Who can use the Gear Library?
Gear rentals are open to all City of Grand Rapids residents. We focus our efforts in SE and SW Grand Rapids, particularly in neighborhoods where residents have faced disproportionate barriers to the outdoors.
How does the Gear Library work?
For individuals and families
- When you arrive for your first visit, we'll sign you up with a free Gear Library membership
- We'll give you a short membership orientation
- You can borrow free gear from our community list! If you'd like a lesson on how to use your equipment, please ask.
Please note: before borrowing camping gear, you must attend a camping workshop with Thrive Outside staff. Please contact or visit the gear library for more information.
For large group outings like classrooms or church groups
We’d love to talk more and see if we can support your outing! To discuss further, contact staff at gearlibrary@grcity.us . We can't guarantee gear availability for every group, and a group fee may be charged.
Are there any fees or other requirements to borrow gear?
There are no fee's for residents to borrow gear. We ask that you provide one proof of ID, but we will not keep these documents after you show them to us. Proof of ID can be done with a passport, ID, drivers license, student ID, or piece of mail.