Kevin Peterson - Grand Rapids Public Library Commissioner

09/12/2026

To quote an aardvark: "having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card."

Stop by your favorite Grand Rapids Public Library location for free stickers and bookmarks, available while supplies last!

08/31/2026

I'm assembling a team. See you there.

Send this post to your trivia team! 📤

Join GRPL for two fun evenings of trivia and craft b**r at Speciation Cellars! This multi-round, multi-topic trivia night is a great chance to connect with friends in a relaxed, local setting. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase, outside food can be brought in. For adults.

🗓️ September 10 and October 8, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
📍 Speciation Cellars – 928 Wealthy SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

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Únase a GRPL para una divertida velada de trivia y ce***za artesanal en Speciation Cellars. Esta noche de trivia de múltiples rondas y temas es una excelente oportunidad para conectarse con amigos en un ambiente relajado y local. Habrá bebidas alcohólicas y no alcohólicas disponibles para comprar, y se puede traer comida de afuera. Para adultos.

🗓️ 10 de septiembre, 8 de octubre, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
📍Speciation Cellars – 928 Wealthy SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

08/27/2026

Now for some good news! This is my "home" library and while the closure gave me a good excuse to visit the other branch locations I will be very glad to see these doors open again!

Yankee Clipper Branch | Reopening September 8, 2026

We are excited to announce that the Yankee Clipper Branch (2025 Leonard St NE) will officially reopen to the public on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

We appreciate your patience while we worked to ensure the building was safe for staff and visitors. Learn more about our reopening in this blog post.→ https://www.grpl.org/blogs/post/yankee-clipper-branch-reopening-scheduled-for-september-8-2026/

08/25/2026

Dolly built things to last and, even though she finally gets to kick off those high heels and rest, her story isn't done. She's supported millions of readers of all ages through the Imagination Library and that good work will continue. Still we've lost a powerful voice and advocate for literacy.

Read a book, share a story, its our time to keep the little engine that could running.

Dolly Parton performs "I Will Always Love You"http://vevo.ly/s8Tsr0

08/16/2026

With my term coming to a close at the end of this year, I've been thinking of additional ways to support our local Grand Rapids Public Library. Though it's no Ryerson (marble is a bit out of budget for me), I made a free library!

This will support GRPL in a few ways:
1) I will be stocking the little library with items purchased at GRPL's book sales hosted by the Friends of GRPL
2) The location will encourage monetary donations to the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation
3) Sharing resources is exactly what the library is about and that's exactly what this will do!

I'll continue to add to this and if you have ideas let me know.

08/14/2026

This one book was my summer reading challenge. After carrying it around as basically my emotional support book for 3 years I finally finished it!

A few quick lessons:
- there have always been people seeking to censor libraries, and libraries will always need champions and advocates to stand up for free thought
- libraries have always been more than a repository for books, they are a place where community is activated
- libraries continue to inspire; from earlier monasteries and private collections to modern public libraries

07/26/2026

I love getting the free "We Are GR" publication! It's a great way to start in the know locally and they always highlight the Grand Rapids Public Library.

If you get it in your mailbox, it's definitely worth your time to read!

07/07/2026

Andrew Carnegie wrote in his influential essay “The Gospel of Wealth” that a free library is the best gift that can be given to a community. Beginning in 1881, he funded the construction of more than 2,500 libraries worldwide, and today, hundreds remain in operation.

The Andrew Carnegie Foundation is committed to supporting libraries as trusted public institutions, providing access to books, knowledge, and services, and helping Americans obtain the skills needed for greater opportunities and upward mobility.

Learn more about this work at https://carnegie.org/our-work/libraries/