Library Card FAQs

  • General Questions

    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.

    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: 10 items checked out at once

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

    Board Games
    Loan period: 3 weeks  (2 renewals)
    Limit: 5

    Video Games
    Loan period: 3 weeks  (2 renewals)
    Limit: 5

    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.

    GRPL does not charge overdue fines on materials (books, movies, music).
    Library patrons will still be responsible for the replacement cost of items that are lost or damaged.

    Sign up online or in-person at any GRPL location to register for a library card. To get a Grand Rapids Public Library card, you must live within the city limits of Grand Rapids and have valid photo ID and proof of address. You can find more information here.

    Yep! Kids can get library cards too.

    To get your child (18 years and under) a library card, you, as a parent or legal guardian, will bring your child to the library and show identification. If your child will be visiting the library without you, register your child for a library card online. Your child can bring in the completed registration when they visit. There is no age requirement for a child to get a library card, but the child must be present to receive one. 

    Yes! We’ll let you know by email and mail when your card is ready to expire. You can renew your library card online or in-person at any GRPL location.

    Cards renewed online are good for one year.

    Your password is usually the last four digits of your phone number, unless you changed it to something else. If you forgot your password and need to reset it, visit this page.

    If you’ve lost library materials or return items that are damaged, you may be responsible to pay a fine for these materials. You can pay for lost or damaged materials through your account or by visiting any GRPL location. We accept cash, check, and credit/debit cards.

    24! GRPL cardholders can request 2 items be added to the collection each month.
    While we can’t guarantee every request will be added to our collection, we’re always working to connect you with the resources you need.

    Register your students for a library card online or pick up an application for each member of your classroom from any GRPL location. Note that students will need to provide their parent or guardian’s identification and, in the case of a paper application, their signature. Students, caregivers, or educators can return completed applications to any GRPL location.

    Build your own book club kit

    Check out as few or as many copies of the book as you need.  Each book checks out separately and can be returned separately to any GRPL location. Books by the Stack books are checked out for 6 weeks (one 3-week renewal is available). Plenty of time to read, meet, and discuss! 

    To download, stream, or check out items from our digital collection, you’ll need a valid GRPL library card. Sign up for a library card here.

    GRPL offers a number of digital collections that feature eBooks!
    Borrow ebooks on OverDrive, Hoopla, Kanopy, through our GRPL App, or from our catalog.

    Our library staff are always eager to help you find what you’re looking for or discover something new! Visit any information desk while you’re here to find support finding the materials you need. 

    If you’re browsing our online catalog and need assistance, contact 616.988.5400 during open hours to ask for assistance. 

    Please return any items checked out from the Grand Rapids Public Library, including those borrowed through MeLCat, to one of the eight GRPL locations for immediate check-in. GRPL items returned to non-GRPL libraries will not be checked in until they arrive at a GRPL location. If materials are returned damaged while checked out to you, fines may be added to your account.

    We offer material drop boxes outside at all GRPL locations for convenient returns!

    Yep! You can also use your Kent District Library card to check out material from GRPL. If the item you are looking for is available at one of our locations, you may check out and pick up items using your KDL card. You will need to pick up and return the item to a GRPL location.

    If your library card is lost, damaged, or stolen, be sure to let library staff know immediately. You can call or visit any GRPL location to report a lost or stolen card or use our Lost Library Card form to let us know you need another card.

    Most GRPL material can be renewed by logging into your account online, in person at any GRPL location, or by calling the 24-hour renewal line, 616.988.5418. When renewing, have your library card number and item barcode ready. Items with holds on them cannot be renewed.