Library · Grand Rapids
Libraries in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Public Library serves 198,917 people in and around Grand Rapids from 8 locations. Last year it logged 495,245 visits, about 2.5 for every resident, and lent 1.4M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street, NE, Grand Rapids 49503
69 hrsopen a week
153,000sq ft
822Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#216
#216 of 391 MI libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Michigan that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
495K
visits
2.5 per resident
1.4M
loans, print + digital
7.0 per resident
628
programs & events
22K attended
53K
library cards
26% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 100,000+ people
Per-resident numbers, compared only with libraries of a similar size across the country, because a tiny town’s library always looks busier per person.
Visits per resident
2.5 visits · typical 2.1
Higher than 63% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
3.9 print items · typical 3.2
Higher than 61% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
3.1 e-items · typical 1.4
Higher than 80% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.7 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 53% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.1 attendees · typical 0.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (15th percentile)
Cardholders
26% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (23th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
1.4M loans last year
Books & media (adults)31%Kids’ books & media24%E-books, audio & streaming44%
Who the programs are for
628 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$66 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $13M.
Local 95%State 1%Gifts & other 4%
Locations
Other libraries in Grand Rapids
About these numbers
How to read this page
Hours are an averageThe survey reports a building’s public hours for the whole year. We divide by the weeks it was open, so check the library’s own site for today’s hours.
Compared by size“Similar-size” means libraries serving about as many people, nationwide. Per-resident numbers always flatter the smallest towns, so they’re never compared with big cities.
One year, the library’s own countLibraries report their own visits, loans and programs for fiscal year 2024. A library that didn’t respond keeps its address and hours here, with no numbers.
Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024. Distances are straight-line from the town center.