If you haven’t stepped into the Main Branch of the Grand Rapids Public Library, let me paint a picture of it for you. When you walk up the stone stairs of the gorgeous historical building and step through the wooden doors, you are immediately greeted by just a few of the amazing librarians on staff. The front entrance is painted red with windows that let in natural light to brighten up the interior, including two sets of marble staircases that lead you to the second level. Books are housed on multiple levels of the library, so whatever you dream to read, GRPL will have it for you.

The main branch, which was originally laid out in 1902 and then completed for public use in 1904, has inevitably gone through many changes over the years, and with the last major changes in 2002, it was time for the library to see what can be changed to keep the community coming back.

This is where the Interior Redesign Project comes in, and I had the lovely pleasure of speaking with Jennifer Vander Heide, the Deputy Director of the Grand Rapids Public Library to understand more about the project and how the community can get involved.

Back in 2002, Jennifer explained how they were looking to create a better space for their books, to gain a bigger collection for people to browse in. Now, with the advancement of technology and how quick information can be found online, they want to find ways to make the building better for the users. They aren’t getting rid of their books, Jennifer joked, they just want to create that third space for people to come in and enjoy the building and all it has to offer.

As a way to figure out how to better the space, the GRPL is hosting public input sessions this weekend for community members to learn more about what the library is looking to do, as well as introduce feedback on what they would like to see added for the main branch. The dates for these sessions are Thursday, November 5th from 6 – 8 PM and Saturday, November 7th from 10 AM – 2 PM. These sessions will be held at the Main Branch of the GRPL which is located on 111 Library St NE.

If you are unable to make it to the sessions, don’t worry! You can still give feedback through a community survey on the GRPL public website, and this week they will have input boards where you can write down what you would like to see for the future of the library. Jennifer emphasized that going to the sessions will be the best way to learn and give input, but know that they do have other ways to give feedback just in case.

Overall, these sessions will be what helps move the library forward and keep it thriving for years to come. I also happened to ask Jennifer what her favorite part about working in the library was, and she said it was the patrons. She loves never knowing who she’ll be able to meet while working and what kinds of stories people will have as to why they are visiting the library. It’s not just the books that make the library what it is, it’s the people who go and enjoy it.

Along with the input sessions, make sure to check out other wonderful events that happen all the time within the library. There will always be something for someone to enjoy, no matter the age, so head on over to the sessions this weekend to see how we can better the library for our wonderful community!

Public Website: https://www.grpl.org/

Community Survey Link: https://includi.typeform.com/GRPL-survey?typeform-source=www.grpl.org