Kent District Library officials tout rising digital use, national award and community programs

Grandville — Kent District Library officials reported to the Grandville City Council on the library's 2025 activities, highlighting higher digital circulation, national recognition for services to blind and disabled users, expanded summer programming and local food distribution.

Pete Dykis, a Grandville Environment Center representative and chair of the Kent District Library board, introduced the library delegation and thanked the council for prior investments in the branch building and programming.

"2025 was a great year at the Kent District Library," Lance, the library director, told the council. He said digital circulation rose about 17% and that the library's Talking Book and Braille Center was named the 2025 Library of the Year by the National Library Service for the Blind and Disabled — the center's second national recognition.

Library staff reported record participation in summer programs (the branch had the highest program attendance in the system), and said their summer food program provided around 29,000 meals last summer; staff expect to surpass that figure this year as the meal program operates across all branches.

Library leaders described a range of popular events and services — from toddler story time to large community events — and noted that the branch continues to serve as a hub for meetings, study rooms and partnerships with the city and local organizations. The library also highlighted an upcoming large author event with thousands of attendees, which sold out quickly.

Council members praised the library's programs and the partnership between the city and Kent District Library and thanked library staff for their work.