Kalamazoo Public Library

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Kalamazoo Public Library Kalamazoo Public Library.jpg
Kalamazoo Public Library

The Kalamazoo Public Library is an independent district library in Kalamazoo, Michigan, that serves about 120,000 people, has a salaried staff of 90, and spends about $10 million annually. The library consists of the central branch downtown, and four branch libraries. [1]

Contents

History

First library building in 1908 Old Public Library, Kalamazoo, MI.jpg
First library building in 1908

Kalamazoo Public Library was founded in 1893. The building was designed in the Romanesque Revival style, with several wings and towers filled with windows to capture natural light. Ulysses Wheaton built the structure, which stood for 65 years.

In 1958, construction began on a new building inspired by Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye, a two-story, 1930s-era building near Paris, whose second level seems to float on columns surrounding a recessed ground floor. Designed by Louis C. Kingscott, Inc., and built by the Miller-Davis Company, the building opened in 1959, and combined the library and a museum.

In 1998, a new 4-story library building opened, which stands today at 315 South Rose Street in downtown Kalamazoo.

Branches

Services and technology

Walter Dean Myers speaks at KPL Central Library, August 6, 2013 KPLMyers080613-034 (9465827147).jpg
Walter Dean Myers speaks at KPL Central Library, August 6, 2013

In addition to traditional book lending and reference books, patrons of the library enjoy access to

The Kalamazoo Public Library is technology friendly. All of the catalog data are computer based. The library also offers computers for use by patrons for finding books, accessing the internet, playing games, and word processing. The library also offers computer training classes for those who are not familiar with the internet, computer, software, or digital media use.

The library provides a free WiFi network for patrons. Digital titles (including e-books and audiobooks) are available for check-out through the library website (at the library or remotely).

In 2014, the library opened the 'Idea Lab', formerly known as 'The Hub', which is a digital media lab open to the public for digitizing photos and video, producing podcasts, preserving old vinyl records, cassettes and VHS tapes, and other services. [4] [5]

Awards

References

  1. 1 2 "About the Library". kpl.gov. Kalamazoo Public Library. Retrieved November 29, 2014.
  2. Monacelli, Emily (November 16, 2014). "Craft beer and books to be celebrated for Kalamazoo Public Library's inaugural Booktoberfest". mlive.com. Kalamazoo. Retrieved November 29, 2014.
  3. "Bookmobile Service Ends March 31". www.kpl.gov. Kalamazoo Public Library. February 19, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2014.
  4. Liberty, John (May 24, 2014). "Top 5 things to do in Kalamazoo this week: Head and the Heart, Party in the Park and more". mlive.com. Kalamazoo. Retrieved November 29, 2014.
  5. "Idea Lab". www.kpl.gov. Kalamazoo Public Library. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  6. "Michigan Department of Education News Release". Michigan Department of Education. 2012. Retrieved November 29, 2014.
  7. "KPL Wins State Librarian's Citation of Excellence Award". kpl.gov. Michigan Department of Education. November 9, 2012. Retrieved November 29, 2014.

42°17′22.3″N85°35′4.5″W / 42.289528°N 85.584583°W / 42.289528; -85.584583