Frequently Asked Questions

What is the service area for this proposed library? 

Our current library is unique in that its coverage area is based on the school district lines rather than household address. Without getting too specific, it’s important to note that our library and its service area are the exception, not the rule. The Ad Hoc Committee is working with the Michigan State Library legal team to determine the library boundary should this separation move forward.

Where are we in the process? 

Friends of the Middleville Area Community raised funds for a “Feasibility Study”, or need assessment, that was completed in March of 2025. Members of the Village Council Ad Hoc Library Committee assisted Keith Hopkins of Hopkins Fundraising in determining whether transitioning to a free-standing public library is feasible in Middleville. This study helped shed light on how much support this project has from our donor community and to what degree we can rely on philanthropic fundraising from that support. With feedback from this study, Ad Hoc Library Committee members are now able to report to Village Council and Thornapple Township to see what steps might be taken to move the project forward.

Where will a new library building go, will it be newly built or repurposed, who will pay for it, when will it be built?

The Library Committee suggested to study participants sites that offered a walkable distance to downtown Middleville with a focus on easy accessibility and parking. Feedback from the study favored the riverside location near the pavilion and amphitheater. Final determination of a new site and the building specifications will be decided between the Village and the generosity of our donor community with ample opportunity for input from the community.

What will happen to the existing library?

It will continue serving the High School with an increased capacity to focus the collection and programming on our high school students.

Will we join Kent District Library (KDL)? 

Once we have a building for a public library available, we are confident that KDL will be able to accommodate our community. They have been invaluable partners and continue to work with us as we puzzle through this long and complex process and work with the various municipalities involved. If, for any reason KDL is unable to contract with our community library, we would remain as a member of the Lakeland Library Cooperative.

What are the perks of joining KDL? 

There are many perks to being partnered with the national award winning Kent District Library. We encourage anyone curious about their excellent programming and collections to check them out KDL.org

What kind of millage are we anticipating? 

The KDL millage is 1.1, which for the average Thornapple Township household is approx $100-$150 per year. The typical household within the KDL system can save up to $1300 by replacing subscriptions and printing services with library amenities. 

What happens when TK School District decides to close the library to the public? 

Existing library cards will be deactivated and will no longer be usable at surrounding libraries. Other libraries may not be able to issue new library cards,  especially not for free, to folks who live outside of their service areas.

What does the TK School Board think about this? 

They are supportive of moving public service to a free-standing library outside the high school. They have pledged $2500 to help cover the expense of the need assessment study. 

Why is this an urgent matter? 

The current combined collection model limits the access and funding of a full time public library. This means that, as school funding gets tighter and tighter, public access to the library and dedication to our public collection will diminish.

It will take time to educate our community about the unique circumstances of our limited library services and to raise the necessary funds. In the meantime, our community is missing out on tons of fun and important programming, internet and printing services, access to an immense digital collection and the ability to use a library to its full potential.