By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
The newly published Kent District Library (KDL) 2023 Community Report tells the story of KDL’s mission to further all people and leading with heart.
The report celebrates achievements, growth and partnerships throughout the community. It also includes systemwide and branch specific statistics.
The report is available for download at kdl.org/communityreport and highlights numerous accomplishments, including:
- Launching an Express Library in Grattan Twp. to bring KDL services closer to home for residents. With the Express Library, patrons can check out and return items at their convenience.
- Introducing a revamped One Thousand Books Before Kindergarten program to help children fall in love with reading and prepare them for school. The updated program introduces an online tracking option, includes a book with early literacy activities and features Michigan woodland animals.
- Voters overwhelmingly approved KDL’s millage renewal with a 76.9% acceptance rate. Voters approved the new, lower rate of 1.1 mills, which reflects a reduction of 10.9% off KDL’s current millage rate of 1.2355 mill.
- The average KDL user saved $1,390 in 2023 by checking out physical and digital items.
“Our most meaningful successes in 2023 came from the connections with people,” said Executive Director Lance Werner. “KDL staff members shared stories, laughs and book recommendations.
“They were – and always will be – a friendly face, a source of comfort and a listening ear to so many.”
