Clearing Up Library Boundaries

Local libraries have been getting a lot of media attention recently as we are all struggling to provide great service with less funding. Many West Michigan residents may be unsure which library system is which. We understand that library boundaries can be a bit confusing.

Like school districts, library residency is based on where you live and pay property taxes. KDL serves over 395,000 residents from all areas of Kent County except the cities of Grand Rapids and Cedar Springs, the village of Sparta, and Solon and Sparta townships. Residents of those areas are served by our neighbor libraries.

In the last three years, KDL has cut over $1.6 million in our expenses in order to continue living within our means. To do so, we’ve reduced staffing costs by not replacing certain positions, we’ve reduced our collection budget and deferred much needed technology upgrades, but KDL has not laid off any staff.

Use the map below to get a more clear understanding of KDL’s service area, and please let us know if you have any questions. Click the map to increase its size: