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About

Using the Library

Parking

Parking at all seven branch locations is free. The Main Library offers 1-hour of free validated parking for patrons available in the gated lot next to the Main Library. Parking rates are $1.10 per half hour afterwards during the week, free on weekends. Tickets can be validated in the lobby of the Main Library.

Checkout Limits

You can check out a total of 100 items on your card.
Audio/Video Check Out Limits: At any given time, you may have 15 DVDs/VHS tapes and 25 Music CDs checked out on your library card.

Due Dates, Renewals, Fines

GRPL materials may be returned to any Grand Rapids Public Library locations. Material not returned on time will be subject to the following fines:

  • Books, Books on Tape or CD, MP3 discs, Audio Cassettes & CD-ROMs
    Loan period: 3 weeks (2 renewal)
    Overdue Fine: $0.15 per day ($4.95 max)
  • DVDs & Videos - Feature films and TV shows
    Loan period: 1 week (1 renewal)
    Overdue Fine: $1.00 per day ($10.00 max)
  • DVDs & Videos - Non-fiction
    Loan period: 1 week (1 renewal)
    Overdue fine: $0.15 per day ($4.95 max)
  • Music CDs
    Loan period: 3 weeks (1 renewal)
    Overdue Fine: $0.15 per day ($4.95 max)
  • Holiday Items
    Loan period: 1 week (No renewals)
    Overdue Fine: $0.15 per day ($4.95 max)

Fines can be paid by cash, check or credit/debt card at any GRPL location.

Library material can be renewed by calling 988-5418 or any branch location. When renewing, please have your library card number ready.

Accessing Your Account

To access your account, you will need your library card and Password. Your Password is initially set to the last four digits of your phone number. The first time you log in you will need to change your Password to a seven-digit password using both letters and number. If you do not remember your Password, contact the library staff at the Check Out desk or call 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 or renew an item. You can also sign up to be notified by email when your holds are ready or you have an item overdue.

About the Library Catalog

The Grand Rapids Public Library uses a catalog system called Evergreen. This is a different system than the rest of the Lakeland Library Cooperative uses. When you search for library materials, you will perform a tiered search. The first search will use Evergreen and allow you to search all of the Grand Rapids Public Library's holdings. If you find what you are looking for, you can take it from the shelf and check it out. If the material is out or at a different location, you can place a hold on it. You will need to choose a GRPL location to pick it up.

If you don't find what you need, you simply click the "Search Lakenet" button to look for your item in the Lakeland Library Cooperative catalog. This searches all the rest of the Lakeland libraries. If you find what you are looking for, you may place a hold on that material. You will need to pick up the item at the non-GRPL Lakeland Library closest to you. It cannot be delivered to a GRPL location to be picked up.