Get a Library Card
Get a Library Card
Get your Grand Rapids Public Library card! Sign up at any GRPL location or online.
To receive a library card, you must be 18 or older and live within the city of Grand Rapids. When you sign up for a library card, you will need to provide proof of identification.
Kids and teens 17 and under can apply for a library card with a parent or guardian.
Accepted Types of Identification
Picture identification
Your picture identification should be valid and include your current home address. Examples include:
- A drivers license or state identification
- A passport
- A military identification
- A resident alien card (green card)
- Other picture IDs; see staff for details
Prove your current address
If your picture identification does not have your current address, then please also show one of the following:
- A delivered piece of mail to your current address
- Printed checks with your current address on them
- Paycheck or stub with your address on it
- Lease/housing agreement with your current address on it
Get your Grand Rapids Public Library card! Sign up at any GRPL location or online.
To receive a library card, you must be 18 or older and live within the city of Grand Rapids. When you sign up for a library card, you will need to provide proof of identification.
Kids and teens 17 and under can apply for a library card with a parent or guardian.
Accepted Types of Identification
Picture identification
Your picture identification should be valid and include your current home address. Examples include:
- A drivers license or state identification
- A passport
- A military identification
- A resident alien card (green card)
- Other picture IDs; see staff for details
Prove your current address
If your picture identification does not have your current address, then please also show one of the following:
- A delivered piece of mail to your current address
- Printed checks with your current address on them
- Paycheck or stub with your address on it
- Lease/housing agreement with your current address on it
Expired or lost card?
FAQs
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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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Parking is free at all eight GRPL branches and for all library events. 2 hours of free parking in the gated lot next to the Main Library. The Main Library parking lot opens to the public 15 minutes prior to opening. The lot is accessible during library hours.
Parking rates are $2.00 per half hour during the week, free on weekends and for library events with validated ticket. On the weekend, parking at the Main Library is free all day with a validated ticket. Bring your parking ticket inside the Main Library to have it validated.
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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 onceAudiobooks and Music CDs
Loan period: 3 weeks (2 renewals)
Limit: 25 checked out at onceDVDs – Feature films, TV shows, nonfiction
Loan period: 3 weeks (2 renewals)
Limit: 25 checked out at onceHotspots
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: 5 items checked out at oncePortable Record Player
Loan period: 3 weeks (0 renewals)
Limit: 1Board Games
Loan period: 3 weeks (2 renewals)
Limit: 5Video 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.
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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.
