Notice of Public Meeting: Kalamazoo Public Library Board of Trustees | April 29th| 6 pm | Central Library/Van Deusen Room. The packet of information for the meeting can be found on the library’s website. 

Our website will be offline temporarily for scheduled maintenance beginning at 10pm on Sunday, April 28th.

NOTICE: The Eastwood Branch will be closed on April 29th & 30th for maintenance needs. 

Local History

Kalamazoo Public Library

Baldauf, Hans B.

In 1966, five months after his death at the age of 73, the Kalamazoo Public Library honored the local scientist Hans B. Baldauf, by naming the museum’s planetarium after the…

"Books for Soldiers" Campaign

“Books Wanted for Soldiers” was the Kalamazoo Public Library’s (KPL) request to the public in August 1917. Through its membership in the American Library Association (ALA), which was named an…

"Books for Soldiers" Campaign

“Books Wanted for Soldiers” was the Kalamazoo Public Library’s (K.P.L.) request to the public in August 1917. Through its membership in the American Library Association (A.L.A.), which was named an…

1924 Michigan Central Railroad Derailment

Early in the morning on September 24, 1924 a westbound Michigan Central passenger train derailed near Kalamazoo after striking a vehicle that had become immobilized on a private crossing at the entrance to the Hawthorne Paper mill. The resulting...

A.M. Todd Company

On a breezy day, the sweet smell of Albert M. Todd’s legacy still wafts through downtown Kalamazoo. Building on a boyhood interest, Todd established the mint industry in this area in 1869 and was so successful at it that he became known as...

Abraham Lincoln’s Speech in Bronson Park

Four years before he became the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, then a representative from Illinois, came to Kalamazoo on August 27, 1856 on the invitation of…

Academy of Music

East side of South Rose Street, across from Academy Street (117-123 South Rose Street). Academy of Music, east side of South Rose Street, c.1882–1885. Kalamazoo Public Library photo file P-179…

Acadia Theatre

Southwest corner of Portage Street and Washington Street (1308 Portage St.). Claimed to seat 280. Designed by Rockwell A. Leroy and built as a standalone movie house in 1913 by grocer Burton R. Barber.

African American Churches

List includes both active and inactive congregations Ministerial Alliance of Kalamazoo, Michigan, 1969 Allen Chapel A.M.E., founded in 1855 Bible Baptist Church, founded in 1968 First United Baptist Church, founded…

African American Churches

List includes both active and inactive congregations Ministerial Alliance of Kalamazoo, Michigan, 1969 Allen Chapel A.M.E., founded in 1855 Bible Baptist Church, founded in 1968 First United Baptist Church, founded…

African American Newspapers

In addition to Kalamazoo’s principal newspapers (The Kalamazoo Gazette and The Kalamazoo Telegraph [1844-1916]), everyday life of black Kalamazoo residents during the 1960s and 70’s was chronicled and archived by…

Afro-American Journal and Directory

Rev. John L. Davis, c.1894 Published by Rev. John L. Davis of Kalamazoo, this 48-page Afro-American Journal and Directory was printed by The Kalamazoo Publishing Company in 1894 to celebrate and…

Airdome Theater

North side of West Kalamazoo Avenue, between North Rose Street and North Burdick Street. Outdoor theater claiming to seat 2,000, featuring mostly stock, with occasional film novelties. Downtown outdoor “Airdome”…

Albert White: African American Builder

Albert White was an African American building contractor who lived and worked in Kalamazoo from the 1870s until his death in 1930. He and his men helped build a number of well known structures in Kalamazoo history.

Alexander, Dr. C. Allen

“An extraordinary personality, who is a physician, surgeon, community leader, oral historian, sportsman, raconteur, and author.”–Paul L. Maier’s foreword to Alexander’s autobiography Photo by Don Rice Born in 1900, Cornelius…

Alexander, Dr. C. Allen

“An extraordinary personality, who is a physician, surgeon, community leader, oral historian, sportsman, raconteur, and author.”–Paul L. Maier’s foreword to Alexander’s autobiography Photo by Don Rice Born in 1900, Cornelius…

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Early Years Founded in 1855 by a handful of members, the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church is the oldest black church in Kalamazoo. Prior to 1855, members met for prayer meetings…

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Early Years Founded in 1855 by a handful of members, the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church is the oldest black church in Kalamazoo. Prior to 1855, members met for prayer meetings…

Allendale

With its large lakeside hotel and "over the water" dance hall, the resort along the south side of Gull Lake called “The Allendale” was tremendously popular during the decades around the turn of the 20th century.

Alma Powell Branch History

In May of 1968 an anonymous gift of $10,000 was received by the Kalamazoo Board of Education for the purpose of establishing a library in the poorest section of town. At that meeting, the board acknowledged the gift but decided not to accept it...

Alphadelphia Association

It was sustained for a mere four years, from 1844 to 1848, but history has not forgotten the effort put forward by a small collection of quixotic people situated in…

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