CLOSURE: Central Library will be closed Tuesday, July 21, through Saturday, July 25, while emergency repairs are made to the building’s cooling system. We expect to reopen Monday, July 27. Click for more details on holds, program schedules, and returns during the closure. 

Notice of Public Meeting: Kalamazoo Public Library Board of Trustees | July 27 | 5:30 pm | Central Library/Van Deusen Room. The packet of information for the meeting can be found on the library’s website. 

Friends of KPL

Volunteer

Join us in our mission to support the Kalamazoo Public Library

If you love books and book people, the Friends is a wonderful place to volunteer. Opportunities exist for those with varying interests, skills, and schedules.

Applicants will have a short interview to discuss their availability and their interests in the various volunteer options at the bookstore (see below). You will be contacted to set up your interview, usually on Saturdays. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Fill out an application to get started!

Examples of volunteer activities include the following:

Friends Bookstore

  • Staff bookstore front desk (three-hour shifts)
  • Place reserves and take special requests
  • Handle counter sales and questions
  • Answer customer questions in person and by phone

Bag of Books Sales

  • Set up for sale
  • Refill tables during sale
  • Handle sales at cash register
  • Clean up

Behind the Scenes Work

  • Receive and sort donated items in the garage area
  • Sort, price, and shelve donated items
  • Refresh bookstore inventory by weeding out items that have not sold
  • Select and arrange items for spotlights and sale carts
  • Fulfill customer special requests
  • Assist in recruitment and training of volunteers and maintain volunteer schedule
  • List appropriate items on our external sale site, AbeBooks
  • Pack and ship items sold on AbeBooks