Kent District Library - East Grand Rapids Branch

One of my favorite places to go do some reading, studying, and working even if that means having the computer and my books open all day and daydreaming.

There is a rather spacious parking area right in front of the library, but is usually packed in the afternoons. Still, there's a lot of parking on the streets, near the restaurant, and if it's such a nice day with so many people all over the John Collins Park, you can always park at DSW and walk all the way here.

I love the tables alongside the big open windows that look right down at reed's lake. The best moments are when you can see the breeze and just stare at the blue sky from the inside. The tables along the wall have outlets, but the table in the middle of the space might not, depending on where the tables are. There are also spaces which look like an airplane VIP seating, kind of secluded and can also make you focus a bit better.

I've noticed that there are times when it gets louder, especially when there are lot of people in the computer area. (I've seen some kids come to play games for hours). Other times, it's not too bad.
If you want quieter spaces you can always walk to near where the bathrooms are located inside, and you'll see 2-3 rooms with glass walls all around. It works on a first-come first-serve basis, with a 2/3 hour limit. The glass walls are surprisingly real sound-proof. Spacious circular working table with enough chargers.

You can always take a study break by going out to the patio for fresh air. There are still lots of people out on the benches working and reading.

If you're trying to find a study place, but tired of cafes, I recommend!

One of my absolute favorite places in Grand Rapids area. It's the perfect gem that I am afraid to share with the world. Kent Library is honestly one of the best libraries and study places I've been to. Located in the beautiful (yet bougie) East Grand Rapids, it's accessible by car, bike, bus, etc. The library is connected to the Town Hall with spacious, aplenty parking. The bus line, 6, is also an easy route to trek from Medical Mile/Downtown GR straight to EGR.

Inside, the library is two stories with the top floor being the "adult"/general floor with books, DVDs, newspapers, magazines, etc. The bottom floor is the children and teen section with...AN AQUARIUM!!! Not only is Kent Library located on Reed's Lake, they also have an indoor water wonderland! I was elated to see the fishies and turtles-- #red #eared #slider #TURTLES! I spent a solid 10 minutes being completely fascinated and engrossed with these magnificent creatures. What a treat! :)

The best spot to study is the area facing towards the lake. There are about ~10 tables and a handful of comfy chairs with plenty of outlet plugs. The library hours are also good and people are generally respectful there. If you get bored, you can also literally go outside to the patio overlooking the lake or hop over to Gaslight District and grab Starbucks or a delicious bite to eat. I cannot gloat about Kent Library enough. It's one of my go-to places for studying!

This branch of the Kent District Library is modern and pleasant with great views of Reeds Lake. There are large windows facing the lake and a nice plaza outside. I've come here in the summer just to sit outside and read without even going into the library, it's that nice. Of the KDL branches I've visited, this is one of the nicest and most recently updated. The library shares a building with the East Grand Rapids Community Center, making it a nice hub for the residents of the area. I have gone here to get work done as it's usually pretty quiet (although I do avoid the library during after school hours as it probably gets busy with teens from the neighboring schools).

The collection at this branch is decently sized (although it changes daily as books circulate through all KDL branches) and they also have used books for sale with proceeds going to the Friends of the library. The children's area here is really fun with lily pad structures and plenty of spaces for play. Of course the library offers free activities and programs for teens, kids, and adults as well as downloadable books, movies, and music! This branch also has participated in the KDL Bike program where you can check out a cruiser for a day with your library card.

There is a designated parking lot for the building, but it gets full quickly. There is on-street parking on Lakeside Drive. The book return is inside the main lobby entrance, there is no drive-up book return, which is a bit of a bummer when you want to do a quick drop off, or when you get stuck behind someone who has parked in the drive to return books.

Whan a lovely and attractive library. Love that it is in a building with other county services. My cousin uses this branch regularly so knew the whole layout. I, of course, wandered into the EGR history room which had yearbooks and records and all sorts of goodies for those doing a little local history.

Plenty of computers and staff for a small branch library. AND right outside is access to a nice plaza with access to Reeds Lake.

What a beautiful setting for a wonderful library. It sits on Reeds Lake and has a wall of windows from which to gaze. When the weather's nice, you can sit out on the terrace (?!) and overlook the lake while reading.

The bright, modern clean building has free WiFi, helpful staff, comfy chairs, meeting rooms that can be booked for up to three hours' time, and a huge selection of books on two floors. The system for online borrowing couldn't be simpler and includes audiobooks and e-books. If you are checking out a physical book that they have on hold for you, it's essentially self-service through a computer, though it's worth chatting with the friendly librarians.

Two or three times a year they have the ULTIMATE library sale. Organized, amazing selection, and high, high quality books from all genres. The sale is pricier than the GRPL -- $2 per hardback, e.g. but you get what you pay for. Much of my library has been furnished by these sales.

I feel like this is what a library should be. This is definitely not the biggest or most extensive library I have been to, but that is not always the point and doesn't always make a library better.

This library sits just off of Reeds Lake in EGR. The building is clean and well-maintained and the only negative to the location is that the parking can be pretty tight and I find that I have to park on the street about half of the time. That being said, it's never been terribly inconvenient. The staff is always very friendly, helpful and nice to the kids. They have free WiFi, a color copier and several computers set up so the kids can either do research for homework or even play a game or two. The children's section is well-kept and has some fun items to catch the young one's interest as well as a nice little playspace. There are also many comfortable spots to read quietly and even vending machines if you want to grab a snack or drink. There is also a decent selection of movies to rent, if you so desire. I always enjoy coming here whether it's with my kids or just by myself. Very glad to have a library of this caliber nearby.

This library is SUPER kid freindly. There is so much to see and do for them. There is also a very stimulating puzzle going on upstairs also! I had alot of fun today.

This is a nice little branch of the KDL on the shore of Reeds Lake. You cannot beat the views of the lake from the main floor reading room or the adjacent Wege Plaza.
Parking at this branch is a pain because of the shared space with the EGR City Hall and Rec Dept.

The on-site collection is small (as the space dictates), so it helps to take advantage of the interlibrary loans and online digital downloads. Did you know that you can get three free music downloads per week from Freegal if you have a KDL card?!

Super helpful and knowledgeable staff here and a nifty little children's play area in the basement. Great option for a rainy or snowy day.

Free books and movies!

Beautiful facility!!

Quality children's programming!

Nice staff!

Yep, this library has it all! I don't know how much money I have saved over the years by borrowing movies and book rather than purchasing or renting. It is an added bonus that if there is something I'd like, that the library doesn't currently own, I can request that they buy it and put it into circulation. I love, LOVE, my KDL branch!

Our favorite of all the libraries in the Grand Rapids area. It happens to be only a mile from our house, but we'd come here even if it were much farther. The patio with a view of Reeds Lake is an ideal place to read or think or write or work on a computer program.