• General Questions

    Printing and copying are free for up to 50 pages each week with a library card. Once you reach your 50-page limit, you'll need to wait until your credits reset the following week. Additional pages cannot be purchased.

    The page limit helps KDL keep printing and copying free, fair and available for everyone. This free service is designed for everyday needs like forms, school work, job searches and personal documents rather than large projects or commercial printing.

    KDL and Lakeland Library Cooperative (LLC) cardholders can print and copy up to 50 sheets per week for free. Guests without library cards can print and copy up to 5 sheets per day with a guest pass, but guest passes must be obtained in the branch.

    No. Once you reach your weekly limit, additional pages cannot be purchased. Limitations are in place to ensure fair access for all users. Large print and copy jobs can significantly slow the printing queue, and this free service is designed to support everyday needs rather than high-volume projects.

    Printing/copying credits reset every Sunday morning.

    If you need to print or copy a large project, staff are happy to help you find a local print shop that may better meet your needs. Find some local ones here: Printing Options Near the Library

    Many people can get a free KDL library card in just a few minutes! Register online for your library card.

    If you don't qualify for a standard library card, staff can help determine whether a temporary card may be available for your situation.

    Weekly quotas for printing and copying are determined by the total number of sheets of paper used. For example, one sheet that is printed or copied on two sides counts as one page towards your weekly quota. Also, your quota is a total of sheets printed or copied. For example, 10 printed sheets plus 10 sheets of copies counts as 20 pages towards your quota.

  • 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

    The library also offers radio and digital simultaneous interpretation equipment to be used by a professional interpreter hired for this purpose. To access this service please contact CommunityEngagement@kdl.org.  Or call the Community Engagement department directly at 616-647-4144.

    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 must complete and return an application form to the KDL Service & Meeting Center in order to enroll in TBBC services. Applications are available at any KDL branch, on our website or can be mailed to the patron's home upon request.

    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 and emails for all KDL branches, ensuring you receive consistently great service every time you contact 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 six months (180 days) of the date the item was paid for if the item is in normal, undamaged condition.

    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. However, 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
    • Children's DVDs
    • Music CDs and vinyl albums
    • Video games
    • Launchpad learning tablets
    • VOX Books and Wonderbooks (books with built-in audiobooks)
    • Ebooks and digital audiobooks
    • eComics via hoopla
    • Go! Packs, Booster Packs and Beyond Books items (like hotspots, cameras, ukuleles, etc.)

    One-week checkout

    • Major motion picture DVDs
    • Magazines
    • Music albums via hoopla
    • eMagazines on Libby
    • Binge Passes on hoopla
    • TV series on Kanopy

    Three-day checkout

    • Movies via hoopla
    • TV episodes 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 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.

    Patrons may request to have their library items placed in a locker to be picked up at their convenience at two of our branch locations. We'll check out your holds to you and then set your items aside in a locker that can be accessed 24 hours a day. You'll have one week to pick up your items. Fill out the forms linked here for the Kentwood Branch and the Wyoming Branch.

    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 automatically 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 $50, we ask that you make a payment of any amount that leaves your balance less than $50. 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 ways to keep track of when your items are due are to check your account on KDL.org or in the KDL app, and to watch for our text or email 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 $50, contact your local branch library to work on a payment plan that works best with your lifestyle.

  • Computers and Wi-Fi

    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 in our Policy Manual.

    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.

  • Employment

    KDL requires that any applicant for employment or volunteering be at least 18 years old. Please visit KDL Job Openings for a current list of open positions.

     

    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, movies, TV shows, music and more. If you need help getting started, please visit our help page or call us at (616) 784-2007.

  • 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 the KDL 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

    For information about private rooms or to make a reservation visit our Private Rooms page or call 616-784-2007.

    For questions about meeting rooms or to make a reservation please visit your nearest KDL branch, call 616-784-2007 or email contact@kdl.org.
     

  • Events and programs

    Local authors are invited to share their publication through KDL's Local Indie collection.

    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 or volunteering be at least 18 years old. Please visit KDL Job Openings for a current list of open positions.