Grand Rapids Area Library

Children’s librarian Tracy Kampa reviews books by Lorna Schultz Nicholson, Kim Michele Richardson, Andrea Beatriz Arango and Gordon Korman.

After a 25% reduction in its budget for 2026, the staff at Grand Rapids Area Library look ahead to next year after receiving a $50,000 donation.

The library matched the anonymous matching donation for $30,000 it received in June 2026. A larger fundraising goal is aimed at increasing public hours in 2027.

The library will have to raise its own $30,000 by Sept. 1, 2026, to receive the anonymous grant. The money will be used to increase public hours in 2027.

Children’s librarian Tracy Kampa reviews books by Maya Myers, Richard "Bugman" Jones, Huda Al-Marashi, Matthew Swanson and N. West Moss.

Children’s librarian Tracy Kampa reviews new books by Melanie Florence, Deborah Underwood, Joslin Brorsen, and Aaron Starmer.

Children’s librarian Tracy Kampa reviews new books by Steph Lau, Felicita Sala, Tracey Baptiste and Sara Pennypacker.

On "What's For Breakfast," we talked with KAXE member Jim Columbus about the secret penguin he placed by the Mississippi River and his dedication to making the world a better place.

Children’s librarian Tracy Kampa recaps the winners of the 2026 Youth Media Awards celebrating contributions to children's literature. Renée Watson's "All the Blues in the Sky" was this year's Newbery winner.

Children's librarian Tracy Kampa recommends new books from Beth Ferry, Daniel Miyares and Katherine Applegate. Plus, her recap of possible 2026 Newbery Medal contenders.