Library Summer Hours & Schedule Changes

May 21, 2013 10:17:57 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Summer hours begin May 23 at Kalamazoo Public Library.

• Central Library will close Thursday evenings at 6 pm beginning May 23.
• Central Library will be closed Sundays until September. (Other open times and branch hours remain unchanged.)
• Kalamazoo Public Library catalog (OPAC) will be offline Saturday evening, May 25, after 6 pm. Normal service should be restored on Sunday.
• All Kalamazoo Public Library services will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. Normal service resumes Tuesday.
• Central Library will open at 10 am on Thursday, June 13, due to staff inservice. Branches open at regular time.

Enjoy your summer, and don’t forget to Dig into Summer Reading!

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Tornado FAQ: things you need to know

May 14, 2013 07:54:33 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

It’s tornado season, and if you are visiting the library during a tornado warning, there are a few things you need to know to stay safe.

Tornado Watch vs. Warning: A tornado watch means that the weather conditions are conducive for a tornado. A tornado warning means that a funnel cloud has been spotted and you should take cover immediately.

1. How will I know if there is a tornado warning?

You will hear announcements from KPL staff over the PA system that will notify you of the current weather conditions and what action needs to be taken. KPL staff will also be on hand guiding patrons.

2. If there is a tornado warning, what will happen?

You will hear an announcement over the PA system, which will direct you to the shelter location of the branch. Staff will help to guide patrons the shelter location. Patrons who do not wish to take shelter must leave the building. This message will be repeated. Please follow KPL staff guides to the shelter area.

3. What if I am on my way to the library when the tornado sirens start? Can I
still seek shelter in the library?

Yes, the library doors will not be locked. There will be signage on the door indicating that the library is closed due to the tornado warning, and giving directions to the shelter location for the branch you are visiting.

4. What if I don’t want to stay in the library if there is a tornado warning?

You are not required to seek shelter in the library, but you will not be able to stay in the building. You will be required to leave.

5. What happens when an all clear is received?

Once an all-clear is received, patrons will be allowed to return to their previous location, unless the building has sustained damage that prevents re-opening. In this case patrons will be asked to leave while staff work to address the situation.

You will find a permanent link to this information under About the Library.

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Kalamazoo Public Library Celebrates Another Successful Reading Together Program

May 1/, 2013 11:34:20 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

May 1, 2013

Kalamazoo Public Library wishes to thank all of the many readers who helped make this year’s Reading Together Program a huge success! The following is a letter from this year’s Reading Together author, Amy Waldman. Waldman’s novel, The Submission spurred a lot of excellent program participation and discussion.

Dear Kalamazoo,

I can’t thank you enough for selecting “The Submission” for your Reading Together program, and even more, for the hospitality you showed me. It was wonderful to spend a couple of days in a city that combines the warmth of a small town with the vibrancy of a cultural center.

And what readers! I almost fell over when I met a book club who had spent four hours discussing my novel, give or take a little time spent on the carrot cake. And who caught a tiny change I had made between the hardcover and the paperback versions. When I spoke, the audience’s energy was palpable and their questions stimulating. And seeing the student art inspired by “The Submission” and displayed at the library was among the most inspiring experiences I’ve had since publishing my book.

Both the community and the library staff have my admiration and gratitude for doing so much to support readers and writers. The ideas for programming for Reading Together were brilliant, and I wish I could have attended.

I’m working hard on my next book so I can get back to Kalamazoo…

All best,

Amy Waldman

2013 Reading Together At a Glance:

   • 263 print copies of the book, including five Book-Club-in-a Bag sets, circulated 1,670 times
   • 13 supporting programs and events attracted 1,345 people to 8 different venues throughout the community, including 3 KPL locations, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Central High School, Portage District Library and Western Michigan University. 
     Most notable:
    -364 attended Amy Waldman’s author visit at Kalamazoo Central High School
    -300 attended Brook Gladstone’s author visit at Western Michigan University
    -253 attended Art Hop at Central to view EFA student artwork and performances inspired by The Submission

Book Discussions
We estimate that roughly 200 residents participated in discussion about The Submission with either established or one-time-only book groups. Public discussions too place at locations like:
   • Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
   • Friendship Village
   • Unitarian Universalist Community Church
   • Surrounding libraries
while other discussions were held by private book groups in people’s homes or other locations.

Sales and Circulation
Number of copies sold at local bookstores and circulation at surrounding libraries both totaled approximately 250

Partnerships
The following organizations and/or businesses collaborated with KPL in promoting, hosting, planning, or presenting Reading Together events:
   • Davenport University
   • Diekema Hamann Architecture & Engineering
   • Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan
   • John Lacko Photography
   • Kalamazoo College
   • Kalamazoo Community Foundation
   • Kalamazoo County Public Arts Commission
   • Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
   • Kalamazoo Public Schools
   • Kalamazoo RESA Education for the Arts
   • Kalamazoo Valley Community College
   • Michigan News Agency
   • MLive Media Group/Kalamazoo Gazette
   • Portage District Library
   • Public Media Network
   • Western Michigan University

Selected Comments from Patrons

Reading Together gets me to read books I never read otherwise.

Thank you… an asset to our community.

Am amazed at all events offered in Kalamazoo.

You folks do a terrific job!

Reading Together is a wonderful community program! Keep it up!

Community Read – How and why we survive Michigan winters.

To keep updated about the Reading Together Program, visit readingtogether.us 

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Kalamazoo Public Library Adds Zinio to its E-library Collection

Apr 8/, 2013 04:29:21 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

The Kalamazoo Public Library is pleased to announce its latest addition to its e-library – Zinio. Zinio is the world’s largest digital newsstand and enables users to subscribe to and read thousands of magazines online or offline on the most commonly used digital devices. Zinio is compatible with PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire/Fire HD, Windows 8, and Blackberry Playbook.

Digital magazine subscriptions cost the same as the print edition and multiple subscriptions can cost hundreds of dollars per year. Now Kalamazoo Public Library users have access to 75 popular titles for FREE with the addition of Zinio to its e-library collection on April 1. Available titles include: Businessweek, Cosmopolitan, Elle, ESPN, Forbes, Good Housekeeping, Martha Stewart Living, National Geographic, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Us Weekly and many more!

Zinio is now available for free for KPL Resident Area borrowers only. Signing up is simple:

1. Visit kpl.gov and click on Download from the menu bar
2. Scroll down and click on Zinio to download the appropriate app for your mobile device, PC or Mac
3. Sign up by entering your KPL Resident Area library card number and follow online instructions
4. Follow instructions to create an account with Zinio
5. Begin browsing!

KPL patrons can select the titles they are interested in and will be notified by email when new issues are available.

The addition of Zinio is not only consistent with its strategic goal of keeping on the forefront of the latest digital technology but also enables KPL to be more green by eliminating print subscriptions. KPL is very proud to include Zinio in its e-library which also includes the following online digital offerings:

• *eBooks: A faster, more intuitive way to connect to books
• *Freegal Music: free & legal access to millions of songs
• *Rocket Languages: Learn a language at your own pace, in your own time
• Databases: access unique information and content often not available elsewhere online including these popular links:
  - Learning Express Library: practice tests, exercises and skill building courses for school, work and life.
  - Ancestry Library: trace your family tree for free (in library use only)
  - Job & Career Accelerator: the industry’s most comprehensive, online job search system that puts job seekers on the Fast Track to getting hired

*Available to KPL Resident Area borrowers only.

To access KPL’s e-library, visit kpl.gov and click Download from the menu bar.

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NPR Personality Brooke Gladstone to Speak

Mar 21, 2013 02:55:19 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

National Public Radio Personality Brooke Gladstone: Featured Speaker for 2013 Reading Together Program
Will speak at WMU Center for the Humanities on Tuesday, April 2, 7 pm
Free Parking at Miller Auditorium for the program

Kalamazoo Public Library is pleased to welcome National Public Radio personality Brooke Gladstone as a featured speaker for the 2013 Reading Together program. Gladstone will present How Media Influences our Perception on Tuesday, April 2, 7 pm at Western Michigan University Center for the Humanities (Knauss Hall, for a map click here.)

Brooke Gladstone is co-host and managing editor of the National Public Radio newsmagazine, On the Media, an up-close look at what the media are covering and why. While maintaining the civility and fairness that are hallmarks of public radio, On the Media tackles sticky issues with frankness and transparency. Gladstone is also the author of The Influencing Machine, Brooke Gladstone on the Media, an enlightening look at the complexities and, sometimes, controversies of modern media.

Gladstone was chosen as a featured speaker for the 2013 Reading Together program presented by the Kalamazoo Public Library.  Reading Together is a program that invites people of all ages from all walks of life to read and then discuss important issues raised by a single book. Since 2003, thousands of county residents have participated in ten previous Reading Together programs. The 2013 chosen novel is The Submission by Amy Waldman.  Reimagining 9/11 and its aftermath, The Submission, begins with a resonant scene: a jury gathers in Manhattan to choose a memorial for the victims of a devastating Islamic terrorist attack. After tense deliberations, they select the Garden, which features trees both living and made from salvaged steel. Then the jury discovers that the anonymous architect who created the winning design is an American Muslim. The revelation triggers both fury and ambivalence throughout New York. A driving theme behind the book is the powerful influence the media covering the developments of the jury’s decision has on the public and how it drives public perception.

During her talk, How Media Influences our Perception, Gladstone will share her experiences with the media and discuss her novel, The Influencing Machine, Brooke Gladstone on the Media. Description from the publisher: A million listeners trust NPR's Brooke Gladstone to guide them through the complexities of the modern media. Bursting onto the page in vivid comics by acclaimed artist Josh Neufeld, this brilliant radio personality guides us through two millennia of media history, debunking the notion that “The Media” is an external force beyond our control and equipping us to be savvy consumers and shapers of the news.

Cory Doctorow proclaimed The Influencing Machine, “Mind-opening, thought-provoking and incredibly timely… An absolutely spectacular read.” in a posted review on BoingBoing.

This event is co-sponsored by Western Michigan University’s Center for the Humanities, Center for the Study of Ethics in Society, and WMUK 102.1 FM.

Michigan News Agency will sell copies of Gladstone’s book at the event.

About Brooke Gladstone

Brooke Gladstone started out in print journalism, writing on defense policy, strip-mining, broadcasting and cable TV. Her freelance pieces (on topics ranging from orgasmic Russian faith healers to the aesthetics of Pampers to NPR's near fiscal crash) have appeared in the London Observer, the Boston Globe, the Washington Post and The American Journalism Review among others. She also covered public broadcasting for Current, wrote and edited theater, film and music reviews for The Washington Weekly.

In 1987, NPR's Scott Simon asked her to fill in as senior editor for his still-new program, Weekend Edition Saturday. Eventually they gave her the job, and a couple years later, she became senior editor of the NPR newsmagazine, All Things Considered. She was awarded a Knight Fellowship at Stanford in 1991 and a year later she was in Russia, reporting on the bloody insurgency of the Russian Parliament and other stories for NPR.

In 1995, NPR created its brand new media beat and gave it to Gladstone, who covered it for six years from NPR's New York bureau in midtown Manhattan, until she was tapped by WNYC several subway stops downtown to help re-launch On The Media. The program was reborn in January of 2001. I t has since more than tripled its audience and won quite a few awards by brazenly showing how the journalism sausage is made.

Gladstone has won several awards too, including an Overseas Press Club Award, a Peabody and the Milwaukee Press Club's Sacred Cat Award for lifetime achievement, but sadly, On the Media's staff stubbornly refuses to perform any of the associated rituals.

For more information about 2013 Reading Together and this event, please visit www.readingtogether.us.

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Washington Square Branch to Re-Open Friday, February 15

Feb 15, 2013 08:40:42 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

The Kalamazoo Public Library Washington Square branch located at 1244 Portage Street will re-open on Friday, February 15 at 10 am after being successfully treated for bed bugs.

The Washington Square branch was closed on Friday, February 8 when bed bugs were discovered in returned books. The Kalamazoo Public Library contracted Griffin Pest Control to evaluate the situation. On Monday, February 11, bed-bug sniffing dogs were brought in, and while no live bed bugs were found, dead bugs were located and the dogs “alerted” in various areas of the library. An “alert” means the dog will sit and alert the handler of a potential presence of live bed bugs, their eggs, and/or larvae. On Tuesday, February 9, Griffin Pest Control conducted a treatment of the Washington Square branch by heating all affected areas to 120 degrees. Bed bugs are drawn out by the heat and then die as a result. The branch was then cleaned and prepared for re-opening.

The Children’s Room at Central Closed February 15-19 

The Kalamazoo Public Library contracted Griffin Pest Control to conduct testing at the rest of the library’s locations: Central, Oshtemo, Eastwood and Alma Powell. Results indicated presence of bed bugs in the Children’s Room of the Central location located at 315 South Rose Street. Due to the findings, the Children’s Room will be closed on Friday, February 15  through Tuesday, February 19 for treatment.

The Children’s Room will re-open on Wednesday, February 20.

Bed Bugs are a Growing Community Problem: Over the last few years, incidents of bed bug infestations have become a growing problem for all public buildings including: hotels, schools, hospitals, libraries and any other building where the public frequents en masse. Because bed bugs can hide in items like jackets, backpacks and other soft materials, they can be brought into any location and create a new case of infestation. As a result, many public buildings have added bed bug detection and treatment as part of their regular building maintenance procedures.

A library is a less than ideal place for bed bugs to flourish. Because they are night feeders, they prefer sleeping, human or animal hosts to feed from. Since libraries close at night, bed bugs are deprived of the nourishment they need to survive. Bed bugs are typically brought in to the library on human hosts entering the building or in books that are kept on or near the bed of an infected home. As a member of the community, the Kalamazoo Public Library is aware that bed bugs will remain an ongoing issue for all public spaces until science develops a way to eradicate them entirely. For this reason, the Kalamazoo Public Library has established new policies to its current building maintenance program to minimize the risk of infestation going forward.

• Each location will continue an inspection process on  returns. Materials found to be contaminated will be quarantined immediately and disposed of or treated
• Bed bug inspections by a qualified pest control company will be conducted regularly at each location
• Future instances of bed bug detection will be dealt with on an individual basis, and will not necessarily require branch closure.  The Kalamazoo Public Library will consult with pest control professionals in determining the appropriate course of action.
• Each branch will strongly enforce current library conduct rules which forbids any patron or staff member from bringing in any large bags or other large items, including but not limited to: suitcases, duffle bags, large backpacks, bedrolls, blankets, and plastic garbage bags. Diaper bags and any bags measuring 10” x 16” x 24” or smaller are permitted

Minimize Your Risk of Exposure

If you are concerned about carrying bed bugs from any public space into your home, the following steps are recommended:

• Upon returning home, remove all clothing and put it into your dryer at a high heat for at least 30 minutes, then put into the washing machine
• Do not bring any large bags into public spaces; do not leave bags or jackets on the floor or draped over soft furniture
• Keep books sealed in a plastic zip-lock bag when not in use, and do not keep books near bedding, beds or soft furniture
• If you do find items such as books to contain evidence of bed bugs immediately seal them in a plastic zip-lock bag and notify the establishment they were received from
• If you are concerned about bed bugs in your home, contact a qualified pest control company for advice and assistance

For more information about bed bugs and how to treat them, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/MIbedbugs or http://tinyurl.com/MDCH-Bedbugs

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KPL Wins State Librarian's Citation of Excellence Award

Nov 9/, 2012 10:14:07 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo Public Library has been awarded a Citation of Excellence for superior customer service from the state librarian. The award was presented at the Michigan Library Association (MLA) conference in Detroit on Wednesday, November 8th.

From the Michigan Department of Education news release:

“The State Librarian’s Excellence Award is sponsored by the Roger and June Mendel Fund of the Library of Michigan Foundation. Gifts from Martin L. Gibbs and Carole Sorensen and from Elaine M. Logan supported the citations of excellence.

Kalamazoo Public Library created a Customer Service Plan in 2007 and has sustained since then a Customer Service Committee that continues to define, measure, recognize, and reward excellence in customer service. The most recent revision of its service plan resulted in a Code of Service that outlines and defines the level of service it expects from its staff. In addition to this strong proactive focus on customer service, the library also forges strong collaborative relationships with community organizations, particularly its schools. In response to the Kalamazoo Promise, the library used creative thinking and service attitude to provide library cards to 1,000 first-grade students. This helps contributes to the Governor’s goal to have Michigan students reading at grade level by the end of third grade. Even though it is operating at a significantly decreased number of staff than three years ago, the library continues to meet its mission to create a community where people aspire to learn, engage and thrive.

Director Ann Rorbaugh said, ‘We are honored to be recognized. Customer service at KPL has many dimensions … one-on-one desk type interactions; partnering with other local agencies especially the Kalamazoo Public Schools; and the materials, programs, and services we offer to all ages. The state recognition is very affirming to our staff and board.’”

Michigan Department of Education news release, 8 November 2012

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ONEplace Nonprofit Leadership Academy

Oct 30, 2012 01:34:33 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

ONEplace@kpl announces the ONEplace Nonprofit Leadership Academy 2013 (ONLA) beginning January, 2013.

The ONLA consists of ten all-day sessions beginning Friday, January 18 and meeting every other Friday through May 17. Between sessions, students complete reading assignments and meet with mentors. Mentor relationships may be arranged by the student or will be assigned by ONEplace. Applications are being accepted now through November 30, 2012.

Details and applications are available online: www.kpl.gov/ONEplace/ONLA. Please contact ONEplace@kpl for more information.

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Popular ONEplace Series Returns

Aug 22, 2012 02:29:36 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Nonprofit managers found Paul Knudstrup’s five-session “Nonprofit Supervision & Management” so helpful that ONEplace will offer the course again this fall.

This popular series explores key issues and strategies in supervision and management. Target audience includes middle-level directors and managers in all areas of nonprofit organizations – anyone who supervises others.

Sessions stand alone, but build upon each other. Learn more.

Space limited, so register online today!

• Session One, September 10, successfully managing the nonprofit (and yourself)
• Session Two, September 17, how communication affects the work environment
• Session Three, September 24, daily work interactions and achieving results
• Session Four, October 1, problem solving, decision making, empowering staff
• Session Five, October 15, growth and development challenges, goals, planning

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Seeking Photos for KPL's 140th

Aug 6/, 2012 10:48:53 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo Public Library celebrates its 140th anniversary on Friday, October 12! We plan to launch our celebration week with Art Hop exhibits on October 5 at Central Library, from 6-8 pm, and the Powell Branch Library, from 5-7 pm.

We’re asking friends of the library—both professional and amateur photographers—to take photos of KPL’s buildings, staff, patrons, and/or events for display on October 5.

Art hoppers will enjoy music and birthday cake while they browse the photo collection—of both new and historical photos. Interested photographers, please contact mac@kpl.gov.

Learn more here or print photo submission guidelines and model release forms. 

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Geek the Library

Jun 11, 2012 12:10:10 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo Public Library launched its Geek the Library campaign on June 2, 2012, at Kalamazoo’s famous Do-Dah Parade. Since 1984, the venerable Do-Dah Parade has challenged participants to create a parody—a spoof or satire of a person, place, event, or thing. What better venue for a troop of geeks to get their geek on! Check out our parade photos.

To geek, used as a verb in this campaign, means to:

1. To love, to enjoy, to celebrate, to have an intense passion for.
2. To express interest in.
3. To possess a large amount of knowledge in.
4. To promote.

Whatever you geek, the public library supports you. Everyone is passionate about something—everyone geeks something. As we develop KPL’s Geek the Library campaign, you’ll learn what KPL staff geek. And you’ll get a chance to share what you geek, too! Later this summer we’ll offer KPL patrons a geek video or poster opportunity. To get involved, email geek@kpl.gov.

This community-based public awareness campaign was designed to highlight the vital role of public libraries in today’s challenging environment. The nonprofit library cooperative OCLC manages the national campaign with funds from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Participating libraries receive materials and significant support from OCLC.

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Public Computers Unavailable at Central

May 23, 2012 08:14:23 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Public computers will be unavailable at Central Library throughout the day on Wednesday, May 23rd, due to software upgrades. Public PCs will be available as normal at all branch locations. Wi-Fi will also be available at all locations, including Central. Normal service at all locations should resume by Thursday.

We appreciate your patience while we make these exciting new changes!

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Library Catalog Offline May 26-28

May 23, 2012 08:07:32 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

The Kalamazoo Public Library catalog system will be offline beginning Saturday evening, May 26, through Sunday, May 27, due to system upgrades. Users may also experience intermittent outages during the day on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28. Normal service should resume on Tuesday.

We appreciate your patience while we make several exciting new changes to our online catalog!

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First Saturday Fun @ the Library

Apr 24, 2012 09:33:30 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

On April 7, 2012, Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Public Schools, and the Hispanic American Council will sponsor First Saturday, from 2-4 pm, at the Central Library’s Children’s Room, 315 S Rose St. This new initiative, now in its second month, encourages families to make regular library visits an important part of their lives. More than 350 parents and children attended the inaugural First Saturday on March 3.

On First Saturday, families will enjoy fun, free activities designed to entertain their children. They’ll see that the library offers popular movies, music and books to borrow and computers to work on, all for free. They’ll learn that libraries and librarians can answer questions on hundreds of topics, plus help with homework.

A number of other organizations are partnering with KPL and KPS in the First Saturday initiative. Each month, one or more of the partners will cosponsor the First Saturday event.

As the April cosponsor, the Hispanic American Council plans to feature a Guatemalan theme: folk tales in Spanish and English, food (tapas), dance, and a kids craft. The first 100 families to arrive on April 7 will receive a free book from HAC. Additional door prizes will be given away by KPS and KPL.

Partner organizations currently include Boys and Girls Club of Kalamazoo, Communities in Schools of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County Ready 4s, Kalamazoo Literacy Council, Goodwill Industries of Southwest Michigan, NAACP, and the Northside Ministerial Alliance. Any organization that serves families and children will be welcome in the initiative.

Organizations interested in helping with First Saturday should contact Andrea Vernola, KPL's children’s programming librarian and coordinator of First Saturday, andreav@kpl.gov, or 553-7853.

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Luis Urrea Presentation Now on PMN

Mar 12, 2012 09:49:27 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo's Public Media Network recorded Reading Together author Luis Alberto Urrea's presentation on March 6, 2012, at Kalamazoo Central High School's auditorium. Tune in at one of the following times on Kalamazoo cable channel 95:

• Tuesday, March 13, 7 pm
• Wednesday, March 14, 1 pm
• Monday, March 19, 9 pm
• Thursday, March 22, 7 pm

Following the scheduled viewings, the show will be available for check out from Kalamazoo Public Library.

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Mlive Chat Discussed RT Book

Mar 8/, 2012 09:44:15 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Linda Mah, former Kalamazoo Gazette Arts & Entertainment editor, now the Gazette’s community engagement specialist, and Yvonne Zipp, a Gazette business reporter and a fiction critic for the Christian Science Monitor, hosted a live chat about Into the Beautiful North on Monday, March 12, at noon. Read the text of the chat at this link:

www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/03/literary_live_chat_join_a_noon.html#incart_river_default

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WiFi Down February 28

Feb 24, 2012 11:50:58 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo Public Library's wifi won't be available on Tuesday, February 28. Technicians will be upgrading the wireless hotspot controller that day. They anticipate finishing the work in one day. If work is not completed on the 28th, wireless may also be down on the 29th. We'll keep patrons posted via the website and signs on the doors.

Thanks for understanding! We know you'll appreciated the increased speed and greater access within the library's buildings.

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Michigan Notable Books 2012

Jan 4/, 2012 11:00:20 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

The Library of Michigan recently announced the list of the 2012 Michigan Notable Books – 20 books highlighting Michigan people, places, and events. “This year’s Michigan Notable Books bring to life the Michigan experience through vivid storytelling that creates portraits of the people and places that make Michigan great,” said State Librarian Nancy Robertson. “Addressing Michigan’s natural beauty, its innovative leaders or the faith of its people, these books celebrate Michigan as a place and a people that even in the most trying of times find transformation. The Library of Michigan is delighted to honor these 20 books as the 2012 Michigan Notable Books.”

Read the official news release and the Detroit Free Press story.

• Elly Peterson: “Mother” of the Moderates by Sara Fitzgerald (University of Michigan Press)
• Everyday Klansfolk: White Protestant Life and the KKK in 1920s Michigan by Craig Fox (Michigan State University Press)
• Fever: Little Willie John, A Fast Life, Mysterious Death and the Birth of Soul by Susan Whitall (Titan Books)
• Ghost Writers: Us Haunting Them, Contemporary Michigan Literature edited by Keith Taylor and Laura Kasischke (Wayne State University Press)
• Hank Greenberg: The Hero Who Didn’t Want to Be One by Mark Kurlansky (Yale University Press)
• Here Comes Trouble: Stories from My Life by Michael Moore (Grand Central Publishing)
• In Stitches: A Memoir by Anthony Youn, M.D. (Gallery Books)
• Jacobson’s, I Miss It So: The Story of a Michigan Fashion Institute by Bruce Allen Kopytek (History Press)
• Magic Trash: A Story of Tyree Guyton and His Art by J. H. Shapiro and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Charlesbridge)
• Michigan and the Civil War: A Great and Bloody Sacrifice by Jack Dempsey (The History Press)
• Misery Bay by Steve Hamilton (Minotaur Books)
• Motor City Shakedown by D. E. Johnson (Minotaur Books)
• A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis by Matt De La Pena and illustrated by Kadir Nelson (Dial Books for Young Readers)
• Once Upon a Car: The Fall and Resurrection of America’s Big Three Automakers-GM, Ford, and Chrysler by Bill Vlasic (William Morrow)
• Once Upon a River by Bonnie Jo Campbell (Norton)
• Songs of Unreason by Jim Harrison (Copper Canyon Press)
• South of Superior by Ellen Airgood (Riverhead Books)
• Vintage Views Along the West Michigan Pike: From Sand Trails to US-31 by M. Christine Byron and Thomas R. Wilson (Arbutus Press)
• Wire to Wire by Scott Sparling (Tin House Books)

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Replace Don’t Erase

Dec 28, 2011 04:42:53 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo Public Library recently joined counties, municipalities, public safety and public school officials from all across Michigan in urging the State Legislature and Gov. Rick Snyder to fully replace all local revenues that would be lost if they eliminate the personal property tax (PPT) on business equipment and machinery. This is a tax paid only by businesses, not by individual taxpayers or homeowners.

While the tax is unpopular with businesses and most agree that PPT reform may be needed, scrapping the tax without guaranteeing replacement funds for local services and schools would be very harmful to Michigan citizens. Given earlier cuts in state revenue sharing, and continually declining property values, loss of the PPT would be devastating.

Locally, the tax accounts for $4.7 million, or almost 14 percent of the city of Kalamazoo’s property tax revenue. In Portage, it accounts for $3.8 million, or nearly 18 percent. (Mlive) Kalamazoo Public Library would lose $1,224,000 every year, almost 11 percent of the 2011-12 budget.

In response to declining property tax revenue and cuts in state aid, KPL has eliminated bookmobile service, reduced hours at branch libraries, reduced staff by 10% (more than ten positions), and eliminated public computer training classes. Additional loss of library revenue will result in further reduction in service hours, fewer library programs and materials, less outreach to preschoolers, possible branch library closures, and more.

The resolution in support of fully replacing, not just erasing, Michigan’s personal property tax, which was unanimously adopted by Kalamazoo Public Library trustees on December 19, 2011, may be read here.

Learn More

Michigan Municipal League 
MLA Joins Replace Don’t Erase Personal Property Tax Coalition 
Replace, Don’t Erase Michigan’s Personal Property Tax   
Mlive.com: Kalamazoo and Portage officials want to keep personal property tax 
Mlive.com: Local officials want guaranteed replacement if business property taxes are cut 

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eBook Help Desk @ Central

Dec 13, 2011 05:37:43 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Just get an ereader? Maybe you're thinking about giving one as a gift? Wonder how they work with library books? Drop by the Central Library for help. In response to growing interest in ebooks, we set up an ebook help desk on the first floor. You'll find a number of handouts that explain how to download library ebooks to the most popular ereaders, plus a glossary of ebook terms, and two comparisons of ereader devices. Staff members will be at the desk to answer questions from 12-1 pm, Monday through Friday, as well as some afternoon and early evening hours.

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KPL Wins State History Award

Oct 5/, 2011 08:59:26 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo Public Library recently won a State History Award for the All About Kalamazoo section of KPL’s Local History website in the Communications: Newsletters and Websites category.

The section features nearly 600 interconnected web pages and covers more than 20 categories. The pages include information about people and places from Kalamazoo’s past, researched and written by members of the Kalamazoo Public Library staff. The award citation proclaimed KPL’s Local History website “an invaluable resource for researchers ranging from middle school students competing in History Day to genealogists.”

The Historical Society of Michigan presented its 2011 State History Awards at the 137th Annual Meeting and State History Conference held September 23-25, 2011, in Traverse City. The awards were presented at the annual awards reception and banquet. KPL’s webmaster Keith Howard accepted the award on behalf of Kalamazoo Public Library from Sharon Carlson, member of the Historical Society of Michigan board of trustees.

Each year the Historical Society of Michigan presents a State History Award to those individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the appreciation and understanding of Michigan history. Judging criteria include excellence of achievement by an individual or organization in the collection, preservation and promotion of state and local history.

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Catalog Unavailable Next Weekend

Aug 24, 2011 08:57:16 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Due to system upgrades, the Kalamazoo Public Library catalog and patron accounts (My Account) will be unavailable on Labor Day weekend from 5:00 pm on Saturday, September 3, to early afternoon on Sunday, September 4. We're sorry for any inconvenience this causes!

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Where's My Account?

Aug 15, 2011 11:47:48 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Thanks to patrons' comments, we've made it easier for you to login to your KPL account!

Clicking My Account at the top middle of every page on the KPL website will take you to your account login. Enter your User Id and your PIN and click Login to My Account. From there, you can review what you've checked out, renew items, and more.

As long as you remain in the library catalog, you will be logged in. If you click away from the catalog, to check a page in the library's or any other website, you will be logged out. That's a safety feature of the catalog—it protects your personal information by logging you out when you leave the catalog.

Questions about your account? Visit the Account Help webpage, call 553-7806, or ask a library staff member for help when you visit the library.

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No More Paper Notices

Aug 15, 2011 10:30:58 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

October 1, 2011, KPL will discontinue mailing paper overdue and hold notices. After that date, patrons will receive messages from the library by email, phone, or text.

KPL currently mails more than 2,500 notices using ink, paper, and postage every month. Email, phone, and text will save money and reduce KPL’s environmental impact.

Beginning in July, KPL encouraged patrons to help this effort by updating their library account, through the “Verify My Record” contest, now underway at all five KPL locations.

There’s still time to enter! Tell KPL how you want to receive overdue and hold notices from the library—by email, phone, or text—and make sure all your personal information is up-to-date.

Fill out the contest entry form at your neighborhood library by September 3. Don’t delay! You could win an Apple iPad, Kindle 3G, or iTunes gift card.

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Do You Read KPS's Excelsior?

Jun 24, 2011 02:00:08 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Do your child(ren) attend the Kalamazoo Public Schools? Do you read the schools’ Excelsior newspaper when it arrives in your mail each month? Then we want your opinion!

KPL published a full page ad on the back of Excelsior from January through June of 2011. The ad featured a listing of children’s, tween, teen, and adult events for the upcoming month.

If you read Excelsior, we want to know if you saw the ad and what you thought of it. Please take this brief survey.

At the end of the survey, you may share your contact information to be entered in a thank you prize drawing at the end of the summer. Prizes include five gift certificates to Bookbug in Oakwood Plaza. Winners will be notified by phone or email.

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Answer Survey, Enter Contest!

Jun 17, 2011 03:53:00 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Do you ever visit the library looking for a good book to read, music to listen to, or movie to watch?

Please check out these web pages designed to help readers, listeners, and viewers then answer one or more of three brief surveys. Your answers will help us better meet patrons’ needs through the website.

The surveys will be available through July 10. Those who wish to enter thank-you prize drawings will be asked to provide contact information. Prize winners will be contacted the following week.

Thanks for your help!

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Bookstore Overflowing!

Jun 2/, 2011 03:23:08 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

The Friends of Kalamazoo Public Library respectfully request that donors delay dropping off books for the Friends until after June 6, 2011. All Friends’ storage areas are literally overflowing with books as they await their giant Super Saturday Sidewalk Sale, this Saturday, June 4, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.

After the thousands of books that typically sell on Saturday have found new homes, the Friends will once again gratefully accept your donations. You may drop books, movies, and music in the slot outside the Friends store or place them on the Friends cart inside the back entrance during the Central Library’s open hours.

If you're a book lover, be sure to stop by early on Saturday for super bargains. You’ll find plenty of fiction (general fiction, mystery, sci-fi, and romance), assorted nonfiction, lots of children’s books, lots of large print. Books are 10¢ each or buy a bag full for just $2. You can help the Friends by bringing your own bag. Proceeds help support the library.

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Party in Bronson Park on June 1

May 31, 2011 09:24:28 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Bring your preschoolers to a special party in Bronson Park tomorrow, June 1, from 10 to 11 am. The weather looks glorious—sunny and mid-70s—perfect for a morning storytime with community leaders and costumed storybook characters.

Ready to Read, Kalamazoo Public Library’s early childhood literacy program, hosts this event with the support of KRESA’s Ready, Set, Succeed and Child Care Resources. Each child who attends will receive a healthy snack, juice and a gift book courtesy of KPL.

RSVP 269-553-7886.

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Library Closed Memorial Day

May 24, 2011 09:58:16 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

All Kalamazoo Public Library locations will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2011. Summer hours resume on Tuesday, May 31.

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Central Library on Summer Hours

May 24, 2011 09:56:26 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Summer hours start this week at Kalamazoo Public Library's downtown location, 315 S. Rose St. Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon service will resume at Central Library after Labor Day, September 5, 2011.

Throughout June, July and August, Central Library’s hours of operation will be:

• Monday, 9 am - 9 pm
• Tuesday, 9 am - 9 pm
• Wednesday, 9 am - 9 pm
• Thursday, 9 am - 6 pm
• Friday, 9 am - 6 pm
• Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm
• Sunday, closed

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Library Installs New Computers

Apr 8/, 2011 12:45:45 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo Public Library recently replaced its current “thin clients” with new stand-alone computers April 11-13 at all five library locations. The new computers are equipped with larger, wide screen monitors, CD burners, and USB ports so patrons can use their own flash drives to save documents and files.

The USB ports also accept external floppy disk drives and memory card readers. Both can be borrowed for use in the library, making it easier for patrons to upload photos from cameras to sites like Facebook and Flickr, as well as email. With headphones (bring your own or buy from KPL for just $2.75), every computer is a listening and watching station!

The computers run the Windows 7 operating system. Software installed includes Microsoft Office 2010, featuring the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, OneNote planner and note taking software, Publisher, Picture Manager, and Clip Organizer, to arrange and catalog clip art and other media files.

Additional features include an easy typing tutorial and Zoom Text, magnification and reading software for the vision impaired. Plus, patrons can now search the internet with both Firefox and Internet Explorer web browsers. At the end of each computer session, the computer will automatically reboot, improving patron privacy.

Come try out the new computers! Library cardholders receive free internet access for up to two hours a day. All computer users may print to library printers for just 10¢ a page. Need help using the library’s computers? Tech interns now offer basic support 40 hours each week at the Central Library. Hours vary. Call 553-7801 to learn when an intern will be available. Read each intern’s blog on the technology page.

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Fine Forgiveness During Reading Together

Feb 23, 2011 03:00:50 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Author Tracy Kidder explores the nature of forgiveness in the 2011 Reading Together selection, Strength in What Remains. Kalamazoo Public Library will honor the theme of forgiveness by forgiving library patrons’ overdue fines throughout Reading Together, from March 4 through April 16, 2011.

Get a fresh start! Don’t let overdue fines keep you from using the library. Visit any Kalamazoo Public Library location during the six weeks of Reading Together and ask a staff member at the checkout desk to forgive your overdue fines.

All library materials must be returned in good condition, either during these forgiveness weeks or earlier. This amnesty does not include replacement fees for lost or damaged materials, only for overdue fines.

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Reading Together This Week

Feb 7/, 2011 12:17:15 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Reading Together launches this Thursday, February 10, 6:30 pm, at the Central Library with the program “Appreciating Kidder.”  Dr. William Combs, Western Michigan University professor emeritus of English, examines Reading Together 2011 author Tracy Kidder’s writing and reveals why readers and reviewers praise his research and insight.

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Looking for LEGOs

Feb 7/, 2011 12:09:22 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Have your kids outgrown their LEGO collection? Then please consider donating them to Kalamazoo Public Library for our popular LEGO clubs! Help future designers, engineers, artists, historians, and more (ages 5-12 years) explore their talents and build amazing Lego creations—skyscrapers, castles, spaceships, hotrods, trains, whatever they can dream up. Drop off your clean Legos at any KPL location. Thanks!

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Reading Together Website Launches

Jan 26, 2011 04:18:29 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Check out the Reading Together 2011 website! Reading Together invites people of all ages from all walks of life to read and then discuss important issues raised by a single book. Since 2003, thousands of county residents have participated in seven previous Reading Together programs.

We’re reading Tracy Kidder’s Strength in What Remains in 2011. The new website features pages about the author, the book, and Deogratias “Deo” Niyizonkiza, the subject of Kidder’s compelling, true story, and the winner of a 2010 Womens Refugee Commission Voices of Courage Award.

You’ll find the the full slate of great programs on the website, beginning with Appreciating Kidder on Thursday, February 10, at 6:30 pm. William Combs, WMU professor emeritus of English, will discuss Kidder’s writing and reveal why readers and reviewers praise his research and insight.

Join a discussion group! Talk about the book with other readers at groups all over town, beginning Tuesday, March 1, at 7:00 pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Keep in touch with Reading Together. Subscribe to the eNews and read the blog. 

Learn more about Reading Together.

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KPL App Debuts!

Jan 26, 2011 03:56:57 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Use the new Kalamazoo Public Library App to access basic KPL information with your iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad (iOS 3.2 or later). Download KPL’s app for free from the App Store.

Search the catalog for books, movies, or music, then put the item you find on hold; see the hottest title, author, subject; and browse fiction, nonfiction, movies, and music lists to discover KPL’s newest titles. Instantly link to a great variety of recommended reading and best seller lists.

Need to renew an item or check what you have on hold? Click the catalog icon, then Login to My Account. Enter your KPL card ID number and your PIN (usually the last four digits of your phone number). Tap the drop down labeled Local Information then select My Account.

New to Kalamazoo Public Library? Use the app to find locations and maps, check hours, and call each location. Read the latest KPL tweets for news and events.

Don’t have an iPhone? The Android App is coming soon!

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Holiday Hours - Library and Bookstore

Dec 10, 2010 11:11:42 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

All Kalamazoo Public Library locations will be closed on the following days:

• Friday, December 24, 2010
• Saturday, December 25
• Sunday, December 26

Normal hours resume on Monday, December 27.

Holiday closures continue on the following days:

• Friday, December 31
• Saturday, January 1, 2011
• Sunday, January 2

Normal hours resume on Monday, January 3.

The Friends Bookstore will be closed the week of December 27 and resume normal hours on Wednesday, January 5, at 12 noon.

The Kalamazoo Public Library trustees, staff and Friends wish you a happy holiday season.

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Contest Winners Announced

Oct 4/, 2010 05:08:28 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

To celebrate Banned Books Week, Kalamazoo Public Library and the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan Southwestern Branch sponsored a Banned Books Week Art Contest and Celebration during the October 1, 2010, Art Hop in downtown Kalamazoo.

Artists were invited to create original art for the contest inspired by one of the following five frequently challenged or banned books.

Uncle Bobby’s Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
TTYL by Lauren Myracle

The winners were announced following a readout of the five books. The adult winner took home a $500 award from the ACLU; the student winner received $150. Honorable Mention and People’s Choice winners received copies of the five books.

Adult Category (artists over the age of 18 years)

Winner—Sandy Olson, “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Honorable Mention—Ann Marks, “Persistence of Memory”
People’s Choice—Beverly Fitzpatrick, “A Two-Sided Scene”

Student Category (artists in grades 7-12)

Winner—Marissa Morgan, “Keep Reading Them”
Honorable Mention—Katy Munn, “Innocence”
People’s Choice—Destine Price, “Trophy to the Twilight Readers”

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Teach an Adult to Read

Aug 30, 2010 08:41:06 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Tutors wanted! The Kalamazoo Literacy Council is seeking patient, caring adults willing to help another adult learn to read and write. Tutors work with just one adult learner two hours a week, for a minimum commitment of one year, at a time and place convenient for both tutor and learner. Tutors often find they gain as much from sessions as learners. The Literacy Council currently supports 75 active tutor-learner pairs, but more than 20 prospective students need tutors.

The Literacy Council trains tutors in the internationally recognized Laubach Way to Reading, designed specifically for volunteers working with adults. The method allows learners to work at their own pace, with tutoring customized to their own needs, to develop basic reading and writing skills. The next training session will be held September 11 and 18, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, for a total of 12 hours.

Sadly, 13% of Kalamazoo County adults (approximately 31,000) cannot read well enough to share a bedtime story with a child or understand memos from school. Adult learners seeking help from the Literacy Council range from 18 years to senior citizens. Many are motivated by a desire to read to their children or grandchildren, or to help them with their homework. Other learners want to read the Bible or earn a GED.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer tutor, please contact Andrea Enyedi, Literacy Office, Kalamazoo Public Library, 553-7885.

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Branch Hours Reduced

Jul 30, 2010 06:15:31 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo Public Library’s Board of Trustees voted to reduce service hours at all four branch libraries and the Law Library in July. Law Library hours changed in September; branch changes take effect December 1, 2010.

Branch library hours change December 1.

Oshtemo Branch Library 

• Monday, 10 am - 8 pm
• Tuesday, 12 pm - 8 pm
• Wednesday and Thursday, 10 am - 6 pm
• Friday and Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm

Eastwood, Powell, and Washington Square

• Monday and Wednesday, 1 pm - 6 pm
• Tuesday, 1 pm - 8 pm
• Thursday, 10 am - 6 pm
• Friday, 10 am - 5 pm
• Saturday, 9 am - 12 noon, Eastwood and Washington Square only

Why reduce branch library hours?

Kalamazoo Public Library receives 92.5% of its revenue from library district property taxes. The library’s revenue has decreased almost $900,000, about 7% of the annual budget since 2008. Experts estimate that property tax values will continue to drop statewide.

To meet these budget challenges, the library has eliminated the bookmobile, reduced budgets in many areas, reduced salaried staff by 9 FTEs and significantly cut hourly staff, and begun a strategic planning process to better determine what services are most needed and valued in the community. With the staff reductions, the library can no longer effectively cover all current open hours in all locations.

A total of 33 branch and Law Library service hours will be reduced systemwide, reducing costs by approximately $145,000.

How did the library determine the new hours?

The recommended changes are based on a review of circulation statistics, computer use, and staff observation. The new open hours reflect the busiest times at each branch location. Powell Branch Library will be closed on Saturday because the Douglass Community Association building, home of the library, is closed.

Aside from the Law Library, hours will not change at the Central Library. As Director Rohrbaugh says, ‘The Education Community’ needs a main library that’s open every weekday evening during the school year to serve students.” A total of 33 hours will be reduced system-wide.

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Banned Books Art Contest

Jul 22, 2010 05:39:55 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

To celebrate Banned Books Week, Kalamazoo Public Library and the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan Southwestern Branch are sponsoring a Banned Books Week Art Contest and Celebration during the October 1 Art Hop in downtown Kalamazoo.

Artists are invited to create original art for the contest inspired by one of the following five frequently challenged or banned books.

Uncle Bobby’s Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
TTYL by Lauren Myracle

The contest is open to artists residing in southwest Michigan. Artwork should be submitted in one of two categories: Adult, artists over the age of 18 years; or Student, artists in grades 7-12.

Entries must be received by mail no later than Wednesday, September 29. Hand-delivered entries will be accepted Tuesday, September 28, and Wednesday, September 29, between 9 am to 9 pm, at Kalamazoo Public Library, 315 S. Rose St. An entry form (available online) must accompany artwork.

The ACLU will award First Place cash prizes in two categories: $500 to the Adult winner and $150 to the Student winner. One Honorable Mention and one People's Choice will also be awarded in each category.

Art contest winners will be announced Friday, October 1, during the Art Hop Reception, from 5:00-8:00 pm, at Kalamazoo Public Library. The celebration will also include a Banned Books Readout, from 6:00-7:30 pm, featuring local personalities. All submitted art work will be displayed at Kalamazoo Public Library from October 1-8.

Please contact KPL’s Kevin King or the ACLU’s Jacquelyn Taylor, jvmt@yahoo.com, with any questions about the art contest.

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Parking Rates Rise Downtown

Jun 9/, 2010 10:27:35 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Parking in public lots and at meters in downtown Kalamazoo will cost more beginning July 1. However, rates and enforcement hours at unattended parking lots, like the one behind the Central Library, will remain the same.

The unattended parking lot behind Central Library will still cost $.85 an hour, with a maximum permitted parking time of two hours. The lot will continue to be enforced Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Rates at attended parking facilities will go from the current $1.15 to $1.20 an hour, with the maximum all-day rate rising to $9.25 from $9.20 currently.

Parking meters will go up 25 cents per hour, to $1.50, for short-term meters. Also up 25 cents, to $2, for long-term meters for parking up to 10 hours. Metered parking will be enforced from 6 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, instead of from 8 am to 5 pm.

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Bookmobile Sold!

Apr 26, 2010 03:50:08 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

NOTE: Sold. Kalamazoo Public Library’s bookmobile. This 1994 Venture Farber Specialty Vehicle features a GM 210.7” wheelbase, 427 cubic inch V8 with electronic fuel injection, 4-speed automatic transmission, GVWR 23,100 lbs., 119,000+ miles, generator, front and rear furnaces, air conditioning, and wheelchair lift door. The vehicle has been well maintained and serviced. Now asking just $19,000 or best offer. For additional information, please contact Stan at 269-553-7893, StanW@kpl.gov; or Diane at 269-553-7856, DianeS@kpl.gov.

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Suggest a Reading Together Book

Apr 12, 2010 11:40:53 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Reading Together concludes this week with the presentation Lessons From the Past.

Please share your thoughts about this year’s program using this short online survey—it will only take about 3-4 minutes. Your feedback will help us plan for the future.

While you’re thinking about Reading Together, please suggest titles, themes/issues, or programs for next year using this online form or write to Reading Together.

Thanks!

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Reading Together Concludes April 15

Apr 12, 2010 11:29:21 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Reading Together concludes on April 15 with Lessons From the Past, an inspiring presentation by Frank Kitamoto a Bainbridge Island resident who was interned at Manzanar as a child during WWII. 

As the president of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community, Dr. Kitamoto helped produce “For the Sake of the Children,” a photo exhibit that documents four generation of Japanese Americans on Bainbridge Island—the real life inspiration for San Piedro Island in David Guterson’s novel, Snow Falling on Cedars.

Kitamoto suggests that “lessons from the past help us not just to survive, but to come alive in a multi-cultural community...diversity, equality and humanism are the true strengths that make our country, the United States of America, so special and admired in the eyes of the world.”

The evening includes a performance by the Kalamazoo College Taiko Drumming Troupe. The photo exhibit “For the Sake of the Children” will also be on display during the event on Thursday, April 15, 6:30 pm, at the First Baptist Church, 315 W. Michigan Ave.

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Prom Dresses Needed

Mar 23, 2010 10:35:15 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Help local high school girls get ready for their prom! Kalamazoo Public Library will offer the third annual Prom Prep event on Saturday, April 10, from 1-3 pm. Last year, Teen Services staff members were able to match more than 75 girls with prom essentials!

Teen Services will gratefully accept donations of formalwear, jewelry, evening purses, shoes, or any other prom-related accessory up to the day of the event. Please bring your donations to the Teen Services desk any time during library hours.

Questions? Call Jill or Amanda, the staff members coordinating this event, at 553-7807 or email teens@kpl.gov. Help Teen Services make prom night special!

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Bookmobile Service Ends March 31

Feb 19, 2010 02:12:12 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo Public Library’s bookmobile will retire after more than 50 years of service on March 31, 2010. A farewell celebration will be held during the bookmobile’s final week on the road. Details will be announced later.

In October 2009, KPL’s board of trustees decided to end bookmobile service no later than the end of the current fiscal year, June 30—the final date to be set after bookmobile staff could be reassigned elsewhere in the library. Staff retirements and resignations have now made that possible. All current bookmobile staff will continue to work in other areas of the library.

Bookmobile service started late in 1956 as a way to reach residents in growing suburban areas, at a time when many households had just one car, KPL’s neighborhood services were far less developed, and the downtown library was outgrowing its original 1893 building.

The world has changed since then! About 600 of the library’s 45,000 patrons checked out a total of 26,459 items from the bookmobile last year—less than 3% of the library’s total circulation. In contrast, 375,088 unique visitors accessed 21,134 pages on KPL’s website 2,117,508 times. KPL’s website has truly become a very busy virtual branch.

In these challenging economic times, the library is cutting costs to meet declining revenue. In the last two years, KPL has reduced energy use; delayed equipment purchases; trimmed funds for materials; dropped positions and reassigned work following retirements and resignations. Those measures are no longer enough—now we have to weigh the cost and effectiveness of all library services in terms of the entire community’s needs.

Sadly, KPL can no longer afford to offer bookmobile service. Fortunately, many bookmobile patrons already use other KPL locations. A small number of current bookmobile users cannot travel elsewhere. Staff members will seek to meet those patrons’ needs through existing services, like Via Mail (books-by-mail) and deposit collections.

The library director’s complete report and recommendation to the board is available online, www.kpl.gov/bookmobile.

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Saturday Bookmobile Stops End

Dec 18, 2009 04:39:45 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

December 19, 2009, was the last Saturday that Kalamazoo Public Library’s bookmobile will make stops in the community. Saturday stops and the weekday stops that are closest to them are listed below.

The Eventide at Siesta, Winchell School and Old Colony stops are closest to:

• Madison at Amherst, 3500 Madison St, Monday, 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm
• D&W, corner of Oakland & Parkview, Monday, 6:30 pm - 8 pm
• Parkview Hills Clubhouse, 3707 Greenleaf Cir, Wednesday, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

The Greenwood Reformed Church is closest to:

• Corklane Shopping Center, Tuesday, 6:30 pm - 7 pm

The Whitegate Lane at Powderhorn stop is closest to:

• Hope Woods, 5749 Stadium Dr, Wednesday, 1:15 pm - 2 pm

KPL realizes that some patrons cannot travel to the library’s downtown or branch locations. The Patron Services department is considering deposit collections at additional locations. Homebound patrons—those who cannot visit the library because of age, poor health, or disability—may call the Via Mail coordinator to learn if they qualify for home delivery service, 553-7809.

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Garden Blues

Dec 18, 2009 04:23:38 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Are you yearning to get your hands back in the dirt? Can't wait to browse those seed catalogs arriving in the mail? Then you'll probably enjoy these two programs in February at the Central Library.

Soil: The Web of Life, February 4, 7 pm

Learn some practical ways to promote soil health and provide better food for ourselves.

Recycle in Your Yard, February 9, 7 pm

Explore neighbor-friendly ways to compost to save money and the environment.

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Bookmobile Service to Be Discontinued

Nov 11, 2009 04:33:34 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

At their regular monthly meeting on October 26, 2009, Kalamazoo Public Library’s board of trustees very reluctantly decided to phase out bookmobile service by no later than the end of the current fiscal year, June 30, 2010.

Kalamazoo Public Library, like most other organizations, is facing budget constraints. Earlier this year, KPL asked voters to support a 20-year renewal of the library’s operating millage at the same rate of 2.7782. Voters approved the request by a 3-to-1 margin. However, passing the millage at the same rate does not guarantee the same revenue to the library. 92% of KPL’s revenue comes from property taxes. As property tax values drop, KPL’s revenue drops, while costs for many items continue to rise.

The State Treasurer has forecast a 6.5% drop in taxable value statewide; we anticipate a 5% drop here in Kalamazoo. This drop, combined with additional revenue cuts in state aid and other income sources, will require another $550,000 cut in next year’s budget.

Until now, KPL has met budget constraints by reducing energy use, delaying equipment purchases, trimming funds for books, movies, music, newspapers, magazines, and more. We’ve also eliminated positions and reassigned work following retirements and resignations. Those measures are no longer enough—we have to look for greater cost savings. Dropping bookmobile service will realize annual savings in staff costs, library materials, oil and gas, repairs, and various supplies.

About 600 patrons checked out a total of 26,459 items from the bookmobile last year—less than 3% of the library’s total circulation. While we share the disappointment of bookmobile patrons, we know many of them also use other KPL locations. Bookmobile staff estimate that about 68-80 current bookmobile users cannot travel elsewhere. We will seek to meet their needs through existing services, like Via Mail (books-by-mail) and deposit collections at senior residences.

Read the library director’s complete Bookmobile Report and recommendation to the board.

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Holiday Book Drive for Ready to Read

Nov 10, 2009 04:34:06 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Donate books to Ready to Read, Kalamazoo Public Library’s early childhood literacy program, at Barnes & Noble during its annual Holiday Book Drive, from November 1 to January 10.

Barnes & Noble stores across the country invite customers to give the gift of reading to children with the launch of its annual Holiday Book Drive. The Holiday Book Drive offers customers the opportunity to donate books to locally designated non-profit organizations.

Holiday Book Drive recipients throughout the country include schools, libraries, literacy organizations, family social service agencies, and homeless centers. This year, the local Barnes & Noble, 6134 S. Westnedge Ave., will collect books for Ready to Read.

“Each Barnes & Noble can partner with a non-profit local organization of its choice to benefit from the Holiday Book Drive. It’s a great opportunity for our stores and customers to come together to donate new books for children in the community who really need them,” said Sarah DiFrancesco, community relations director. “On a national level, Barnes & Noble will make donations to literacy charities across the country.”

To learn more or find out how to participate in the Holiday Book Drive, call Kirsten Fredrickson, Barnes & Noble’s local community relations manager, 269-327-9589.

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Remodeling Project Starts at Central

Oct 2/, 2009 10:15:43 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Big changes to the Central Library’s first floor area start Monday, October 5—changes that will allow KPL to utilize funds better. Demolition starts with the laying of tile in a previously carpeted area in front of the curving staircase to the second floor. The work will culminate with the remodeling of Central’s checkout desk.

A generous anonymous bequest allowed KPL to install a modern inventory system using Radio Frequency Identification from 3M Library Systems—the same system installed by Kent District Library, KPL’s northern neighbor. Read about KDL’s success in enhancing customer service. With RFID, patrons can quickly and easily check out their own items. RFID means convenience, speed, and self-sufficiency for patrons.

RFID also means fewer staff will be needed at the checkout desk. Instead, they’ll be freed to more quickly check in materials and put them back on the shelves for patrons to borrow. This change will help KPL manage its evergrowing circulation. Last year, KPL loaned 29% more DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and 9% more books—a total increase of 14% more than last year, to almost a million items.

KPL will create three new, smaller checkout stations in a new location during this process. These stations will allow patrons to quickly and easily check out their own items. The old checkout desk will be replaced with two streamlined staffed stations plus an open shelving area for patrons to pick up their own holds. A computer will be installed in the check out area to allow patrons to apply for a library card online.

A new website page features the new floor plan, an architectural drawing of the area, and a renovation blog to keep patrons informed as the work progresses throughout the fall.

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Enter Banned Books Art Contest

Sep 15, 2009 01:22:05 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

To celebrate Banned Books Week, Kalamazoo Public Library and the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan Southwestern Branch are sponsoring a Banned Books Week Art Contest. The ACLU will award a grand prize of $150 to the show winner.

Artists of all ages are invited to create original art for the contest inspired by one of the following five frequently challenged books.

• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
• Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
• Animal Farm by George Orwell
• And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
• Harry Potter (any book in series) by J. K. Rowling

Entries should be delivered to KPL on Wednesday, September 30, or Thursday, October 1, from 9 am - 9 pm. (Please note that the earlier submission date of September 25 published in the Library LINK newsletter was incorrect.) 

Art contest winners will be announced Friday, October 2, 6-8 pm, during the Art Hop at Kalamazoo Public Library. All submitted art work will be displayed at Kalamazoo Public Library from October 3-9.

The Art Hop on October 2 will also include a Banned Books Read-out, featuring local celebrities Bonnie Jo Campbell, Garrard McLeod, Lori Moore, Keith Thompson, and Von Washington.

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Reciprocal Borrowing Changes

Sep 15, 2009 12:58:03 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Effective September 15, Kalamazoo Public Library, Portage District Library, and Willard Public Library will limit the number of items reciprocal borrowers can reserve to a total of three.

Other libraries in the Kalamazoo area that have reciprocal agreements with Kalamazoo Public Library either have or may soon establish similar limits. Regular users of reciprocal borrowing services should be aware that some aspects of their service may be changing.

As library usage has increased dramatically during the recent economic crisis, area libraries may set other limits to improve access to new books, movies, or other high demand items for taxpayers in their service area. While reciprocal borrowing was established to provide better access to library materials throughout the broader community, each library must also set polices that best serve the needs of its taxpayers.

A few Kalamazoo Public Library services have always been reserved for library district residents—including Hot Picks, Book Club in a Bag, Book My Favorites, MeLCat, and home access to some databases. The library board respects KPL taxpayers’ support; they encourage library management to reserve KPL’s more time intensive and costly services for KPL taxpayers. Nonresident, reciprocal borrowers may choose to pay an annual fee to get a KPL card with full borrowing privileges.

For further information, please refer to the list of reciprocal libraries.

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READ Poster Photo Shoot at Summer Party

Aug 21, 2009 03:02:44 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

During the End-of-Summer Reading Party, summer reading game players may have their photo taken for a READ poster. They may bring their own special book from home or borrow one from the library shelves for their photo, which only takes a few minutes to shoot.

Some famous faces show their support for the simple but powerful message—READ—on posters published by the American Library Association. Kalamazoo has its own set of READ posters featuring local faces: patrons, KPS teachers and administrators, and some local celebrities. The posters have been used to create bookmarks, banners, print ad, and to wrap the KPL delivery van.

If you played a summer reading game, don't miss the party on Sunday, August 30, from 2-5 pm, at the Central Library! We'll have live music from the popular band Lake Effect; crafts, bingo and other games; face painting and caricatures; play Guitar Hero, ROCK BAND, and other video games; refreshments and door prizes.

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KPL Librarian Tells Tales on the Trail

Jul 17, 2009 05:28:37 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Judi Rambow, Powell Branch lead librarian, will offer two special outdoor storytimes on Friday, July 24, and Friday, August 21, at 10 am, on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail (KRVT) next to the Powell Branch Library, 1000 W Paterson St. Ms Rambow will read stories for children ages 3-5 years and their families about enjoying the outdoors, health and fitness. Call 373-5073 to register or for more information.

Tales on the Trail storytimes are part of a KRVT summer program series, including nature walks, family scavenger hunts, local history walks, and more. Programming on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail has been made possible thanks to a generous grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail opened in 2008. It currently extends 4.8 miles from the Kal-Haven Trailhead at 10th St., to Westnedge Ave. in downtown Kalamazoo. The seventh park in the Kalamazoo County Park system, the trail was funded by private donations and matching enhancement grants from the Michigan Department of Transportation.

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SCORE Execs Offer Free Counseling

Jul 17, 2009 05:24:31 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Learn from experienced business leaders who have been there, done that. Members of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) will offer two counseling sessions for small business owners and entrepreneurs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. July 23 at the downtown Central Library. Registration is required. To sign up, call SCORE at 381-5382 or email info@scorekazoo.org.

During the sessions, counselors will discuss how a potential or existing business can thrive and grow in today’s challenging economic climate. Small business counseling from SCORE can help businesses:

• Increase value by growing sales, earnings and cash flow
• Identify and solve problems
• Develop business plans
• Develop marketing and promotion
• Integrate online and off-line business strategies
• Provide access to small business resources

The Kalamazoo Chapter of SCORE also offers a series of low-cost, high-value workshops several times throughout the year. Specifically tailored for the entrepreneur and small business owner, these working sessions provide the tools necessary to start or improve a small business.

Members of SCORE are known as “Counselors to America’s Small Business.” Through the organization, working and retired business executives and business owners make their experience, knowledge and talent available to small businesses in need of assistance with business plan development, accounting and taxes, marketing and loan applications.

Headquartered in Herndon, VA, and Washington, DC, SCORE was founded in 1964. Today, there are 370 chapters nationwide, and some 11,200 volunteers offer their time and talent to small businesses.

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KPL Board Opening Announced

Jun 23, 2009 09:45:42 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

At its June 22 monthly meeting, the Kalamazoo Public Library board of trustees approved a process for filling a trustee position that became vacant with the resignation of trustee Ian Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy will be moving out of the Kalamazoo Public Library district. His current term would have ended June 30, 2013, however his vacant seat will be filled by appointment only until 2011, the date of the next library board of trustees election.

Application Deadline July 17

Persons interested in serving on the board of trustees are invited to send a letter of interest and a description of their qualifications to the board no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17. Trustees must be registered voters within the Kalamazoo Public Library district, which encompasses the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Township, Oshtemo Township, and the Kalamazoo Public Schools district.

Letters may be mailed, hand delivered, faxed, or emailed to

• Board of Trustees
• c/o Martha Coash
• Kalamazoo Public Library
• 315 S. Rose St.
• Kalamazoo MI 49007
• Fax 269-553-7999
• Email marthac@kpl.gov

Committee to Review Applications

A committee comprised of trustees Cynthia Addison, Lisa Godfrey, and current board president Valerie Wright will review applicants’ letters and credentials. If several qualified citizens apply, the committee may choose to interview candidates. The committee expects to present a recommendation to the full board at their August 24, 2009, meeting. A majority vote of the board will fill the vacated seat.

To learn more about the board of trustees, to read minutes of past meetings, or to see a schedule of upcoming meetings, please visit the Kalamazoo Public Library website. Please call Martha Coash, assistant to the library director, with any questions at 269-553-7826.

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Shout Sister Shout to Perform at KPL

Jun 9/, 2009 12:09:08 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Rachel Davis and the boys from Steppin’ In It will present a free concert at Kalamazoo Public Library, 315 S Rose St, June 17 at 7:00 p.m.

Davis and Steppin’ In It, both past performers at KPL, joined forces as a new quintet, Shout Sister Shout (named after the Sister Rosetta Tharpe classic), in 2006 after playing concerts as a double-bill. See video clips of previous KPL performances by Rachel Davis and Steppin’ In It on YouTube.

Although Davis and Steppin’ In It both enjoy national reputations for folk repertoires, Shout Sister Shout stretches them in the realm of old-time American Jazz with torch swing numbers mixed with bluesy ballads. Steppin’ In It is known for their revival of old-time music, and its performers provide an ideal backdrop for the shimmering vocal versatility of Rachel Davis. The Detroit Metro Times says: “The quintet is a tribute to the smoky, sophisticated sound of the 1930s and 40s jazz, with plenty of influence from Cole Porter, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole Trio and Sarah Vaughn, and it’s a trip to hear Davis channel those old greats.”

About Rachel Davis

Born in Lansing, Michigan, Davis spend nearly six years in Chicago before her musician parents settled in Cadillac, Michigan, where encouraging family members, friends and other musicians nurtured her developing talent. Davis has spent most of her life involved with music in one way or another. In 2001 she moved to Boston where she won a Boston Music Award for Best New Singer-Songwriter. In 2003, Davis won the grand prize in the Telluride Bluegrass Festival’s Troubadour Contest. The Detroit Free Press says, “Davis commands a voice older than her years, an instrument that is equally sure expressing strength and vulnerability, and her songwriting is fearlessly eclectic.”

About Steppin’ In It

Celebrating Amercian roots music, Steppin' In It is an acoustic quartet with hearts based in tradition and minds forever moving in creative directions. The combination of multi-instrumentalists Andy and Joe Wilson, upright bassist Dominic Suchyta and singer/songwriter Joshua Davis is a rootsy roller coaster ride of original and traditional music. Playing everything from blues to bluegrass, calypso to cajun, woeful waltzes to western swing, Steppin' In It has become one of Michigan's most sought after live acts. — CD Baby

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Business Startups – Down & Dirty

Jun 9/, 2009 11:36:10 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Jim Coyle and Tom Earll of Nexus Business Solutions will help prospective business owners discover if they have what it takes to start and maintain their own business in an engaging program called Down & Dirty on June 10, 6:30 to 8:00 pm, at the Central Library, 315 S Rose St.

“The program is the look before you leap part of the process,” says Nexus Chief Advisor, Jim Coyle. “We will explore four basic factors—people, time, money and resources. The better one is at managing these, the greater the chance he has of being successful in his own business.” Participants will learn the only reason businesses fail and the number one mistake made in marketing a small business. Then they will learn how to avoid these common pitfalls from leaders who have deep real-business experience.

About the Presenters

Jim Coyle has a diverse background in corporate consulting and has worked with firms such as Allstate, Ocean Spray, Accenture and Bombardier. He has owned and operated several small businesses, including a restaurant/bar, a property management firm and several investment companies. He currently owns a number of real estate companies. Jim is also active in teaching small business management and works with Kalamazoo College, the Northside Economic Potential Group and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Tom Earll is a Nexus Advisor with broad domestic and international experience in business and information technology.

Nexus Business Solutions helps companies re-engage their drive by re-clarifying their vision. The company provides the experience, know-how and perspective to get business owners past the next crossroads, or “nexus” in the maze of small business ownership to create sustainable change and long-term growth.

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Readers Rise to Challenge

Apr 29, 2009 03:47:11 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Five student teams will compete for the Global Reading Challenge championship in this annual reading program for upper elementary students on Thursday, April 30, 7 pm, at the Central Library, 315 S Rose St.

For sixteen years, Kalamazoo Public Library has sponsored the Global Reading Challenge for fourth and fifth grade students in public and private schools throughout the library district. This popular program promotes the joy of reading and the understanding of different cultures through a rich variety of fictional characters.

All elementary schools in the Kalamazoo Public Library district are eligible to participate. This year, 71 classroom teams participated from the following schools: El Sol, Heritage Christian Academy, Kazoo School, MLK-Westwood, Lincoln, Milwood, Parkwood-Upjohn, Spring Valley, Washington, Winchell, and Woods Lake.

Teams Read Ten Books

Children’s librarians select ten books for students to read. The books offer a wide range of reading levels so students with different reading abilities can participate. This year’s books are listed online. One set of ten books is provided to each team by the library.

Librarians write questions based on factual and content information in all ten books. During a Global Reading Challenge battle, librarians ask one question of all participating teams in a high-spirited quiz bowl. Teams are allowed to confer on the answers. Points are awarded for each correct answer.

Quiz Bowl Challenges Lead to Championship Battle

From March 1 through March 31, classroom teams of up to seven students competed to represent their school in challenges at KPL’s five buildings. From April 15 through 23, those school teams will battle to represent their neighborhood branch library in the final district challenge on April 30.

All of the five Global Reading Challenge branch challenges have now taken place. Competing on April 30 will be:

• Kazoo School’s Literature Lions will represent Central Library
• Spring Valley’s Power Readers will represent Eastwood Branch
• King-Westwood’s Kings of Westwood will represent Oshtemo Branch
• Lincoln’s Shortstop Readers will represent Alma Powell Branch
• Woods Lake’s Storm Readers will represent Washington Square Branch

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Powell Branch Honors Baskerville

Apr 29, 2009 03:27:23 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo Public Library’s Alma Powell Branch will celebrate three special anniversaries with a party on April 29, 6-8 pm.

The Alma Powell Library first opened in a room at the Lincoln School in 1969 – 40 years ago – through a gift of $10,000 from Mrs. Dorothy Dalton. It was named in memory of Alma Harrod Powell, a KPL staff member from 1946 until 1967. She was a noted storyteller and enjoyed sharing her rich African heritage and love for books with children. The branch moved into the new Douglass Community Center 25 years ago to be closer to neighborhood homes and children.

Then, 20 years ago, in 1989, Powell launched the Barnabee Gallery. Dr. Walden Baskerville, a local sculptor and a psychologist at Western Michigan University, led the effort to create the gallery as a showcase for children’s art. Doris Miller, the former art coordinator for Kalamazoo Public Schools, worked with Walden on the first show in the Barnabee. She reports that the show was well received and well attended. Ms. Miller writes, “Children learned about appreciation of other’s work, gallery manners, discussions about art, etc. all of which were among the many goals that Mr. Walden had for this concept. I am happy to hear his vision lives on!”

The purpose of the Barnabee Gallery as stated in the opening program was to represent and encourage the work of young artists in the Kalamazoo Public Schools. To give students the opportunity to visit with, observe and learn from artists and authors in the community as well as learn to exhibit and discuss their own work.

Goals included increased commitment and understanding of:

• Literacy – Poetry, Writing, Story-telling
• The Arts – Folk Art, Music, Dance and Visual Arts
• Service – Contributions to the development and quality of their schools and community

The Barnabee Gallery, now a regular Art Hop site, exhibits work by a variety of artists of all ages with the help of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo.

The Dulcet Club, a social and community service club founded in 1958 by a group of prominent black women, helped with the opening reception in 1989 and will provide some of the refreshments at this reception. The party will feature food, music and a presentation to honor Dr. Baskerville for his vision and inspiration.

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ONEplace @ kpl Opens Tuesday

Mar 2/, 2009 10:08:55 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

On Tuesday, March 3, 2009, Kalamazoo Public Library opens ONEplace@ kpl, a new nonprofit management support organization (MSO), with a reception from 4:00-5:30 pm in the Central Library’s Van Deusen Room. A formal presentation will take place at 4:30 pm. Tours of ONEplace will follow.

During the presentation:

• Ann Rohrbaugh, library director, will welcome guests;
• Rick Hughey, Irving S. Gilmore Foundation executive vice president/CEO, and Dave Gardiner, Kalamazoo Community Foundation vice president for community investment, will offer opening remarks;
• Kyle Caldwell, president of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, will speak about the value of organizations like ONEplace and welcome ONEplace into the Michigan network of MSOs;
• Bobbe A. Luce, who directs ONEplace, will share the goals and opportunities planned for the center.

ONEplace @ kpl Services 

The word ONE stands for Opportunities for Nonprofit Excellence, which is why the center exists. ONEplace will offer all who lead, manage, and support nonprofit organizations in Kalamazoo County assessments and technical assistance, targeted resource referrals, training workshops, webinars, and casual, peer-learning opportunities. The ONEplace calendar already features several free workshops. Registration will be required; learn more online. The center’s comprehensive new website will also launch on March 3.

ONE place @ kpl History

The concept for ONEplace grew out of discussions by a task force of area foundation representatives and nonprofit leaders. Recognizing the challenges facing nonprofit organizations in our county, the foundations sought a centralized support center like others they studied across the state. Known as management support organizations (MSOs), each center operates through a unique model that service serves its community best.

Kalamazoo Public Library was selected by the task force to house and operate the center because of its accessibility, strong infrastructure, and neutral, information-based mission.

Major funding for ONEplace is provided by the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation with start-up support from the Greater Kalamazoo United Way, materials support from the Timothy and Bernadette Marquez Fund at the Denver Foundation, and in-kind support from the Kalamazoo Public Library.

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Board of Trustees Election May 5

Feb 3/, 2009 01:38:09 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Petitions and information for the May 5, 2009, library board of trustees election may be picked up at the administrative office on the third floor of the downtown library at 315 S. Rose Street or at the City of Kalamazoo clerk’s office at 241 W. South Street, room 104.

The Kalamazoo Public Library office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The city clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Petitions must be signed by 40-100 registered voters living within the library's district. Valid petitions must be turned in by February 10, 2009.

Three seats will be available on the library's board of trustees. Each vacancy is a four-year term expiring June 30, 2013. For more information, visit www.kpl.gov/board, call Martha Coash, assistant to the library director, at 269-553-7826, or call the City of Kalamazoo clerk's office at 269-337-8793.

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Library Board Appoints Trustee

Jan 27, 2009 04:13:30 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

At a special meeting on January 12, 2009, the Kalamazoo Public Library board of trustees appointed Ian Kennedy to fill a trustee position that became vacant with the death of board member Loren Dykstra last fall. His term will end in June 2009.

An associate with the law firm Cooper, Martin & Chojnowski, P.C., of Kalamazoo, Mr. Kennedy also serves on the Friends of Recreation Board, a Kalamazoo City Commission appointed advisory board. Mr. Kennedy lives in the Milwood neighborhood with his wife, Sarah, a law school classmate, and their young sons Charlie and Jimmy.

A committee comprised of board members Lisa Godfrey, trustee, Jim VanderRoest, treasurer, and Valerie Wright, board president, reviewed applications solicited from the public, interviewed applicants, then presented a recommendation to the board. Those trustees present at the meeting voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Kennedy.

To learn more about the board of trustees, to read minutes of past meetings, or to see a schedule of upcoming meetings here.

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Learn about the 1961 Freedom Rides

Jan 27, 2009 04:10:19 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Meet Eric Etheridge, author and photographer of the recently published book Breach of Peace: Portraits of the 1961 Mississippi Freedom Riders and Miller Green, a 1961 Freedom Rider, on Tuesday, February 24, 6:30 pm, at the Kalamazoo Public Library, 315 S Rose St.

Late in 1960, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling outlawed segregation in terminals used by interstate bus and rail services. On May 4, 1961, thirteen people traveled south on the first Freedom to test the compliance of Southern bus stations with the ruling. This, and subsequent rides, encountered increasingly violent resistance.

Though there were Freedom Rides across the South, Jackson, Mississippi, soon became the campaign’s primary focus. More than 300 Riders were arrested there and quickly convicted of breach of peace. Author and photographer Eric Etheridge came across the mug shots of all 328 Freedom Riders in 2004.

Etheridge was “immediately captivated by [their] faces … The police camera had caught something special … The resulting portraits were compelling and intense.” He decided to publish the mug shots and, where possible, include new photos and stories of the Riders in his new book, Breach of Peace: Portraits of the 1961 Mississippi Freedom Riders.

Miller Green, a high-school senior in 1961 and one of the Freedom Riders who inspired the book, will speak in Kalamazoo with Etheridge. About Green and other Riders, a Newsweek review revealed some of them “…remain in awe of the courage of their former selves.” In the article, Miller Green is quoted: “’It came down to a bunch of teenagers … who knew what the consequences could be… Yet we carried that [weight] on our shoulders.’”

From a recent Smithsonian.com review:

The legacy of the rides “could not have been more poetic,” says Robert Singleton, who connects those events to the election of Barack Obama as president. Obama was born in August 1961, Singleton notes, just when the riders were languishing in Mississippi jails and prisons, trying to “break the back of segregation for all people, but especially for the children. We put ourselves in harm’s way for a child, at the very time he came into this world, who would become our first black president.”

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New genealogy page on KPL website

Dec 6/, 2008 11:05:30 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Local History librarian Beth Timmerman recently added an updated and more easily navigated genealogy homepage to the Local History section of KPL’s website.

The new page prominently highlights many more of the Local History Room’s resources for genealogists, including the library’s comprehensive Local Information Database. This database, continually updated by library staff members, now includes close to three million citations to local newspapers and magazines about people, places, and events in Kalamazoo.

The Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society welcomed Beth as their speaker at their November meeting. Beth showcased the new genealogy page as well as the Local History section of the new KPL website for KVGS members. Many at the program were impressed with all the resources available via the Local History webpages.

Have a specific genealogy or Local History question? Contact Beth. KPL’s Local History staff members answer 600+ inquiries each month, from births, deaths, and census data to information about local events, buildings, and businesses, using databases, city directories, KPL’s own historical records, and more.

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Save a tree! Use email with KPL

Nov 25, 2008 11:17:17 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

In the autumn Library Link newsletter, the library director’s notes on the back page described Kalamazoo Public Library’s efforts to reduce the library’s impact on the environment. KPL wants to invite patrons to help with this effort by using their email to communicate with the library.

Every day, the library sends 1,000 overdue and hold notices to KPL patrons. Patrons can help the library reduce that amount of paper messages by adding their email address to their library record. Here's how:

• Give email address to check-out desk staff when they borrow materials
• Provide email address by sending a message through the website contact form
  
• Add email address to their own records by logging in to “My Account” and selecting “Change My Address Request.”

Patrons using email will receive a new courtesy alert—sent to patrons with email addresses ONLY—that warns them three days before the items they’ve borrowed are due. Plus, patrons using their email learn right away when the items they’ve put on hold are ready to be picked up—no more hold ups in snail mail!

Patrons who use email may also opt to receive the new e-newsletter—sent for the first time in November—as well as a wide variety of regularly published lists of new materials.

Patrons may be assured that KPL will never share their personal info with anyone. The library board of trustees has established several policies that guard patrons’ privacy:

• Disclosure of Registration and Circulation Records Policy
• Requests for Kalamazoo Public Library Records
• Unauthorized Release of Information Policy
• Resolution on the USA PATRIOT Act and the Rights of Library Users

Help KPL go green—use email!

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Library Board Opening Announced

Nov 3/, 2008 10:36:42 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

At its October 27 monthly meeting, the Kalamazoo Public Library board of trustees approved a process for filling a trustee position that became vacant with the death of long-time board member, Loren Dykstra. Mr. Dykstra passed away on October 16, 2008. His current term would have ended in June 2009.

Persons interested in serving on the board of trustees are invited to send a letter of interest and a description of their qualifications to the board no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2008. Trustees must be registered voters within the Kalamazoo Public Library district, which encompasses the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Township, Oshtemo Township, and the Kalamazoo Public Schools district.

Letters may be mailed, hand delivered, faxed, or emailed to:
Board of Trustees
c/o Martha Coash
Kalamazoo Public Library
315 S. Rose St.
Kalamazoo MI 49007
Fax: 269-553-7999
Email: trustees@kpl.gov

A committee comprised of board members Lisa Godfrey, trustee, Jim VanderRoest, treasurer, and Valerie Wright, board president, will review applicants’ letters and credentials, then present a recommendation at the December 15, 2008, board meeting. The vacated seat will be appointed by a majority vote from the board.

To learn more about the board of trustees, to read minutes of past meetings, or to see a schedule of upcoming meetings, please visit the board of trustees pages on the library website. Please call Martha Coash, assistant to the library director, with any questions at 269-553-7826.
 
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“Choose” Caldecott Winner

Oct 22, 2008 10:23:45 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Ed Spicer, current member of the Caldecott committee, will present a series of programs featuring books currently eligible for the Caldecott Medal on October 16, November 20, and December 11 at Kalamazoo Public Library, 315 S. Rose St. Each program will start at 7:00 p.m. Artists, educators and others who love picture book art are encouraged to attend. Help “select” the most distinguished picture book for children published in 2008!

Each year, the Association for Library Services to Children, a division of the American Library Association, presents the Caldecott Medal to the illustrator of the most distinguished American picture book published that year. Named after Randolph Caldecott, a former banker turned picture book artist, the Caldecott is, with the Newbery Medal, the most prestigious American children’s book award.

Kalamazoo Public Library’s 31st annual children’s literature seminar on November 14 will feature Kadir Nelson, a 2008 Caldecott Honor Award winner for his illustrations in Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad written by Ellen Levine. Learn more or register for the seminar online.

The Programs

At the October and November events, Spicer will describe the Caldecott Medal and demonstrate how a previous award winner exemplifies one Caldecott criteria. Spicer will introduce 15 to 20 brand new picture books, and briefly explain why he selected each title. Participants will have time to look at the books and to vote for three favorite books. Caldecott Committee members are encouraged to seek out a diverse group of views about eligible books. Participants may also share their favorite picture books published in 2008.

On December 11, Spicer will stage a mock Caldecott Committee award selection meeting. Participants will discuss the list of contenders according to criteria found in the Randolph Caldecott Medal Committee Manual (2007). Book titles will come from the votes generated during the October and November programs. By the end of this program, we will have selected our Caldecott Medal winner and up to four honor books, if warranted. See a list of contenders for the award.

About Ed Spicer

Ed Spicer is a reading specialist who teaches first grade students in Allegan. Spicer has served on the Michael L. Printz Award committee (2005) and on the Best Books for Young Adults committee (2006-2008). Spicer writes a regular column for the Michigan Reading Journal, a publication of the Michigan Reading Association, on noteworthy books for school libraries. Spicer also runs a teen reading group in Allegan and coordinates the Allegan High School Literary Contest along with co-chair, Michael Kiella.

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See Weird Michigan at KPL

Oct 3/, 2008 12:07:09 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Linda Godfrey, author of Weird Michigan, will visit Kalamazoo Public Library on Sunday, November 2, at 2:00 pm, to show her slide tour of Michigan strangeness. Her books will be available for sale and signing at the event.

Linda has canvassed the state of Michigan looking for the strange and offbeat, everything from outsider artists and giant roadside statues to local cemetery lore, eccentric people and history, to ghost stories, unidentified creatures and UFO’s. She put over 5,000 miles on her “weirdmobile” and found enough strangeness to fill both Weird Michigan, written for Barnes & Noble in 2006, and the just-released sequel, Strange Michigan: More Wolverine Weirdness, co-authored with Michiganian Lisa Shiel.

As an author and researcher of the strange and uncanny, Ms. Godfrey is especially well-known as an authority on the upright canine known in Wisconsin as the Beast of Bray Road, in Michigan as the Dog Man, and in other places as Skinwalker, Werewolf or a dozen other names. She appeared in, co-wrote and co-produced the History Channel’s Monsterquest episode, “American Werewolf,” based on her book Hunting the American Werewolf.

A former award-winning newspaper reporter and art teacher, Ms. Godfrey provides many illustrations for her own books. She co-hosts a weekly radio show on Uncanny Radio and has appeared on such national TV and radio shows as Inside Edition, Discover Kids, Travel Channel, Sci-Fi Channel’s New In Search Of, Coast to Coast AM radio, and many more. The Independent Publishers awarded Ms Godfrey’s Strange Wisconsin: More Badger State Weirdness a 2008 bronze medal in the category Great Lakes – Best Regional Non-Fiction at the 12th Annual IPPY Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, May 2008.

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Summer Reading Party at Air Zoo

Sep 29, 2008 11:42:05 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo Public Library's end-of-Summer Reading Game party has now been rescheduled for Friday, October 24, from 5:30-7:30 pm, at the Air Zoo, 6151 Portage Rd. All Air Zoo attractions will be available and library staff will offer games for the little kids and bingo for adults.

All summer reading game players will be sent a postcard invitation to attend. Players should bring the postcard or their previously issued summer reading party wristband for free admittance to the Air Zoo that evening.

The original event, planned for the Arcadia Creek Festival Place on September 13, was cancelled due to heavy rain.

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Saturday Eves Celebrate 40 Years

Sep 26, 2008 03:39:53 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

The Saturday Eves Book Club will honor its 40th anniversary with a party to celebrate reading on Saturday, October 18, from 3:00-5:00 pm, at the Alma Powell Branch of Kalamazoo Public Library, at the Douglass Community Association, 1000 W Paterson St.

The event will feature Patricia Jabbeh Wesley and Nisi Shawl (née Denise Rickman). Wesley will read her poems and share her recent experiences teaching in Liberia. Shawl will read from Filter House, her collection of short stories released this past August. Both women will talk about their work in progress. Wesley and Shawl, and local authors including James J. Smith and Christina McGrinson, will display, sell and sign their works.

In keeping with their tradition, the group will also present books to children at the event. Some years ago, members decided to buy books for children rather than giving each other presents at the holidays. They now donate about 40 books twice a year to children from a selected school or academic enhancement program, CAPS (Community Advocates for Parents and Students). Children in this tutorial program at Interfaith Homes will receive this year's gift books.

Musical performances and refreshments will complement this literary celebration, which is open to the public. For further information about the Saturday Eves or the celebration, please contact their president, Regena Nelson, 387-3509.

About the Saturday Eves

Ten women started the group, the first African American book group in Kalamazoo, to take time out of their busy professional lives to read and discuss current books—most, but not all, by black authors and focused on the African American experience or women’s issues and concerns. Most months, two members each select, read, review, and share a book with the group. Twice a year, in the spring and fall, the whole group reads the same book.

Six of those original ten members are still active with the group: Susan Fraizer Davis, Betty Gardner, Marie Jackson, Shelia Myles, Phyllis Seabolt, and Dorothy Young. More than 70 women have enjoyed the group’s lively, animated discussions over the years. They’ve grown together, raised families, and supported each other through all stages of life—birth, death, marriage, divorce, career changes, retirement—relishing the bonds of sisterhood in their 40 years.

While Saturday Eves began with the love of books as their core, they’ve expanded their influence in the community, promoting, sponsoring and raising funds for a variety of civic programs. Each year, they choose a project to support—the Black Arts Festival, the Northside Association for Educational Advancement, Push for Learning, and Northside Little League teams have all benefitted from the Saturday Eve’s involvement.

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Reading Together to Feature Rick Bragg

Sep 5/, 2008 04:22:56 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo Public Library announces the selection of Rick Bragg’s series of memoirs, All Over But the Shoutin’, Ava’s Man, and the recently published The Prince of Frogtown for the 2009 Reading Together program. Readers may choose to read any one or more of the series, as all feature the same themes.

Reading Together book discussions and a wide variety of special events will take place in March and April of 2009. Author Bragg will visit Kalamazoo on April 14, 2009, during National Library Week to conclude this year’s program.

About Reading Together 

Reading Together invites people of all ages from all walks of life to read and then discuss important issues raised by a single book. Thousands of county residents have participated in six previous Reading Together programs.

Kalamazoo Public Library leads Reading Together with the collaboration of libraries, educational institutions, health and social service agencies, cultural, civic and religious organizations, businesses, the media, and local governments throughout Kalamazoo County.

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation helped the library launch Reading Together with funding for the first three years with grants from their Better Together initiative. Kalamazoo Public Library now provides major support for the program. Foundation grants, gifts and contributions from collaborating organizations make it possible for KPL to offer Reading Together to all of Kalamazoo County. KPL program specialist Lisa Williams coordinates the program.

About the Book Selection Process

The book selection process continued Reading Together’s tradition of democratic community participation. A large group of community members considered dozens of titles gathered from last year’s evaluation process, suggested by library patrons, staff, and community leaders, and recommended by librarians and educators.

Committee members read and discussed the suggested titles with these guidelines in mind. A good Reading Together book features:

• an author who will come to Kalamazoo during the Reading Together period;
• beautiful prose that fosters an appreciation of literature;
• availability in multiple formats such as large print, audio recording, Spanish;
• reading level, vocabulary, length, and subject matter that appeals to adults as well as high school and college students;
• treatment of social issues relevant to our community.

Why Three Books?

Rick Bragg’s memoirs of home and childhood are related but not linear. They sufficiently connect so that readers could start with the newest book, The Prince of Frogtown, then move on to one of the others. Rick Bragg already has many fans in our community. Even now, more than 10 years after its publication, Shoutin’ still garners a waiting list at KPL. Here’s what readers can look forward to:

All Over But the Shoutin’

With colorful language and emotional honesty, Rick Bragg recounts a turbulent and poverty-stricken childhood in rural Alabama that gave rise to a career in journalism and a Pulitzer Prize for reporting. His book is a sensitive but never self-pitying look at the fruits of his alcoholic father’s abuse and abandonment of the family, and at his mother, who bore the brunt of the pain. 

Ava’s Man

Bragg celebrates his mama’s daddy, Charlie Bundrum, a heroic figure whose life was symbolic of a people and way of life nearly gone today from the Southern landscape. An ode to his grandfather, but also a study of the history and culture of the rural South, richly seasoned with all-but-forgotten lore and language.

The Prince of Frogtown

This completes the cycle of Rick Bragg’s stories about his childhood. Bragg was convinced the last thing he wanted was to become a father. Now married and suddenly stepfather to a young boy, Bragg looks back to move forward. Through conversations with people who knew Bragg’s father, he builds a picture of who Charles Bragg really was, searching for shreds of goodness in him. Stories about his father alternate with chapters about the developing relationship with his stepson.

About Rick Bragg

Rick Bragg says he learned to tell stories by listening to the masters, the people of the foothills of the Appalachians. They talked, of the sadness, poverty, cruelty, kindness, hope, hopelessness, faith, anger and joy of their everyday lives, and painted pictures on the very haze of the early evening, when work faded into story-telling. Those stories are the backbone of all three of his memoirs.

Bragg was born in Alabama, grew up there, and worked at several newspapers before joining The New York Times in 1994. He covered the murder and unrest in Haiti while a metro reporter there, then wrote about the Oklahoma City bombing, the Jonesboro killings, the Susan Smith trial and more as a national correspondent based in Atlanta. He later became Miami Bureau Chief for the Times just in time for Elian Gonzalez's arrival and the international battle for the little boy.

Bragg received the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing in 1996 while at The New York Times for his elegantly written stories about contemporary America. He has twice won the prestigious American Society of Newspaper Editors Distinguished Writing Award, and more than 50 writing awards in his 20-year career. In 1992, he was awarded a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University. He has taught writing in colleges and in newspaper news rooms.

Learn more about Rick Bragg

• BookBrowse author biography 
• BookPage interview 
• C-Span’ Booknotes interview 
• The New York Times audio and video special: Charles Frazier and Rick Bragg
• The New York Times review of All Over But the Shoutin 
• The New York Times review of The Prince of Frogtown 
• NPR On Point interview with Rick Bragg 
• Pulitzer Prize biography of Rick Bragg 
• Salon.com Brilliant Careers profile
• University of Alabama faculty biography 
• The Writer Magazine: Rick Bragg on the art of storytelling

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Michael Beauchamp to Perform at Library

Aug 20, 2008 09:41:07 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo Public Library continues its series of free concerts at the Central Library this fall with a special performance by Michael Beauchamp on Wednesday, September 17, at 7 pm. Previous performances in the series included Steppin’ In It on June 17, Pacifica Quartet on July 8, and an August 12 appearance by Rachael Davis.

With his powerful voice and mournful guitar, Michael Beauchamp spins melodic yarns about lost love, travel, and the importance of live music. His debut solo album, My Northern Voices, echoes old time, bluegrass, and ‘60s folk sounds. Eana Agopian, who created Voices’ cover, will display her collage-based work, combining her photos, drawing, painting, and found objects.

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Fred Upton to Read for Ready to Read

Aug 13, 2008 12:18:25 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) will visit the Family Health Center (North), 117 W Paterson St, on Friday, August 22, 10:00-11:00 a.m. to see the Ready to Read early childhood literacy program in action and read to children.

Ready to Read encourages parents to read aloud to their children, beginning at birth. By sharing the joy of reading, parents help prepare their children to learn to read. Ready to Read gives books to newborns, prescribes reading with gift books at medical offices and human services agencies, and sends volunteers into the community to read aloud in clinic waiting rooms, shelters, and Head Start classrooms. Kalamazoo Public Library leads this community collaboration of more than 30 organizations.

Ready to Read reaches parents, children and the community with several programs. Through Books for Babies, Bronson and Borgess hospitals give each newborn a storybook, encourage their parents to read aloud to their babies with a list of baby-friendly books. Rx Reading pediatricians, nurses, social workers, educators, and other professionals prescribe reading and give young children books at 36 medical offices and human services agencies, including the WIC program and Loaves & Fishes’ food pantries. Volunteer Readers model book sharing and read aloud to children in clinic waiting rooms, family shelters, Head Start and PEEP classrooms. Volunteers read for two hours a week; training and books are provided.

Ready to Read participated in more than 20 community events in addition to hosting the annual Party in the Park to celebrate the joy of reading. Fifty community leaders and costumed storybook characters read to 1,430 preschoolers at this special storytime in Bronson Park on May 28, 2008.

To learn more about Ready to Read, please visit the website, www.kpl.gov/ready-to-read, or contact the coordinator, Andrea Enyedi, 269-553-7885.

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Rachael Davis to Perform at Library

Jul 14, 2008 12:41:52 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo Public Library will offer a series of free concerts at the Central Library this summer featuring artists from three very different musical genres. Steppin’ In It performed on June 17 and Pacifica Quartet on July 8. Next up is Rachel Davis on Tuesday, August 12, at 7:00 pm.

Rachael Davis began singing on-stage at the age of two with her parents. Six years into her solo career, she’s shared the stage with such musical luminaries as Taj Mahal, Fred Eaglesmith, Josh Ritter, Prairie Home Companion regulars Robin and Linda Williams, folk divas Claudia Schmidt and Sally Rogers, jazz legends Marcus Belgrave and Winston Walls, and many others. In 2003, she took grand prize in the Telluride Bluegrass Festival’s Troubadour Contest. Her influences range from the jazz stylings of Ella Fitzgerald to the soulful pop vocals of Patty Griffin. A contemporary songwriter, she’s equally at home singing anything from traditional ballads to Cole Porter to Joe Henry.

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READ Posters Ready

Jul 3/, 2008 08:18:27 AM

Kalamazoo, MI –

READ posters may now be picked up at the location where photos were taken.

If you have any questions, please call 269-553-7878.

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Bookmobile Service Resumes Today

Jun 23, 2008 02:34:28 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Bookmobile service was cancelled on Monday and Tuesday of this week to honor long-time bookmobile driver Dale Ford, who passed away last weekend. Oshtemo Branch Library will close at 4:00 pm Thursday to allow library staff the opportunity to attend visitation with Dale's family at Langeland's, 622 S. Burdick Street.

Dale Ford passed away suddenly Monday, June 23, 2008 at his home. He was born September 9, 1966 in Kalamazoo, the son of Dale and Patricia (Baker) Ford. Dale was employed by Kalamazoo Public Library as the Book Mobile driver for their Oshtemo Branch for many years. He loved music, and professional wrestling and attending concerts and wrestling events; but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Surviving are his parents, Dale and Patricia Ford; his sister and brother, Michelle Dolph and Darren Ford both of Kalamazoo; 2 nephews; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Friends may visit with Dale’s family from 5-8 PM on Thursday (tomorrow) at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street. There will be no services. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Kalamazoo Public Library or a charity of one’s choice.

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Making Music This Summer

Jun 13, 2008 12:59:13 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Kalamazoo Public Library will offer a series of free concerts this summer featuring artists from three very different musical genres: Steppin’ In It, Pacifica Quartet, and Rachel Davis. All three groups will perform at the Central Library.

Steppin’ In It

Tuesday, June 17, 7:00 pm
Toting an ample supply of vintage instruments, the swingin’ quartet Steppin’ In It creates a sound that evokes old-time bluegrass radio. The boys pound out their own brand by combining folk, sweet jazz, country, swing, zydeco, and blues. At this very special acoustic show in-the-round, listeners will hear the stories behind their music. The 2004 Telluride Bluegrass Festival program proclaimed that “they accomplish the seemingly impossible task of making the most traditional sounds contemporary, blending hillbilly rackets with blues rhythms and European folk....we think they’re knee deep in the future of bluegrass.”

Pacifica Quartet

Tuesday, July 8, 7:00 pm
Experience the virtuosity, exuberant style and often daring repertory choices of the Pacifica Quartet, winner of the Naumberg Chamber Music Prize, Cleveland Quartet Award, and the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, amoung others. The group tours extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia, performing in the world’s major concert halls. Their recordings include the complete string quartets of Felix Mendelssohn, chamber works by Dvorak, the complete quartets of Easley Blackwood, and music composed during the turbulent decades between World Wars I and II. Pacifica will weave informative lectures with its performance at the library. Appearance courtesy Fontana Chamber Arts.

Rachael Davis

Tuesday, August 12, 7:00 pm
Rachael Davis began singing on-stage at the age of two with her parents. Six years into her solo career, she’s shared the stage with such musical luminaries as Taj Mahal, Fred Eaglesmith, Josh Ritter, Prairie Home Companion regulars Robin and Linda Williams, folk divas Claudia Schmidt and Sally Rogers, jazz legends Marcus Belgrave and Winston Walls, and many others. In 2003, she took grand prize in the Telluride Bluegrass Festival’s Troubadour Contest. Her influences range from the jazz stylings of Ella Fitzgerald to the soulful pop vocals of Patty Griffin. A contemporary songwriter, she’s equally at home singing anything from traditional ballads to Cole Porter to Joe Henry.

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New Computer Training Classes

May 30, 2008 09:29:50 PM

Kalamazoo, MI –

Four new classes have been added to our list of computer classes offered at KPL!  Here are their descriptions and dates.  No online registration is available for these, so be sure to call 269-553-7862 if you are interested in signing up!

Microsoft Publisher Basics 1 

The class will teach what Microsoft Publisher is and how to layout and print various items such as brochures, greeting cards and newsletters. Various fundamentals of desktop publishing will be discussed such as graphics and ways to include them, templates, wizards, file saving, and printing.

Prerequisite:  Word 1 or equivalent, plus basic computer usage and typing.

• Wednesday, June 18 6 pm – 8 pm
• Thursday, July 24 10 am – 12 pm

Blogging

A blog is a “web log” and allows the user to post their thoughts as well as pictures and other media.  It can be used as a way to share events in your life with others via the Internet.  The KPL Staff Picks link on our website is a sample of a blog.

• Friday, July 11 10 am – 12 pm

Digital Photo Sharing

This class will examine Flickr, Picasa, and BubbleShare—three ways to share your photos online.  NOTE:  This class is NOT about digital photography or using your digital camera.  If you have them, bring your photos saved on a CD or thumb drive for use in class.  You may also attend without saved photos.

• Thursday, July 17 2 pm – 4 pm

Staying Safe on the Web

The internet has quickly become an essential means of communication, commerce, education and entertainment.  Unfortunately, this wonderful resource is not free from danger.  Your computer could get a virus.  Someone could break your password and get into your e-mail.  Your personal information could be stolen.  In a worst-case scenario your children could be solicited by someone with bad intentions.  How do you keep your information and your family safe?  While the answer isn’t exactly cut and dried, this class will raise your awareness and diligence for staying safe on the internet.

• Friday, July 25 10 am – 12 pm

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