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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.

  • Books on Tape or CD, MP3 discs, Audio Cassettes, & CD-ROMS:
    At any given time, you may have 25 checked out on your library card

  • DVDs/Videos
    At any given time, you may have 15 checked out on your library card

  • Music CDs
    At any given time, you may have 25 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 renewals)
    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/debit 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.

Finding Library Materials


Evergreen
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 start with Evergreen 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 can have up to 10 items on hold at one time. You will need to choose a GRPL location for pick up.

MelCat
If you do not find an item in Evergreen, simply click the "Search MeLCat" link to look for your item in the Michigan Electronic Library Catalog (MeLCat). MeLCat provides access to libraries across the state, including university libraries. If you find what 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.

Returning Library Materials

Items checked out from the Grand Rapids Public Library, including those borrowed through MeLCat, need to be returned to any Grand Rapids Public Library location for immediate check-in. GRPL items returned to non-GRPL libraries will not be checked in until they arrive at a GRPL location.