FAQs

• How do I access my account?

  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.

• Where can I park?

  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.

• What are due dates and renewals?

  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

• Can I borrow from other libraries?

  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.

• Do I need a library card to visit?

  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.