Board of Library Commissioners

Board of Library Commissioners

Grand Rapids Public Library is governed by a publicly elected Board of Library Commissioners.

Rachel S. Anderson

President | 2024

Kelly Boston

Vice President/Secretary | 2026

Kathryn Dilley

2026

Sheila García Mazari

2024

Kristin Kopec

2028

Kevin Peterson

2024

Lauren Woolsey

2028

Note: The year listed denotes when the term of office expires (December).

Questions, concerns, or suggestions?

You can contact the board directly.

Board Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of GRPL’s Board of Library Commissioners (BoLC) are evaluating and approving the Board of Library Commissioners Policy Manual, opens a new window that governs library operations and the annual budget.

Board Meetings

The BoLC meet on the last Tuesday of each month at 5:15 pm at the Main Library (111 Library St NE), in the Board Room on Level 5, unless otherwise specified (*). All regular meetings are open to the public. Public comments are welcome near the end of the meeting during the Public Comments item. View the current agenda., opens a new window

Meeting Minutes

January 30, 2024, opens a new window

February 20, 2024*, opens a new window

March 26, 2024

April 30, 2024

April 30, 2024*

May 28, 2024

June 25, 2024

July 30, 2024

August 27, 2024

September 24, 2024

October 29, 2024

November 19, 2024*

December 17, 2024*

FAQs

  • To access your account, you will need your library card and password. When you get a library card, the password is set to the last four digits of your phone number. If you do not remember your password, contact Customer Service or call 616.988.5400 and ask to have your password reset.

    Once you have logged in, you can change your password, view your record, place a hold, renew an item, give yourself a username or pay fines. You can also sign up to be notified by email and text message when your holds are ready or you have an item overdue.

  • Parking is free at all eight GRPL branches and for all library events. At the Main Library, two hours of free parking is available during the week in the lot next to the library. Parking rates during the week cost $1.10 per half hour after the first two hours. 

    On the weekend, parking at the Main Library is free all day with a validated ticket. Bring your parking ticket inside the Main Library to have it validated.

  • You can check out a total of 100 items on your card at a time!

    Books
    Loan period: 3 weeks (2 renewals)
    Limit: 100 items checked out at once

    Audiobooks and Music CDs
    Loan period: 3 weeks (2 renewals)
    Limit: 25 checked out at once

    DVDs – Feature films, TV shows, nonfiction
    Loan period: 3 weeks (2 renewals)
    Limit: 25 checked out at once

    Hotspots
    Hotspots check out for 6 weeks, with 2 (3 week) renewals if there are not any holds on it.

    Vinyl Records
    Loan period: 3 weeks (2 renewals)
    Limit: 5 items checked out at once

    Portable Record Player
    Loan period: 3 weeks  (0 renewals)
    Limit: 1 

  • Absolutely! You can borrow materials from Kent District Library, the Lakeland Library Cooperative (LakeNet), and through MeLCat. Here’s how:

    Kent District Library

    You can also use your Grand Rapids Public Library card to check out material from the Kent District Library. If the item you are looking for is available, you may go to the owning library to pick up the item. You may place a hold on some Kent District Library materials. You will need to pick up and return the item at a KDL location. To choose a KDL pick up location, contact their Service Center at 616.784.2007.

    Lakeland Library Cooperative (LakeNet)
    If the item you are looking for is available at a participating library, you may visit the location and check out materials with your GRPL card. You cannot place holds on items owned by other Lakeland libraries. Return your Lakeland material to the same location where you checked it out.

    MeLCat

    MeLCat provides access to libraries across the state, including university libraries. If you find the book you need in MeLCat, it will be delivered to the GRPL location of your choice. MeLCat will notify you by email when your requested item is in. MeLCat services are only for books. Children 12 and under cannot use MeLCat to borrow materials.

  • No! GRPL is open to everyone. Stop by and enjoy our spaces, free events, and materials while you’re onsite. We look forward to welcoming you.

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