Grandville Neighborhood

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 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.

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New rules requiring lead dust testing would “keep kiddos safe”

Proposed City of Grand Rapids requirements for lead dust testing would reduce childhood lead poisoning.

Roberto Clemente Park renovation wins awards and community’s hearts

City of Grand Rapids Roberto Clemente Park award-winning renovation includes universal accessibility, new shelter/restroom facilities, discovery area playspace/outdoor classroom and natural stormwater management features.

Looking back on FSU program that is steadily creating & retaining Latino leaders in West Michigan

The LEADeres program at Ferris State University has increased Latino representation at the school and continues to create new leaders and stakeholders throughout the West Michigan community.

JustAir puts air quality in residents’ hands while working to decrease health disparities

JustAir is working to bring air quality monitors to every neighborhood and uses its data to break down health disparities associated with pollution.

“Shade is an equity issue”: How JEDI guides Friends of Grand Rapids Parks

Non-profit organization, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks plans its work to address JEDI, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, in light of historical inequities that guided development of parks as public spaces in the past.

Vaccination effort spurs massive collaboration between Kent County and local health care providers

The Kent County Health Department and local health care providers are collaborating on what may be the biggest inter-organizational vaccination effort in Michigan’s history.

Received your absentee ballot application? City has mailed them to all registered voters

Grand Rapids City Clerk mailed absentee ballot applications to all of its registered to voters for the August 4 primary and November 3 election. Here's why it's a secure way to vote.

Published Together: With Coronavirus Response Fund, a community comes together

Michelle Van Dyke, President & CEO of Heart of West Michigan United Way, explores how community organizations came together to form the Coronavirus Response Fund. Since it was publicly announced on March 23, the Coronavirus Response Fund has granted $2.3 million to 123 local agencies, and the number grows by the day.

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