Updates on the Alma Powell Branch Library can be found on kpl.gov/pow

About the Library

Serving Kalamazoo Since 1872


Organized in 1860 and opened to the general public in 1872, Kalamazoo Public Library now serves a district population of 124,000 through five locations plus multiple outreach ventures. Many Southwest Michigan residents use Kalamazoo Public Library through reciprocal agreements with neighboring libraries.


Services

The library offers an extensive collection of books, movies, and music, year-round programming for all ages, ONEplace—a management support center for nonprofits, a Local History Room featuring a vibrant website and local information database, the County Law Library, and more. Dozens of public computers and wi-fi offer high-speed access to the Internet.


Awards

Kalamazoo Public Library has received nationwide recognition for its innovative services and dedicated community support. In 2002, Kalamazoo Public Library was awarded the prestigious National Library of the Year award by Library Journal. More recently, KPL received a 2011 State History Award for the Local History section of its website, was honored in 2012 with a Michigan State Librarian’s Citation of Excellence Award, and received an Award of Merit from the Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission in 2017.


Funding

Property tax revenues, collected through the authority of two voter-approved millages, fund about 94% of the library’s budget. Kalamazoo voters have a long history of supporting their library.


Requests for Proposals

Below is a list of current library RFPs with timelines. If you have further questions, please email [email protected].

Alma Powell Branch Space Needs Study
The Kalamazoo Public Library invites proposals for professional services from architects, designers, and construction consultants with demonstrated experience, knowledge, and expertise in library planning, design, and architecture for the construction of a new Alma Powell Branch Library. This Request for Proposal (RFP) seeks to identify and engage a qualified team to bring innovative, sustainable, and community-focused design and construction solutions for the development of a state-of-the-art library facility that meets the current and future needs of the Kalamazoo community.

Proposals shall be submitted by no later than Friday, April 12, 2024 at 5:00 pm to:

Terry New | Interim Director | Kalamazoo Public Library | 315 South Rose St. | Kalamazoo, MI 49007 | (269) 220-9721 | [email protected]


Kalamazoo Public Library Space Needs Study
The Kalamazoo Public Library invites proposals for professional services from consultants with demonstrated experience, knowledge, and expertise in library planning, design, and architecture to conduct a Space Needs Study for the Kalamazoo Public Library.

Proposals shall be submitted by no later than Friday, April 26, 2024 at 5 pm, to:

Terry New | Interim Director | Kalamazoo Public Library | 315 South Rose St. | Kalamazoo, MI 49007 | (269) 220-9721 | [email protected]

 

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