The library has a great collection of books and dvds, free wi-fi, computer lab available to all,…read moreand a beautiful literacy playground outside.

Even though we live in the same county as this library we live in the "wrong township" we can not…read moreget a library card here without paying $50. Old building almost 100 years old needs to be torn down.

Excellent library with friendly, helpful staff…read more Although it seems small compared to some libraries that I have visited, the selection is very good. If the book you want isn't there, you can always look in the database online and request it; they email you when it arrives! It is easy to spend hours in here as there are comfy chairs and huge windows that open up to (what I assume is) Whiting Forest in the back. During autumn, it is very picturesque. For a chat you can go to the cafeteria-looking area but if you need silence there is thankfully a quiet room. And of course thank glob for free wifi. Checking out is very fast since all you have to do is put the books on the pad and scan your library card. You can even save paper and stay organized by having the receipt emailed to you. No more losing receipts and forgetting due dates! If you can't figure it out, the staff will be happy to help you without making you feel like a doofus. You can also put a hold on a book from another cooperating library in the area, which they will send here for a small fee of $0.25. The only thing I can complain about is their slim graphic novel section and the prices of renting DVDs. Older movies are $1.25 each and you can keep them for a week, but newer movies are $2.50 and you can only have them for four days. Although the selection was good you may be better off at Family Video, honestly. However, if I do find a library with a lot of graphic novels and free DVD rental, it is unexpected and a really nice surprise.

An amazing library with a superior staff. Youth area is a particularly stellar area. Reference…read moredesk is superb. Cities ten times our size would be proud to call this library their own. I will put the staff here up against any library staff anywhere for knowledge, work ethic, helpfulness, and effectiveness.

As Alan's review mentions, adults can use their computer room for 2 hours (and I imagine, if…read morethey're not busy, they will probably allow more time if you need to) and also, free printing (current rate is 20 cents a page black and white, 40 cents for color). The first $2 of printing is free each day, and no library card or ID is required (since the room is 18+, they might check ID if you look under 18). I'll be back soon to explore the many leisure opportunities they offer, and get a card. Every single person I spoke with there was polite, welcoming, friendly, and helpful, which is often but not always my experience at other libraries. The facilities are neat, clean, and this library has so much to offer the community.

We love our local library! There are tons of free activities for my children to participate in, the…read morestaff is always friendly and happy to help, and the resources for adults are limitless. Absolutely worth the increase in taxes (or the payment if you live in an area where it's not included in your property taxes)

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

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.

I'm leaving a review simply because I had to check on the singular previous review of a "one star"…read more Its too bad Laura had such a poor experience for whatever reason. I've been a member of this community and use the library a ton and would simply say it is everything you would expect in a local community library. Staff has always been helpful and friendly.

The staff is unrelentingly rude and militant on a daily basis very unpleasant and miserable…read more Lousy selection of books and you can only use the computers for an hour a day even if there are multiple available! I was depending on my hometown library to help me study with my college courses I'd rather study in a convent with tyrant Catholic nuns!

This library is excellent. There is a beautiful children's area with Legos and trains. There is a…read moreteen area with an excellent selection of books and games. The adult books have a wide variety. Staff is friendly and helpful.