The Hekman Library is open to any individual. However, group use is governed by this policy. A group is defined as eight or more students of elementary or secondary school age.

The Hekman Library is one of the college's gifts to the Grand Rapids community, and we welcome students, especially area high school students,  who want to use the collection. However, the research needs of Calvin students are the highest priority of the library staff. While the collection is very large and can sustain the impact of non-Calvin users, the number of computers available to guests is limited. Also, there is a fee for guest printing (10 cents per page). Visiting students need to be prepared to pay for printing. 

The contact person for scheduling a group is Kathy DeMey.

• Group use must be scheduled two weeks before the event if a librarian's assistance is required; i.e., an introduction to the research tools available at the Hekman Library. If no assistance will be needed, one week's advanced notice is sufficient.
• Only students in grades nine through twelve may use the library for research. Tours may be scheduled (two weeks advance notice) for middle school children. Only for exceptional reasons will tours for elementary school children be arranged.
• The three weeks prior to the start of exams are "blacked out." No group may use the library during that time. Group use of the library is permitted during the exam period. Since the exact dates of those periods vary based on the academic calendar of the college, Kathy DeMey should be contacted.
• The preferred time of day for group visits is between 8a.m. and 11a.m.. All groups must leave the library no later than 1p.m.
• A teacher who fails to contact the library may lose the privilege of using the Hekman Library for groups.
• A teacher must accompany students. There must be two adults if the group is larger than 25 students.
  

Note: Guests may purchase a library card, which is valid for six months. The card costs $15 and permits the user to borrow books.