Grants and Giving

2007-2008

Friends contributes in excess of $50,000 annually to the Kalamazoo Public Library for grants and library staff scholarships, and other special uses. Much of the money comes from the Friends Bookstore and sidewalk sales, the remainder from membership dues, bequests and donations.

All funding requests are reviewed by the Friends Board to insure that our gifts support the stated mission of the Friends organization. 

Friends' underwriting helps these important library programs, activities and more.

Children and Teens

• Ready to Read  
• Prime Time Family Reading
• Summer Reading Games 
• Global Reading Challenge 
• Teen Literature Seminar
• Children’s Literature Seminar

Adult Programming, Projects & Services

• Author Visits  
• Display Unit
• Seasonal Decorations
• Reading Together 

Staff-related Support & Recognition

• Staff Development
• Leadership Kalamazoo 
• Annual Staff Recognition Event  
• Support to Attend ALA, PLA, MLA Conferences  

Art-related Programming

• Kalamazoo Public Library Programming
• Art Hop  
• Barnabee Gallery at Powell Branch Library 

Mini-grant Awards

Library staff and departments may apply once each year for up to $500 in help with a special equipment or programming needs. The Friends awarded fourteen such mini-grants in 2007, totaling $5,000.

Staff Scholarships

The Friends awarded $3,000 in scholarships during 2007 to assist library staff members with their graduate or professional educational expenses.