We Exist to Further All People

We Exist to Further All People.

Kent District Library (KDL) recognizes that our work is ongoing and ever evolving. We see value in and celebrate the uniqueness of each person. The public library will always stand as an institution of enlightenment and as a hub of the community, serving and including everyone.

KDL strives to make our programs accessible to all members of the public. If you have a question regarding the accessibility of a program or need to request an accommodation, please contact us at 616.784.2007 or contact@kdl.org prior to the program and our librarians will do their best to assist you.

One Community Partnerships

KDL has established relationships with the Native American, AANHPI, and Hispanic communities of West Michigan. These relationships are rooted in mutual learning, respect, and a shared commitment to strengthening the place we all call home. Together, we listen to community voices, invite partners to shape and lead library programs, provide staff training, and collaborate on ways to support and celebrate cultural traditions. By working side by side and recognizing the unique contributions of each culture, we nurture one community where everyone belongs.

If you represent a community that would benefit from a deeper relationship with KDL, please contact us. We'd love to get to know you better!

Accessibility and Disability Services

KDL is dedicated to ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all patrons, offering services and resources tailored to individuals with disabilities that foster a welcoming environment. These include:

  • Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC): Provides free access to books in accessible formats to anyone who is unable to read standard print due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities.
  • Adaptive Technology Lab: Located at the Service & Meeting Center, the lab is open by appointment during weekday hours and provides access to advanced assistive technologies.
  • Beyond Books: Includes a range of accessible tools that can be checked out with a library card.
  • Sensory Packs: Contain sensory tools for use at all branch locations.

For more details and further information, please read the full KDL Accessibility Statement.

Learn With Us

Representation in Our Collections

You can find books and resources for all ages on many topics at KDL. Choose a category to start exploring.

July is Disability Pride Month

For a window into another person’s experience, check out one of these memoirs or guides on the theme of disability.

Grand Rapids Pride Picks

These picks have been selected by Grand Rapids pride attendees during GR Pride 2026.

June is Pride Month

Check out these recommendations to celebrate pride month.

June is Caribbean-American Heritage Month

These novels take place in the Caribbean, or are written by authors from the region, which includes Barbados, Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica.

Community Resources Directory

Explore trusted local organizations, programs and tools designed to support you and your family.

Don't Know where to start? Call 2-1-1 for any kind of assistance.

KDL Gives Back

Every year, we partner with four different Organizations with a wide impact in diverse communities. This provides visibility of their work as well as giving people the chance to give back. Our KDL Gives Back partners for 2026 are listed below.

Staff Advisory Group

KDL has a work group that evaluates and implements staff professional development to improve our service to all people.

The group also implements our One Community partnerships, building relationships and making sure we listen to the needs of those communities.

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