This is my library. This is my hometown, it's not much but it is mine. I still live only a few…read moreshort miles from town and so the library is my "home district" and I couldn't be more proud of the place It's small, but the staff is super helpful here and there is a pretty good selection between the two rooms. They can also order just about anything you would ever want from other Lakeland Co-Op Libraries The hours can be a bit weird, but it's worth the stop I love this little piece of academic and cultural enrichment. It's one of the few things I am glad to pay taxes toward

Freeport Public Library is a tiny library nestled in the former school building that doubles as…read moretown hall. For such a small library, it has a decent selection and is a great place to sit and read a book

This marker on the main street through downtown Marshall Michigan has a different message on each…read moreside. The marker is in excellent condition and is quite high up on the mounting post. On one side, "Until the Civil Service reforms of 1883, one became a postmaster through a federal political appointment. Thus, postmasters were usually prominent political leaders of the local community. In 1831 George Ketchum, cofounder of the city of Marshall, became this area's first postmaster. In 1833 he was followed by the Reverend John D. Pierce, who later became Michigan's first state superintendent of public instruction. Through the years a stagecoach operator, a banker, a physician, a mayor, and a newspaper publisher have served the community as postmasters." And on the other side, "Howard F. Young (1889-1934), a native of Allegan, designed this Marshall post office building in 1932. Young studied engineering at the University of Michigan and was involved in construction work in Albany, New York, Detroit, and Kalamazoo. His interest in restoring Greek Revival architecture is evident in his Marshall projects, which include the restoration of the Harold C. Brooks and other homes and the conversion of Marshall's livery stable into a town hall. Young also designed the Brooks Memorial Fountain." If you're in Marshall, stop by! [Review 11080 overall, 853 of 2019.]

One of my favorite places to go do some reading, studying, and working even if that means having…read morethe computer and my books open all day and daydreaming. There is a rather spacious parking area right in front of the library, but is usually packed in the afternoons. Still, there's a lot of parking on the streets, near the restaurant, and if it's such a nice day with so many people all over the John Collins Park, you can always park at DSW and walk all the way here. I love the tables alongside the big open windows that look right down at reed's lake. The best moments are when you can see the breeze and just stare at the blue sky from the inside. The tables along the wall have outlets, but the table in the middle of the space might not, depending on where the tables are. There are also spaces which look like an airplane VIP seating, kind of secluded and can also make you focus a bit better. I've noticed that there are times when it gets louder, especially when there are lot of people in the computer area. (I've seen some kids come to play games for hours). Other times, it's not too bad. If you want quieter spaces you can always walk to near where the bathrooms are located inside, and you'll see 2-3 rooms with glass walls all around. It works on a first-come first-serve basis, with a 2/3 hour limit. The glass walls are surprisingly real sound-proof. Spacious circular working table with enough chargers. You can always take a study break by going out to the patio for fresh air. There are still lots of people out on the benches working and reading. If you're trying to find a study place, but tired of cafes, I recommend!

One of my absolute favorite places in Grand Rapids area. It's the perfect gem that I am afraid to…read moreshare with the world. Kent Library is honestly one of the best libraries and study places I've been to. Located in the beautiful (yet bougie) East Grand Rapids, it's accessible by car, bike, bus, etc. The library is connected to the Town Hall with spacious, aplenty parking. The bus line, 6, is also an easy route to trek from Medical Mile/Downtown GR straight to EGR. Inside, the library is two stories with the top floor being the "adult"/general floor with books, DVDs, newspapers, magazines, etc. The bottom floor is the children and teen section with...AN AQUARIUM!!! Not only is Kent Library located on Reed's Lake, they also have an indoor water wonderland! I was elated to see the fishies and turtles-- #red #eared #slider #TURTLES! I spent a solid 10 minutes being completely fascinated and engrossed with these magnificent creatures. What a treat! :) The best spot to study is the area facing towards the lake. There are about ~10 tables and a handful of comfy chairs with plenty of outlet plugs. The library hours are also good and people are generally respectful there. If you get bored, you can also literally go outside to the patio overlooking the lake or hop over to Gaslight District and grab Starbucks or a delicious bite to eat. I cannot gloat about Kent Library enough. It's one of my go-to places for studying!

If you live in West Olive, this is a go-to venue to keep in mind for event planning. My family has…read morehosted many of our high school graduation open houses here, and it has worked perfectly. There is plenty of parking, they have tons of tables and chairs for all your guests, multiple stall bathrooms, and a huge kitchen for prep work and storage (fridge, sinks, stove, oven). It's not the fanciest, for sure. It's fold up tables and chairs, some trash bins, cinder block walls, and pretty much nothing else. But the whole space is a big blank canvas for your imagination. We like to cover the tables with craft paper and leave tons of crayons and markers out for guests. I've been to open houses that brought live music, so there is that capability as well. A bonus is the playground and field space behind the building so young ones can stay entertained. You do have to be a West Olive resident in order to rent the space, but if you don't have the means to accommodate a big gathering at your home, then the Port Sheldon Township Hall is perfect for you! Another bonus is the Port Sheldon Party Store is a stone's throw down the road in case you forgot something.

From the owner: Local government office for Port Sheldon Township.read more

Calder Plaza is home to La Grande Vitesse, an Alexander Calder sculpture that was formally…read morededicated in 1969. The plaza is also a popular gathering place for events, art exhibits, festivals, etc. As of January 2023, there are some World of Winter exhibits at Calder Plaza, including a big house of cards that features art from local artists. It lights up at nighttime. I've attended many festivals and events at Calder Plaza throughout the years. The sculpture is impressive and makes for great photos - It's 43 feet tall! Street parking can be tough to find close to Calder Plaza, and there is no natural shade for events that take place there during the summer. The Plaza connects City Hall and the Kent County building in downtown Grand Rapids. La Grande Vitesse is one of the most recognizable icons of Grand Rapids, and is included in the city's official logo.

Calder Plaza. ⁣ ⁣ The…read moreproper name for this 42 ton red sculpture is actually La Grande Vitesse. Translated from French, it means The Grand Rapids. However, us locals refer to it as The Calder, because Alexander Calder, an American sculptor, created it. ‍⁣ ⁣ The Calder is an ode to our city that is home to so many artists and has inspired numerous new art initiatives. It hosts many events, festivals, and even summer food trucks! The Calder is an iconic spot for those of us who call this city home. ⁣

Hear ye, hear ye! Gather 'round, good citizens of Cedar Springs!…read more Let it be known far and wide that the Cedar Springs City Hall is the finest establishment in all the land! Home to our esteemed local polling station, where our Constitutional Republic thrives and votes are cast with the swiftness of a falcon in flight! I, your humble town crier, have ventured to this noble hall solely to exercise my right to vote. And lo, what a splendid experience it was! The workers, ever so friendly and helpful, greeted me with smiles brighter than the morning sun. The building itself, a paragon of cleanliness, sparkled like the crown jewels. Not a speck of dust dared to linger in its hallowed halls. Last I visited, I was in and out in but a few minutes, quicker than a rabbit on a mission! So, I proclaim to all who hear: if you have voting to do and are registered in this fair area, or if you have City Hall business to attend to, make haste to Cedar Springs City Hall! You shall find no complaints here, only efficiency and cheer. God save the City Hall! Hear ye, hear ye!