About POW
Northside Neighborhood of Kalamazoo
The branch is located in the Douglass Community Center and is proud to be a Northside neighborhood library. KPL staff have been serving the area since 1968.
Barnabee Art Gallery
The Barnabee Art Gallery was established in the 1989 by Walden Baskerville, a Kalamazoo sculptor and psychologist, as a way to highlight the artistic talents of Kalamazoo school children and local artists. Created with funds from an anonymous donor, the gallery was named after an imaginary friend who played with Baskerville’s children. Today that tradition continues with several exhibits each year featuring the work of local artists of all ages.
Dr. Walden Baskerville
Dr. Walden Baskerville passed away at his home in Las Vegas on February 11, 2014. “He was such a delightful person,” recalled Michael Cockrell, head of adult services at KPL, “the kind of guy with a constant twinkle in his eye—and what an amazing life he lived.”
Read Dr. Baskerville’s obituary.
Children’s Area and Teen Space
The Children’s area at the Alma Powell branch has everything parents and caregivers need to promote early literacy skills for children ages Birth–5. The open access Play to Learn stations encourage reading, singing, playing, writing, and talking together. Older kids can enjoy picture books, chapter books, audiobooks, magazines, and more. Engage in hands-on activities with STEM kits, board games, and learning computer stations. Check out the events calendar for special storytimes, performances, and craft activities held in the children’s area.
The Teen Space at the Alma Powell Branch is designed to provide teens with a comfortable reading, studying, and meeting place. Teen books and magazines, a bulletin board, and dynamic artwork makes the space inviting. You can either check out a Chromebook or meet with tutors and mentors here, the Teen Space is perfect place to spend time in the library.
Computer and Wi-Fi
The Alma Powell Branch Library is the place to go if you need access to the Internet. Not only will you find multiple computers with Internet access, but also high-speed Wi-Fi! More information: Public Computers.
Meeting Room — Barnabee Gallery
NOTICE: We are currently not taking reservations for meeting rooms. The small study rooms on the lower level of Central Library can be booked in 2-hour increments either by phone or in person. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The Alma Powell Branch Meeting Room is to be used for Nonprofit Organization use only. A library district resident or property owner must make the room reservation. Businesses may not rent the Barnabee Gallery.
Printing • Copying • Faxing • Scanning
Need to send a fax? Copy that important document? Scan receipts for your taxes? The Alma Powell Branch Library can help! Faxing and scanning are totally FREE of charge. Copying costs depend on black & white or color print. Staff is happy to help. For more information, click here.
Current Exhibit
COMING SOON. Call if you are interested in exhibiting your work.
Branch Art
COMING SOON.