5255 Alpine Ave. NW Comstock Park !/assets/alpine_township_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* Laura Weld Rapid Bus Route: 1 mile north of <a href="http://www.ridetherapid.org/ride/routes/9" target="_blank">Route 9</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless internet</li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing and other software</li> <li>Teen space</li> <li>Early literacy area</li> <li>Used book sales</li> <li>Active Friends of the Library groups</li> </ul> Some History: The Alpine branch is one of the oldest in the system and was represented at the 1934 organizational meeting for countywide library service by Mrs. G.S. Felt. Currently in its fourth location, the library is still located in "the Ridge," Kent County's prime fruit growing area. 2 43.059592 -85.690234

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kent+District+Library+5255+Alpine+Ave.+NW,+Comstock+Park+49321&ie=UTF8&ll=43.036494,-85.666494&spn=0.024435,0.019398&z=15&iwloc=B&om=1

Alpine Twp. Branch 616-784-2007 MI 49321 6071 Linfield Ave. Alto !/assets/alto_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* <a href="mailto:sgraham@kdl.org">Sandy Graham</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless internet</li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing and other software</li> <li>Quiet study/reading room</li> <li>Teen space</li> <li>Early literacy area</li> <li>Used book sales</li> <li>Test proctoring service</li> <li>Coffee, tea and hot chocolate machine</li> <li>Local historical society materials</li> <li>Active Friends of the Library group</li> </ul> Some History: The Alto branch in Bowne Township began in 1937 through the efforts of the Bowne Center Parent Teacher Association. The next year the library joined with the Kent County Library System. As the area has grown, so has the library. The library moved to its most recent location in 1996, going from a building of 675 square feet to one of 5,000. 6 42.855238 -85.382822

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kent+District+Library+6071+Linfield+Ave.,+Alto+49302&ie=UTF8&ll=42.852435,-85.384712&spn=0.049017,0.038795&z=14&iwloc=A&om=1

Alto Branch 616-784-2007 MI 49302 8191 Byron Center Ave. SW Byron Center !/assets/byron_center_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* <a href="mailto:lholland@kdl.org">Lori Holland</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless internet</li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing and other software</li> <li>Three quiet study/reading rooms</li> <li>Teen space</li> <li>Early literacy area</li> <li>Community meeting room</li> <li>Used book sales</li> <li>Express Check self checkout</li> <li>Special collection: local history of Byron Township</li> </ul> Some History: The Byron Library had a very modest beginning in 1887 with a local book lending service through the township clerk's office. Byron Township has supported the growth in library use by opening a new 13,640 square foot facility in December of 2003. 7 42.815381 -85.723229

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kent+District+Library+8191+Byron+Center+Ave.+SW,+Byron+Center+49315&sll=42.798424,-85.534058&sspn=0.392478,0.310364&ie=UTF8&ll=42.815551,-85.686493&spn=0.784735,0.620728&z=10&iwloc=A&om=1

Byron Twp. Branch 616-784-2007 MI 49315 240 Emmons St. SE Caledonia !/assets/caledonia_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* <a href="mailto:jheiss@kdl.org">Jane Heiss</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless internet</li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing and other software</li> <li>Quiet study/reading room</li> <li>Early literacy area</li> <li>Used book sales</li> <li>Active Friends of the Library group</li> </ul> Some History: The Caledonia library began operating in 1926 in the home of Mrs. Alton Bowman with the efforts of the Caledonia Women's Club. In December 1934, Caledonia became the second community to join the newly established Kent County Library Association. The Library moved in 1981 into the remodeled United Brethren Church on Emmons Street. Plans are underway for a new, larger library to meet the increasing needs of the growing community in Caledonia Township. 3 42.790172 -85.514029

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kent+District+Library+240+Emmons+St.,+Caledonia+49316&ie=UTF8&ll=42.798424,-85.534058&spn=0.392478,0.310364&z=11&iwloc=A&om=1

Caledonia Twp. Branch 616-784-2007 MI 49316 2870 Jack Smith Ave. SE Grand Rapids !/assets/cascade_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* Diane Cutler Rapid Bus Route: 2 miles northeast of <a href="http://www.ridetherapid.org/ride/routes/5" target="_blank">Route 5</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless internet</li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing and other software</li> <li>Eight quiet study/reading rooms</li> <li>Teen space designed by teens</li> <li>Early literacy area</li> <li>Community meeting room</li> <li>Chapter Two Bookstore</li> <li>Vending services</li> <li>Express Check self checkout</li> <li>Local history room</li> <li>After-Hours hold pickup</li> <li>Active Friends of the Library group</li> </ul> Some History: The Cascade branch began as a weekly bookmobile stop for the county library in 1965. The library did not find a permanent home until 1972 when the Cascade branch opened in the old township hall. In 1979 the library moved into the new township hall on Thornhills and remained there until the construction of a new facility in 1996. At that time, Cascade branch expanded from 6,000 square feet to over 20,000 square feet. The branch was remodeled in 2006 to add new services, including the Wisner Center, a large program and community meeting space. 8 42.911948 -85.50524

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Cascade+Township+Branch+of+Kent+District+Library&sll=42.911948,-85.50524&sspn=0.012242,0.009699&ie=UTF8&ll=42.912466,-85.505219&spn=0.024485,0.019398&z=15&iwloc=A&om=1

Cascade Twp. Branch 616-784-2007 MI 49546 3943 W. River Dr. NE Comstock Park !/assets/comstock_park_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* <a href="mailto:nmulder@kdl.org">Nancy Mulder</a> Rapid Bus Route: 1 mile southeast of <a href="http://www.ridetherapid.org/ride/routes/9" target="_blank">Route 9</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Expanded parking lot</li> <li>Wireless internet </li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing, and other software</li> <li>Teen space</li> <li>Early literacy area</li> <li>Community meeting room</li> <li>Used book sales</li> <li>Express Check self checkout</li> </ul> Some History: The Comstock Park library, the smaller of two branches in Plainfield Township, has been located on West River Drive since 1961. Adjacent to Dwight Lydell Park, in an attractive downtown area serving residents of both Plainfield and Alpine Townships, it was most recently renovated and expanded in 1997 to 3,311 square feet. 9 43.034392 -85.665121

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kent+District+Library+3943+W.+River+Dr.+NE,+Comstock+Park+MI+49321&sll=42.843563,-85.65259&sspn=0.049024,0.038795&ie=UTF8&ll=43.034392,-85.665121&spn=0.048872,0.038795&z=14&iwloc=A&om=1

Comstock Park Branch 616-784-2007 MI 49321 746 Lakeside Dr. SE East Grand Rapids !/assets/egr_hours.gif! *Branch Manager:* <a href="mailto:dlewis@kdl.org">Dawn Lewis</a> Rapid Bus Route: <a href="http://www.ridetherapid.org/ride/routes/6/" target="_blank">Route 6</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless Internet</li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing and other software</li> <li>Four quiet study/reading rooms</li> <li>Teen space</li> <li>Early literacy area</li> <li>Community meeting room</li> <li>Used book sales</li> <li>Vending services</li> <li>Express Check self checkout</li> <li>Special collection: art books</li> <li>Active Friends of the Library group</li> <li>Beautiful view of Reeds Lake </li> </ul> Some History: The first East Grand Rapids library facility, housed in a former private residence, opened in 1959 when citizens recognized the need for a public library. In 1960 the library moved to Romona Shopping Center, and in 1969 it moved to Lakeside Drive on Reeds Lake. In May 2005, the East Grand Rapids library moved to a temporary location so the 10,500 square foot library on Lakeside Drive could be renovated and expanded to 27,700 square feet. The renovation was completed in August 2006 with a Grand Opening on August 12. 1 42.94917 -85.610933

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=746+Lakeside+Dr.+SE,+49506&ie=UTF8&ll=42.948476,-85.611134&spn=0.015361,0.042915&om=1

East Grand Rapids Branch 616-784-2007 MI 49506 200 N. Monroe St. Lowell !/assets/englehardt_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* <a href="mailto:jaronson@kdl.org">Jane Aronson</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless internet</li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing and other software</li> <li>Two quiet study/reading rooms</li> <li>Teen space</li> <li>Early literacy area</li> <li>Community meeting room</li> <li>Used book sales</li> <li>Express Check self checkout</li> <li>Special collections: Michigan Collection</li> <li>Active Friends of the Library group</li> <li>View of the Flat River and Riverwalk</li> </ul> Some History: Established as a public library in 1878, the Lowell branch library has the longest continuous history of any Kent District Library branch. It became a member of the Kent County Library System in 1956. In 1997 the library moved to its new building on the east bank of the Flat River, increasing its size by eight times to 8,800 square feet. It is named for a major benefactor, Harold Englehardt. 10 42.935419 -85.337009

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=englehardt+library,+49331&ie=UTF8&z=13&iwloc=A&om=1

Englehardt Branch 616-784-2007 MI 49331 421 68th St. SE Grand Rapids !/assets/gaines_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* <a href="mailto:mboisvenue-fox@kdl.org">Michelle Boisvenue-Fox</a> Rapid Bus Route: 1/2 mile east of <a href="http://www.ridetherapid.org/ride/routes/1" target="_blank">Route 1</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless internet</li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing and other software</li> <li>Quiet study/reading room</li> <li>Teen space</li> <li>Early literacy area</li> <li>Community meeting room</li> <li>Used book sales</li> <li>Express Check self checkout</li> <li>Special collection: inspirational fiction</li> </ul> Some History: Gaines Township has supported library service since the Depression Era. During the 1950s and 60s, Kent County provided library service at a number of bookmobile stops, both at local schools and in the Dutton and Cutlerville areas. In 1969 the Gaines Township branch was opened to the public at its current location. Rapid population growth in the area led to an extensive expansion of the building in 1987 to over 10,000 square feet. 11 42.840829 -85.653657

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kent+District+Library+Gaines+Twp.&sll=42.868478,-85.663627&sspn=1.3286,2.554321&ie=UTF8&ll=42.847275,-85.671387&spn=0.332262,0.63858&z=11&iwloc=A

Gaines Twp. Branch 616-784-2007 MI 49548 4055 Maple St. SW Grandville !/assets/grandville_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* <a href="mailto:pvrona@kdl.org">Patrice Vrona</a> Rapid Bus Route: <a href="http://www.ridetherapid.org/ride/routes/8/" target="_blank">Route 8</a> and <a href="http://www.ridetherapid.org/ride/routes/28/" target="_blank">Route 28</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless internet</li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing and other software</li> <li>Two quiet study/reading rooms</li> <li>Teen space</li> <li>Early literacy area</li> <li>Used book sales</li> <li>Vending: hot and cold beverages</li> <li>Express Check self checkout</li> <li>Special collection: antiques and collectibles</li> <li>Active Friends of the Library group</li> <li>Outdoor amphitheatre with patio seating</li> <li>Battery recycling drop-off in lobby</li> </ul> Some History: The Grandville library took its roots from a bookmobile service. In April of 1952, the Grandville community established its first library in the renovated quarters of the former pumping station on Maple Street. It then moved to the city hall complex. Today the Grandville branch of the Kent District Library resides just up the street from its first location. 4 42.907526 -85.76424

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kent+District+Library+4055+Maple+St.+SW,+Grandville+MI+49418&ie=UTF8&ll=42.9064,-85.7658&spn=0.048974,0.038795&z=14&iwloc=A&om=1

Grandville Branch 616-784-2007 MI 49418 4700 Kalamazoo Ave. SE Kentwood !/assets/kentwood_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* Cheryl Cammenga Rapid Bus Route: 1/2 mile south of <a href="http://www.ridetherapid.org/ride/routes/2/" target="_blank">Route 2</a> and <a href="http://www.ridetherapid.org/ride/routes/44/" target="_blank">Route 44</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless internet</li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing and other software</li> <li>Quiet study/reading room</li> <li>Teen space</li> <li>Early literacy area</li> <li>Community meeting room</li> <li>Used book sales</li> <li>Coffee available</li> <li>Express Check self checkout</li> <li>Special collections: Kentwood historical material, career specialties</li> <li>Active Friends of the Library group</li> </ul> Some History: The Kentwood branch had its beginnings as a county library bookmobile stop on South Division near 44th Street in what was then Paris Township. At the request of the township, the county library established the first permanent branch in 1955. The current facility of 15,000 square feet was erected on land donated by Cora Bowen Stauffer, a direct descendent of one on the area's earliest settlers and opened in 1975. 12 42.878771 -85.625826

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kent+District+Library+4700+Kalamazoo+Ave.+SE,+Kentwood+MI+49508&ie=UTF8&ll=42.877411,-85.625896&spn=0.048997,0.038795&z=14&iwloc=A&om=1

Kentwood Branch 616-784-2007 MI 49508 140 E. Bridge St. Rockford !/assets/krause_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* Jennifer German Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Early Literacy area</li> <li>Teen area</li> <li>Wireless internet</li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing, and other software</li> <li>Community meeting room</li> </ul> Some History: The Rockford branch library can trace its library roots back to the 1870s in a building on Courtland Street. The Krause Memorial Library has been in its current location since 1937 and was made possible through the generous donation of G. Adolph Krause. Mr. Krause and his descendants have continued to support the library through expansions and an Endowment Fund. The library has been expanded twice—in 1963 & 1989—and today is 8,555 square feet. It houses a collection of over 45,000 items. 13 43.120657999999999 -85.555429000000004

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kent+District+Library+140+E.+Bridge+St.,+Rockford+MI+49341&ie=UTF8&ll=43.120658,-85.555429&spn=0.048804,0.038795&z=14&iwloc=A&om=1

Krause Memorial Branch 616-784-2007 MI 49341 2650 5 Mile Rd. NE Grand Rapids !/assets/plainfield_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* <a href="mailto:dstracke@kdl.org">David Stracke</a> Rapid Bus Route: 2 miles northeast of <a href="http://www.ridetherapid.org/ride/routes/11/" target="_blank">Route 11</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless internet</li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing and other software</li> <li>Four quiet study/reading rooms</li> <li>Teen space </li> <li>Community meeting room</li> <li>Used book sales</li> <li>Vending services</li> <li>Express Check self checkout</li> <li>Active Friends of the Library group</li> </ul> Some History: The Plainfield branch library began as a stop for the Kent County Library bookmobile in the 1960s. The first permanent location of the Plainfield branch was in the basement of the Main Oakview Elementary School and opened in 1968. The current Plainfield library location was established in 1978. The original building was expanded in 1995 from its original size of 6,250 square feet to the current size of 26,420 square feet. 5 43.043126 -85.60456

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kent+District+Library+2650+5-Mile+Rd.+NE,+Grand+Rapids+MI+49525&ie=UTF8&ll=43.045182,-85.603151&spn=0.048864,0.038795&z=14&iwloc=A&om=1

Plainfield Twp. Branch 616-784-2007 MI 49525 88 Eighth St. Sand Lake !/assets/sand_lake_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* <a href="mailto:gmiddleton@kdl.org">Glenda Middleton</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless internet </li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing, and other software</li> <li>Quiet study rooms</li> <li>Teen space</li> <li>Early literacy area</li> <li>Community meeting room</li> </ul> Some History: The Sand Lake library began providing library services to the community as part of the Women’s Club in the 1920s. The library has moved several times, before it made its home in 1978 in the Nelson Township Hall. On May 18, 2007, a brand new 8,350 square foot library opened at 88 Eighth Street. This library is reminiscent of a beautiful old red barn with a clerestory and an impressive stone fireplace. 14 43.293394 -85.517299

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=88+8th+Street,+Sand+Lake,+MI&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=45.688268,81.738281&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1

Sand Lake / Nelson Twp. Branch 1-877-243-2466 (toll free) MI 49343 14960 Meddler Ave. Gowen !/assets/spencer_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* <a href="mailto:hkennedy@kdl.org">Helen Kay Kennedy</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless internet</li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing and other software</li> <li>Teen space</li> <li>Early literacy area</li> <li>Used book sales</li> <li>Active Friends of the Library group</li> </ul> Some History: In 1998, Kent District Library's newest branch opened in Spencer Township in a building it shares with the township offices. The 2,000 square foot building is located in a beautiful rural setting near several lakes. We also have a number of public computers available, featuring children's software, Microsoft Office products, and more. 15 43.238876 -85.369348

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kent+District+Library+14960+Meddler+Ave.,+Gowen+49326&ie=UTF8&ll=43.256706,-85.356903&spn=0.389559,0.310364&z=11&iwloc=A&om=1

Spencer Twp. Branch 1-877-243-2466 (toll free) MI 49326 43 S. Main St. Kent City !/assets/tyrone_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* <a href="mailto:mdemeester@kdl.org">Marcia DeMeester</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless internet</li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing and other software</li> <li>Quiet study/reading room</li> <li>Teen space</li> <li>Early literacy area</li> <li>Community meeting room</li> <li>Used book sales</li> </ul> Some History: The "Kent City library" was established in 1935 in the back of Perham's Drug Store and is one of the earliest members of the Kent County Library Association. Over the years the library has been supported by both Kent City and the Village of Casnovia and has been located in a number of local facilities. In 1985 the branch name was changed to the Tyrone Township Branch Library, and the library moved to its present location. 16 43.218914 -85.751462

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kent+District+Library+43+S.+Main+St.,+Kent+City+49330&ie=UTF8&ll=43.219626,-85.750222&spn=0.024362,0.019398&z=15&om=1

Tyrone Twp. Branch 1-877-243-2466 (toll free) MI 49330 4293 Remembrance Rd. NW Walker !/assets/walker_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* <a href="mailto:jseitz@kdl.org">Jane Seitz</a> Rapid Bus Route: 1 1/2 miles northwest of <a href="http://www.ridetherapid.org/ride/routes/7/" target="_blank">Route 7</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless internet </li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing, and other software</li> <li>Teen area</li> <li>Express Check self checkout</li> </ul> Some History: Formerly a Kent County Bookmobile stop at Walker Station School, a storefront library in Standale, and a storefront library located near Remembrance Road and Leonard Street, the present Walker Branch library has been located in the City of Walker Municipal Center since 1991. 17 43.007263 -85.774619

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kent+District+Library+4293+Remembrance+Rd.+NW,+Walker+MI+49544&sll=43.256706,-85.356903&sspn=0.389559,0.310364&ie=UTF8&ll=43.005965,-85.774555&spn=0.048895,0.038795&z=14&om=1

Walker Branch 616-784-2007 MI 49544 3350 Michael Ave. SW Wyoming !/assets/wyoming_hours.jpg! *Branch Manager:* Mary Hollinrake Rapid Bus Route: <a href="http://www.ridetherapid.org/ride/routes/16/" target="_blank">Route 16</a> Branch Amenities: <ul> <li>Wireless internet</li> <li>Color copier</li> <li>Public computers with online catalog, Internet, word processing and other software</li> <li>Seven quiet study/reading rooms</li> <li>Teen space</li> <li>Early literacy area</li> <li>Community meeting room</li> <li>Used book sales</li> <li>Coffee shop</li> <li>Express Check self checkout</li> <li>Special collections: Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, automotive and engine repair books, Spanish and Vietnamese titles</li> <li>Art gallery</li> </ul> Some History: The Wyoming library has occupied several sites since its humble beginnings as a storefront library in the 1940s. Now located on Michael Avenue, just south of 28th Street, the library has been recently expanded and renovated and covers almost 48,000 square feet, making it the largest and busiest branch in the Kent District Library. 18 42.903003 -85.695862

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kent+District+Library+3350+Michael+Ave.+SW,+Wyoming+MI+49509&ie=UTF8&ll=42.901527,-85.69675&spn=0.024489,0.019398&z=15&iwloc=A&om=1

Wyoming Branch 616-784-2007 MI 49509