East Grand Rapids

At the turn of the 20th century, at end of a streetcar line that stretched from downtown Grand Rapids to Reeds Lake, the city of East Grand Rapids was born. This community earns national recognition for its quality education, walkable neighborhoods, stately homes, and ever evolving and vibrant Gaslight Village shopping district.

People talk during a KDL Work Hub open house.

Small businesses have huge resource in local library, chamber, and partnering organizations

It can be costly to run a small business, but the amount of resources that the Kent District Library and its partners, including the Grand Rapids Chamber, and Kent Intermediate School District are invaluable. Entrepreneurs and small businesses have a large resource with access to technology, tools, data, and training.

Photo by Tyler Herbstreith
Library seeking reduction in millage, ensures no reduction in resources, programming

As costs of living increase nationwide, the Kent District Library is focused on continuing to provide invaluable resources and programming to the community. For their upcoming millage, they are seeking a reduction in their millage, to keep more of residents’ hard-earned money in their pockets.

Courtesy of the KDL Facebook page
Advocating for libraries and strengthening communities

Nearly 440,000 area residents have benefited from the materials, resources and programming at the Kent District Library. Now community members have a chance to help increase that number by attending or sponsoring KDL’s annual literacy program fundraiser, the Literacy Libations Gala.

Courtesy of Tommy Allen/ Hoopla can connect to a car's speakers for hands-free listening.
Audiobooks and digital collection enable library patrons to use ‘books on the go’

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.

Courtesy of Tyler Herbstreith
Rural library branches impact on communities by providing connections and resources

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.

Providing programs and resources to help families reach early literacy goals

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.

Carl Dunker works from his home office in Holland, Michigan.
Building relationships is at the heart of great design

Skot Welch, Julia Swenson and Carl Dunker are three designers who live and work in West Michigan. They share the ways they work to create a community where people belong.

Community support and engagement recognized through prestigious five-star designation

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.

One of the most popular winter programs at Kent District Library is the Ready for Reindeer program.
Wintertime programming provides festive fun at KDL

Michigan’s winter can lead many to spend more time than ever indoors. The Kent District Library (KDL) provides a wide range of programming, special events and festive fun during the cold-weather months.

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.

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