Grand Rapids Public Library

The Grand Rapids Public Library located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan and also includes seven branch libraries throughout the city. The library system has 170 full and part-time employees and has a service area of roughly 197,000 people.

Grand Rapids Public Library
Main library
Map
42°57′54″N 85°39′57″W / 42.9649°N 85.6659°W / 42.9649; -85.6659
LocationGrand Rapids, Michigan
Established1871
Branches8
Collection
Size2,219,688
Access and use
Population served197,000
Other information
Budget$9.34 million (2017)[1]
DirectorJohn McNaughton
Employees170
Websitehttp://www.grpl.org

History edit

The Grand Rapids Public Library was founded in 1871 and was located within the Grand Rapids City Hall. In 1904, the library moved to the Ryerson building which served as a permanent home for the library. The building was a gift from arts and education benefactor, and native son, Martin A. Ryerson. In 1967, the library expanded to more than double in size. The addition was named the Keeler wing, in honor of a $1.2 million gift from Mike and Mary Ann Keeler. In 2001, renovation began that forced the library to operate out of a nearby warehouse. The library was able to move back to 111 Library St. NE in 2003.[2]

Locations edit

Branch Address
Main Library 111 Library St. NE
Madison Square Branch 1201 Madison SE
Ottawa Hills Branch 1150 Giddings SE
Seymour Branch 2350 Eastern SE
Van Belkum Branch 1563 Plainfield NE
West Leonard Branch 1017 Leonard NW
West Side Branch 713 Bridge NW
Yankee Clipper Branch 2025 Leonard NE

References edit

  1. ^ "Grand Rapids Public Library Operating Fund 218 Revenue 2017 Budget" (PDF). Grand Rapids Public Library. Retrieved October 20, 2017.
  2. ^ "History of the Library". Grand Rapids Public Library. Retrieved 8 October 2017.

External links edit