Library’s network of 20 branches, a variety of communities are served, with unique needs at each location, whether urban or rural. At rural branches, the library staff provide crucial resources like reliable, high-speed Internet, tech lessons, audiobooks and more to residents who might not otherwise have access to such.
First Steps Kent is an early literacy initiative that aims to ensure children have exposure to books at a young age. Raising a child takes a village and many local organizations, including the Kent District Library, provide helpful resources in line with the initiative.
![Momentum continues to build, Grand Rapids Economic Development Director Jeremiah Gracia shared, highlighting that the city “now [has its] 3rd highest year in development construction value permits.”](https://d2ugtry5me2tuf.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/09232757/econdevgr2.jpg)
Economic development in Grand Rapids continues to grow, despite hurdles, according to a new report from the city's economic development director.
Easterseals MORC is promoting inclusivity with its "See The Good" campaign for National Disability Awareness Month. The campaign celebrates the talents and gifts of individuals with disabilities.
Finding a love for music at an early age, Grand Rapids native Sarena Rae was able to find her voice and share part of her story. Now, in her 20s, she is using her passion to help other musicians and amplify other stories and voices.
The Actors' Theatre of Grand Rapids, founded in 1980, continues to build on its legacy, evolving as an entertainment outlet as an arts incubator and (ultimately a) regional attractant for talent, too.
The Kent District Library (KDL) was awarded a five-star library rating by the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service. This top score recognition reflects the commitment the Library has to bettering everyone in the community.
While artificial intelligence continues to add value and find a home in more segments of our lives, it is important to identify and address potential unintentional biases and data injustices it can create. This week, Renée Cummings will speak about AI ethics and the future of our algorithmic society. Additionally, she will mentor five local young women during a day of education and career exploration.
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