Grand Rapids Public Library

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The Grand Rapids Public Library located in dowtown Grand Rapids, Michigan and also includes seven branch libraries throughout the city. The library system has 170 full and part-time employees and has a service area of roughly 197,000 people.

Entrance to the Main Library
Entrance to the Main Library

[edit] History

The Grand Rapids Public Library was founded in 1871 and was located within the Grand Rapids City Hall. In 1904, the library moved to the Ryerson building which served as a permanent home for the library. The building was a gift from arts and education benefactor, and native son, Martin A. Ryerson. In 1967, the library expanded to more than double in size. The addition was named the Keeler wing, in honor of a $1.2 million gift from Mike and Mary Ann Keeler. In 2001, renovation began that forced the library to operate out of a nearby warehouse. The library was able to move back to 111 Library St. NE in 2003.


[edit] Locations

Grand Rapids Public Library
Location Grand Rapids, Michigan
Established 1871
Number of branches 8
Population served 197,000
Employees 170
Website http://www.grpl.org
Branch Address
Main Library 111 Library St. NE
Madison Square Branch 1201 Madison SE
Ottawa Hills Branch 1150 Giddings SE
Seymour Branch 2350 Eastern SE
Van Belkum Branch 1563 Plainfield NE
West Leonard Branch 1017 Leonard NW
West Side Branch 713 Bridge NW
Yankee Clipper Branch 2025 Leonard NE

[edit] External links