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

Frequently Asked Questions



Checking Items Out

Category: Checking Items Out

You must have a KPL Resident card to get access to the digital collection (eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMusic, eVideos, etc.).
If you have a library card from another library, please check with them about what digital services they offer.

Residents in our district (see our service area) can sign up for a library card for free.

For more info or to become a patron: Become a Patron — Kalamazoo Public Library (kpl.gov)

Category: Checking Items Out

Yes! Notices will be sent for overdue KPL items and holds. You may choose to receive these notices via phone, text, or email. If choosing email, you will also receive courtesy notices reminding you of when items are almost due. 

Category: Checking Items Out

KPL has reciprocal agreements with several other library systems in the area. If your library is on the list, you will need to stop in person to one of our locations to receive a Reciprocal library card from KPL. Bring your home library card and a photo ID. Once you receive your Reciprocal card, you can use it to place up to three holds on your account.

Yes, you can checkout a hotspot from KPL’s Library of Things.

As part of the DAFA program, hotspots are available for eligible KPS students who currently don’t have access to the Internet. To find out if you are on the eligible recipient list, please call Kalamazoo Public Schools at (269) 337-0186.

For more info on DAFA: Digital Access For All — Kalamazoo Public Library (kpl.gov)

Category: Checking Items Out

KPL’s collection is searchable online through the global search bar at the top of our website, or using the dedicated catalog search box:

All formatsAudiobooksBooksLibrary of ThingsMagazinesMusicVideoseAudiobookeBookseLearningeMagazineseMusiceVideos

KeywordAuthorSeriesSubjectTitle

  1. Get a free Kalamazoo Public Library resident card. 
  2. Download LibbyOverDrive’s newest app. 
  3. Sign up for an account through Libby using your KPL card and PIN.
  4. Browse our collection to find your next read.

 

Each year we add hundreds of items to our collection from your suggestions. Decisions are made using our board-approved Materials Selection Policy.

The Materials Selection Policy guides the addition of materials for the collection. Each item must meet the needs of the overall collection. Number of similar titles, intended audience, cost, date written or published, etc., are all considered. If you are not a Kalamazoo Public Library District resident, we encourage you to make suggestions at your home library.

Suggest an Item Page 

Category: Checking Items Out

You may renew library materials by asking a staff member at the checkout desk, by calling (269) 553-7806, or by yourself at a computer with Internet access.

Renew Materials

  1. Click the My Account link at the top of the page
  2. Enter your Library Card number (no spaces between numbers) and PIN number (typically the last four digits of your telephone number)
  3. Locate the material(s) in your Checkouts list(s)
  4. Click the Renew Title button below the title(s) you wish to renew

Note: If an item is on reserve for another patron, you will not be able to renew it.

Need Help? Call (269) 553-7800 or visit the Checkout Desk at your library location.

Category: Checking Items Out
  1. Search for the material you wish to borrow. A list may come up showing items in a variety of formats.
  2. After you find an item you want, select the Pickup location and click the Place Hold (If you haven’t already logged in, you will be prompted to enter your library card number and PIN.)
  3. A new screen shows you the item has been placed on hold for you.

 

For more info: Reserve an Item — Kalamazoo Public Library (kpl.gov)

Category: Checking Items Out

Holds are limited to 25 items per cardholder. Reciprocal cardholders may have only three items on hold. 

Category: Checking Items Out

The Kalamazoo Public Library does not charge overdue fines on materials. However, once something is 10 or more days overdue your account will be blocked from checking out anything else until that material is returned. If something is 30 days or more overdue your account will be billed the replacement cost of the item. When we bill your account, you’ll receive a letter explaining the bill.

If you return the item, the bill will be waived. If you are unable to return the item, or it is damaged, please let us know. Your account will be billed for the replacement cost of the item. If the amount is $10.00 or more, your account balance will have to be under $10.00 before you can check out again.

 

Category: Checking Items Out

Loan periods and check out limits vary for different materials. Some items may not be renewed.

Material

Loan Period

Limits

Kids’ Books 21 days None
Teen Books 21 days None
Adult Books 21 days None
Youth Magazines 21 days None
Adult Magazines 21 days None
Hot Picks DVDs 3 days 3
Audiobooks 21 days None
Book Club Picks 8 weeks None
DVDs 7 days 20
CDs 21 days None
Library of Things 21 days 3

 

Category: Checking Items Out

The Kalamazoo Public Library does not charge overdue fines on materials.  

Category: Checking Items Out

You can place a hold on most materials and then pick them up at any location. When the item is returned, it will be set aside for you on our hold shelf. With very popular materials, there may be several people waiting. If the item you are looking for is not in our collection it is possible that we can request it from another library for you. We are part of a service called MelCat (Michigan Electronic Library Catalog) that connects us to hundreds of other libraries in Michigan.

See here for more information. Or ask a staff person. 

Category: Checking Items Out

The Kalamazoo Public Library does not charge overdue fines on materials. However, once something is 10 or more days overdue your account will be blocked from checking out anything else until that material is returned. If something is 30 days or more overdue your account will be billed the replacement cost of the item. When we bill your account, you’ll receive a letter explaining the bill.

If you return the item, the bill will be waived. If you are unable to return the item, or it is damaged, please let us know. Your account will be billed for the replacement cost of the item. If the amount is $10.00 or more, your account balance will have to be under $10.00 before you can check out again.

 

Category: Checking Items Out

You can return your items whether the library is open or closed via a drop box.  

Category: Checking Items Out
  • Materials that have holds for other patrons
  • Hot Picks
  • Book Club Picks titles
  • Mobile hotspots
Category: Checking Items Out

Loan periods vary by item type. Due dates will be listed on the email or print receipt you receive when checking out. You can also see your check outs and due dates in My Account. Use your library card number (no spaces between numbers) and your PIN (typically the last four digits of your phone number). 

Category: Checking Items Out

Due dates will be listed on the email or print receipt you receive when checking out. Additionally, you can see all of your account details in theMy Account area on our website (kpl.gov). Use your library card number (no spaces between numbers) and your PIN (typically the last four digits of your phone number) to log in. 

Category: Checking Items Out

You can return KPL materials to any one of our five KPL locations, whether we are open or closed. When returning things, it may take up to 48 hours before these materials are checked in.

For more information, call 269-553-7800.

 

All of the KPL locations accept your KPL card.
Locations can be found here:
Hours by Location — Kalamazoo Public Library (kpl.gov) 

Eligible recipients are those students/households that indicated a need for internet access in a Spring 2020 survey conducted by Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS).  Those students will be notified by KPS prior to the distribution dates by mail and phone. Only one device per street address and residence will be permitted. Hotspots will be checked out to students for the entire school year on their OneCard.

To find out if you are on the eligible recipient list, call Kalamazoo Public Library at (269) 553-7955.

If you are not on the list, but believe you are eligible for a future distribution, please call Kalamazoo Public Schools at (269) 337-1129.

Category: Checking Items Out

As a convenience, all eligible KPL materials receive three courtesy renewals when the material first becomes due (this excludes some items, such as hot-pick movies or items with holds, which cannot be renewed).

  • Eligible materials are automatically renewed on the due date
  • If your account includes an email address, you will receive a message confirming what was renewed
  • You will also receive a separate email letting you know if any materials were not renewed

Digital Collection

  1. Get a free Kalamazoo Public Library resident card. 
  2. Download LibbyOverDrive’s newest app. 
  3. Sign up for an account through Libby using your KPL card and PIN.
  4. Browse our collection to find your next read.

 

Library Card and Account

Library Information

Each year we add hundreds of items to our collection from your suggestions. Decisions are made using our board-approved Materials Selection Policy.

The Materials Selection Policy guides the addition of materials for the collection. Each item must meet the needs of the overall collection. Number of similar titles, intended audience, cost, date written or published, etc., are all considered. If you are not a Kalamazoo Public Library District resident, we encourage you to make suggestions at your home library.

Suggest an Item Page 

All of the KPL locations accept your KPL card.
Locations can be found here:
Hours by Location — Kalamazoo Public Library (kpl.gov) 

Resources

Each year we add hundreds of items to our collection from your suggestions. Decisions are made using our board-approved Materials Selection Policy.

The Materials Selection Policy guides the addition of materials for the collection. Each item must meet the needs of the overall collection. Number of similar titles, intended audience, cost, date written or published, etc., are all considered. If you are not a Kalamazoo Public Library District resident, we encourage you to make suggestions at your home library.

Suggest an Item Page 

Tech Services

Yes, you can checkout a hotspot from KPL’s Library of Things.

As part of the DAFA program, hotspots are available for eligible KPS students who currently don’t have access to the Internet. To find out if you are on the eligible recipient list, please call Kalamazoo Public Schools at (269) 337-0186.

For more info on DAFA: Digital Access For All — Kalamazoo Public Library (kpl.gov)

Eligible recipients are those students/households that indicated a need for internet access in a Spring 2020 survey conducted by Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS).  Those students will be notified by KPS prior to the distribution dates by mail and phone. Only one device per street address and residence will be permitted. Hotspots will be checked out to students for the entire school year on their OneCard.

To find out if you are on the eligible recipient list, call Kalamazoo Public Library at (269) 553-7955.

If you are not on the list, but believe you are eligible for a future distribution, please call Kalamazoo Public Schools at (269) 337-1129.

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