Kids Library – Help Kids Fall in Love with Reading Before They Even Know their ABC’s
Do you realize how much our local libraries have to offer children these days? They are the perfect place to go if you’re looking for things to do with toddlers.
They aren’t just for toddlers, though. Many local libraries house kid-friendly spaces filled with learning activities, toys, games, and of course, books for kids of all ages.
Some libraries even have dedicated tween or teen spaces.
With so many different library branches in our city and surrounding communities, there is never a lack of options for fun and learning in the kids library areas.
Be sure to ask your local library staff about children’s programming like story time or play groups!
Most libraries offer additional educational resources aside from entertaining play areas and great books.
Kids Library Play Areas
Kids Library Areas at Grand Rapids Public Library Branches
Grand Rapids Public Library branches have been a longtime anchor in many area neighborhoods.
They have incredible, free programming for everyone, and always have an eye on the younger crowd.
Each location has a dedicated kids library area, where children can interact with toys and crafts and develop an early love of reading.
Look for free craft or activity kits.
Main Branch (GRPL)
111 Library Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
This branch offers a separate area for babies with board books, puzzles, blocks and other items to help babies grow and develop.
There is also a large library play area for toddlers and older kids, including a play kitchen, dress-up clothes, a puppet theatre, a train table, blocks and LEGO bricks, things that go, and an art station.
Parents can check out the Parenting section right next to the library play area.
Madison Square Branch (GRPL)
1201 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
A cozy neighborhood branch that features a play area for kids, a large collection of DVDs, free WiFi, numerous public computers, and community-focused book displays.
Ottawa Hills Branch (GRPL)
1150 Giddings SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
This branch features toys, early literacy activities, puzzles and books in their library play area.
Seymour Branch (GRPL)
12350 Eastern SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
This branch offers children early literacy computer stations, blocks and other building materials, books, puzzles and more in their kids library area.
Van Belkum Branch (GRPL)
1563 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
This branch gives children several options for creative play including a kitchen, puppet theatre, an art area, books and puzzles.
West Leonard Branch (GRPL)
1017 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
This branch has a library play area for kids that includes a train table, a creative play area, things that go, books, puzzles and much more.
West Side Branch (GRPL)
713 Bridge NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
This branch has a space for creative play, puzzles, books, and other activities related to early literacy.
Yankee Clipper Branch (GRPL)
2025 Leonard NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
This branch features cozy reading nooks, puzzles, blocks and a play kitchen, as well as early literacy play stations in their library play area.
Kids Library Areas at Kent District Library (KDL) Branches
Every KDL branch has a Wonder Knook — an area just for kids to explore, play, read, and learn. What’s more, each branch’s Wonder Knook is themed specifically to that branch’s community. Grab your map and go!
Alpine Township Branch (KDL)
5255 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321
Featuring farmland favorites like a barn and windmill, the Alpine Township Wonder Knook is full of fun from building blocks and magnets to hand puppets and play kitchens.
This one scores big with my kindergartener who loves the tablet loaded with PBS Kids games.
Alto Branch (KDL)
6071 Linfield Ave, Alto, MI 49302
If you’ve got a little one who loves trains, then you’ve got to check out KDL’s Alto branch. This quaint and quiet branch offers art stations, a pretend-play area, and of course a train table.
Amy Van Andel Branch – Ada (KDL)
7215 Headley Street SE, Ada Michigan 49301
If you’re heading to Ada for some sight seeing, you’re going to visit the covered bridge. If you’re heading to the Amy Van Andel KDL branch in Ada, you’ll get to see a mini covered bridge in the Wonder Knook! With little stars cut out of the top, this miniature recreation couldn’t be cuter.
Kitchen and dining play, train tables, puppets, cars, and sensory toys are all there ready to be played with!
Byron Township Branch (KDL)
8191 Byron Center Ave SW, Byron Center, MI 49315
This branch has the only Wonder Knook in the KDL system to have its own room with a door, making it the perfect spot if you’ve got a little escape artist that’s hard to keep track of in bigger areas.
The theme is gardening, complete with a flower stand, play kitchen, butterfly wings for dress up, train/LEGO table, and actual reading nook.
Caledonia Township Branch (KDL)
6260 92nd St. SE, Caledonia, MI 49316
The Caledonia branch Wonder Knook is spacious and imaginative. Featuring a large slide/clubhouse, kids can also climb through a tunnel, play chef, try a puzzle, or make a LEGO creation.
There are also great outdoor play opportunities on their deck and lawn.
Cascade Township Branch (KDL)
2870 Jacksmith Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
We like to call this “the branch that keeps on giving”. In addition to the rotunda area filled with pretend play toys, there is also a 3-way train/LEGO table, a small stage, light tables, large fish tank, and “lab” area that engages kids as young as 1 year old.
Comstock Park Branch (KDL)
3943 W. River Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321
This little branch packs a big punch with a firetruck theme! The large firetruck structure also serves as a train table and is surrounded by a play kitchen and dress up firefighter clothes.
East Grand Rapids Branch (KDL)
746 Lakeside Dr SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
One of the most popular KDL branches has got to be East Grand Rapids — and for good reason! It spans an entire floor of the library, giving littles a chance to run, giggle, and play without bothering any of the grown-ups upstairs.
A play house, pretend boat, magnet wall, two large fish tanks, arcade games, LEGO room, and train table are only some of the features this branch offers!
Pro tip: If you’ve stopped by on a nice day, be sure to pack a lunch and enjoy on the rooftop overlooking Reed’s Lake.
Englehardt Branch – Lowell (KDL)
7200 N. Monroe St, Lowell, MI 49331
Stop by the Engelhardt branch in Lowell for some pioneer fun! Hop in the canoe and catch a few fish, then sell them at the trading post. Don’t forget to don a bonnet or coonskin cap for true authenticity.
Gaines Township Branch (KDL)
421 68th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Travel back to the days of one-room schoolhouses at Gaines Township branch. This branch always features great sensory play toys as well as wooden building blocks, trains and cars, and more.
Grandville Branch (KDL)
4055 Maple St SW, Grandville, MI 49418
This Wonder Knook spans a large portion of the library itself, giving kids plenty to choose from. Follow how a saw mill works, steer the Grand Lady boat, or build your name on the LEGO wall.
Don’t forget to check to see if they’re having an event outside!
Kellogsville Branch (KDL)
4787 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
This branch’s hours look different than the rest because it is located inside Kellogsville High School. With a rocket theme, this Wonder Knook is equipped with a train table, puppet theater, sensory play toys, and more.
Kentwood (Richard R Root) Branch (KDL)
4950 Breton SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
This branch features two food truck play structures where kids can cook on one side and dine on the other. The train/LEGO table here is always showcasing someone’s latest creation, and there’s a KDL lab for older kids.
Krause Memorial Branch – Rockford (KDL)
140 E Bridge St, Rockford, MI 49341
With a little hometown bookstore feel, this branch serves up quintessential screen-free fun for kids. This fish ladder structure alone is enough to keep a kid entertained for as long as their imagination can go!
Nelson Township Branch – Sand Lake (KDL)
88 Eighth St, Sand Lake, MI 49343
This cozy branch highlights agriculture and small-town feel. Hop on a tractor, load up the truck with produce and pretend to deliver it, build with giant blocks, set up the dollhouse, or lounge on the round reading bench.
Plainfield Township Branch (KDL)
2650 5 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
This Wonder Knook has a kitchen, workshop, a car with an engine puzzle, a three part table for loose parts play, and a baby garden for kids under age two.
Don’t forget to say hi to the fishies in the tank!
Spencer Township Branch (KDL)
14960 Meddler Ave, Gowen, MI 49326
Travel to Camp Spencer and build a fire, set up a tent, or take care of a baby or two at this adventure-filled KDL branch.
Check out their community garden outside before you go!
Tyrone Township Branch (KDL)
1443 S Main St, Kent City, MI 49330
This apple-themed Wonder Knook offers a variety of educational toys for children, such as puzzles, puppets, dress-up clothes, shape sorting buckets and a pretend kitchen.
Children can also practice their fine motor skills at the writing station or at the children’s tables stocked with paper and crayons.
Walker Branch (KDL)
4293 Remembrance Rd NW, Walker, MI 49534
Got an animal lover? Head to Walker branch’s Wonder Knook where they’ll done a doctor’s coat and stethoscope to take care of a giant dog or even a snake!
And even if animals aren’t their thing, there’s still plenty to do here from LEGO building to sensory toys.
Wyoming Branch (KDL)
3350 Michael Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
The miniature bridge at Wyoming branch’s Wonder Knook has become an icon. Slide down, climb up, or crawl through — there’s so much to do!
Plus a pretend campsite and a diner/kitchen combo play structure. Be sure to walk along the far wall of the library to cozy up in a geometric little reading nook!
Reader Recommended Kids Library Areas
We love when our readers give us intel! Here’s some reader recommendations for other kids library play areas.
Gary Byker Memorial Library (Hudsonville)
3338 Van Buren St, Hudsonville, MI 49426
This branch features a puppet theater, a reading cottage, a train table, a canopy tent, all inside the ‘Toddler Tower’ within their library play area.
Herrick District Library – Main Library (Holland)
3300 S River, Holland, MI 49423
“The Herrick Library in Holland has a wonderful library play area. Lots of games, a merry-go-round, and story times all on their own floor.”
Leighton Township Library (Moline)
4451 12th St, Moline, MI 49335
“Leighton Township Library in Moline has a really great library play area.”
Loutit District Library (Grand Haven)
407 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
“The Loutit District Library also has a great library play area. Books, games, puzzles, a puppet stage and children’s computers.”
Sparta Carnegie Township Library (Sparta)
80 N Union St, Sparta, MI 49345
“They have a car rug with cars, blocks, kid size furniture, puzzles and games, coloring pages, and a few large motor activities (such as hula hoops).”
Did We Miss a Kids Library?
Do you know of a kids library play area that should be added to our list? Please leave us a comment below. If you have a picture of the children’s area we can include, you can submit it here. Thanks for your help!
GRPL has 8 locations, all are listed except for the Madison Square Branch, which also has a children’s area.
Madison Square and Seymour branch
Both have play areas.
We like the Sparta library. They have a car rug with cars, blocks, kid size furniture, puzzles and games, coloring pages, and a few large motor activities (such as hula hoops)
Leighton Township Library in Moline has a really great play area. I dont have a pic but I have been there. Contact Karen McKinnon, the library director. Allegan county, just south of GR.
We love Leighton’s play area, and I like that it’s closed off from the rest of the library so you don’t have to worry about being too loud or your kids wandring off. They also have activities for older kids through out the library.
Jill, thanks so much for all your work on this! We are thrilled that you featured all the KDL branches. Our KDLville areas are always being updated, so some of the featured items may change, but we will always have fun, interactive activities for children at all of our branches. Thanks again!
Loutit District Library in Grand Haven also has a great children’s area. Books, games, puzzles, a puppet stage and children’s computers.
Thanks Sandie! We’ll get it added to our list.
The library in Wayland offers a wonderful children’s area that’s on a seperate floor from the rest of the library.
Thanks Kate! Is this the Henika District Library or the Leighton Township Library? Would love to include it in our list.
love this!! We love going to the library!! Way to do the research and take all thes great pictures!! Thanks!
The Herrick Library in Holland has a wonderful children’s area. Lots of games, a merry-go-round, and story times all on their own floor.
Thanks for the tip Erin! Is this for the branch on S River or Riley St?
I’ve only been to the one on S River. I’m not sure wha the children’s area is like at the Riley St location, although they do have story time there, too.
Thanks Erin! We’ll get it added to our list.