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 visited the library for the Wi-Fi. I also visited the family history room For such a big room,…read moreit had very little history. outside of Alma. I was hoping for info on surrounding counties. If your looking for history on Alma this is your place.

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.

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.

Libraries must not be quiet anymore…read more I was having some work done on my home and so I decided to stop here since I wouldn't have power for a while. I stopped in, spoke to the librarian and obtained a card. I asked him how to get to a desk that was upstairs and he told me. He also told me that there is another area that I could go to if I wanted a more quit area to work from, and I told him I was ok. But boy oh boy. It was really loud. Phones ringing and people talking on the phone in there. I honestly thought that I was being punked. I will go to another location next time.

I love libraries and this one reminded me how much I miss visiting them. What is better than a…read morelibrary? A CASTLE library! Beautiful inside and out, this library makes it easy for your imagination to soar. The staff was so gracious. They are probably used to visitors being amazed by the library. Watching two extremely excited grown adults trying not to run, point and exclaim over is probably normal. (We managed to keep quiet: it's a library!) Please, PLEASE treat yourself and any children you know to this amazing place of learning and imagination!

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.