Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Have fun behind the scenes at the Library whether you’re earning your required volunteer hours or looking for something to do! Check out our current list of volunteer opportunities here.

The seven publicly elected Commissioners govern the library. To be elected to the board, you must be a resident of the City of Grand Rapids for at least six months and a registered voter. When Board seats are available, we announce vacancies here.

You can find opportunities for employment here.

GRPL is often looking for support. If you’re interested in helping the library by giving your time, we’d love to have you. When a volunteer opportunity is available, we advertise it here.

We accept donations of gently used books, games, movies, and music. Donated items that meet our guidelines will be considered for our collection. If we do not need the items in our collection, we will pass them along to the Friends of the Library who sell used books, music, and movies in their shop on Level 3 of the Main Library and book sale areas at each of the branches. All proceeds benefit the Library directly.

Small donations may be brought to the desk at any GRPL location. Larger donations may be boxed and left on the Main Library’s loading dock off of Fountain Street. Fill out this donation receipt for your own files.

Thanks for considering GRPL for your next donation! You can make a gift to the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation on behalf of the library. Learn more about giving opportunities here.