Clyde Waltenbaugh was spending so much time at his local library — printing job applications, using the internet, and talking with librarians — that his wife jokingly suggested he apply for a job there. It turned out to be more than a joke.
The library had become a steady place of support as he recovered from injuries sustained during his brief service in the U.S. Army, and applying felt like a natural next step.
What began as a way to get back on his feet became a career — and a new way to serve others. Today, Waltenbaugh is the adult branch librarian at Kent District Library’s Spencer Township Branch, where he helps patrons daily and often finds himself connecting with fellow veterans in search of guidance, resources, or simply someone who understands.
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KDLClyde Waltenbaugh demonstrating how to use one of KDL's public computers.
“I think one of the most valuable things that a person can have is a library card,” Waltenbaugh says. “It will get you more than a driver’s license will, because you can learn anything to be anything.”
Collaboration broadens access
A new partnership between
Kent District Library (KDL) and
Kent County Veterans Services (KCVS) is helping more veterans access the tools Waltenbaugh once relied on — tools that provide both practical support and a sense of stability.
“This collaboration really started with us looking for partnerships with other community organizations,” says Dan Zar, community outreach specialist at KCVS. “Kent District Library has multiple locations — 20 plus — around Kent County, so we thought, why not work with them?”
KCVS is a taxpayer-funded office that offers free assistance to veterans and their families, including help filing for benefits.
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Dan ZarPerk Passes that provide free admission to cultural destinations such as Meijer Gardens and the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.
“We are a free service to Kent County veterans and their families, and we have accredited veteran service officers that basically assist veterans with filing for benefits from the VA,” Zar says.
One example of this partnership will take place on Sept. 11, when the KDL Bookmobile will join KCVS’s annual Homeless Veteran Stand Down event. The mobile library will bring books, Wi-Fi access, technology assistance, and library card sign-ups directly to veterans who may not otherwise reach a library branch.
“At the stand down, we help about 200 people,” Zar says. “Year-round, I’d say we help thousands.”
Zar, who previously worked in broadcast journalism as assistant news director at WZZM and morning executive producer at Fox 17, made the switch to veteran services to have a more direct impact.
“I still have love for what journalists do, but I was ready for something different as the industry continues to change,” he says. “It’s a blessing to have holidays off, not be on-call, and not manage 59 people anymore.”
KDL’s services
He says the collaboration with KDL has opened his eyes to resources that often go unnoticed by veterans.
“We were really surprised to hear about the services they can offer to older adults,” Zar says. “We see veterans every day in our office who struggle with technology, struggle to use a computer, maybe don’t have access to a printer.”
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Dan ZarKDL offers free printing (up to 50 pages per week), scanning, and faxing.
Craig Buno, KDL’s community engagement manager, points to library services that can support veterans, including:
- Access to public computers
- Free printing (up to 50 pages per week), scanning, and faxing
- One-on-one tech tutoring sessions
- Streaming through Kanopy, a platform with documentaries, classic films, and nonfiction
- Perk Passes that provide free admission to cultural destinations such as Meijer Gardens and the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
- Curated military history collections and veteran-focused book lists
“If it’s a quick tech question — like printing an email from your phone — staff can usually help on the spot,” Buno says. “If it’s more in-depth, we ask them to schedule a time so we can prepare.”
Waltenbaugh understands the importance of access. He served briefly in the U.S. Army before a training accident caused nerve damage in both feet, leading to a medical discharge. When he returned home to Wisconsin in a wheelchair, he turned to the library for help with job applications and rebuilding his life.
In 2012, he moved to Rockford to be with his now-wife and quickly found comfort in his neighborhood branch. After submitting multiple applications to KDL, he was hired part-time at the Plainfield Township Branch. He later worked at the Krause Memorial Branch in Rockford before being promoted in 2017 to work at the Spencer Township Branch.
“I love this job. I love being able to help people every day,” Waltenbaugh says.
That includes helping veterans — some of whom need assistance printing VA documents or with email, or others who need a listening ear. “They don’t always talk to their families about what they’ve been through, but they talk to me,” he says.
Waltenbaugh recalls one experience at a VA clinic in Iron Mountain that still brings him to tears. “A Korean War veteran missing an arm and a leg stepped aside to let me pass,” he says. “He thought he was in my way. I cried. That moment grounded me.”
Community presence
At KDL, outreach to veterans is also expanding through the work of the Community Engagement Department.
“We have a bookmobile, and one of the places we visit is Heroes and Sheroes Corner in Kentwood,” Buno says. “They are a nonprofit … a place for veterans to feel at home. They promote a lot of services — it’s kind of like a community center.”
KDL staff visit monthly to share books, promote services, and register new library cardholders. “It usually takes a year to a year and a half to really get established,” Buno says. “We’re still making adjustments to the schedule and trying different days.”
The library also supports community events aimed at veterans.
“In May, we attended the Heroes Expo and Appreciation Day at Riverside Park hosted by Hero Services of West Michigan,” Buno says.
This year, KDL will also distribute green light bulbs in support of Operation Green Light, which runs Nov. 4-11, leading up to Veterans Day.
“Our mission at KDL is to further all people,” Buno says. “We really want to have a library that everyone feels welcome in. Veterans are an important part of our society. Our society wouldn’t look the way it does today without them.”
Zar echoes that goal.
“If there’s any veteran in Kent County that’s in need of assistance, they should call our office,” he says. “Don’t just disqualify yourself — talk to us and let’s see what you’re eligible for.”
Support beyond the library
Support from KCVS extends beyond library and county services. It partners with Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC) to help veterans make their homes more accessible and safer to age in place.
“If you have a veteran struggling to stay in their own home — getting into the bathtub or shower — DAKC can help find contractors to make their home more accessible,” Zar says.
Beginning in October, veterans without VA dental coverage will be eligible for care through My Community Dental Centers.
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Dan Zar Kent District Library’s Spencer Township Branch
“That’s beautiful — it ensures they can take care of their smile,” Zar says.
Waltenbaugh remains committed to serving in every way he can — through books, tech support, conversations, or simply making someone feel seen.
“Veterans are one of the loves of my life,” he says. “We signed on the bottom line to serve our country. If I can help another vet in any way, I will.”