Great break out rooms to study! Near some cool places to eat and parking was super easy!read more

As a former librarian, I have a deep love for libraries that started when I was a kid. There are…read moretwo library systems in the Grand Rapids area: Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL), and Kent District Library (KDL). GRPL is my home library system, which covers the city of Grand Rapids. KDL's service area is anything outside of GR proper, including Byron Township, Caledonia, East Grand Rapids, Plainfield Township, Wyoming, etc. Library cards are free to residents with proof of current address. GRPL no longer charges fines on late materials, which is amazing and a great step for accessibility for the library. (If you lose or damage items, you still have to pay to replace them.) The main branch of GRPL is housed in the beautiful Ryerson building, which was originally built in 1902. The limestone exterior and Italian carrara marble steps give the building a historically regal look. The interior has been updated and added on to over the years, but it's always fun to find old touches inside the building. Multiple floors make up the main branch, so it can be an adventure to find things. Just ask a friendly librarian or staff person and they can direct you where you need to go if you're in a hurry. Self checkout stations are located on the main floor right inside the entrance, and new books are located nearby. The library houses an amazing collection of books, vinyl records, DVDs, CDs, used books for sale, a great local history collection, computers for internet access and library catalog searching, and more. They host many community events and lectures throughout the year. There is a designated parking lot for the main branch. The first two hours of parking is free - just get your ticket validated on the main floor. Parking rates are $1.10 per half hour during the week, free on weekends and for library events. I love spending time at the main branch and try to get there at least once a month, as the selection is huge and I can always find something great to check out when I'm there.

One of my favorite places to go do some reading, studying, and working even if that means having…read morethe computer and my books open all day and daydreaming. There is a rather spacious parking area right in front of the library, but is usually packed in the afternoons. Still, there's a lot of parking on the streets, near the restaurant, and if it's such a nice day with so many people all over the John Collins Park, you can always park at DSW and walk all the way here. I love the tables alongside the big open windows that look right down at reed's lake. The best moments are when you can see the breeze and just stare at the blue sky from the inside. The tables along the wall have outlets, but the table in the middle of the space might not, depending on where the tables are. There are also spaces which look like an airplane VIP seating, kind of secluded and can also make you focus a bit better. I've noticed that there are times when it gets louder, especially when there are lot of people in the computer area. (I've seen some kids come to play games for hours). Other times, it's not too bad. If you want quieter spaces you can always walk to near where the bathrooms are located inside, and you'll see 2-3 rooms with glass walls all around. It works on a first-come first-serve basis, with a 2/3 hour limit. The glass walls are surprisingly real sound-proof. Spacious circular working table with enough chargers. You can always take a study break by going out to the patio for fresh air. There are still lots of people out on the benches working and reading. If you're trying to find a study place, but tired of cafes, I recommend!

One of my absolute favorite places in Grand Rapids area. It's the perfect gem that I am afraid to…read moreshare with the world. Kent Library is honestly one of the best libraries and study places I've been to. Located in the beautiful (yet bougie) East Grand Rapids, it's accessible by car, bike, bus, etc. The library is connected to the Town Hall with spacious, aplenty parking. The bus line, 6, is also an easy route to trek from Medical Mile/Downtown GR straight to EGR. Inside, the library is two stories with the top floor being the "adult"/general floor with books, DVDs, newspapers, magazines, etc. The bottom floor is the children and teen section with...AN AQUARIUM!!! Not only is Kent Library located on Reed's Lake, they also have an indoor water wonderland! I was elated to see the fishies and turtles-- #red #eared #slider #TURTLES! I spent a solid 10 minutes being completely fascinated and engrossed with these magnificent creatures. What a treat! :) The best spot to study is the area facing towards the lake. There are about ~10 tables and a handful of comfy chairs with plenty of outlet plugs. The library hours are also good and people are generally respectful there. If you get bored, you can also literally go outside to the patio overlooking the lake or hop over to Gaslight District and grab Starbucks or a delicious bite to eat. I cannot gloat about Kent Library enough. It's one of my go-to places for studying!

lots of parking, clean environment, no steps to get into the building, very organized and well lit…read more Yi

My daughter and I love coming here. The staff is always very friendly and it's always clean.read more

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 love coming here for a study session. The library was closed a little earlier than usual due to…read moreCOVID restrictions one time that I visited, but there is enough sitting outside the Steelcase Library itself, like an open area with lots of seating and outlets. Usually the library itself is pretty much filled up, but I was always lucky enough to find the last empty table. You can bring drinks, food to eat, but it is rather quiet inside the library. I would love to come here to just sit and read on any weekends as well.

The quiet atmosphere, individual study desks, large ceilings, and use of natural light are just a…read morefew of the things I enjoy about the Steelcase. The library features a huge mechanical book-retrieving device that snags the text you're searching for. It is pretty cool, however, the device (which I believe is becoming more popular in more recent libraries) does eliminate the option of browsing for yourself. You can no longer stroll through the library and flip through the texts that catch your attention. Additionally, the seating capacity is minimal, granted it is a small library. Overall, I do like this library and would recommend it to anyone needing to get some work done.

love the second floor a lot, lots of seating with big windows looking out towards a field that is…read moregreat to work at plenty of study / meeting rooms available as well

This library is beautiful. There is plenty of parking and the staff is always friendly. They host…read morelots of events for children and families!

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

I always really enjoy coming to this library. It's not huge, but it's clean, quiet and the staff is…read morefriendly. They have a great little kid's section with games, drawing stuff, kid-friendly computers, puppets, etc. Their selection of children's books is good as well.

Love this little library. It's cozy, comfortable and has very friendly staff happy to help with…read moreeverything. It's always clean and tidy with interesting displays. My favorite is the children's area where I always enjoy the big bulletin board and decorations.