Step Back in History: KPL at 150
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Oct 7 | 5–7 pm | Central | All Ages: Join us at the Central library during the October Art Hop for this immersive experience in observance of the 150th anniversary of Kalamazoo Public Library. Walk through a life-size exhibit of historic photos from the early library buildings, interact with KPL staff members in period costumes, enjoy musical entertainment by The Mall City Harmonizers (barbershop) and, thanks to the sponsorship of Connecting Chords Music Festival, Sweetbriar Sisters (ukulele trio), participate in hands-on activities, receive a commemorative souvenir of the occasion, and of course, enjoy some birthday cake!
Databases: Online Resources for Everything
If you are in need of online assistance with fixing a car, researching for a paper, learning a new language or health topics in Spanish, then you need the check out KPL's huge collection of databases!
Haunted House at KPL featuring Dustin Pari of Ghost Hunters
Oct 17 | 5–7 pm | Central | All Ages: Let Dustin Pari be your guide through all things spooky and scary! An all age appropriate Haunted House will be available in the Van Deusen room at Central, so don your costume and prepare to trick-or-treat and be thoroughly ‘terrified’! Two tours will be available for the Haunted House: 5 PM and 6 PM. Following each tour, there will be refreshments and a Q&A session with your tour guide. For all ages, no registration necessary.
Ask a Lawyer Family Law Clinic
Sep 29 | 3–5 pm | Central/Law Library | Adult: Attorneys address legal questions about divorce, custody, child support or other family law questions. This clinic is for lower-income persons who cannot afford to hire a lawyer and who earn up to 200% of the annual poverty level.
Geek Fest
Oct 15 | 11 am–3 pm | Kalamazoo County Expo Center | All Ages: This comic-con will be free to the general public, and feature attractions for all ages such as gaming, Legos, robotics, art, comics, cosplay contests, and so much more! Featuring our special guest: YA murder mystery author Gretchen McNeil will be available from 12-2 PM for a Meet & Greet and book signing.
Be Who You Are Day
Sep 25–30 | Open Hours | All KPL Locations | Children: Be Who You Are Day is all about celebrating what makes you special. Created by beloved children’s author, Todd Parr, #bewhoyouareday is filled with funtivities that make childhood special. Stop by any KPL location to pick up a special [email protected] bag filled with goodies and a Todd Parr book to keep. Books will vary in each bag and are available while supplies last. All open hours at all locations.
Photoshop for Beginners
Sep 29 | 6 pm | Central/Idea Lab | 6 pm | Adult: Come to the Idea Lab and learn the basics of Photoshop from an expert in this one-on-one session.
News
More than book learning: The Kalamazoo Public Library has had answers for 150 years
Second Wave Media | AL JONES | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 Editor’s note: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave’s On…
Barbara Ehrenreich (1941–2022)
Barbara Ehrenreich, an author and essayist who picked apart the myths of the American Dream with books that included a…
MI Right to Read & Unite Against Book Bans
It is impossible to watch or read the news and not see stories about efforts to ban books at both…
Interview with Ibram X. Kendi and Nic Stone at the School Library Journal Teen Live
KPL’s Head of Youth Services, Sandra Farag recently had the honor of facilitating an interview with Ibram X. Kendi and…
Search the Catalog
KPL Video Introduction
A 1998 made-for-video documentary about Kalamazoo Public Library.
David Milling and Michael Hayden
Kalamazoo Public Library Marketing and Communications Manager Marti Fritz interviewed architect David Milling and artist Michael Hayden during the 1998…
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…
Kalamazoo Public Library History
The origins of the Kalamazoo Public Library were humble. In 1860 the local school district inherited 123 volumes from a…
Eastwood Branch History
The first Kalamazoo Public Library branch dedicated to serving the east side of the city opened in 1912 in the…
The KPL Story
A 1998 mini-documentary about the library’s renovation project, featuring architect David Milling, artist Michael Hayden, and others. Includes two television…
KPL Local History Librarian Ryan Gage invites everyone to Step Back in History!
Join us October 7 at Central Library during Art Hop for an immersive experience in observance of KPL’s 150th anniversary.…
KPL in the News
Since the library came into being in October 1872, its services and programs have generated a fair amount of headlines…
Celebration of the Life & Legacy of Alma Harrod Powell
In 1978, 11 years after the passing of Alma H. Powell, staff and friends of the Alma Powell Branch designated…
Mary Mace Spradling
Mary Mace Spradling, Martin Cohen, Shirley Miller. Undated Photo from KPL Archives The following text is taken from a brochure…
Databases
Opposing Viewpoints in Context
Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context is an engaging online experience for those seeking contextual information and opinions on hundreds of…
MasterFILE Complete
MasterFILE Complete offers the largest collection of popular full-text magazines, reference books and other highly-regarded sources from the world's leading…
LearningExpress Library
Support for students and professionals in skill-building, test prep, and career certification. Includes GED prep.
Kalamazoo Gazette Collection
Search Kalamazoo and Michigan history with The Kalamazoo Gazette Collection. Coverage from 1837 through current. Explore current and archived issues…
Gale Virtual Reference Library
Full text reference books on business, history, science, environment, medicine, and multicultural studies
Biography Resource Center
Containing many of the top-ranked biographical reference collections and magazines, this database offers a comprehensive collection of full-text biographies and…
Biography in Context
Biographical information of contemporary & historical figures.
