This branch of Kent District Library (KDL) is tiny and is housed in the same building as the Alpine…read moreTownship hall. Nate and I recently visited for their event to meet some sled dogs! It was such a fun experience being able to learn about them and give them some pets in the parking lot. Once we were finished we went inside to warm up and check out the library. Again, it's very tiny, but full of wonderful displays, books, activites, and a nice spot for the community to get their library fix. I chatted with one of the employees who was so friendly and kind. They have computers for internet access, copier, printing, and wifi.

I enjoy most of the ladies that work at this branch always a warm welcoming feeling. Very small…read morelibrary but always something on the calendar for the kids. Can't find what you are looking for they will find it and order it for you. My favorite branch to visit!

This is such a great branch with amazing and helpful staff! Plenty of parking. I visit when I need…read moreto loan a book from another library -or when a book I want isn't available in e-reading format. The vibes are clean, quiet, studious, and welcoming.

Best customer service! Fun things for kids of all ages! Movies books video games and so much more…read moreall free to use!

Now open after renovation! The refresh and layout brighten the space. There is a sizeable…read morechildren's area that is in its own space with activity areas. So glad they kept the fish tank! This has been one of my go-to KDL locations because they always have a great selection of books out to browse and there is plenty of parking. Staff is helpful and friendly. The self-checkout stations are so easy to use. There are work spaces along the wall with power outlets, two small pods for private calls/work (have not tested the sound), sitting area by the windows and throughout. There are limited study/work rooms available. There are computers and free black and white printing available. Chapter Two Bookstore has used books available for purchase. There's a huge sale for the Cascade July 4th Independence Day celebration - fill a bag for $10! Pro Tips: * Download the KDL app! Easily access your library card, put materials on hold at any location, see due dates and easily renew! * Free audio, e-books, and movies on the Libby and Hoopla apps * Don't see what you want? Go to "My Borrowing" then to "Suggested Purchases" in the app to request KDL purchase it! They purchased my request for The Mysterious Case of the Victorian Female Detective!

Went for something for the kids to do. So many kids books, toys and a separate area for them to…read moreplay.

I either go to this library or the Comstock Park Kent District library on Alpine Ave, but this one…read moreis significantly larger than the one on Alpine. I've come here to browse for books and to study/do homework. It is quiet and there are plenty of seating options. I wish electrical outlets were a little more prevalent, but for the most part it is conducive for studying and connecting to the Wifi. I have also used the printer services here which has been very convenient; I can send a document to the library either by uploading online or emailing it, and the printer stores the order under your library card number to pull up once you arrive at the library. I also just placed a book on hold 2 days ago, and the next day I received an email that it was ready for pick up. I have had a positive experience thus far with this library and its staff!

honestly this library makes me sad. we loved going here because of all the options for kids to…read moreplay, but it's gotten bad over the last few months. the workers try and parent your own kids for you and are so picky about kids being kids. they can't move around freely and be kids without someone working here having something to say. everyone always looks sad and miserable to be here and it's always an uncomfortable vibe when we walk in. it's close and accessible so i love that aspect, but the only welcoming people seem to be the ones who sit at the front desk. it could be a lot more friendly in terms of how they interact with the kids. i'm not saying kids don't need boundaries because they do, but they micromanage your own kids and it's inappropriate

Mel Trotter Ministries: A Resident's Reality This place…read morewakes you up around 6:50 AM, then forces you to stay until 9:00 AM if you want to access your belongings from storage and get back in. You can leave as soon as you get up, but then you won't have the stuff that you need. Their heat only seems to be at the proper temperature on certain floors; the main lobby, where we are forced to be if we aren't leaving, is not one of those areas. They give you a small blanket and sheet and expect you to be warm enough. Their food quality and quantity are not enough--restrictive meal times, no lunch, and small portions. Wifi is available, but you're not allowed to use it. The TV is on only for a limited time and only plays the news. There is no real sign of the advertised "enrichment" programs. Instead, the programs that do exist favor select people, creating a tiered or hierarchical system. The south side is for employed residents and comes with more privileges, while the north side is "in the trenches," where residents are exposed to unpredictable and sometimes chaotic situations, including illness and bodily harm. The Night-Shift Problem perfectly illustrates this divide. For a resident working a shift like 10 PM - 7 AM, the standard 7 PM curfew can be waived with "documentation of reason." Once approved, a flag is put in the system to allow re-entry. However, the shelter typically forces these residents to stay on specific "program floors" so they won't be disturbed by the general population's 6:30 AM wake-up call. If you aren't in that specific program or don't have that flag, you're not getting back in. If you want a place to stay, you need to arrive around 9:00 AM. Regulars wake up first and reserve their beds for the day, and then everyone else reserves theirs. Rooms are shared (usually 2 per bunk bed) with a shared bathroom that can be locked from the outside. The shelter's operations are often inefficient. For example, severely intoxicated guests are technically not allowed under the MTM Code of Conduct, yet I've seen them admitted anyway, only to have to be picked up by an ambulance later. This slows down service for everyone else and creates unnecessary risk. Despite the decent rooms, free laundry, and security, the system is designed in a way that makes survival harder than it needs to be.

Mel Trotter Ministries is a beacon of hope and compassion in the heart of Grand Rapids. Their…read morecommitment to serving individuals experiencing homelessness goes far beyond providing shelter -- they offer dignity, support, and a path toward lasting transformation. Grateful for all they do to bring healing and restoration to so many lives.

This is a perfect mid size Midwest city. There are a ton of great restaurants, breweries, and…read morethings to do for all types of people. Do you like the outdoors? Check out all of the park and gardens, including the Meijer Gardens. One of the best sculpture gardens I have ever been to. There is also a river walk which is nice. This town has a lot of college opportunities as well. It has multiple satellite campuses as well as Grand Valley. Ferris, MSU, Western, and more are all represented here There are a ton of places to eat. We found quite a few that I wrote reviews on. Highly recommended to come here. A little of something for everyone.

Great beer and great art Cheers Beer City USA!…read moreI'm a Brewsader I had been wanting to get to Grand Rapids to visit for probably ten or more years now. It is the long reigning Beer City USA. Founders is the most well known of their breweries and lived up to the hype. I also really enjoyed City Built which is just north of Downtown, Two Guys to the South, and Perrin to the North. Lots of public murals and I have heard nothing but great things about their annual Artprize event every fall. Although I did not partake, there is a free public bus that does loops around the Downtown area (I guess they call it Center City there). The metro population checks in at a little over a million which is not that much smaller than Buffalo or New Orleans. Not quite big enough for any pro sports teams yet. If you decide to go there for the beer like me, make sure to download the BeerCity Brewsader app on your phone. Check into eight different breweries and score a sweet T-shirt which you now pick up at Founders. Hope I make it back to Grand Rapids at some point in the future!

It is a really nice park! It is usually very very crowded. I usually have a hard time parking here…read more I would not go here by yourself and I often walk fast past this when leaving late theater rehearsals. The coffee shop is lovely.

This park is up a small mound or hill…read more A nice short walk up to the Veteran's memorial. At the top, feels like you are away from the downtown.

This has been a Rockford tradition for 53 years. If you're new to Michigan, like me, but know…read morepeople who are from the area they will all tell you that this is the best outdoor festival for families. Enjoyable for all ages, you will find art, shopping, food trucks, beer garden, carnival rides and games, music, and of course a parade that drives down main street and chucks pounds and pounds of candy to the children. You can also hike the river walk if you're feeling a little too crowded and need a breather. The walking path and landscaping in this area is pretty phenomenal. After attending I can definitely agree that this has to be one of the best family festivals in west Michigan. A must go to kick off the summer. Put it on the calendar for next summer because you don't want to miss it. Also, if you're a, A League of Their Own, movie fan then don't be confused, like I was, and think this was the same Rockford that homed the Peaches. Rockford Peaches were from Illinois.