• General Questions

    Over the Phone Interpretation (OPI) in over 200 languages is available through KDL's Patron Services Department. Please contact Patron Services at 616-784-2007 and say your language to request an interpreter to help answer your library question, or call one of our direct language lines to speak with an interpreter first before connecting with a Patron Services Librarian.

    Direct language lines are available for the following languages:

    Arabic Direct 1-616-303-5471
    Farsi Direct 1-616-303-3557
    French Direct 1-616-300-2569
    Kinyarwanda Direct 1-616-737-0978
    Mandarin Direct 1-616-441-3801
    Spanish Direct 1-616-300-2483
    Swahili Direct 1-616-303-5122
    Vietnamese Direct 1-616-303-3996

    To request On Site Interpretation (OSI) for an in-person library visit, please contact Patron Services at 616-784-2007.

    hoopla is a pay-per-use service; instead of owning the content in hoopla, the library pays for each individual download. The monthly download limit ensures patrons can fairly access this high-value, high-cost service, which offers an extensive collection of recently released materials.

    The Walker Branch does not have a community meeting room. We recommend contacting the Walker Ice and Fitness Center at (616) 735-6286 for renting a meeting space.

    Tyrone Township rents out the township community building, which is located in their building at 28 E Muskegon St., Kent City, MI 49330. For reservations, please call the township offices at (616) 678-4779.

    The Spencer Township Branch does not have a meeting room, but the township does have a meeting room located in the basement of the same building. For more information and to reserve this room, please contact the township at (616) 984-0035.

    The Krause Memorial (Rockford) Branch has a community meeting room. View the Community Meeting Room Rules and Application for more details and for the reservation form.

    The Alpine Township Offices, which are located in the same building as the library, have several meeting rooms.

    Please call Alpine Township at (616) 784-1262 for availability and rates.

    The Nelson Township Branch has a community meeting room. It may be reserved though the Nelson Township office. Please call (616) 636-5332 for rates and availability.

    The Alto Branch does have a meeting room, which is available for free to local nonprofit groups. Please call the library at (616) 784-2007 to reserve the room.

    The Cheyne Community Room is available for non-profit groups of up to 65 people during open hours and is only available to Byron Township residents, nonprofits and groups that are organized for educational, cultural or civic purposes.

    An application must be completed and turned in to the branch. Please see the Cheyne Room Use Guidelines and Reservation Form.

    Booking can start Nov. 1 for December, January and February.

    Booking can start Feb. 1 for March, April and May.

    Booking can start May 1 for June, July and August.

    Booking can start Aug. 1 for September, October and November.

    At the Grandville Branch there is one small meeting room available for public use, as well as Commons Side A and Side B (which can also be reserved together). These can be booked with the City of Grandville Room Rental Application which can be printed from this site or acquired at the information desk. The filled-out form must be returned to the information desk or emailed to contact@kdl.org.

    The community room holds a maximum of 60 people. It is available free of charge for nonprofit organizations if at least 70 percent of those who will attend the meeting or event are from the greater Lowell area.

    Please see the Community Room Policy for details. To reserve, fill out the Reservation Request form.

    The Comstock Park Branch has a meeting room that may be reserved by nonprofit groups. To check availability or make a reservation, please call the branch manager at (616) 647-3869.

    The East Grand Rapids Branch has a community meeting room that may be reserved. Please contact the City of East Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation Department at (616) 949-1750 for more information.

    The Wisner Center meeting room is available for public use by the Cascade Charter Township. Visit the township's Wisner Center Reservations page for more information.

    An application must be turned in to the township and approved in order to reserve the Wisner Center.

    KDL does not currently offer lamination services at any of its locations.

    Lamination services may be available at printing stores such as FedEx, UPS Stores, Staples or Pak Mail. Please contact these services for more information.

    The KDL Service and Meeting Center is currently unavailable for room rentals.

    KDL will attempt to renew an item automatically three days prior to the item's due date. If you would prefer to opt out of this service, please let us know the next time you visit, email us at ask@kdl.libanswers.com or call (616) 784-2007.

    To express interest in sharing or presenting your work to KDL, please submit an author questionnaire.

    The Caledonia Community Room is currently unavailable for room rentals.

    Eligible individuals and/or institutions residing in Kent, Ionia, or Montcalm counties need to complete and return an application form to the Wyoming Branch in order to start receiving KDL Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC) services. An application may be picked up at any KDL branch, printed online or requested to be mailed.

    Check your branch web page. Each branch web page lists their own closed days under the "Holidays and Closures" section (see screenshot).

    There is a conference room in the library that is free to use during the library's open hours. This room can accommodate groups of 6-12 people. Please call the library at (616) 784-2007 to reserve the conference room.

    The community room is reserved through the Kentwood City Parks and Recreation Department. Visit the department's Room Rental Info flyer for more details. Please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (616) 656-5270 to reserve the community room.

    The meeting rooms at the Wyoming branch are available through the Wyoming City Parks and Recreation Department. The City of Wyoming Library Rental Application has more details. 

    Please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (616) 530-3164 for more information or to reserve a room.

    Storytimes are available in-person at KDL branches and online. 

    Please click here to see our full list of upcoming Storytimes. To find Storytimes at one particular branch, please use the Location filter on the left to select your preferred location(s).

    (616) 784-2007: KDL has one convenient phone number for all branches and locations.

    Patrons must be 18 years of age or older to borrow an iPad. They must present both a current Kent District Library card and a photo ID. The library's Device Borrowing Agreement, acknowledging financial responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged equipment, must be signed before checkout.

    The iPads must be returned directly to a staff member at any KDL location.

    Content on the device will be returned to the library's default content choices at the end of each use. Any content added by the cardholder during their checkout period will be removed from the device.

    The borrower will be held responsible for all applicable replacement costs and processing fees for the iPad and/or accessories if lost, stolen or damaged while checked out to the borrower's library card.

    Yes, self-service faxing is available for free and doesn't require a library card.  Find the TBS Scanner at any KDL location.

    NOTE: The kiosks do not receive incoming faxes.

    Procedure

    1. Touch the screen to begin.
    2. Select the scanner to use, then select Next.
    3. Select Scan-to-Fax, then select Next.
    4. Accept the Copyright statement.
    5. Select the option needed from the following:
      • US & Canada or International
      • Cover Page or No Cover Page
      • No Confirmation or Email Confirmation
    6. Scan the document(s) and edit as needed.
    7. Enter the email to send the confirmation to (if you select Email Confirmation - otherwise this screen will not appear).
    8. Enter the fax number.
    9. Select I’m Done.

    All KDL branches have computers that are available for public use at no cost. If you don't have a library card, free guest passes for the computers are always available.

    Kent District Library has partnered with area attractions to provide our patrons with access to complimentary guest passes to area museums and botanical gardens. These are called PerkPasses.

    KDL patrons ages 18 and above can use their library card to reserve free passes to attractions and experiences around the county. Cardholders can reserve passes online, print their passes and visit their attraction on the date they reserved.

    There may be similar programs for cardholders of other libraries, and we advise non-KDL cardholders to contact their home library for more information.

    Basic guidelines for computer use at KDL include:

    • A 60-minute time limit on all standard public computer terminals.
    • Time limits may be extended under exceptional circumstances.
    • Internet access for those under 18 years of age is filtered.
    • You are required to sign up for computer access at some branch locations.
    • Printing from computers is currently free (up to 50 pages per week).
    • Patrons must have a library card from a Lakeland Cooperative library in order to use KDL computers. Free, temporary internet guest cards for non-residents may be issued at the judgment of KDL staff.

    View the full Guidelines for Computer Use.

    All of KDL's public-use computers run on Windows 10 and have the following programs:

    • Edge
    • Firefox
    • Chrome
    • Microsoft Office:
      • Excel
      • Powerpoint
      • Publisher
      • Word
      • Access
    • Windows Media Player
    • Adobe Reader
    • Calculator
    • Link to Grand Rapids Press
    • Link to Muskegon Chronicle Newspaper
    • Link to Social Security
    • Gimp
    • VLC Media
    • Snipping Tool

    All KDL branches have WiFi available for the public. There is no log-in or password required, and there's no fee to connect. Please ask KDL staff if you need any assistance.

    We are happy to accept payment at any KDL branch or online.

    To provide you and other patrons with the best possible service and materials, we are unable to accept replacement copies. Library staff will either re-order the item or obtain something newer for you to enjoy. Our collection development experts order materials based on the needs of the collection and keep up-to-date on the interests in our community.

    If you would like to pay for the items and they have not yet appeared as bills on your account, contact us at (616) 784-2007 or visit any library branch for assistance.

    If you accidentally damage an item and are unsure if the damage incurred is significant enough to be billed, bring the item in to any branch. We would be happy to evaluate what happened and work something out with you.

    If you pay for a lost item and later find it, please bring it in. KDL issues refunds for most items returned within 1 year (365 days) of the date the item was paid for if the item is in normal, undamaged condition. We issue refunds by mail in the form of a check. Checks are issued within 10-14 business days of the return of the item.

    The Michigan Electronic Library Catalog, abbreviated MeLCat, is a statewide catalog that allows KDL patrons to borrow interlibrary loan books from library systems throughout Michigan.

    KDL cardholders who request items through MeLCat are able to have these books delivered to their home KDL branch. Delivery time for MeLCat may be two to three weeks. Only printed items (no AV or electronic) items that are available and currently on the shelf at the owning library are available to request through MeLCat.

    To find volunteer opportunities with KDL branches and events, visit our Volunteering page. 

    KDL requires that any applicant for employment be at least 14 years old. Please visit KDL Job Openings for a current list of open positions.

    If you're between the ages of 11 and 14 but still want to be involved, we encourage you to explore volunteer opportunities at KDL. Please visit our Volunteer Hub for more information about volunteering at KDL.

    Express items are special copies of popular, high-demand books, movies and video games. Express items check out for the standard borrowing period (three weeks for books and games, one week for movies), but they are not eligible for renewal and may not be placed on hold.

    KDL's collection (books, movies, music and more) is searchable online through the search bar at the top of our website.

    Your library PIN is the four-digit number chosen at the time your library card was issued.

    If you've forgotten your PIN or would like to change it, please call (616) 784-2007.

    KDL is unable to give non-residents (see our service area) access to KDL's ebook collection. Please see your home library for access to your local ebook collection.

    KDL's Book Club in a Bag program allows book groups to check out a kit of everything they’ll need for their book discussion.

    Each canvas bag contains 10-12 copies of a book and a printed list of discussion questions. Kits check out for six weeks and may be reserved in advance. Bags may be picked up and returned at any KDL branch.

    If an item is not available in KDL's catalog, please consider sharing your recommendation with us.

    For more information about how KDL selects materials for the collection, please see KDL's Materials Selection Policy.

    Please note that due to the volume of purchase recommendations, we are only able to consider requests by KDL cardholders.

    Three days prior to an item's original due date, the library attempts to automatically renew your books, magazines, DVDs, etc. This is done as a courtesy service, because we know life gets busy and it's easy to lose track of time. If you prefer to opt out of this feature, let us know the next time you visit, or please give us a call at (616) 784-2007.

    Eligible items will automatically renew up to three times, and they will not renew if there are any active hold requests on the items. To see if an item has been automatically renewed, check your account online, sign up for email notifications to receive a courtesy notice or give us a call at (616) 784-2007.

    For items in our physical collection, KDL cardholders may place a maximum of 70 holds on your card at any given time.

    GRPL and LLC cardholders may place a maximum of 15 holds at a time.

    For most West Michigan residents, yes. KDL honors library cards from all Lakeland Library Cooperative member libraries. Patrons from these libraries are eligible to place hold requests on books and other physical media.

    Not sure which library's service area you live in? Please contact us at (616) 784-2007 for assistance.

    Most KDL branches accept donated books in good condition. Donated items are often used in book sales that raise funds for local Friends of the Library groups.

    KDL's ability to accept book donations may be limited by current storage capacity or by local policy. Please call us (616) 784-2007 to ask if your nearest KDL branch is accepting donations.

    To view your current checkouts and due dates, click on "Log In / My KDL" at the top right-hand corner of the website to log in or register with your library card number or username and your four-digit PIN.

    Three-week checkout

    • Books and audiobooks
    • TV series and informational DVDs
    • Music CDs
    • Video games
    • ebooks and digital audiobooks
    • Digital magazines via Libby
    • eComics via hoopla

    One-week checkout

    • Major motion picture DVDs
    • Children’s DVDs
    • Magazines
    • Music albums via hoopla
    • TV episodes via hoopla

    Three-day checkout

    • Movies via hoopla
    • Movies via Kanopy

    • Total Libby items a patron may have checked out at one time: 40
    • Total Libby items a patron may have on hold at once: 10
    • Total days an Libby item may be checked out: 21
    • Total time an Libby item may remain on hold without being checked out: 72 hours
    • Total purchase recommendations a patron can make in a month: 1

    Every three years KDL updates patron records to ensure that we have current, accurate information. This helps KDL provide you with the best service possible.

    To update your account you may submit a request online, call us at (616) 784-2007, or visit any KDL branch in person.

    Please note: You must be the cardholder, or the co-signer for a minor, in order to update a library account.

    Please report your card as lost or stolen by calling us at (616) 784-2007.

    KDL cardholders may receive a free replacement card at any time, at any KDL branch. Please bring photo ID when you visit us for a replacement card. We are also able to replace Grand Rapids Public Library cards.

    If you live outside of the KDL service area or GRPL service area, please visit your home library to replace your card.

    WiFi mobile hotspots are not eligible for renewal. For most other checkouts, the system attempts to automatically renew your items three days prior to their due date. This is done as a courtesy service because we know life gets busy and it's easy to lose track of time. This also means that you don't have to manually renew your items.

    Items will automatically renew up to three times if there are no active hold requests on the items.

    There are three different ways to see whether your items have renewed: by logging in to your account, signing up for email notifications to receive a courtesy notice or by giving us a call at (616) 784-2007.

    If you prefer to opt out of this feature, please let us know the next time you visit, or please give us a call at (616) 784-2007.

    Beginning June 1, 2019, late fines are no longer charged for library materials that are returned past their due date.

    Photocopy machines with printing, copying, and scanning functions are available at all KDL locations.  Curbside printing is also available.  Free printing is limited to 50 pages per week.

    Printing services include:

    • curbside printing (black and white and color), 
    • printing from a library computer (black and white and color) 
    • copying (black and white and color)
    • scanning (to email or USB)

    Please be mindful of the environment and print only what you need, and recycle when you are finished.

    Most KDL items can be returned to any KDL branch, regardless of where they were checked out.

    The exceptions are green screen umbrella lighting kits, Silent Disco headphones, turntables and other select items.

    Visit this page to log in to your library account.

    Enter your library card number in the bar code field and your PIN, then click "Log In." From here, you can change your account settings, view your checkouts and holds, pay fines and more.

    KDL offers a wide selection of downloadable materials, such as ebooks, audiobooks, digital comic books and more. If you need help getting started, please visit our help page or call us at (616) 784-2007.

    Your KDL card also gives you access to a wide variety of other digital content, such as movies, TV shows, music, video games, educational options for children, and more.

    At this time the following limits are placed on the borrowing of library materials by KDL cardholders:

    • A maximum of 150 total items can be checked out at any given time.
    • A maximum of 6 videogames can be checked out at any given time.
    • A maximum of 50 MeLCat items can be checked out at any given time.
    • A maximum of 3 Beyond Books items can be checked out at any given time.
    • A maximum of 3 Launchpad tablets can be checked out at any given time.
    • A maximum of 3 KDL GO! Packs & Booster Packs can be checked out at any given time.
    • A maximum of 3 KDL Cruiser bicycles can be checked out at any given time.
    • A maximum of 1 KDL Wifi Hotspot can be checked out at any given time.

    Patrons are also able to check out items from our digital collections. The limits are those materials are:

    • Libby: 40 ebooks, magazines and audiobooks total at any given time.
    • hoopla: 6 items total in a month.
    • Kanopy: 10 items total in a month.

    KDL has one of the largest popular magazine selections of any library in the state.

    Digital magazines

    We offer digital magazines via our OverDrive services. To get started, download the Libby app (by OverDrive) by searching the app store on your device. ​

    Print magazines

    Alpine Twp. Grandville
    Alto Kelloggsville
    Amy Van Andel Library (Ada) Kentwood (Richard L. Root)
    Byron Twp. Krause Memorial (Rockford)
    Caledonia Twp. Nelson Twp.
    Cascade Twp. Plainfield Twp.
    Comstock Park Spencer Twp.
    East Grand Rapids Tyrone Twp.
    Englehardt (Lowell) Walker
    Gaines Twp. Wyoming

    To verify the availability of a specific title and issue, please call us at (616) 784-2007. You can also place a hold on a specific magazine using the online catalog.

    Mobile hotspots are available at all KDL locations. To view hotspot availability or put one on hold, visit the KDL Catalog.

    • Patrons must be 18 years of age or older to borrow a hotspot.
    • They must present both a current Kent District Library card and a photo ID.
    • The library's Object Borrowing Agreement must be completed with each checkout, acknowledging financial responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged equipment.

    The hotspot must be returned directly to a staff member at any KDL branch (not in the drop box). The borrower may be responsible for a device deactivation fee if the device is kept past the due date.

    The borrower will be held responsible for all applicable replacement costs and processing fees for the hotspot and/or accessories if lost, stolen or damaged while checked out to borrower's library card.

    KDL GO! Packs are activity kits containing games and activities for all ages (preschool, school age, and teen/adult). GO! Packs are available for free at all KDL branches.

    Librarians at the KDL Service and Meeting Center in Comstock Park, Mich., answer phone calls for all KDL branches, ensuring you receive consistently great service every time you call KDL. This also means that when you're visiting a KDL branch, librarians in the branch are able to focus on serving you.

    Contact Patron Services:

    Have you ever needed to pick up a book, but the library was closed? Try the 24/7 pick-up service available at two KDL locations. Patrons may request to have their library items placed in a locker to be picked up at their convenience. You will need to call the library at (616) 784-2007 during open hours to obtain pass-codes for the door and locker.

    This service is available at these KDL locations:

    KDL cards are accepted for borrowing materials at all locations of Kent District Library, all locations of Grand Rapids Public Library, and all Lakeland Library Cooperative member libraries. (Please note: for non-KDL libraries this applies to physical items only, and not to ebooks or other digital materials.)

    If it is your first time visiting a non-KDL location with your KDL card, you may need to register it with the other library. Please bring photo ID with you the first time you visit a non-KDL library.

    To see any current employment opportunities with KDL, please visit our employment site.

    As of June 1, 2019, Kent District Library does not charge late fees for any materials returned past the due date. 

    When an item is 35 days overdue, a replacement fee will be issued. The fee will be waived if the item is returned. Patrons will be charged for damaged items.

    We are happy to accept payment at any library branch or you can pay online by logging into your account.

    If your fines and/or bills exceed $20, we ask that you make a payment of any amount that leaves your balance less than $20. After that, you will have the opportunity to check out library items again. If you feel as if you have been charged in error, please let us know.

    The best way to keep track of when your items are due is to check for our reminder notices. If you do not receive reminder notices, please stop in to a branch or call (616) 784-2007 to make sure we have your contact information up to date. Non-receipt of those notices does not eliminate responsibility for outstanding materials or fines.

    If your library fines exceed $40, contact your local branch library to work on a payment plan that works best with your lifestyle.

    Residents within the KDL Service Area are eligible for a KDL card. Visit any KDL location with your photo ID to register. There is no cost for opening a new library card, or for a replacement card.

    If you are interested in ebooks and other online resources, you may also open a library account online. You must be at least 18 years old to apply. An online account grants KDL residents immediate access to our entire collection.

    To be able to get a library card, you need to live (or own property) in our service area, which covers most of Kent County. The exceptions are the City of Grand Rapids, the City of Cedar Springs, Solon Township, Sparta Township, the Village of Sparta and the portion of Bowne and Caledonia townships within the Thornapple Kellogg school district.

    If you'd like to check to see if your address is eligible, please contact us.

    View a map of the KDL Service Area.

  • Services

    Over the Phone Interpretation (OPI) in over 200 languages is available through KDL's Patron Services Department. Please contact Patron Services at 616-784-2007 and say your language to request an interpreter to help answer your library question, or call one of our direct language lines to speak with an interpreter first before connecting with a Patron Services Librarian.

    Direct language lines are available for the following languages:

    Arabic Direct 1-616-303-5471
    Farsi Direct 1-616-303-3557
    French Direct 1-616-300-2569
    Kinyarwanda Direct 1-616-737-0978
    Mandarin Direct 1-616-441-3801
    Spanish Direct 1-616-300-2483
    Swahili Direct 1-616-303-5122
    Vietnamese Direct 1-616-303-3996

    To request On Site Interpretation (OSI) for an in-person library visit, please contact Patron Services at 616-784-2007.

    KDL does not currently offer lamination services at any of its locations.

    Lamination services may be available at printing stores such as FedEx, UPS Stores, Staples or Pak Mail. Please contact these services for more information.

    Eligible individuals and/or institutions residing in Kent, Ionia, or Montcalm counties need to complete and return an application form to the Wyoming Branch in order to start receiving KDL Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC) services. An application may be picked up at any KDL branch, printed online or requested to be mailed.

    Yes, self-service faxing is available for free and doesn't require a library card.  Find the TBS Scanner at any KDL location.

    NOTE: The kiosks do not receive incoming faxes.

    Procedure

    1. Touch the screen to begin.
    2. Select the scanner to use, then select Next.
    3. Select Scan-to-Fax, then select Next.
    4. Accept the Copyright statement.
    5. Select the option needed from the following:
      • US & Canada or International
      • Cover Page or No Cover Page
      • No Confirmation or Email Confirmation
    6. Scan the document(s) and edit as needed.
    7. Enter the email to send the confirmation to (if you select Email Confirmation - otherwise this screen will not appear).
    8. Enter the fax number.
    9. Select I’m Done.

    All KDL branches have WiFi available for the public. There is no log-in or password required, and there's no fee to connect. Please ask KDL staff if you need any assistance.

    The Michigan Electronic Library Catalog, abbreviated MeLCat, is a statewide catalog that allows KDL patrons to borrow interlibrary loan books from library systems throughout Michigan.

    KDL cardholders who request items through MeLCat are able to have these books delivered to their home KDL branch. Delivery time for MeLCat may be two to three weeks. Only printed items (no AV or electronic) items that are available and currently on the shelf at the owning library are available to request through MeLCat.

    KDL has one of the largest popular magazine selections of any library in the state.

    Digital magazines

    We offer digital magazines via our OverDrive services. To get started, download the Libby app (by OverDrive) by searching the app store on your device. ​

    Print magazines

    Alpine Twp. Grandville
    Alto Kelloggsville
    Amy Van Andel Library (Ada) Kentwood (Richard L. Root)
    Byron Twp. Krause Memorial (Rockford)
    Caledonia Twp. Nelson Twp.
    Cascade Twp. Plainfield Twp.
    Comstock Park Spencer Twp.
    East Grand Rapids Tyrone Twp.
    Englehardt (Lowell) Walker
    Gaines Twp. Wyoming

    To verify the availability of a specific title and issue, please call us at (616) 784-2007. You can also place a hold on a specific magazine using the online catalog.

    Librarians at the KDL Service and Meeting Center in Comstock Park, Mich., answer phone calls for all KDL branches, ensuring you receive consistently great service every time you call KDL. This also means that when you're visiting a KDL branch, librarians in the branch are able to focus on serving you.

    Contact Patron Services:

  • Branch hours

    Check your branch web page. Each branch web page lists their own closed days under the "Holidays and Closures" section (see screenshot).

  • Checking items out

    We are happy to accept payment at any KDL branch or online.

    To provide you and other patrons with the best possible service and materials, we are unable to accept replacement copies. Library staff will either re-order the item or obtain something newer for you to enjoy. Our collection development experts order materials based on the needs of the collection and keep up-to-date on the interests in our community.

    If you would like to pay for the items and they have not yet appeared as bills on your account, contact us at (616) 784-2007 or visit any library branch for assistance.

    If you accidentally damage an item and are unsure if the damage incurred is significant enough to be billed, bring the item in to any branch. We would be happy to evaluate what happened and work something out with you.

    If you pay for a lost item and later find it, please bring it in. KDL issues refunds for most items returned within 1 year (365 days) of the date the item was paid for if the item is in normal, undamaged condition. We issue refunds by mail in the form of a check. Checks are issued within 10-14 business days of the return of the item.

    Express items are special copies of popular, high-demand books, movies and video games. Express items check out for the standard borrowing period (three weeks for books and games, one week for movies), but they are not eligible for renewal and may not be placed on hold.

    KDL's collection (books, movies, music and more) is searchable online through the search bar at the top of our website.

    KDL is unable to give non-residents (see our service area) access to KDL's ebook collection. Please see your home library for access to your local ebook collection.

    Three days prior to an item's original due date, the library attempts to automatically renew your books, magazines, DVDs, etc. This is done as a courtesy service, because we know life gets busy and it's easy to lose track of time. If you prefer to opt out of this feature, let us know the next time you visit, or please give us a call at (616) 784-2007.

    Eligible items will automatically renew up to three times, and they will not renew if there are any active hold requests on the items. To see if an item has been automatically renewed, check your account online, sign up for email notifications to receive a courtesy notice or give us a call at (616) 784-2007.

    For items in our physical collection, KDL cardholders may place a maximum of 70 holds on your card at any given time.

    GRPL and LLC cardholders may place a maximum of 15 holds at a time.

    For most West Michigan residents, yes. KDL honors library cards from all Lakeland Library Cooperative member libraries. Patrons from these libraries are eligible to place hold requests on books and other physical media.

    Not sure which library's service area you live in? Please contact us at (616) 784-2007 for assistance.

    To view your current checkouts and due dates, click on "Log In / My KDL" at the top right-hand corner of the website to log in or register with your library card number or username and your four-digit PIN.

    Three-week checkout

    • Books and audiobooks
    • TV series and informational DVDs
    • Music CDs
    • Video games
    • ebooks and digital audiobooks
    • Digital magazines via Libby
    • eComics via hoopla

    One-week checkout

    • Major motion picture DVDs
    • Children’s DVDs
    • Magazines
    • Music albums via hoopla
    • TV episodes via hoopla

    Three-day checkout

    • Movies via hoopla
    • Movies via Kanopy

    WiFi mobile hotspots are not eligible for renewal. For most other checkouts, the system attempts to automatically renew your items three days prior to their due date. This is done as a courtesy service because we know life gets busy and it's easy to lose track of time. This also means that you don't have to manually renew your items.

    Items will automatically renew up to three times if there are no active hold requests on the items.

    There are three different ways to see whether your items have renewed: by logging in to your account, signing up for email notifications to receive a courtesy notice or by giving us a call at (616) 784-2007.

    If you prefer to opt out of this feature, please let us know the next time you visit, or please give us a call at (616) 784-2007.

    Beginning June 1, 2019, late fines are no longer charged for library materials that are returned past their due date.

    Most KDL items can be returned to any KDL branch, regardless of where they were checked out.

    The exceptions are green screen umbrella lighting kits, Silent Disco headphones, turntables and other select items.

    At this time the following limits are placed on the borrowing of library materials by KDL cardholders:

    • A maximum of 150 total items can be checked out at any given time.
    • A maximum of 6 videogames can be checked out at any given time.
    • A maximum of 50 MeLCat items can be checked out at any given time.
    • A maximum of 3 Beyond Books items can be checked out at any given time.
    • A maximum of 3 Launchpad tablets can be checked out at any given time.
    • A maximum of 3 KDL GO! Packs & Booster Packs can be checked out at any given time.
    • A maximum of 3 KDL Cruiser bicycles can be checked out at any given time.
    • A maximum of 1 KDL Wifi Hotspot can be checked out at any given time.

    Patrons are also able to check out items from our digital collections. The limits are those materials are:

    • Libby: 40 ebooks, magazines and audiobooks total at any given time.
    • hoopla: 6 items total in a month.
    • Kanopy: 10 items total in a month.

    Have you ever needed to pick up a book, but the library was closed? Try the 24/7 pick-up service available at two KDL locations. Patrons may request to have their library items placed in a locker to be picked up at their convenience. You will need to call the library at (616) 784-2007 during open hours to obtain pass-codes for the door and locker.

    This service is available at these KDL locations:

    As of June 1, 2019, Kent District Library does not charge late fees for any materials returned past the due date. 

    When an item is 35 days overdue, a replacement fee will be issued. The fee will be waived if the item is returned. Patrons will be charged for damaged items.

    We are happy to accept payment at any library branch or you can pay online by logging into your account.

    If your fines and/or bills exceed $20, we ask that you make a payment of any amount that leaves your balance less than $20. After that, you will have the opportunity to check out library items again. If you feel as if you have been charged in error, please let us know.

    The best way to keep track of when your items are due is to check for our reminder notices. If you do not receive reminder notices, please stop in to a branch or call (616) 784-2007 to make sure we have your contact information up to date. Non-receipt of those notices does not eliminate responsibility for outstanding materials or fines.

    If your library fines exceed $40, contact your local branch library to work on a payment plan that works best with your lifestyle.

  • Computers and copiers

    All KDL branches have computers that are available for public use at no cost. If you don't have a library card, free guest passes for the computers are always available.

    Basic guidelines for computer use at KDL include:

    • A 60-minute time limit on all standard public computer terminals.
    • Time limits may be extended under exceptional circumstances.
    • Internet access for those under 18 years of age is filtered.
    • You are required to sign up for computer access at some branch locations.
    • Printing from computers is currently free (up to 50 pages per week).
    • Patrons must have a library card from a Lakeland Cooperative library in order to use KDL computers. Free, temporary internet guest cards for non-residents may be issued at the judgment of KDL staff.

    View the full Guidelines for Computer Use.

    All of KDL's public-use computers run on Windows 10 and have the following programs:

    • Edge
    • Firefox
    • Chrome
    • Microsoft Office:
      • Excel
      • Powerpoint
      • Publisher
      • Word
      • Access
    • Windows Media Player
    • Adobe Reader
    • Calculator
    • Link to Grand Rapids Press
    • Link to Muskegon Chronicle Newspaper
    • Link to Social Security
    • Gimp
    • VLC Media
    • Snipping Tool

    All KDL branches have WiFi available for the public. There is no log-in or password required, and there's no fee to connect. Please ask KDL staff if you need any assistance.

    Photocopy machines with printing, copying, and scanning functions are available at all KDL locations.  Curbside printing is also available.  Free printing is limited to 50 pages per week.

    Printing services include:

    • curbside printing (black and white and color), 
    • printing from a library computer (black and white and color) 
    • copying (black and white and color)
    • scanning (to email or USB)

    Please be mindful of the environment and print only what you need, and recycle when you are finished.

  • Employment

    KDL requires that any applicant for employment be at least 14 years old. Please visit KDL Job Openings for a current list of open positions.

    If you're between the ages of 11 and 14 but still want to be involved, we encourage you to explore volunteer opportunities at KDL. Please visit our Volunteer Hub for more information about volunteering at KDL.

    To see any current employment opportunities with KDL, please visit our employment site.

  • Digital collection

    KDL offers a wide selection of downloadable materials, such as ebooks, audiobooks, digital comic books and more. If you need help getting started, please visit our help page or call us at (616) 784-2007.

    Your KDL card also gives you access to a wide variety of other digital content, such as movies, TV shows, music, video games, educational options for children, and more.

  • Library card

    Kent District Library has partnered with area attractions to provide our patrons with access to complimentary guest passes to area museums and botanical gardens. These are called PerkPasses.

    KDL patrons ages 18 and above can use their library card to reserve free passes to attractions and experiences around the county. Cardholders can reserve passes online, print their passes and visit their attraction on the date they reserved.

    There may be similar programs for cardholders of other libraries, and we advise non-KDL cardholders to contact their home library for more information.

    Your library PIN is the four-digit number chosen at the time your library card was issued.

    If you've forgotten your PIN or would like to change it, please call (616) 784-2007.

    Every three years KDL updates patron records to ensure that we have current, accurate information. This helps KDL provide you with the best service possible.

    To update your account you may submit a request online, call us at (616) 784-2007, or visit any KDL branch in person.

    Please note: You must be the cardholder, or the co-signer for a minor, in order to update a library account.

    Please report your card as lost or stolen by calling us at (616) 784-2007.

    KDL cardholders may receive a free replacement card at any time, at any KDL branch. Please bring photo ID when you visit us for a replacement card. We are also able to replace Grand Rapids Public Library cards.

    If you live outside of the KDL service area or GRPL service area, please visit your home library to replace your card.

    KDL cards are accepted for borrowing materials at all locations of Kent District Library, all locations of Grand Rapids Public Library, and all Lakeland Library Cooperative member libraries. (Please note: for non-KDL libraries this applies to physical items only, and not to ebooks or other digital materials.)

    If it is your first time visiting a non-KDL location with your KDL card, you may need to register it with the other library. Please bring photo ID with you the first time you visit a non-KDL library.

    Residents within the KDL Service Area are eligible for a KDL card. Visit any KDL location with your photo ID to register. There is no cost for opening a new library card, or for a replacement card.

    If you are interested in ebooks and other online resources, you may also open a library account online. You must be at least 18 years old to apply. An online account grants KDL residents immediate access to our entire collection.

    To be able to get a library card, you need to live (or own property) in our service area, which covers most of Kent County. The exceptions are the City of Grand Rapids, the City of Cedar Springs, Solon Township, Sparta Township, the Village of Sparta and the portion of Bowne and Caledonia townships within the Thornapple Kellogg school district.

    If you'd like to check to see if your address is eligible, please contact us.

    View a map of the KDL Service Area.

  • Meeting rooms

    The Walker Branch does not have a community meeting room. We recommend contacting the Walker Ice and Fitness Center at (616) 735-6286 for renting a meeting space.

    Tyrone Township rents out the township community building, which is located in their building at 28 E Muskegon St., Kent City, MI 49330. For reservations, please call the township offices at (616) 678-4779.

    The Spencer Township Branch does not have a meeting room, but the township does have a meeting room located in the basement of the same building. For more information and to reserve this room, please contact the township at (616) 984-0035.

    The Krause Memorial (Rockford) Branch has a community meeting room. View the Community Meeting Room Rules and Application for more details and for the reservation form.

    The Alpine Township Offices, which are located in the same building as the library, have several meeting rooms.

    Please call Alpine Township at (616) 784-1262 for availability and rates.

    The Nelson Township Branch has a community meeting room. It may be reserved though the Nelson Township office. Please call (616) 636-5332 for rates and availability.

    The Alto Branch does have a meeting room, which is available for free to local nonprofit groups. Please call the library at (616) 784-2007 to reserve the room.

    The Cheyne Community Room is available for non-profit groups of up to 65 people during open hours and is only available to Byron Township residents, nonprofits and groups that are organized for educational, cultural or civic purposes.

    An application must be completed and turned in to the branch. Please see the Cheyne Room Use Guidelines and Reservation Form.

    Booking can start Nov. 1 for December, January and February.

    Booking can start Feb. 1 for March, April and May.

    Booking can start May 1 for June, July and August.

    Booking can start Aug. 1 for September, October and November.

    At the Grandville Branch there is one small meeting room available for public use, as well as Commons Side A and Side B (which can also be reserved together). These can be booked with the City of Grandville Room Rental Application which can be printed from this site or acquired at the information desk. The filled-out form must be returned to the information desk or emailed to contact@kdl.org.

    The community room holds a maximum of 60 people. It is available free of charge for nonprofit organizations if at least 70 percent of those who will attend the meeting or event are from the greater Lowell area.

    Please see the Community Room Policy for details. To reserve, fill out the Reservation Request form.

    The Comstock Park Branch has a meeting room that may be reserved by nonprofit groups. To check availability or make a reservation, please call the branch manager at (616) 647-3869.

    The East Grand Rapids Branch has a community meeting room that may be reserved. Please contact the City of East Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation Department at (616) 949-1750 for more information.

    The Wisner Center meeting room is available for public use by the Cascade Charter Township. Visit the township's Wisner Center Reservations page for more information.

    An application must be turned in to the township and approved in order to reserve the Wisner Center.

    The KDL Service and Meeting Center is currently unavailable for room rentals.

    The Caledonia Community Room is currently unavailable for room rentals.

    There is a conference room in the library that is free to use during the library's open hours. This room can accommodate groups of 6-12 people. Please call the library at (616) 784-2007 to reserve the conference room.

    The community room is reserved through the Kentwood City Parks and Recreation Department. Visit the department's Room Rental Info flyer for more details. Please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (616) 656-5270 to reserve the community room.

    The meeting rooms at the Wyoming branch are available through the Wyoming City Parks and Recreation Department. The City of Wyoming Library Rental Application has more details. 

    Please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (616) 530-3164 for more information or to reserve a room.

  • Events and programs

    To express interest in sharing or presenting your work to KDL, please submit an author questionnaire.

    Storytimes are available in-person at KDL branches and online. 

    Please click here to see our full list of upcoming Storytimes. To find Storytimes at one particular branch, please use the Location filter on the left to select your preferred location(s).

  • Volunteering

    To find volunteer opportunities with KDL branches and events, visit our Volunteering page. 

    KDL requires that any applicant for employment be at least 14 years old. Please visit KDL Job Openings for a current list of open positions.

    If you're between the ages of 11 and 14 but still want to be involved, we encourage you to explore volunteer opportunities at KDL. Please visit our Volunteer Hub for more information about volunteering at KDL.