Learn from a Librarian: What We Want You to Know About the Library

KDL librarians reflected on one simple prompt — “If there was one thing I wish all people knew about the library, it's…” — and their answers blend practical insight with personal care. Together, they offer a thoughtful, surprising and heartfelt look at what the library truly is and what it strives to be for the community it serves. 

Libraries aren't so silent and serious anymore. It's a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather, and as library staff we take a lot of pride and joy in that (at a reasonable volume! 🙂). We still maintain our quiet spaces, but we also want to embrace all the life of the communities around us.
-Anna, East Grand Rapids Branch

Free admission! No late fines! Free programs! Participatory prizes! Free streaming! Free printing! Free learning!
-Maria, Grandville Branch

We are so much more than books — we are one of the last truly free, welcoming spaces created entirely for community, growth and connection at every stage of life. Libraries are places where you’re allowed to learn something new, explore a passion, get help navigating technology or job resources, find creative opportunities or simply have a safe, quiet corner on a hard day. We’re not just keeping up with the world — we’re helping people move forward in it, with support, belonging and access for everyone.
- Adrianna, Wyoming Branch

You don’t have to know what you’re looking for to walk through our doors. You can come in with a question, a curiosity or no plan at all. Librarians love helping you explore, discover new interests and connect you with resources you didn’t even know you needed.
-Hatka, Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

I wish all patrons knew that the library is free to get a card and free to use! Their taxes dollars help pay for all the services. Also know that their personal information is safe as we are not legally allowed to share any bit of it.
-Audrey, Kentwood Branch

I feel like more of our patrons should know about the amazing Learning Express Library database. I think this is the most robust MeL database we offer. Patrons can access free College Admissions test prep for SAT or ACT, but also High School AP Exam Test prep. There's also subject-specific skills boosting modules for kids grades 4th-12th, so if a student was struggling in Geometry or English, for instance, there are tons of free support modules for students. But that's not all! There's also tons of Career prep courses for adults, like Cosmetology, Civil Service, Nursing Exams, etc. as well as general professional skills courses like computer skills improvement or writing improvement modules.  There's Citizenship test prep, too. So many great resources in there that I think patrons are paying for out of pocket - not realizing they already have access to with their tax dollars!
-Jenny, Service Center

I wish everyone knew that librarians are much nicer in person than in the movies.
-Beth, Gaines Twp. Branch

We have a podcast called Stump the Librarian! It's for your whole family. Two librarians answer listener questions about animals, nature, history, science, and anything else you might wonder about.
-Jill, Wyoming Branch

We love our regular patrons, and we worry about them if we don't see them for a while. Caring for our community is really important to us. We have free hygiene lockers and diapers and period products! And, of course, Bluey band-aids in a crisis.
-Anna, East Grand Rapids Branch

Cascade has a puzzle exchange!  Are you a puzzler?  Bring your used puzzles to our branch and exchange it for a different one in our puzzle exchange.  We can't guarantee all the pieces are in every puzzle, but sometimes that is part of the challenge, right?  
-Nanette, Cascade Twp. Branch

The library is a great place to build community. We have programming for patrons of all ages, and it is a great way to meet like-minded friends. Check out your local branch for teen programs, Mama Bear and Baby Cubs (a caregiver support group and playgroup all in one) and homeschool hangouts. These are just a few of our offerings, in addition to all of our storytimes and book clubs.
-Kathy, Plainfield Twp. Branch