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A child chooses a book from the KDL Books on the Bus program rack. /The Rapid
Books at the Little Free Library at Rapid Central Station. /The Rapid
The average bus rider commutes 25 minutes each day. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, listen to some music or even fit in some reading.
Thanks to Kent District Library, Rapid bus riders can now find books on many buses traveling throughout the Greater Grand Rapids area. The Books on the Bus program provides a collection of books for all ages that are conveniently placed on buses for riders to enjoy. With a book selection that will rotate consistently, riders will always have new books available.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to make riding The Rapid an even more enjoyable experience,” said The Rapid’s CEO Andrew Johnson. “We are proud to partner with KDL to make connecting to reading even more convenient.”
Books are currently housed on 13 Rapid buses, with plans to increase that number to 16. These buses are used on different routes every day, which offers riders a chance to access books throughout The Rapid’s service area. The collection includes gently used books, many which are new and bestsellers.
“I believe this program is a great idea because it’s not only accessible to everyone that rides the bus, it also helps you discover books that, in other situations, you would never look at,” said Wendolyn Ruiz, a rider of The Rapid. “It is a great way to connect people with literature and the Grand Rapids community. I love it!”
Kent District Library is also pleased to offer a Little Free Library in the Rapid Central Station. The structure will house around 50 books, including youth, teen and adult fiction and nonfiction materials. People are encouraged to take a book or leave a book when traveling through Rapid Central Station.
“This is just another exciting way we are making books accessible to people wherever they might be,” said Sara Proano, manager of community engagement for KDL.
Forest Hills Transition Center is partnering with KDL to provide the volunteers to re-stock the shelves at The Rapid for the Books on the Bus project.
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