Top 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.

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Branch Locations:

Parking is free at all branch locations during open hours and during library events. 

Main Library:

Free Parking with ticket validation: 2 hours on weekdays, all day free parking on Saturday, Sunday, and for special library events with validated ticket. Validate ticket inside the Main Library lobby. 
Hourly rate: $2.00 per half-hour.

The lot opens to the public 15 minutes before the library opens and is accessible during library hours.

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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

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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Yes. All GRPl locations offer free WiFi. The library’s public WiFi network is called ‘GRPL_Public’. Visit a staff member if you need help logging on.

Please note that The Grand Rapids Public Library reserves the right to terminate network connections in accordance with Library policies and Federal, State and local laws.

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Yes. GRPL has public computers available at all locations. To use a computer, you need a valid library card. Temporary guest passes are available for users who are visiting from out of town or don’t have a library card. Computer sessions are limited to 1 hour at all branch locations and 2 hours at the Main Library.

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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.

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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.

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You do not need a library card to use the Grand Rapids History Center. Our collections are open to everyone. We will ask for your name and contact information to view archival material.

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