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The Grand Rapids History & Special Collections Department (GRHSCD) is divided into four collection areas:
The Archives, together with the Grand Rapids Local History & Genealogy Collection, form one of the largest collections of local and family history material in the state of Michigan. Included are more than 30,000 books and periodicals, plus holdings on microfilm. Collecting emphasis is on the Grand Rapids and Kent County area, with additional sources on Western Michigan, Michigan and the Old Northwest. County and state histories, atlases & maps, family histories & biographical information, census data, city directories, local newspapers on microfilm, and vertical files are just some of the items to be found. Additionally, the Archives contain over 300 collections,including more than a million photographs and negatives, as well as original letters, business documents, videos, and other types of data related to area families, businesses & organizations. The Archival Collections are secured in a temperature & humidity control storage area. The two special book collections are national in scope. The small Rare Book Collection is still being processed and is housed in the environmentally controlled stacks. The Furniture Design Book Collection was originally developed as a private research library for area furniture designers, but is now available to interested patrons who are willing to assist in the protection of this rich resource. Additions to the collection are routinely made, and the items are housed in a special room in one of the round towers. A photo ID is required for use. All holdings in the department are considered reference materials, and do not
circulate outside the Library. Location [top] The Center is located on the 3rd floor of the Keeler Wing of the Grand Rapids
Public Library Main Library, 111 Library St. N.E., in downtown Grand Rapids.
Main Library Directions Hours[top] The Center is open during all regular Main Library hours, M-Th, 9-9, Fri. & Sat. 9-5:30, Sun. during the school year 1-5. The Library is closed on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day. Parking[top] The gated library parking lot is located at the corner of Ransom & Library Street, to the right (east) of the Main Library entrance. The rate is $1.10 per 1/2 hour ($9.50 max). Parking tickets will be validated upon request for 1 hour of free parking, at the Information Desk, Circulation Desk or the Grand Rapids History & Special Collections Department Center Service Desk. Other parking facilities, such as meters & lots, are within walking distance of the Library. Correspondence and Research Requests [top] Grand Rapids History & Special Collections Department
Western Michigan Genealogical Society
Grand Rapids Historical Society
Copies [top] Due to the fragile nature of many items within the collections, staff permission is required before copying. Photocopying is not permitted for materials in poor condition, items above a certain size, or certain materials that are difficult to replace. Photocopying is not permitted from the City Directories within the department, for example, unless these are on microfilm. It is the researchers responsibility to observe copyright law. Coin-operated copy machines & microfilm copy machines are available for patron use.
A change machine is available. Change for bills larger that $5.00 must be obtained
from the Circulation Desk near the front entrance. Reproduction Services[top] Reproduction services allow researchers to have copies of items, particularly from the Archives, for display, publication, or commercial use, within the limits of copyright. These reproductions are made by staff or outsourced, except for regular photocopies, which patrons may make themselves on the regular copy machine (with staff permission). Two fees are assessed for these services, a usage fee based upon the type of use, and the actual reproduction cost fee. Professional reproduction of photographs from negatives, as well as in-house staff scanning services, are available. Limited color laser copying by staff is available, as well as some staff servicing of oversized materials. Reproduction of videos in the collection may be available, if copyright is owned by the Library. Contact the department for more specific information. |
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