Friends contributes in excess of $50,000 annually—more than $350,000.00 over the past decade—to the Kalamazoo Public Library for grants, library staff scholarships and other special uses. Much of the money comes from the Friends Bookstore and sidewalk sales; the remainder from membership dues, bequests and donations.
Unrestricted Grants
All funding requests are reviewed by the Friends Board to insure that our gifts support the Friends mission.
Children and Teens
Adult Programming, Projects & Services
Staff-related Support & Recognition
Art-Related Programming
Mini-Grant Awards
Library staff and departments may apply once each year for up to $500 in help with special equipment or programming needs. Each year, mini-grant awards total more than $5,000.
Staff Scholarships
The Friends set aside $3,000 per year for KPL staff scholarship awards to assist with their graduate or professional education. Based on need, each applicant may receive up to $1,000 per year to help with books, tuition, and other educational expenses.