Grandville Library Announces Major Expansion
Earlier today, Grandville Public Library leaders announced the beginning of the public phase of the Building Beyond Books campaign, a $1 million fundraising effort to renovate and expand the library (4055 Maple Street, SW).
Last year, local community leaders came together to plan for an updated library. Led by nearly thirty local volunteers, the leadership team secured a city funding commitment and initiated a community-based fundraising campaign to raise charitable support for the library.
Over the past several months, the Building Beyond Books campaign has raised over $463,000 in gifts and pledges for the expanded library. These gifts, combined with the city investment, total nearly $4.5 million toward the renovations and new construction. “This campaign ensures that our children will have a first-rate library for years to come.” said Mayor Steve Maas, one of the co-chairs of the campaign.
Barb Nienhuis, campaign co-chair, described the current library as inadequate for a growing community, “As our community welcomes new residents, we need more space for library programs. As importantly, the addition of the community center will provide a new venue in the heart of our downtown that is open to everyone.”
The Grandville Public Library has been serving the community since 1952. In 2018, the library had over 250,000 patron visits, making it one of the busiest libraries in the Kent District Library system. Since 2008, the library has experienced a 30% increase in circulation, a 36% increase in program attendance and a 93% increase in summer reading club participants.
The new library facility will feature several large meeting rooms, a warming kitchen for community events, a quiet reading space and fireplace, eight additional study rooms, a new drive-up book drop and many other improvements.
“Today’s announcement marks the beginning of the community phase of this campaign that will provide our area with a library that is more modern, inviting, and central to our success as a community.” said Lee Cook, campaign co-chair. Cook expressed his appreciation for early leadership commitments from a number of local businesses and long-time Grandville families.
“We now hope that the greater community will embrace this campaign to help us raise the additional funds needed to complete this effort,” said Diane Troost, “no gift is too small.” “Together, we can improve our children’s chances for success in school, offer fun and free activities for families, support local businesses that need space for meetings and speaking events—and in doing so—we improve our community.”
Community members interested in supporting the Building Beyond Books campaign should visit the website: grandvillebuildingbeyondbooks.com.
CONTACT PERSONS: Ken Krombeen , City Manager (616) 530-4980