Downtown Lansing
Service Note
CADL Mason will be closing on Sundays starting SUNDAY APRIL 30. The last day of 'full services' will be Saturday, April 29. We'll be switching to the limited services model on May 1. Click for more info.
Location
401 South Capitol Avenue
Lansing, Michigan 48933
517.367.6363 (please listen to menu options)
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.
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)
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.
Food Packs
This branch provides weekly food packs filled with items such as shelf-stable milk, fruit, vegetables, canned meals and more. There are no eligibility requirements. Food packs will be available starting on Monday of each week but pickup times are available throughout the week. Families who need more than one pack must register for each one separately. Call branch for current availability.
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.
Ice Skate and Hockey Skate Rental (November 2022-March 2023, weather permitting)
During the 2022-2023 winter season, members can rent ice skates and hockey skates for free from this branch for use at Reutter Park's outdoor skating rink. Learn more.
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 Gallery
Downtown Lansing Events
Baby Storytime (Ages 0 & up)
Tuesday May 30, 2023 10:30am - 11:30am Downtown Lansing Stories, songs and movement for our youngest readers and their caregivers. Read MoreToddler Storytime (Ages 2 & up)
Wednesday May 31, 2023 10:30am - 11:30am Downtown Lansing Stories, songs and activities for toddlers and their caregivers. Read MoreAll Downtown Events
Downtown Lansing Blog

All Together Now - Let's Read 20 Minutes or More Each Day!
Posted May 17, 2023, 9:46 AM Join us for our Summer Reading Challenge. Read More
UPDATE: CADL Foster is now open
Posted Apr 24, 2023, 9:26 AM The branch was closed until April 23 for a remodel. Read More