West Side Branch
🏢 Grand Rapids Public Library · GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan
West Side Branch
Dedicated in 1927 as the first library branch GRPL purposely built as a library, West Side Branch stands on Bridge St NW with its original large fireplace, crown molding, and floor-to-ceiling windows still intact nearly a century later.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 713 Bridge St NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504
Phone: 6169885414
Website: grpl.org
📖 About West Side Branch
<p>West Side Branch has a claim no other GRPL location can make: it was the first branch the system purpose-built as a library. Library service arrived on the west side of the Grand River as early as December 1907 in a former telephone company building, but when the neighborhood expanded the system constructed a dedicated facility that was dedicated in 1927. That building's grand fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, and beautiful crown molding survive to this day, giving the branch a warmth and character rare in modern library facilities. Free parking, public computers, printing, and Wi-Fi round out services for the Bridge St NW neighborhood.</p>
⭐ What makes this branch special
- Dedicated in 1927 — first library branch purpose-built by GRPL
- West side library service traces to December 1907 (former telephone company building)
- Original large fireplace, crown molding, and floor-to-ceiling windows still intact
- Free on-site parking lot
- Public computers, printing, and free Wi-Fi
📱 Free with a Grand Rapids Public Library Card
Stream, borrow & research with your free GRPL card — at the branch or from home.
📍 More Grand Rapids Public Library branches
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes West Side Branch historically significant?
Dedicated in 1927, West Side Branch was the first library building that GRPL constructed specifically to be a library. The branch on Bridge St NW retains its original fireplace, crown molding, and floor-to-ceiling windows from that era.
Is there parking at West Side Branch?
Yes — a free parking lot is available at the branch on Bridge St NW for visitors.
When did library service first come to west Grand Rapids?
Library service arrived on the west side of the Grand River in December 1907, initially operating from a former telephone company building before the permanent 1927 branch was constructed.