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Kent District Library touts record circulation, summer programs and 10,000‑person author event
Summary
Kent District Library trustees and the system’s executive director told the commission that KDL’s digital circulation rose 17% in 2025, total circulations reached 1.9 million, the talking‑book service won a national award, summer programs served tens of thousands and an author event will bring a 10,000‑seat crowd to Van Andel.
Representatives of the Kent District Library addressed the commission on June 2 to summarize 2025 accomplishments and summer programming plans. Christina Tazlar, a KDL trustee representing Kentwood and neighboring jurisdictions, and Lance Werner, KDL’s executive director, highlighted increases in circulation, library programming and outreach.
Werner said digital circulation increased 17% in 2025 and that the system recorded 1,900,000 total circulations last year, which he described as "more than any other library in Michigan by a long stretch." He also noted that KDL’s Talking Book and Braille service won the 2025 Library of the Year award from the National Library Service for the Blind and Disabled.
KDL staff said more than 20,000 children completed summer reading programming in 2025 and described an expanding summer food program. "We had 29,000 meals that we gave away last summer, and we believe that we'll give over 30,000 away this summer," Werner said, framing the effort as part of the library’s role as a trusted community resource.
Werner announced that bestselling author Kristin Hannah will speak at an author event moved to the Van Andel next Tuesday; KDL staff said the initial venue sold out within minutes and the Van Andel will host an expanded audience of more than 10,000. Werner encouraged residents to check KDL’s website for ticket updates and to return tickets they cannot use so others can attend.
Why it matters: The presentation emphasized the library’s expanding role in literacy and food security, and highlighted a high‑profile author event that drew large public interest.
Follow‑up: Commissioners thanked KDL for its partnership; staff did not request a specific funding action at this meeting.
