Downtown Lansing

Location
401 South Capitol Avenue 
Lansing, Michigan 48933

 517.367.6363 (please listen to menu options)

Link to the CATA Bus Route Link for directions to this library location

Hours
Mon: 10a.m. - 8p.m.
Tues: 10a.m. - 8p.m.
Wed: 10a.m. - 8p.m.
Thur: 10a.m. - 8p.m.
Fri: 10 a.m. - 7p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. - 7p.m.
Sun: 12-5p.m.

Friends of the Library Join the Friends of the Downtown Lansing Library.

Melissa  2.jpgMelissa Cole 
Head Librarian

Virtual Tour

Our 360° Virtual Tour was made possible by Able Eyes. Able Eyes virtual tours allow people to explore businesses in their community to help ease anxiety and become comfortable with their surroundings.

Rooms, Resources & Special Features

Adobe Elements  

Adobe Photoshop Elements (for photo editing) & Adobe Premiere Elements (for video editing) are installed on selected public computers.

Adult Literacy Collection

This special collection includes books and books on CDs with accompanying reading material.

Book Burrow

Current hours are Thurs. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 4- 7 p.m.; Fri. 11a.m.-2p.m. and Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Charging Cables

Check out a charging cable and wall charger to power up. We’ve got you covered with micro-USB, USB-C, and lightning cables.

Community Closet

Located in the basement, this closet contains personal care and hygiene items free to anyone in need of them. The closet is open during CADL’s open hours and is stocked with donations from the community. If you’d like to make a donation please leave your item(s) in the donation bins located at any of the three Lansing libraries. (Downtown Lansing, South Lansing & Foster) 

View a donation list here.

Computer Accessories

Privacy screens, trackball mouses and large print keyboards can all be requested from library staff.

ESOL Collection

Our extensive English for Speakers of Other Languages collection includes an online software program, books, CDs and DVDs.

Fax Service

A patron fax service is available for in-library use. This easy to use fax machine is completely self-serve, requiring only a MC/VISA, AM Ex or Discover card (no cash is accepted). 

Faxing is $1.75 for the first page and $1 for each page thereafter for US/Caribbean faxes. International fees are double. The machine does not accept incoming faxes.

Forest Parke Library and Archives (Local History Collections)

The Forest Parke Library & Archives serves as a repository and steward for CADL's local history collections, including books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, video/audio, and more. An ever-expanding selection of local history materials is available in Local History Online. Physical items do not circulate, but the collection is open to the public certain hours each week, and by appointment. More information on in-person research is at this link.

Language Learning Material

We offer language learning material, including an online software program, books, CDs and eBooks. 

Print from Anywhere 

Just email your documents or upload them to our secure portal, then stop by the branch to pick them up. Let's get started. 

Public Meeting Rooms

Our meeting rooms are available for public use. Our auditorium seats 95 and we have a few other rooms that seat anywhere from 25 to 50. If you are interested in reserving space, you can call or visit the branch for an application, or fill out the application at the end of the Meeting Room Policy. Make sure to allow enough time when planning your event as our rooms are in high demand.

  • An application must be completed and turned in at the location being requested.
  • Applicants must produce a current Capital Area District Libraries card which must be in good standing at the time of room use.
  • Applicants must be present during the meeting/event.

 For additional details, please review our Meeting Room Policy & Application Form.

Request for Accommodation

For mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance, please call the library. Requests need to be made at least two weeks before a scheduled event.

Student Success Initiative

Lansing School District participates in the Student Success Intiative, providing CADL accounts to all students.

Study Rooms

Three study rooms are available on the second floor. Rooms are equipped with table(s), chairs, a whiteboard and power outlets. Users must have a current Capital Area District Libraries card that is in good standing at the time of room use. Rooms may not be reserved, they are available on a “first come first served” basis.  Rooms may be used up to two hours a day. 

Wireless Service

CADL has WiFi hotspots at all of its libraries. For details, visit our WiFi help page

World Language Collection

Our World Language collection includes books, magazines, movies and music in over 17 different languages.

Downtown Lansing Events

Drop-in Basic Needs Assistance (Adults)

Tuesday Mar 19, 2024 10:15am - 4:00pm Downtown Lansing Do you need assistance in obtaining basic needs? In partnership with Advent House, a member of their Street Outreach team will be available to connect patrons with assistance in obtaining identification, food, shelter, mental health, rehab, and similar services. Drop in during designated hours to receive assistance. This program is funded in part by an HRCS grant from the City of Lansing. Read More

Baby Storytime (Ages 0 & up)

Tuesday Mar 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am Downtown Lansing Stories, songs and movement for our youngest readers and their caregivers. Read More
All Downtown Events

Downtown Lansing Blog

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TR Linsley Receives Director's Award

Posted Nov 30, 2023, 4:21 PM Read More

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Meet Our Best Friends: Lansing Libraries

Posted Oct 18, 2023, 11:25 AM Learn about the Friends of the Lansing Libraries for National Friends of Libraries Week. Read More

ALL DOWNTOWN POSTS