A Library Designed by the Community, for the Community
Published On: June 16, 2026
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
At Kent District Library’s Cascade Branch, every design decision started with a simple question: What does the community need most?
The answer was clear. Community members wanted flexible spaces to gather, access to updated technology, and an environment that felt more welcoming for learning, creating, and connecting. The result is a refreshed library that reflects those priorities at every turn.
Custer was proud to partner with KDL to help bring this vision to life. Working alongside the library team, we provided a range of thoughtfully selected solutions designed to support the many ways people use the space each day.
The transformation includes a new front circulation desk that creates a welcoming first impression, AMQ workstations paired with SitOnIt task seating to support focused work and technology access, and a comfortable living room-style gathering area furnished with Steelcase Ensemble and OFS lounge pieces. For visitors seeking a quiet place to take calls or concentrate, Orangebox On the QT phone booths provide privacy without sacrificing accessibility.
More than a renovation, this project demonstrates the impact of community-centered design. By listening first and designing with purpose, the Cascade Branch has become a space that feels as good as it functions, a place where people can gather, learn, create, and connect in ways that reflect the evolving needs of the community.
At Custer, we believe great spaces can transform communities. The new Cascade Branch is a testament to that belief, creating an environment that will continue to support and inspire visitors for years to come.