text:
Reading Together, the library's annual "one book one city" program, operates on a particular timeline. When Ms. Thomas canceled for health reasons, KPL was hopeful her appearance could be rescheduled for later this spring, before turning its attention to the selection of a title for 2020. Her availability, however, was not was not made known in a timely fashion, forcing the library to make the decision to move on.
"While we are very disappointed with the cancellation, all of the book discussions, special programming, and community conversations inspired by "The Hate U Give" made this year's Reading Together event truly impactful." said Kalamazoo Public Library Director, Ryan Wieber. "Thank you to our community for its active participation, the KPL staff, and all the local organizations who promoted Reading Together by incorporating the themes presented in the book in their own programming and events."
According to data collected by Kalamazoo Public Library, more than 800 teens and adults attended book discussions and/or other events related to The Hate U Give as part of the 2019 Reading Together program. This figure does not include private book clubs who also discussed the book on their own. More than 3,000 copies of The Hate U Give (print, digital, audio and the movie) have circulated from all KPL locations since October 1, 2018.
KPL would like to recognize the many local organizations who participated in Reading Together 2019 by hosting discussions, planning special events, and/or participated on the Reading Together steering committee: Arcus Center for Social Justice; Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo; Black Arts and Cultural Center; Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kalamazoo; Bronson Hospital; Brown Sugar Book Club; City of Kalamazoo; Disability Network of Southwest Michigan; Douglass Community Association; Fetzer Institute; Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative; Friendship Village; Gull Lake Community Schools; Kalamazoo College; Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety; Kalamazoo Institute of Arts; Kalamazoo Public Schools; Kalamazoo Valley Community College; KYD Network; Lakeside Academy; Legal Aid of Western Michigan; Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU; Parchment Community Library; Peace House; People's Church; Portage District Library; Portage Public Schools; Portage United Church of Christ; Public Media Network; Read and Write Kalamazoo (RAWK); Richland Community Library; SHARE (The Society for History and Racial Equity); TRHT Kalamazoo (Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation); United Campus Ministry; Western Michigan University; Young Kings and Queens and YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo.
Special thanks to this year's Reading Together sponsors: The Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, The Kalamazoo Community Foundation, and Friends of Kalamazoo Public Library.
If you participated in any of this year's Reading Together programs, events or book discussions and would like to provide your feedback, please take a moment to complete this brief survey.]]>
Learn more about OK Go at okgo.net.
We truly apologize for the inconvenience. This has been one of Kalamazoo Public Library's most successful Reading Together events to date. The community response and involvement in the programs leading up to the author visit have been overwhelmingly positive, and we thank you for your participation, activism, and support.
The final 2019 Reading Together event will take place on Tuesday, April 23, 5:30 pm at the Douglass Community Association. We hope you will join us to discuss ways we can utilize the themes in "The Hate U Give" to take action in our own communities.
Kindest regards,
Kalamazoo Public Library Staff
Join us on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, 7 pm to hear Thomas trace the development of her book—and in so doing, speak to the heart of race, activism and social change in America today. Admission is free and open to the public. The presentation will be followed by a book signing. Bookbug/this is a bookstore will sell copies of The Hate U Give at the event. RSVP at readingtogether.us (please note the RSVP is being used by KPL to anticipate attendance and does not guarantee a seat.)
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter navigates between the poverty-stricken neighborhood where she lives and the upper-crust suburban prep school she attends. Her life is up-ended when she is the sole witness to the shooting of her childhood best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. As Starr finds herself even more torn between the two vastly different worlds she inhabits, she also has to contend with speaking her truth and, in the process, trying to stay alive herself.
The Hate U Give—widely known as the first Black Lives Matter-inspired YA novel—has been a #1 New York Times bestseller for 70 weeks. Described as "the best—and most important—book of the year," by Entertainment Weekly, it has already been adapted into a major feature film, and Thomas' hotly anticipated follow-up On the Come Up has generated buzz. Thomas' keynotes resonate with the same authenticity, insight, and hope that make her book so powerful, and give context and background to the culture, politics, and movement that inspired it.
Copies of The Hate U Give are currently available at all KPL locations.
"Angie Thomas has written a stunning, brilliant, gut-wrenching novel that will be remembered as a classic of our time." – John Green, #1 NYT Bestselling Author of The Fault of our Stars.
About the Author
Angie Thomas is the inaugural winner of the Walter Dean Myers Grant 2015, awarded by We Need Diverse Books. Born, raised, and still residing in Jackson, Mississippi—and a former teen rapper—she holds a BFA in Creative Writing from Belhaven University and an unofficial degree in hip hop.
About Reading Together
The purpose of Reading Together is to build a stronger community with deeper connections through the common experience of reading the same book and exploring its themes together. When we do that, we engage and learn, not only about ourselves, but more importantly about each other and the world around us.
By experiencing the same book, hearing the author of that work speak right here in Kalamazoo, and examining the book's themes through a local lens, we are able to embrace our similarities and differences from a common point of reference.
Very simply, when we read together, we grow together. Learn more at readingtogether.us.
Kalamazoo Public Library strives to be a good steward of our community and the environment. That is why beginning March 1, we will no longer offer plastic bags to patrons when they check out materials. We encourage you to bring your own reusable bag every time you visit the library. Learn what else KPL is doing to nurture nature by visiting kpl.gov/gogreen.
*Source: loveyourearth.org]]>
Don't tab out when Kalamazoo Beer Week ends! Kalamazoo Public Library has brewed another limited-edition release of Overdue Brew for you to enjoy.
Overdue Brew is an annual program featuring a flight of hop-tastic events that celebrate our local breweries and our craft-brew-loving community. Since 2014, KPL has presented Kalamazoo with fun and educational programming about craft brewing including: beer tasting instruction, brewery tours, home brewing tutorials, beer-centric movies, and visits from the authors of some of the industry's most referenced and respected books on craft brewing.
All Overdue Brew events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited and registration is required. You must be 21 or older to attend.
On Tap for 2019
History of Brewing in Kalamazoo Bus Tour - sorry, both tours and the waiting list are already full!
Saturday, January 19, Two tours: 11 am & 2 pm
Boatyard Brewing Co., 432 E. Paterson St.
Join us on a bus tour with West Michigan Beer Tours and learn about our city's illustrious beer brewing history! Tours begin and end at Bell's Eccentric Cafe. Enjoy a complimentary pint before or after the tour and visit some of the sites where Kalamazoo's brewing history began nearly two hundred years ago.
Beer and Food Pairing - (registration opens January 10 at 8 am)
Thursday, January 24, 7 pm
Gonzo's Bigg Dogg Brewing Co., 140 S. Westnedge Ave.
Impress your friends at your next dinner party with your craft beer knowledge. Learn what brews compliment certain foods. Includes a flight of beer samples, appetizers, and a tour of the brewing facility.
Cooking with Beer – (registration opens January 12 at 8 am)
Saturday, January 26, 2 pm
KVCC Culinary & Allied Health Building, 418 E. Walnut St.
Join Chef Cory Barrett, culinary instructor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and Brewery Operations Manager/Brewer Jeff Sobolewski, for a cooking demonstration utilizing… beer of course. We will prepare and taste different fun and tasty beer centered appetizers. We will also discuss beer pairing for each of the appetizer and welcome questions about cooking with beer!
The Story of Black Frog Brewing Company – (registration opens February 2 at 8 am)
Saturday, February 16, 7 pm
Tibbs Brewing, 402 S. Burdick St.
Meet Christopher Harris, the owner of Black Frog Brewing Company, the first minority owned & operated craft brewery in Toledo. Hear Harris describe his experience being a part of a very exclusive group of minorities and people of color who own, operate and brew beer on a professional level.
Beer Tasting - (registration opens February 7 at 8 am)
Thursday, February 21, 7 pm
Brite Eyes Brewing, 1156 S. Burdick St.
Do you even "craft beer?" Learn the lingo with certified beer judge and accomplished homebrewer Alex Mantakounis. Join Alex as he guides tasters through a series of different styles of beer, and explains the different flavors, textures, and notes they should expect. Includes a flight of beer samples. Attendees will also receive a complimentary Overdue Brew pint glass.
The Polkaholics
Saturday, February 23, 7 pm
Shakespeare's Pub, 241 E. Kalamazoo Ave.
Let's DANCE! The Polkaholics mix doses of punk rock and polka in a high-speed blender, creating a souped-up sound that is simultaneously new and old. Traditional polka and polka type songs are played with non-traditional instruments (drum, bass, and guitar). A new generation of music, this electrified polka is fast, furious and fun! Seating will be first come first served. We suggest you arrive early to secure a seat. (Pre-registration is not available for this event.)
Overdue Brews
What would Overdue Brew be without the brews? We are excited to share that once again; you will be able to enjoy the following limited-batch beers brewed especially for Overdue Brew. Even better? Show your Kalamazoo Public Library Card and get $1 off your first pint!
@Tibbs Brewing Company, 402 S. Burdick St.
Overdue Brew (Belgian Chocolate Stout): The official beer of Overdue Brew! Available Feb 1.
@Brite Eyes Brewing Co., 1156 S. Burdick St.
The Reading Rainbow (American Blonde Ale aged on Skittles Candy): Taste the Rainbow! Responsibly, of course.
@One Well Brewing, 4213 Portage St.
Literary Liquid (Double IPA): Only the finest literary linguists imbibe this classic!
Need Another Round?
Participants of the 2019 Overdue Brew will receive fun giveaways and have the opportunity to win a prize at every event! Also, all participants will receive an Overdue Brew Passport. Attend four or more programs and you will receive a custom Overdue Brew TagaBrew tag!
Our Partners
Overdue Brew can't happen without the support and generosity of our local breweries, pubs, and businesses. KPL would like to thank West Michigan Beer Tours, Boatyard Brewing Co., Gonzo's Bigg Dogg Brewing Co., Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Tibbs Brewing Co., Brite Eyes Brewing Co., Tempo Vino Winery, Black Frog Brewery and Shakespeare's Pub.
According to a recent study conducted by Scholastic, children across all age groups overwhelmingly agree that their favorite books—and the ones they are most likely to finish—are the ones they pick out themselves. Providing access to diverse reading materials is important, but allowing children to choose what books are right for them is equally important. Like adults, children have their own unique interests and, like adults, they should be allowed the freedom to explore those interests in the books they choose to read.
This year's Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar is all about choice. If we allow children open access to all reading materials, they will Choose to Read! KPL is honored to welcome guest speakers Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm, the best-selling authors of the acclaimed Babymouse and Squish series. Jennifer and Matthew will speak about the importance of choice for youth and how they consider choice a priority in their writing. Other featured speakers include author and educator Dr. Ernest Morrell, and teacher, author and creator Colby Sharp.
New this year! Kalamazoo Public Library will provide a curated book list chosen by KPL Youth Staff and the partners of the Youth Literature Seminar committee will share their favorite books of 2018. There will also be giveaways, including an opportunity for teachers to win free books for their classroom. Educators can earn SCECH (State Continuing Education Clock Hours) for attending.
Books will be for sale by Bookbug|this is a bookstore.
For more information, visit kpl.gov/yls or call 269-553-7804.
Kalamazoo Public Library is pleased to announce the Reading Together title for 2019: The Hate U Give by New York Times bestselling author Angie Thomas. Join us at Chenery Auditorium on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, 7 pm to hear Thomas trace the development of her book—and in so doing, speak to the heart of race, activism and social change in America today. Admission is free and open to the public. The presentation will be followed by a book signing. Bookbug/this is a bookstore will sell copies of The Hate U Give at the event.
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter navigates between the poverty-stricken neighborhood where she lives and the upper-crust suburban prep school she attends. Her life is up-ended when she is the sole witness to the shooting of her childhood best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. As Starr finds herself even more torn between the two vastly different worlds she inhabits, she also has to contend with speaking her truth and, in the process, trying to stay alive herself.
The Hate U Give—widely known as the first Black Lives Matter-inspired YA novel—has been a #1 New York Times bestseller for 70 weeks. Described as "the best—and most important—book of the year," by Entertainment Weekly, it has already been adapted into a major feature film (Oct. 19), and Thomas' hotly anticipated follow-up On the Come Up (Feb. 5) is generating buzz. Thomas' keynotes resonate with the same authenticity, insight, and hope that make her book so powerful, and give context and background to the culture, politics, and movement that inspired it.
Copies of The Hate U Give are currently available at the Central Library and will be available at the rest of the library branches at the end of the week.
"Angie Thomas has written a stunning, brilliant, gut-wrenching novel that will be remembered as a classic of our time." – John Green, #1 NYT Bestselling Author of The Fault of our Stars.
About the Author
Angie Thomas is the inaugural winner of the Walter Dean Myers Grant 2015, awarded by We Need Diverse Books. Born, raised, and still residing in Jackson, Mississippi—and a former teen rapper—she holds a BFA in Creative Writing from Belhaven University and an unofficial degree in hip hop.
About Reading Together
The purpose of Reading Together is to build a stronger community with deeper connections through the common experience of reading the same book and exploring its themes together. When we do that, we engage and learn, not only about ourselves, but more importantly about each other and the world around us.
By experiencing the same book, hearing the author of that work speak right here in Kalamazoo, and examining the book's themes through a local lens, we are able to embrace our similarities and differences from a common point of reference.
Very simply, when we read together, we grow together. Learn more at www.kpl.gov/reading-together.]]>
Join KPL along with the Library of Michigan Foundation for a celebration of the Michigan Notable Book Award program. Every year, the Library of Michigan selects up to twenty of the most notable books, either written by a Michigan resident or about Michigan or the Great Lakes. Each selected title speaks to our state's rich cultural, historical, and literary heritage and proves without a doubt that some of the greatest stories are found in the Great Lakes State.
Many current and past Michigan Notable Book Authors will be in attendance to personally autograph their books while talking with guests about their work. Don't miss this opportunity to meet these award-winning authors: Bonnie Jo Campbell, Wade Rouse, Karen Dionne, William Rapai, Stephen Mack Jones, Joel Stone, Michael G. Smith, Amy Emberling, Frank Corollo, Cindy Hunter Morgan, and Daniel Wolff. More information about these authors can be found at kpl.gov/notables.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet these Michigan Notable Book Authors, discuss their work and have their books autographed. Michigan News Agency will provide books for sale. KPL is also honored and excited to have local celebrity Lori Moore emcee the event.
Space is limited for this event. Please register to secure your spot at "An Evening of Notables."]]>
David Small's graphic novel follow-up to the award-winning and critically-acclaimed book Stitches, is already being lauded as a masterpiece. Home After Dark: A Novel, is the story of 13-year-old Russell's struggle with not only making new friends, but his own sexuality, after moving to California with his father. The mostly wordless story moves like the best film noir with both small- and large-screen worthy art. Readers will find it difficult not to get swept up in this heartbreaking story of a young, confused boy in the 1950's struggling to survive in a broken home. Join us as we listen to David Small share the story behind this incredible tale.
David Small was born and raised in Detroit, MI. He received his MFA at the Yale Graduate School of Art, taught art for many years at the college level, ran a film series, and made satirical sketches for campus newspapers. To date, Small has illustrated more than 40 picture books.
Recognition for Small's books include The Caldecott Medal (So You Want to be President?, 2001), The Caldecott Honor (The Gardener, 1998), National Book Award Finalist (Stitches, 2009 and The Underneath, 2008), Christopher Award (That Book woman, 2009 and The Gardener, 1998), ABBY Award Honor Book (The Gardener, 1997 and The Library, 1995), The New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year (The Library, 1995), and a Featured Selection for more than 10 years on Reading Rainbow (Imogene's Antlers, 1985).]]>
This year's Geek Fest features a cosplay contest with prizes, a robotics demonstration with Gull Lake Area Robotics, Mattawan RoboKats and 2 Paw Robotics, free caricatures, free comic books from Rocket Comics, Kalamazoo Ghostbusters, L'Arte D'Armizare Medieval Martial Arts, Nova Virtual Reality, a photo booth and Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion.
Gamers of all ages will enjoy 5Crests, Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator, Aunt Cathy's Kiddie Corner, Dragon-Knight Publishing: D&D Whispers of Starfall, Dungeons and Dragons: Toiseachadh 5e, Elder Signs, Glitch Video Game Lounge, Magic the Gathering, Munchkin, Pathfinder: Honor's Echo, Red Dragon Inn: Pookie No!, and Yu-Gi-Oh!
Featured artists and authors include Yuko Ota and Ananth Hirsh, Kenjji Jumanne-Marshall, Paul Sizer, Ruth McNally Barshaw, Jessi Fletcher & Sew Excited Cosplay, Chaotic Neutral Cosplay, Emily Kastner and Angela Sisk.
If you have maker mania, then come make slime with the Kalamazoo Ghostbusters, make your own cereal box journal with Ruth McNally Barshaw, make comic book buttons and origami superhero bookmarks, and learn about your future from the Harry Potter Sorting Hat Fortune Teller!
Bookbug, a local independent bookstore, will be on site selling books. Kalamazoo County Expo Center will be selling food.
The 2018 Geek Fest is sponsored by: 5Crests, Dragon-Knight Publishing, Slugfest Games, Fanfare, Glitch Gaming Lounge, Pathfinder Society, Rocket Comics, Bookbug, SLD Read, Western Michigan Gamers Guild, Walmart, the Royal Manticoran Navy, Friends of the Paw Paw District Library, Friends of the Portage District Library, Friends of the Antwerp Sunshine Library, Friends of Kalamazoo Public Library, and United Bay Community Credit Union.
Geek Fest is hosted by: Kalamazoo Public Library, Lawton Public Library, Paw Paw District Library, Portage District Library and VanBuren District Library.
For more information, visit facebook.com/SWMGeekFest.]]>
Due to damage caused by heavy rains and recurring flooding in the Edison and surrounding neighborhoods, Kalamazoo Public Library has hired Great Lakes Waterproofing and Camelot Service to conduct repairs on the Washington Square Branch Library's lower level. These repairs include the removal of damaged materials such as dry wall, installing a dewatering system, and conducting other repairs. Work will begin on Monday, September 10, and is expected to take 8 weeks.
These repairs will affect the lower level of the library only. KPL recognizes the Washington Square Branch Library is a vital resource to the Edison community. Therefore, the library will not be closed during these repairs but may operate under modified hours during some phases of construction due to noise. KPL is coordinating with the construction companies to conduct repairs in the mornings during the hours the Washington Square Branch Library would normally be closed. More information about modified hours will be posted once they are confirmed.
Kalamazoo Public Library apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates the public's patience as they take the necessary steps to repair structural issues that will protect and preserve Washington Square Branch Library so it may be continued to be enjoyed by the residents of the Edison Neighborhood for many years to come.
Read the article here.]]>
Kalamazoo Public Library is excited to bring National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and author of The Pursuit of Endurance, Jennifer Pharr Davis to Kalamazoo on Monday, August 6, 6:30 pm at Central Library, 315 South Rose Street. This event is free and open to the public.
A hiker and author, Jennifer Pharr Davis has covered more than 14,000 miles of long-distance trails on six different continents. She has written six books, articles for the New York Times, Outside magazine, Backpacker, and Trail Runner, and has been featured in the Washington Post, the New York Times, NPR's Talk of the Nation and the CBS Early Show. Her new book, The Pursuit of Endurance has been called "a captivating narrative guidebook that will inspire readers to test their own limits, on the trail and off." – Kirkus Reviews.
Pharr Davis is a professional speaker who has shared her trail adventures across the United States and Europe. She is founder and owner of Blue Ridge Hiking Company, a guiding service that strives "to make the wilderness accessible and enjoyable" for hikers of all ages, genders, and ability levels. Hear her speak about her experiences, and read excerpts from The Pursuit of Endurance. Books will be for sale for signing after the presentation.]]>
Jones will share excerpts from his book August Snow. -Tough, smart, and struggling to stay alive, August Snow is the embodiment of Detroit. The son of an African-American father and a Mexican-American mother, August grew up in the city's Mexicantown and joined the police force only to be drummed out by a conspiracy of corrupt cops and politicians. But August fought back; he took on the city and got himself a $12 million wrongful dismissal settlement that left him low on friends. He has just returned to the house he grew up in after a year away, and quickly learns he has many scores to settle. – stephenmackjones.com
Stephen Mack Jones is a published poet, award winning playwright and winner of the Kresge Arts in Detroit Literary Fellowship. He was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. He moved to Detroit upon graduation from Michigan State University and has remained in the metro-Detroit area. He worked in advertising and marketing communications before turning to fiction. August Snow is his first adult fiction novel. In July 2018, The International Association of Crime Writers presented Stephen with the prestigious Hammett Prize for literary excellence in the field of crime writing.
August Snow was named a '2018 Michigan Notable Book' by the Library of Michigan. Pending award nominations include: a Shamus Award nomination from the Private Eye Writers of America and Nero Award from the Nero Wolfe Society. The second book, titled Lives Laid Away, will be released in January 2019.
For media inquiries, contact Farrell Howe 269-553-7879 or email email@example.com.
Readers can also visit our booth on the corner of South & Rose St. during June Jubilee on Saturday, June 2, 10 am - 2 pm to sign-up your whole family! While you are there, be sure to check out the Friends of Kalamazoo Public Library Summer Bag-of-Books Sale. You will find an assortment of fiction, mystery, romance, science fiction, large print, nonfiction, children's books and much more! Fill a grocery-size bag full of books for only $3 or pay 20 cents per book. Bringing your own reusable bag is welcomed and encouraged! The book sale will be open 9 am - 3:30 pm on the corner of Lovell and Rose in the Central Library parking lot.
More information about the Summer Reading Challenge can be found at kpl.gov/summer.
Also, don't forget that summer hours for Central Library are in effect now until September 2nd. They are:
Monday - Wednesday, 9 am - 9 pm
Thursday & Friday, 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday - Closed
Enjoy the summer Kalamazoo!]]>
KPL's housing of the County Law Library is a model for great intergovernmental and private cooperation. In the late 1990's, during the renovation of the Kalamazoo Public Library's Central location, Kalamazoo County funded the conversion of former storage space within the lower level of the public library to house the County Law Library. This move provided lawyers, law students and the general public convenient access to legal materials outside of normal business hours.
Kalamazoo County continues to assist KPL with legal resource costs while a strong partnership with the Kalamazoo County Bar Association to schedule and host free legal clinics allows the Law Library to continue its mission of directing patrons seeking legal information to reputable and relevant resources.
The need for legal assistance in our community is great. According to a 2017 report from the Legal Services Corporation, nearly 17% of Kalamazoo County residents are living poverty, 33% in the City of Kalamazoo. Over the course of a year, 71% of low-income households experience at least one civil legal problem. The Raymond J. Fox Law Library at KPL is there to provide critical access to unrepresented individuals seeking legal help in our community.
The success of KPL's Raymond J. Fox Law Library would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the staff. Congratulations to Caitlin Hoag, Amy Alcenius-Hoisington, Matt Smith, Zack Hunkins, Christine Hann, and Ryan Gage for a job well done.]]>
This event is free, and open to the public. Register online or call 553-7885 to register and reserve bus parking if needed.
Since 1998, Ready to Read has celebrated national Stand for Children Day with a special story hour to focus community attention on the importance of early childhood literacy. Ready to Read is a Kalamazoo Public Library outreach program that encourages parents and caregivers to share books with children from birth to five years of age. Education research shows that reading aloud to children is the best way to prepare them for learning to read. Children that start kindergarten being familiar with books are more likely to become good readers and achieve academic success.
Ready to Read partners include pediatricians, pre-natal and parent educators, community organizations serving at-risk families and Kalamazoo Literacy Council.
Party in the Park is cosponsored by Kalamazoo Public Library, Child Care Resources and Kalamazoo RESA.]]>
Kalamazoo Public Library (KPL) and Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) have long been recognized in the Kalamazoo community as champions for childhood literacy. With this legacy in mind, KPL and KPS have partnered to create OneCard, a shared card that serves as both a library card and a student ID. Also, to prevent the typical loss of skills most students experience during the summer known as "summer slide," KPL and KPS will be offering fun programs that will keep Kalamazoo children reading all summer long!
Kalamazoo Public Library Summer Reading Challenge kicks off on June 1. Those that accept the challenge will trek "Around the World in 90 Days" by reading a suggested book from each continent. Unlike many other summer reading programs, KPL's lasts all summer long and includes prizes for every 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of reading for kids and teens, and a 60-day prize for adults! Participants can play online or pick up a game board at any KPL location beginning June 1. Information about the Summer Reading Challenge can be found at kpl.gov/summer.
Kalamazoo Public Schools will continue its summer literacy efforts through two programs. The district will once again send books to children entering third through sixth grade to encourage summer reading. The children will receive one book every 10 days for the duration of the summer holiday. And, for the second year, KPS will open five elementary school libraries, so students can continue to visit and check out books from their schools. This year, libraries will be open at Arcadia Elementary School, Edison Environmental Science Academy, Lincoln International Studies School, Spring Valley Center for Exploration and Washington Writers' Academy. The libraries will be open two days a week.
Also during the summer, KPL and KPS will be coordinating efforts to launch a landmark program: OneCard, an innovative collaboration with one goal – a Kalamazoo Public Library card for every Kalamazoo Public Schools student.
"The goals of OneCard are simple: to create an incredibly easy process for KPS students to get a library card, visit their library, check out books and most importantly to develop a love for reading," said Kalamazoo Public Library Director Ryan Wieber.
Beginning this fall, all KPS students, faculty and staff will automatically be enrolled in the OneCard program. OneCard provides full access to all KPL print, AV and online materials. ONeCard was created to enrich and support school instruction complementing the resources available through school libraries with access to KPL's physical and electronic resources. OneCard also reduces potential barriers associated with registering for a library card, visiting KPL and accessing its collections.
"We have long appreciated our partnership with the Kalamazoo Public Library. We particularly appreciate this new joint initiative, which will give thousands of our children library cards that they would not otherwise have had and which will open up whole new worlds for our kids as a result," said KPS Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice.
Additional information and promotions for OneCard will be released in May.
2018 Reading Together: Meet Author Matthew Desmond
On Friday, March 16, 7-9 pm, the 2018 Reading Together featured author Matthew Desmond will visit Chenery Auditorium. Desmond will discuss his research and motivation for his book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, which won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize, National Book Critics Award, Carnegie Medal, and PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction. This Meet the Author event is free and open to the public. No ticket is required. Copies of Evicted will be available for purchase from Michigan News Agency. A book signing will immediately follow the presentation.
In his brilliant, heartbreaking book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, Matthew Desmond takes us into the poorest neighborhoods of Milwaukee to tell the stories of eight families on the edge. Based on years of embedded fieldwork and painstakingly gathered data, this masterful book transforms our understanding of extreme poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving a devastating, uniquely American problem. Its unforgettable scenes of hope and loss remind us of the centrality of home, without which nothing else is possible.
About Reading Together: One Book, One Community
The purpose of Reading Together is to build a stronger community with deeper connections through the common experience of reading the same book and exploring its themes together. When we do that, we engage and learn, not only about ourselves, but more importantly about each other and the world around us. Learn more about Reading Together and this year's list of events at readingtogther.us.
KPL thanks the 2018 Reading Together sponsors, Friends of Kalamazoo Public Library, Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, Kalamazoo Community Foundation and Stryker Johnson Foundation as well as many community partners.
15th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival
On Saturday, March 17, Kalamazoo will roll out the (metaphorical) red carpet for the 15th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival. Film finalists will be screened at this special event open to movie fans of all ages. Join us at 12 pm at the Judy K. Jolliffe Theatre. Enjoy plenty of movie snacks and cast your vote for the People's Choice Award. This event is free and open to the public.
Public Media Network (PMN) will broadcast all entries chosen for the festival, the awards presentations, and interviews with the winners beginning March 26 through April 1. Visit kpl.gov/teenfilmfest for the broadcast schedule. DVD's of the festival coverage and filmmaker interviews will be available for purchase at cost to interested filmmakers and fans. For more information visit publicmedia.org.
Film Finalists will be presented by Master of Ceremonies Aubrey Rodgers, and judged by Katherine Mumma, James Choi, and Joshua Courtade. The People's Choice Award will be chosen by the audience. Awards are based on nine categories and will receive gift cards from Norman Camera in the following amounts:
The following categories will win a Norman Camera gift card worth $50:
If you miss the festival, the complete list of winners will be posted on kpl.gov/teenfilmfest by March 23.
About the Teen Filmmaker Festival
Since 2003, the Teen Filmmaker Festival has featured films produced by Michigan teens aged 12-19. Films must be entirely produced by teens and be no more than 10 minutes long. In 2016, a Young Filmmaker Award was created for Michigan's youngest filmmakers, aged 10-12.
The 15th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival is brought to you by Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Public Media Network, Campaign Pictures and James & Springgate, PLC.
Photography for both events is provided by John Lacko Photography. Images will be posted by KPL on Flickr by March 26.
Kalamazoo Public Library thanks the Kalamazoo community for many years of continued support for Reading Together and Teen Filmmaker Festival. Please enjoy both events this weekend.]]>
Kalamazoo Public Library staff are always thinking of ways to improve our patrons' library experience and make the process of checking out materials as convenient as possible. Remembering to renew books, music or movies to avoid late fees can be a hassle, which is why we are pleased to provide a new service called Courtesy Renewal.
With Courtesy Renewal, when first time, checked-out materials reach two days before their due date, they will be automatically renewed. This means no more last-minute logging in to a KPL library account or frantic trips to a local KPL branch to renew materials on time. Please note Courtesy Renewal applies only to the first time checked-out materials are eligible for renewal.
Patrons will receive an email confirming which items were automatically renewed. A separate email will be sent for items that are still due and cannot be renewed such as Hot Picks, Book Club in a Bag, Hotspots and items with holds.
For more information on Courtesy Renewals, please visit our website.]]>
The decision to open Powell Branch on Saturdays was the result of strong community feedback expressing the need for additional library hours, a steady increase in daily library usage, and support from the Douglass Community Association.
"Kalamazoo Public Library is pleased to be able to respond to the community's request for additional, more accessible hours. It is important to us to not only meet the needs of residents who live near the Powell Branch Library, but this decision also fulfills our purpose to be a place for everyone to explore, discover, and engage," said Library Director Ryan Wieber.
The Alma Powell Branch Library is located at 1000 W. Paterson and serves the residents of the Northside neighborhoods of Kalamazoo. The library offers books, movies, music and programming for all ages, and also features the Barnabee Art Gallery, which displays several exhibits each year. Beginning February 2, in celebration of Black History Month, art, history and science lovers can enjoy The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks art exhibit, a collaboration of several local and out-of-state artists celebrating Henrietta Lacks. Known as the mother of modern day medicine, Lacks is the unwitting source of the HeLa cell line, the first immortalized cell line and one of the most important cell lines in modern history.
Alma Powell Branch Library is open Monday, 1 - 6 pm, Tuesday, 1 - 8 pm, Wednesday, 1 - 6 pm, Thursday, 10 am - 6 pm, Friday, 10 am - 5 pm and now Saturdays, 1 - 5 pm. The library is closed on Sundays. For more information, visit kpl.gov/pow or call 269-553-7964.
Overdue Brew is an annual program featuring a flight of hop-tastic events that celebrate our local breweries and our craft-brew-loving community. Since 2014, KPL has presented Kalamazoo with fun and educational programming about craft brewing including: beer tasting instruction, brewery tours, home brewing tutorials, beer-centric movies, and visits from the authors of some of the industry's most referenced and respected books on craft brewing.
All Overdue Brew events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited and registration is required. You must be 21 or older to attend.
On Tap for 2018
History of Brewing in Kalamazoo Bus Tour - sorry, both tours and the waiting list are already full!
Saturday, January 20, Two tours: 11 am & 2 pm
Bell's Eccentric Cafe, 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave
Join us on a bus tour with West Michigan Beer Tours and learn about our city's illustrious beer brewing history! Tours begin and end at Bell's Eccentric Cafe. Enjoy a complimentary pint before or after the tour and visit some of the sites where Kalamazoo's brewing history began nearly two hundred years ago.
Beer and Food Pairing - (registration opens January 11 at 8 am)
Thursday, January 25, 7 pm
Gonzo's Bigg Dogg Brewing Co., 140 S. Westnedge Ave
Impress your friends at your next dinner party with your craft beer knowledge. Learn what brews compliment certain foods. Includes a flight of beer samples, appetizers, and a tour of the brewing facility.
Beer Tasting - (registration opens January 18)
Thursday, February 1, 7 pm
Tibbs Brewing Co., 402 S. Burdick St.
Do you even "craft beer?" Learn the lingo with certified beer judge and accomplished homebrewer Alex Mantakounis. Join Alex as he guides tasters through a series of different styles of beer, and explains the different flavors, textures, and notes they should expect. Includes a flight of beer samples. Attendees will also receive a complimentary Overdue Brew pint glass.
The Polkaholics - (registration opens January 27)
Saturday, February 10, 8 pm
Old Dog Tavern, 402 E. Kalamazoo Ave.
Let's DANCE! The Polkaholics mix doses of punk rock and polka in a high-speed blender, creating a souped-up sound that is simultaneously new and old. Traditional polka and polka type songs are played with non-traditional instruments (drum, bass, and guitar). A new generation of music, this electrified polka is fast, furious and fun!
Pure Brews America - Featuring Shannon Long - (registration opens February 1)
Thursday, February 15, 7 pm, One Well Brewing, 4213 Portage St.
Meet Shannon Long, CEO of Brew Export and host of the 2017 Emmy Award Winning TV series, Pure Brews America. Not just a show about beer, Pure Brews America is about the history, innovation, and characters that have taken a small brewing revolution and turned it into a nationwide force. Hear Shannon's story of how she turned her love of craft beer into a career that has not only taken her across Michigan, but now across the country where she interviews some of the best in the craft brew business!
Kalamazoo Public Library Barrel-Aged Bus Tour - (registration opens February 10)
Saturday, February 24, 12 pm
Old Burdick's Bar & Grill in Radisson Plaza Hotel, 100 W. Michigan Ave.
Take a tour of some of the most popular craft brew pubs in Kalamazoo! Includes a pint or samples, and brewery tours at select stops.
Overdue Brews
What would Overdue Brew be without the brews? We are excited to share that once again; you will be able to enjoy the following limited-batch beers brewed especially for Overdue Brew. Even better? Show your Kalamazoo Public Library Card and get $1 off your first pint!
@Tibbs Brewing Company, 402 S. Burdick St.
Overdue Brew (Belgian Chocolate Stout): The official beer of Overdue Brew!
@Brite Eyes Brewing Co., 1156 S. Burdick St.
The Reading Rainbow (American Blonde Ale aged on Skittles Candy): Taste the Rainbow! Responsibly, of course.
@One Well Brewing, 4213 Portage St.
Literary Liquid (Double IPA): Only the finest literary linguists imbibe this classic!
Need Another Round?
Participants of the 2018 Overdue Brew will receive fun giveaways and have the opportunity to win a prize at every event! Also, all participants will receive an Overdue Brew Passport. Attend four or more programs and you will receive a custom Overdue Brew TagaBrew tag!
Our Partners
Overdue Brew can't happen without the support and generosity of our local breweries, pubs, and businesses. KPL would like to thank West Michigan Beer Tours, Bell's Brewery, Tibbs Brewing Company, One Well Brewing, Arcadia Ales, Gonzo's Bigg Dogg Brewing, Pure Brews America, Old Dog Tavern, The Polkaholics, and Tempo Vino Winery.
Calling all filmmakers age 10 - 19! Write those scripts and get your cameras rolling, it's time to get ready for the 15th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival! Submissions are due Friday, January 26, 2018 by 5 pm.
A jury will screen every film entered and select the finalists for screening at the Festival. Filmmakers will be notified via email if their film is selected. Not every film submitted to the Festival will be selected for screening at the public event. Titles of selected films will be posted on the Teen Filmmaker Festival Facebook page.
Award Categories
Young Filmmaker Award – Ages 10-13
Young Filmmaker Category for ages 10-13. Films eligible for this category will be judged prior to the festival and the winning film will be shown during the Teen Filmmaker Festival on March 17. The winner will be notified and will receive their prize during the event.
The Event
The 15th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival will be on Saturday, March 17, 12 pm at Judy K. Jolliffe Theatre – 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 205, Kalamazoo.
Official Rules
Films must be produced by teens, ages 10-19, who reside in the state of Michigan. More than one teen may work on a film. Adults may be talent in a film, but should perform no other duty in the actual creation of the film. Films may not be more than 10 minutes long. No bloopers, please. Teens may submit more than one film. Films submitted to the festival will not be returned.
A panel of judges will select the winners in each category except the People's Choice Award, which will be chosen at the Teen Filmmaker Festival by audience members.
Format Requirements
Films should be submitted as full-quality QuickTime/MOV files. All other formats (including DVD, VHS, Windows Media files, low-quality QuickTime files, etc.) will be automatically disqualified.
Submit your films electronically via FilmFreeway. Entries are due on Friday, January 26, 2018 by 5 pm. In the event that filmmakers are unable to submit films online, they may be delivered via mail or in person to the KPL Central Library Teen Desk.
If you need help, please contact the Teen Department at 269-553-7807 or The Hub, KPL's digital lab.
For legal disclaimers, tips, tricks and frequently asked questions, visit kpl.gov/teenfilmfest.
The 15th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival is presented by, Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Public Media Network, James Springgate PLC and Campaign Pictures.]]>
Matt Lechel has 15+ years of nonprofit experience including organizations such as the YMCA, Girl Scouts, and Volunteer Kalamazoo. He received his Masters of Public Administration-Nonprofit Leadership degree from Western Michigan University in 2008, and also taught as adjunct faculty at WMU for a number of years. Prior to joining ONEplace in 2016, Lechel served for six years as the Executive Director of Kalamazoo Collective Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing cooperative in Kalamazoo. Matt Lechel has also served on the boards of PFC Natural Grocery and Deli, and Kalamazoo County Parks Commission, where he currently serves as Secretary.
"Matt's experience in the Kalamazoo nonprofit environment, his demonstrated abilities over the past year, and his passion for all that ONEplace embodies will, I'm sure, prove to be the right combination in leading ONEplace," said Kalamazoo Public Library Director Ryan Wieber. "I am excited for Matt and am confident he will do a great job."
Matt Lechel will model the legacy of excellent leadership provided by previous ONEplace Directors Thom Andrews and Bobbe Luce. Under Matt's direction, ONEplace will continue to provide a variety of custom capacity building services to the nonprofits in Kalamazoo county. "I am humbled and honored to take on this position, particularly after the passing of my friend and mentor Thom Andrews, who left a tremendous legacy here at ONEplace," said Lechel. "Nonprofits are critical to the success of our community, and impact nearly all of us whether we're program participants, funders, staff, volunteers or board members. The fact that ONEplace even exists is a testament to the commitment of nonprofit excellency from Kalamazoo area funders like the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation and Kalamazoo Community Foundations. I am excited to grow the great work of ONEplace."
Congratulations Matt!]]>
Has this ever happened to you? Your favorite author, one that you have been dying to meet, visited your city and you missed it! Don't let that happen, mark your calendar, set the alerts and get excited to see the following authors in Kalamazoo on November 16 & 17!
Mitali Perkins has written ten novels for young readers, including Rickshaw Girl (chosen by the New York Public Library as one of the top 100 books for children in the past 100 years) and Bamboo People (an American Library Association's Top Ten Novels for Young Adults). Her newest novel, Tiger Boy, won the Charlotte Huck Honor Award and the South Asia Book Award. She has been honored as a "Most Engaging Author" by independent booksellers across the country and selected as a "Literary Light for Children" by the Associates of the Boston Public Library. Perkins is also a 2017 National Book Award Top 10 Finalist.
Gary D. Schmidt is the author of more than fifteen books for children and young adults, including The Wednesday Wars, a 2008 Newbery Honor Award winner, and Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, which won a Newbery Honor award and a Michael L. Printz Honor award in 2005. His novel, Trouble, came out in spring 2008, and Okay for Now in 2012 - becoming a National Book Award Finalist. In God's Hands, a picture book co-authored with Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, was a runner-up for the 2005 National Jewish Book Award. His most recent picture book is The Rose in the Desert: The Story of Martin de Porres.
In addition to multiple "Best Book" lists, his work has been given a Horn Book Honor award and a Blue Ribbon award by the Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books. He has also authored or co-authored numerous textbooks, scholarly and academic books (including biographies of Katherine Paterson and Robert McCloskey), articles, and book reviews.
Javaka Steptoe is an eclectic young artist, designer, and illustrator, building a national reputation as an outstanding contributor to the genre of children's literature. His debut work, In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers, earned him the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, a nomination for Outstanding Children's Literature Work at the 1998 NAACP Image Awards, a finalist ranking for the Bluebonnet Award for Excellence in Children's Books, and countless other honors. His books, Do You Know What I'll Do? authored by Charlotte Zolotow and A Pocketful of Poems authored by Nikki Grimes, received starred reviews from both Publishers Weekly and the ALA Booklist. Hot Day on Abbott Avenue, written by Karen English, received the 2005 Jane Addams Children's Book Award. Steptoe is also the author/illustrator of The Jones Family Express. His most recent illustration projects include Rain Play by Cynthia Cotten, published in 2008, Amiri and Odette: A Love Story by multi-award-winning author Walter Dean Myers, the 2010 New York Times Bestseller, Jimi: Sounds Like a Rainbow (2011 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honor Book), and Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (2017 Caldecott Award, 2017 NAACP Image Award Nomination for Outstanding Literary Work – Children, 2017 ALA Coretta Scott Award).
Matt Faulkner is an award winning children's book author and illustrator. He has authored/illustrated more than 30 books for children including The Amazing Voyage of Jackie Grace, and A Taste of Colored Water, which received the Comstock Honor award by the Minnesota State University, was chosen as a finalist by the California Commonwealth Club for its 2009 Book award and was chosen as a winner in the pre-adolescent category by the National Storytelling Network. The NSNetwork also chose Independent Dames: What You Never Knew About the Women and Girls of the American Revolution (written by Laurie Halse Anderson) as the winner of its adolescent category in 2009. Faulkner is also a contributing illustrator to such national periodicals as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Forbes and teaches illustration at the Art Academy University in San Francisco.
All four authors are featured speakers at the 40th Annual Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar hosted by Kalamazoo Public Library. The Youth Literature Seminar will be held on Thursday November 16, and Friday November 17 at the Fetzer Center, 2350 Business Court, Kalamazoo, MI. Other speakers include K.T. Horning, Ed Spicer, Cindy Dobrez, and Lynn Rutan.
In addition, a special Meet the Author event will be held at Kalamazoo Public Library's Central Library, 315 South Rose Street, Kalamazoo on Thursday, November 16, 6:30 pm. This event is free and open to the public. Mitali Perkins, Gary Schmidt, Javaka Steptoe and Matt Faulkner will speak about their work. Bookbug, a local independent bookstore, will have books for sale for signing. All ages are welcome.
For more information and to register for one, or both days of the 40th Annual Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar, please visit kpl.gov/yls.
This year's Geek Fest features a cosplay contest with prizes, Kalamazoo Ghostbusters, L'Arte D'Armizare, Nova VR, Mattawan RoboKats, Mattawan WiredCats, and Scotty "Bud" Melvin Media Flying Drones.
Gamers of all ages will enjoy the Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator, Paul Sizer, Ruth McNally Barshaw, and Aunt Cathy's Kiddy Corner, Elder Sign, Magic, the Gathering, Munchkin, Open Gaming, Pookie, No!, and Zombies in Kalamazoo in the Gaming Room.
Featured artists and authors include Francis Vallejo, Jack Cheng (virtual visit), cosplay expert Jessi Fletcher, Kenjji Jumanne-Marshall as well as teen artists.
If you have maker mania, then come make slime with the Kalamazoo Ghostbusters, make your own journal with Ruth McNally Barshaw, make buttons, get your photo taken and more in the Maker Mania Room.
Bookbug, a local, independent bookstore, will be on site selling books. Kalamazoo Pizza Company and Motor Mouth will be selling food.
The 2017 Geek Fest is sponsored by: Walmart, Celebration Cinema, United Bay Community Credit Union, Bookbug, Rocket Comics, Fanfare, Slugfest Games, Western Michigan Gamers Guild, Pathfinder Society, Friends of Kalamazoo Public Library, Friends of the Paw Paw District Library, Friends of the Portage District Library, Friends of the Antwerp Sunshine Library, SLD Read, Transitioning Autistic Students to College, Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.
Geek Fest is hosted by: Kalamazoo Public Library, Lawton Public Library, Paw Paw District Library, Portage District Library, Richland Community Library, and Van Buren District Library.
For more information and to keep updated on Geek Fest events and featured guests, visit facebook.com/SWMGeekFest.]]>
Participating Businesses
During the month of September only, the following businesses are offering a 10% discount to customers who present their Kalamazoo Public Library Card at time of purchase. *Some restrictions may apply. See below or inquire at time of purchase.
Participating businesses will have a Library Card Sign-up Month poster on display indicating their participation. This list will continue to grow during the month of September, so be sure to check www.kpl.gov/getcarded frequently for updates.
• Bookbug - An Independent Bookstore
• The Cheese Lady (*Excludes beer, wine or featured cheese of the month)
• Down Dog Yoga Center (*10% off weekly drop-in classes. Not valid on class packs, workshops or special events.)
• Food Dance (*Excludes gift cards, special event tickets (dinners, tastings and classes), Happy Hour menu, $4 Beer Mondays, and 40% off Wine Bottle Thursdays)
• Geek Easy Computers
• Nature Connection (*10% off all gemstone beads)
• Pop City Popcorn (*Excludes special orders)
• Pick Curated Art & Select Vintage
• Something's Brewing (*Excludes the daily special latte)
• Spirit of Kalamazoo
• Taste of Heaven
• Tudor House Tea & Spice
• Wellspring Cori Terry & Dancers (*Valid for new students only)
Participating Community Organizations
Kalamazoo Public Library thanks the following community organizations that are supporting Library Card Sign-up Month by spreading the word to local residents about all KPL has to offer them.
• Boys & Girls Club
• Edison Neighborhood Association
• Heritage Community
• Hispanic American Council
• Kalamazoo Literacy Council
• OutFront Kalamazoo
• St. Joseph Catholic Church
• West Michigan Islamic Center
• YMCA Kalamazoo Maple Branch
Library Card Sign-up Month is brought to you by: American Library Association, Libraries Transform, American Library Association Library Champions and Overdrive.
In this brilliant, heartbreaking book, Desmond takes us into the poorest neighborhoods of Milwaukee to tell the stories of eight families on the edge, whose fates are in the hands of two landlords. This masterful book transforms our understanding of poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving a devastating, uniquely American problem. Print copies are now available at all KPL locations. Find digital copies in KPL's catalog.
"…every once in a while a book comes along that changes the national conversation…Evicted looks to be one of those books." –Pamela Paul, editor of the New York Times Book Review.
MacArthur Genius Matthew Desmond's New York Times bestselling book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City draws on years of embedded fieldwork and painstakingly gathered data. Evicted won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize, National Books Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction, the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction, the PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction, and the Barnes & Noble's Discover New Writers Award, and is a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Current Interest. It was named one of the Top Books of 2016 by nearly three dozen outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, Kirkus, The Boston Globe, and The Wall Street Journal. Including it on her personal best-of-the-year list, Jennifer Senior of the New York Times also called it 2016's most "un-ignorable" book: "Nothing else this year came close."
About the Author
Matthew Desmond is a professor of sociology at Princeton University. His primary teaching and research interests include urban sociology, poverty, race and ethnicity, organizations and work, social theory, and ethnography. In 2015, Desmond was awarded his MacArthur genius grant for "revealing the impact of eviction on the lives of the urban poor and its role in perpetuating racial and economic inequality."
A former member of the Harvard Society of Fellows, Desmond is also the author of the award-winning book On the Fireline, the coauthor of two books on race, and the editor of a collection of studies on severe deprivation in America. He has written essays on educational inequality, dangerous work, political ideology, race and social theory, and the inner-city housing market. The principal investigator of the Milwaukee Area Renters Study, an original survey of tenants in Milwaukee's low-income private housing sector, Desmond has been supported by the Ford, Russell Sage, and National Science Foundations. He is a Contributing Writer for The New York Times Magazine, and his writing has appeared in The New York Times and The Chicago Tribune. For more information on Matthew Desmond, please visit justshelter.org.
About Reading Together
The purpose of Reading Together is to build a stronger community with deeper connections through the common experience of reading the same book and exploring its themes together. When we do that, we engage and learn, not only about ourselves, but more importantly about each other and the world around us.
One Book, One Community
By experiencing the same book, hearing the author of that work speak right here in Kalamazoo, and delving deeper into the books' themes, we are able to embrace our similarities and differences from a common point of reference.
Very simply, when we read together, we grow together. Learn more at www.kpl.gov/reading-together]]>
Ryan Wieber has served as the Director of Van Buren District Library since 2013. He was responsible for the overall administration of a district library system consisting of a central location, and six branches. During his time as director of Van Buren District Library, Wieber implemented a strategic planning process, addressed budgetary issues, overhauled the IT department and updated network technology. Wieber's increased efforts in outreach, marketing and communications helped elevate Van Buren District Library's position as a vital community service.
Prior to being director for Van Buren District Library, Wieber served as the director of the Otsego District Library. During his 13 years as director, he championed initiatives that tripled Otsego District Library's annual patron visits and increased materials circulation by 150%. Wieber led a successful fundraising campaign and bond issue, which resulted in the construction of a new, state-of-the-art library to serve the Otsego community. Wieber also developed new branding for Otsego District Library and revitalized their marketing efforts.
Ryan Wieber graduated with his B.A. from Western Michigan University in 1992, and earned his Master of Library and Information Science degree from Wayne State University in 1995. Wieber currently resides in Otsego but plans to relocate to Kalamazoo. His official start date with Kalamazoo Public Library will be Tuesday, August 1.
"Kalamazoo Public Library is recognized statewide and nationally as a great public library system, with an incredible staff and a strong mission toward providing outstanding service and access for all its residents. Libraries everywhere look to Kalamazoo as the place that does it right.
I'm excited to continue ensuring that the library remains a valuable part of a community that loves its library, and I am honored to serve as the next director at Kalamazoo Public Library."
On behalf of Kalamazoo Public Library's staff, board, trustees and the Kalamazoo community, we welcome Ryan Wieber to Kalamazoo Public Library. Given his extensive experience serving as a library director for both Van Buren District Library and Otsego District Library, we are confident that Ryan Wieber will continue the legacy of KPL, and guide our future success in the community and beyond.
Kalamazoo Public Library Director Ann Rohrbaugh will be retiring on June 30. A new director is expected to be named in late May and begin early July.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Ann Rohrbaugh came to Kalamazoo to attend graduate school in library science at Western Michigan University. She took a part-time job at Kalamazoo Public Library and never left. Upon graduation, Rohrbaugh became a reference librarian, moved on to serve many administrative positions, and was assistant director before being hired as director in 2005.
During her time at Kalamazoo Public Library, Rohrbaugh served on the building committee as assistant director which oversaw the renovation of Central Library, Alma Powell and Washington Square Branch Libraries, as well as the construction of the Oshtemo and Eastwood Branch Libraries. As director, she led a strategic planning process that set library priorities for the past six years. During the recession of 2008, Rohrbaugh implemented cost-saving changes to library services, including reduction of staff by 10% through retirements and attrition, and most notably, the cancellation of the bookmobile service. These changes enabled Kalamazoo Public Library to keep all five locations open for business.
"I have had a wonderful career here at Kalamazoo Public Library," says Rohrbaugh. "It has been an honor to work with a dedicated staff that are passionate about our services and truly want to make a difference in our community. Our governing boards over the years have shown equal passion for the library and its place in the community. And finally, but most importantly, I have appreciated the support of the community that has continued to prioritize their local library as an essential service by voting for the passage of millages, participating in our programs and using our services."
While Ann Rohrbaugh is ready to move on to the next chapter, she will return to Kalamazoo Public Library often, however, as a frequent patron.]]>
20th Annual Party in the Park
Wednesday, May 31
10 am - 11 am
Bronson Park, Downtown Kalamazoo
Registration required; Please register online.
Since 1998, Ready to Read has celebrated national Stand for Children Day with a special story hour to focus community attention on the importance of sharing books with young children.
On Wednesday, May 31 at 10 am, Kalamazoo County preschoolers, their parents, teachers and child care providers are invited to Bronson Park to hear stories read by community leaders and costumed story book characters. Each child will receive a healthy snack, juice and a gift book courtesy of Kalamazoo Public Library.
This event is free. Bring a blanket to sit on. Portable toilets will be available in the park. Weather cancellations may apply.
Party in the Park is sponsored by: Kalamazoo Public Library, Child Care Resources, Kalamazoo RESA, and Meijer
Grimes will visit Kalamazoo schools and Kalamazoo Public Library to discuss her writing and career with Kalamazoo kids, teens, and families. A book sale and signing will immediately follow the event. Books will be sold by local, independent bookstore, Bookbug.
Nikki Grimes won the Wilder Award at the Youth Media Awards in 2017, the 2016 Virginia Hamilton Literary Award, and the 2006 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children.
Her distinguished works include ALA Notable book, What is Goodbye?, Coretta Scott King Award winner Bronx Masquerade, and Coretta Scott King Author Honor books Jazmin's Notebook, Talkin' About Bessie, Dark Sons, The Road to Paris, and Words with Wings. Creator of the popular collection of poems, Meet Danitra Brown, Ms. Grimes lives in Corona California.
Many of Nikki Grimes' writings are available for check-out via the Kalamazoo Public Library Catalog. Place your hold today! You must have a KPL card to check out materials. Don't have a card? Get carded today!]]>
When: Saturday, March 4, 12 pm
Where: Chenery Auditorium, 714 S. Westnedge Ave.
This event is free and open to the public.
Nearly 100 film shorts were submitted by some of Michigan's most talented teens, but only 21 of them made the cut for the final round to win top prizes. Popcorn will be provided and the audience will have the opportunity to vote for the People's Choice award!
Play List:
Presented by Master of Ceremonies: Kevin Park
Aubrey Hardaway is a multimedia artist in Kalamazoo who specializes in diversity and inclusion animation, video, and photography. She is the Chair of the Art and New Media Program at Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Center for New Media where she is the lead instructor of Animation/Game Art and Multimedia/Video. Aubrey also mentors students of all ages in film making, animation, and fine art. But what she is really known for is her series of fairy illustrations she created for eight years that celebrate all walks of life. Currently she is working on an animated short to be showcased at the June Art Hop of this year.
Cristen Leifheit is a moving image artist. She earned a BFA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in photography and has expanded her knowledge of the single photographic image to create highly crafted image sequences. Her films have been screened in various galleries and festivals across the US and Europe. The videos emphasize bugs and animals as characters and themes that include paranoia, the cyclical and survival. Leifheit's recent work has expanded to include technology's role in the interruption of natural cycles and the transformation of the physical landscape. The medium of stop motion creates a surreal and transformative quality of the work that usually falls between the state of narrative of film and experimental moving image.
Joel Potrykus is an American writer/director who resides in Grand Rapids where he continues to work with his filmmaking band, Sob Noisse. Buzzard (2014) (SXSW) is the final installment in his Animal Trilogy, following the feature film Ape (2012) (winner of Best Emerging Director, Locarno Film Festival) and the super 8 short cycle Coyote (2010). Along with production, Potrykus teaches screenwriting at Grand Valley State University and writes for an annual film criticism publication. He has also been the subject of retrospectives at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 2015 and at the 2016 Valdivia Film Festival in Chile.
The Public Media Network will cover the Teen Filmmaker Festival and will broadcast all entries chosen for the festival, the awards presentations, and interviews with the winners. DVDs of the festival will be available for purchase at cost to interested filmmakers and fans.
The broadcasts will run 3/9 - 3/30 on Charter 187/U-Verse 99
The 14th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival is presented by: Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Public Media Network, Campaign Pictures and Chenery Auditorium. For more information, visit kpl.gov/teenfilmfest.
Overdue Brew features a great flight of events that no craft beer lover will want to miss! All Overdue Brew programs are free and open to the public. Registration or free tickets are required. Please visit kpl.gov/overduebrew to learn more. Salud!
Overdue Brews
Show your Kalamazoo Public Library library card at the participating breweries and receive a $1 off a pint of one of the featured Overdue Brews! Limit one per customer.
Participants will receive fun swag and will have the opportunity to win a custom Overdue Brew growler made by Grayling Ceramics!
Overdue Brew Passport
All attendees will receive an Overdue Brew Passport. Attendees who participate in four or more Overdue Brew programs will receive a custom Tagabrew Tag!
For more information, visit kpl.gov/overduebrew
Community Partners
Tibbs Brewing Company, Brite Eyes Brewing Company, One Well Brewing, Boatyard Brewing Company, West Michigan Beer Tours, Motor City Brew Tours, Tempo Vino Winery, Grayling Ceramics, The Reality Factory, Michigan Mobile Canning and Alamo Drafthouse.
During Art Hop on March 3, 2017, Kalamazoo Public Library will be featuring artwork from Recovering the Classics, a crowd-sourced collection of reimagined covers of work in the public domain. Anyone can contribute. As part of this show, we are hosting a contest to honor the 15th Anniversary of Reading Together; KPL's popular "one book, one city" initiative that focuses on building a stronger community with deeper connections through the common experience of reading the same book and exploring its themes together.
Kalamazoo Public Library invites illustrators, typographers and designers of all ages to choose the Reading Together book cover they would like to redesign and submit their artwork digitally. The deadline for submission is Friday, February 3, 5 pm EST. Your artwork will be displayed on kpl.gov beginning Monday, February 13 and ending Monday, February 27 at 5 pm EST. During that time, online votes from the public will be collected. Voters can vote for their top three choices.
Winners will be announced at Art Hop on Friday, March 3 at Central Library (315 South Rose Street). Art Hop begins at 7 pm. The top ten Reading Together recovers will be exhibited as part of the Recovering the Classics display.
The 1st prize winner will receive a Wacom Tablet. 2 runners-up will receive $30 gift cards to Dick Blick.
For contest rules, file requirements and more, visit kpl.gov/RTrecover.
Good luck!
Board officer confirmations will take place at the board meeting on January 30.]]>
A jury will screen every film entered and select the finalists for screening at the Festival. Filmmakers will be notified via email if their film is selected. Not every film submitted to the Festival will be selected for screening at the public event. Titles of selected films will be posted on the Teen Filmmaker Festival Facebook page.
Award Categories
The Event
The 14th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival will be on Saturday, March 4, 12 pm at Chenery Auditorium, 714 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI.
Official Rules
Films must be produced by teens, ages 12-19, who reside in the state of Michigan. More than one teen may work on a film. Adults may be talent in a film, but should perform no other duty in the actual creation of the film. Films may not be more than 10 minutes long. No bloopers, please. Teens may submit more than one film. Films submitted to the festival will not be returned.
A panel of judges will select the winners in each category except the People's Choice Award, which will be chosen at the Teen Filmmaker Festival by audience members.
Format Requirements
Films should be submitted as full-quality QuickTime/MOV files. All other formats (including DVD, VHS, Windows Media files, low-quality QuickTime files, etc.) will be automatically disqualified.
New this year! Submit your films electronically via FilmFreeway. We strongly encourage online submissions. If you cannont submit electronically from home, submissions may be made via USB flash drive at the Central Library Teen Desk. If you need help, please contact the Teen Department or The Hub, KPL's digital lab.
Public Media Network, (PMN) will cover the Teen Filmmaker Festival and will broadcast the event. Check kpl.gov/teenfilmfest for broadcast dates and times. DVDs of festival coverage and interviews will be presented to award winners and available to purchase.
For legal disclaimers, tips, tricks and frequently asked questions, visit kpl.gov/teenfilmfest.
The 14th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival is presented by, Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Public Media Network and Campaign Pictures.]]>
Date, Location
Friday, November 18, 2016
9 am - 3:30 pm; check in begins at 8 am
Fetzer Center, Western Michigan University
2350 Business Court, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Map, Directions, Free parking
Register Online >>
Featured Speaker: Naomi Shihab Nye
2016 marks Kalamazoo Public Library's 39th annual Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar. This year's seminar features award-winning author and poet Naomi Shihab Nye, award-winning Kalamazoo author Jennifer Clark, and award-winning educator and teen book reviewer Ed Spicer. Learn more...
Event Features:
2017 marks the 15th Anniversary of Reading Together. To commemorate this occasion, KPL wanted to choose a book that addresses important yet divisive issues facing not only our community but the whole country. Writings on the Wall came to the attention of the selection committee immediately upon its release in August and quickly became the obvious choice, not only for the breadth of its content but also for the notoriety of its author. Honed from his life experience both on and off the basketball court, observations and conversations in his everyday life, Abdul-Jabbar explores American politics, racism, religion, gender issues, classism, the news media and much more. Copies will be available for check out at all Kalamazoo Public Library locations beginning November 1.
The 2017 Reading Together program will feature Kareem Abdul-Jabbar speaking about his book in an interview format, live, at Miller Auditorium on Tuesday, March 14, at 7 pm, followed by Q&A and book signing. Books will be sold at the event by local, independent bookstore, Michigan News Agency. This event is free and open to the public.
Throughout the month of March and into April, Reading Together will feature several programs that explore the concepts and themes presented in Abdul-Jabbar's work, with an opportunity for engaging discussion and revelation. Information about the 2017 Reading Together program will be posted on readingtogether.us as dates and programs are confirmed.
The purpose of Reading Together is to build a stronger community with deeper connections through the common experience of reading the same book and exploring its themes together. When we do that, we engage and learn, not only about ourselves, but also more importantly about each other and the world around us.
By experiencing the same book, hearing the author of that work speak right here in Kalamazoo, and delving deeper into the books' themes, we are able to embrace our similarities and differences from a common point of reference. Very simply, when we read together, we grow together.
About Kareem Abdul-Jabbar:
Since retiring from professional basketball as the NBA's all-time leading scorer, six-time MVP, and Hall of Fame inductee, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has become a lauded observer of culture and society, a New York Times bestselling author, and a regular contributor to The Washington Post, TIME magazine and TIME.com.
He now brings that keen insight to the fore in Writings on the Wall: Searching for a New Equality Beyond Black and White, his most incisive and important work of non-fiction in years. He uses his unique blend of erudition, street smarts and authentic experience in essays on the country's seemingly irreconcilable partisan divide - both racial and political, parenthood, and his own experiences as an athlete, African-American, and a Muslim. The book is not just a collection of expositions; he also offers keen assessments of and solutions to problems such as racism in sports while speaking candidly about his experiences on the court and off.
Timed for publication as the nation debates whom to send to the White House, the combination of plain talk on issues, life lessons, and personal stories places Writings on the Wall squarely in the middle of the conversation, as many of Abdul-Jabbar's topics are at the top of the national agenda. Whether it is sparring with Donald Trump, within the pages of TIME magazine, or full-length features in the The New York Times Magazine, writers, critics, and readers have come to agree on what The Washington Post observed: Abdul-Jabbar "has become a vital, dynamic and unorthodox cultural voice."
For more information, visit readingtogether.us.]]>
In 2005, Jameel McGee said he was minding his own business when a police officer accused and arrested him for drug dealing. Four years later, former Benton Harbor police officer Andrew Collins would admit that he falsified the report to bolster his drug arrest quota. Collins was convicted for 1.5 years for misconduct. McGee was exonerated, but had lost four years of his life for a crime he didn't commit.
In 2015, the men found themselves at the same unemployment office where they came to a point of forgiveness, and eventually, friendship.
Hear their powerful story on Tuesday, October 25, 6 pm at Alma Powell Branch Library, 1000 West Paterson Street.
Fine Forgiveness Week
Sunday, October 23 - Saturday, October 29
In honor of the Embracing Forgiveness program, all Kalamazoo Public Library locations will be embracing the power of forgiveness with a Fine Forgiveness Week! During October 23 - 29, visit any KPL location and have your overdue fines waived! Lost and damaged material charges are not included. Patrons must visit a KPL location to have their fines waived. Email and phone requests will not be honored. For more information, call 342-9837.]]>
Gary Schmidt is a professor of English at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He received both a Newbery Honor and a Printz Honor for Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy and a Newbery Honor for The Wednesday Wars. He lives with his family on a 150-year-old farm in Alto, Michigan, where he splits wood, plants gardens, writes and feeds the wild cats that drop by.
This event is free and open to the public.]]>
Dr. Needlman will be in Kalamazoo October 6 and 7 for the following events:
Early Literacy Professional Development
Thursday, October 6, 1pm - 4pm
Bronson Gilmore Center for Health Education
7 Healthcare Plaza, Kalamazoo
Free event; open to the public, register online.
Call 269-553-7876 for more information.
Calling all early childhood educators and caregivers! Join us for an afternoon of professional development with keynote speaker Dr. Robert Needlman, co-founder of the national Reach Out and Read Program. Features break-out sessions including information and activities on how to promote the importance of early literacy with your clients. Certificate of completion included.
Pediatric Grand Rounds
Friday, October 7, 8am
Bronson Gilmore Center for Health Education
7 Healthcare Plaza, Kalamazoo
Free event; open to the public
Continuing Professional Education: Dr. Robert Needlman will present at WMED Pediatric Grand Rounds and will speak about the importance of promoting early childhood literacy during pediatric appointments.
Dr. Needlman's visit is in partnership with Great Start Collaborative Kalamazoo County, Reach out and Read, Kalamazoo Public Library, KC Ready4s and Ladies' Library Association.
Monday - Thursday: 9 am - 9 pm
Friday: 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday: 1 pm - 5 pm
Enjoy your final days of summer!]]>
Date: Thursday, August 4, 2016
Time: 2-3 pm
Location: Oshtemo Branch Library
Spend an afternoon with the beloved author and illustrator of Eek! There's a Mouse in the House, Summer Days and Nights, and Detective Small in the Amazing Banana Caper, among other timeless favorites.
Wong Herbert Yee is the author and illustrator of Tracks in the Snow, Who Likes Rain, Fireman Small and Big Black Bear, among other books. Born in Detroit, Michigan, one of his favorite memories of childhood is of leaving the first tracks on fresh-fallen snow. He also remembers his first grade teacher tacking one of his drawings on the bulletin board—ever since then, he's been an artist. He studied printmaking at Wayne State University. He lives with his wife and daughter in Troy, Michigan. Read more.]]>
Kalamazoo Public Library's seven-member board is elected by voters in the Kalamazoo Public Library district. For more information about the Kalamazoo Public Library board, visit kpl.gov/board.]]>
Kalamazoo Public Library is honored to welcome two-time Newbery Medalist and former National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, Kate DiCamillo back to Kalamazoo with her new bestseller, Raymie Nightingale!
Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father, who left town two days ago with a dental hygienist, will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton; she also has to contend with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante, who has a show-business background, and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who's determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss, and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship — and challenge each of them to come to the rescue in unexpected ways.
"As in her previous award-winning books, DiCamillo once again shows that life's underlying sadnesses can also be studded with hope and humor, and does it in a way so true that children will understand it in their bones. And that's why she's Kate the Great." —Booklist
"DiCamillo's third-person narrative is written in simple words, few exceeding three syllables, yet somehow such modest prose carries the weight of deep meditations on life, death, the soul, friendship, and the meaning of life without ever seeming heavy, and there's even a miracle to boot. Readers will approach the tense and dramatic conclusion and realize how much each word matters. Raymie may not find answers to why the world exists or how the world works, but she can hold onto friends and begin to see more clearly the world as it is...Once again, DiCamillo demonstrates the power of simple words in a beautiful and wise tale." —Kirkus Reviews
"With extraordinary skill, two-time Newbery Medalist DiCamillo traces the girls' growing trust in each other while using understated confessionals and subtly expressed yearnings to show how tragedies have affected each of them. The book culminates with a daring cat-rescue mission: fraught with adventure, danger, and a miracle or two, the escapade reveals how love and compassion can overcome even the highest hurdles."—Publishers Weekly
Not only is DiCamillo a best-selling, award-winning novelist, she is also the 2016 National Summer Reading Champion and she shared her Top Ten Reasons to Participate in Your Local Library Summer Reading Program. Have you signed up for the Kalamazoo Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge yet? If not, do so today!
Bookbug will sell copies of DiCamillo's books for signing. DiCamillo will sign an unlimited number of Raymie Nightingale, and just one backlist title per person.
Kate DiCamillo is the author of many books for young readers. Her books have been awarded the Newbery Medal (The Tale of Despereaux, 2004); the Newbery Honor (Because of Winn-Dixie, 2001), the Boston Globe Horn Book Award (The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, 2006), and the Theodor Geisel Medal and honor (Bink and Gollie, co-author Alison McGhee, 2011; Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride, 2007). She is the current National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, appointed by the Library of Congress.
A native of Florida, Kate now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.]]>
Dodgers is a dark, unforgettable coming-of-age journey that recalls the very best of Richard Price, Denis Johnson, and J.D. Salinger. It is the story of a young LA gang member named East, who is sent by his uncle along with some other teenage boys—including East's hothead younger brother—to kill a key witness hiding out in Wisconsin. The journey takes East out of a city he's never left and into an America that is entirely alien to him, ultimately forcing him to grapple with his place in the world and decide what kind of man he wants to become.
Written in stark and unforgettable prose and featuring an array of surprising and memorable characters rendered with empathy and wit, Dodgers heralds the arrival of a major new voice in American fiction.
Copies of Dodgers will be available for purchase from Bookbug.
Bill Beverly grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and studied at Oberlin College and the University of Florida. His research on criminal fugitives and the stories surrounding them became the book On the Lam: Narratives of Flight in J. Edgar Hoover's America. He teaches American literature and writing at Trinity University in Washington, DC.
On Wednesday, June 1, at 10 am, KPL will celebrate its 19th Annual Party in the Park in Bronson Park! Since 1998, Ready to Read has celebrated national Stand for Children Day with a special story hour to focus community attention on the importance of sharing books with young children.
Kalamazoo County preschoolers, their parents, teachers and childcare providers are invited to Bronson Park to hear stories read by community leaders and costumed storybook characters. Each child receives healthy snacks, juice and a gift book courtesy of Kalamazoo Public Library.
Party in the Park is cosponsored by Kalamazoo Public Library, Child Care Resources, Kalamazoo RESA and Meijer.
June 1 is also the official kick-off for the Summer Reading Challenge! All Kalamazoo Public Library locations are being invaded by robots, and they want to take over and Activate Summer! Are you up to the Challenge?
Read or listen to books for at least 20 minutes per day. Simply record each day that you read for 20 minutes or more on your challenge card or log your reading online.
When you have completed 15 days (they do not need to be consecutive days), bring your challenge card to the library for a reward! (or let the library staff know you earned a reward online.)
For the first time EVER, Summer Reading Challengers can now play online! You can log your daily reading, view book lists, get book recommendations and earn badges for completing learning activities.
Earn incentives by logging reading, attending events, and completing activities this summer. There are 5 learning tracks in which you can earn a digital badge and/or a sticker for your challenge card: Lead, Create, Read, Explore, Move. Earn all 5 badges and get a special prize!
Reading Challengers are welcome to play either online, or use the paper challenge board. The rules and prizes are the same. For those playing online, badges earned for the five learning tracks are digital. For those using the paper challenge board, badges are stickers that can be affixed to the appropriate robot: Lead, Create, Read, Explore, and Move. Once completed, save your challenge board to show your friends and family!
There are 92 possible reading days from Wednesday, June 1 through the Challenge's end on Wednesday, August 31. You may complete four, 15-day reading segments within those 92 days, so you can earn up to four rewards! For more information about Summer Reading Challenge including how to claim your reward, prizes and deadlines, please visit www.kpl.gov/summer. Happy reading!
The Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored by Friends of the Kalamazoo Public Library.
If you are planning on being in downtown Kalamazoo for June Jubilee on June 4, be sure to stop by Central Library and enjoy all the fun activities planned for our kick-off party, as well as get great deals at The Friends Annual June Jubilee Bag-of-Books Sale! The Bag-of-Books Sale starts at 9 am in Central Library's parking lot on Rose and Lovell. The Summer Reading Challenge kick-off party starts at 12 pm and will be under Central Library's portico on South and Rose.
Enjoy your summer, and read on!
Congratulations to the winners of the 2016 Global Reading Challenge!
Teams competed for a possible 120 points. Questions were pulled from the 2016 Global Reading Challenge Reading List and teams had 30 seconds to answer. The winning team received the "traveling" Global Reading Challenge trophy to have at their school for the year. All teams received a plaque for their school and a Global Reading Challenge t-shirt.
The Global Reading Challenge is a Battle of the Books program sponsored by the Kalamazoo Public Library. The Challenge promotes the reading of fiction and nonfiction that celebrate the world's diverse community.
In the late 1930s two Chicago school librarians developed a program to test young readers' knowledge of good literature. The program reached thousands of Chicago school children and was quickly turned into a weekly radio quiz program known as "The Battle of the Books." Questions about characters, plots, and settings were answered by teams representing public elementary schools. Answers were usually the titles of well-known fiction books and biographies.
How it Works
Ten books are selected each year by Kalamazoo children's librarians, especially suited to the reading interests of their young readers. A wide range of reading levels is represented by selected books so all students can participate in the Challenge. Questions are based on specific factual and content information found within the 10 selected books.
In the month of March, school challenges are conducted in each school building by library staff. Branch challenges are then held at individual branches. Winning branch teams will compete in the District Challenge.
Thank you to the Friends of Kalamazoo Public Library and the Gary Sisters Foundation for their financial support of the Global Reading Challenge.
More information about the Global Reading Challenge may be found here.]]>
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Meet Jason Reynolds, one of the winners of the inaugural Walter Dean Myers Award for Outstanding Children's Literature. Reynolds will speak about his life experiences and what inspires him as a writer. Doors will open at 6 pm. Reynold's books will be offered for sale by a local independent bookstore, Bookbug. If you have not heard Jason Reynolds speak, trust us, you don't want to miss this epic event! In the meantime, be sure to visit your local Kalamazoo Public Library location and check out his latest, All American Boys!
About Jason Reynolds
Jason Reynolds is crazy – about stories. After earning a BA in English from The University of Maryland, College Park, he moved to Brooklyn, New York, where you can often find him walking the four blocks from the train to his apartment talking to himself. Well, not really talking to himself, but just repeating character names and plot lines he thought of on the train, over and over again, because he's afraid he'll forget it all before he gets home. Jason is the author of critically acclaimed When I Was the Greatest, for which he was the recipient of the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent; the Coretta Scott King Honor books Boy in the Black Suit and All American Boys (co-written with Brendan Kiely); and As Brave as You, his middle grade debut. You can find his ramblings at JasonWritesbooks.com.
Congratulations to this year's winners!
Our winners received the following prizes:
The 13th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival was hosted by Master of Ceremonies Kevin Park and judged by Jaakan Page-Wood, Ronald L. Widerberg and Daniel Kim.
The Public Media Network will broadcast all entries chosen for the festival, the awards presentations and interviews with the winner. DVDs of the festival coverage and the filmmaker interviews were given to the winners and are available for purchase at cost to interested filmmakers and fans.
Broadcast Schedule
All broadcasts will air on Charter 187/U-Verse 99 starting 2/25 - 3/20:
This years winning films and winning films from previous Teen Filmmaker Festivals can be found at kpl.gov/teenfilmfest.
The 2016 Teen Filmmaker Festival was presented by: Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Campaign Pictures, PMN, Chenery Auditorium and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
Kalamazoo Public Library is proud to present 2016 Reading Together, featuring the novel Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline.
Meet the Author: Christina Baker Kline
Hidden in Plain Sight: The Story of the Orphan Trains and the Making of the Novel
Monday, March 7, 7 pm
Kalamazoo Central High School Auditorium 2432 N. Drake Road
About Orphan Train:
Between 1854 and 1929, so-called orphan trains ran regularly from the cities of the East Coast to the farmlands of the Midwest, carrying thousands of abandoned children whose fates would be determined by luck or chance. Would they be adopted by a kind and loving family, or would they face a childhood and adolescence of hard labor and servitude?
As a young Irish immigrant, Vivian Daly was one such child, sent by rail from New York City to an uncertain future a world away. Returning east later in life, Vivian leads a quiet, peaceful existence on the coast of Maine, the memories of her upbringing rendered a hazy blur. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are vestiges of a turbulent past.
Seventeen year-old Molly Ayer knows that a community service position helping the elderly widow clean out her attic is the only thing keeping her out of juvenile hall. But as Molly help Vivian sort through her keepsakes, she discovers that she and Vivian aren't as different as they appear.
Moving between contemporary Maine and Depression-era Minnesota, Orphan Train is a powerful tale of upheaval and resilience, second chances, and unexpected friendship.
About the Author
Christina Baker Kline is the author of five novels, including the #1 New York Times bestselling Orphan Train. Her other novels include Bird in Hand, The Way Life Should Be,Desire Lines and Sweet Water. She is currently at work on a novel based on the iconic painting Christina's World, by Andrew Wyeth.
In addition to her five novels, Kline has written and edited five nonfiction books. She commissioned and edited two widely praised collections or original essays on the first year of parenthood and raising young children, Child of Mine and Room to Grow, and a book on grieving, Always Too Soon. She is the coeditor, with Anne Burt, of a collection of personal essays called About Face: Women Write About What They See When They Look in the Mirror, and is co-author, with her mother, Christina Looper Baker, of a book on feminist mothers and daughters, The Conversation Begins. Her essays, articles, and reviews have appeared in The New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, Money, More, Psychology Today, among other places.
About Reading Together
One Book, One Community
The purpose of Reading Together is to build a stronger community with deeper connections through the common experience of reading the same book and exploring its themes together. When we do that, we engage and learn, not only about ourselves, but more importantly about each other and the world around us.
By experiencing the same book, hearing the author of that work speak right here in Kalamazoo, and delving deeper into the books' themes, we are able to embrace our similarities and differences from a common point of reference.
Very simply, when we read together, we grow together.
2016 Reading Together Events
For more information, visit www.readingtogether.us]]>
SB 571 would prohibit libraries and other governmental entities from sharing information about millages within 60 days of an election. SB 571 reduces transparency in elections by prohibiting library employees and boards from answering factual questions from the people they serve.
Governor Snyder has until January 14th to sign or veto SB 571. In the meantime, librarians, library board members, library Friends and concerned citizens from across Michigan and the country have signed a petition crafted by EveryLibrary urging Governor Snyder to veto the bill.
The Kalamazoo Public Library resolution against Senate Bill 571 can be found here. The resolution was submitted to Governor Snyder's office on Tuesday, January 5.]]>
We know that members of our community are working hard to make Kalamazoo a better place to live and work. That's why the Kalamazoo Public Library and ONEplace started KICtalks, an event series that spotlights dynamic, innovative endeavors happening right now.
Join us every quarter for three, 10-minute talks presented by residents on the ground doing the work. The program is followed by a reception where locally-sourced refreshments will be served.
Thursday's KICtalks features:
For more information about KICtalks, visit the website or contact Farrell Howe at 269-553-7879.]]>
Yolanda Neals, founder/visionary, of The RED Panty Society (TRPS), an empowerment social enterprise, is a self-proclaimed Empowerment Specialist, who studied Spiritual Life Coaching at Inner Visions Institute for Spiritual Development under the direct tutelage of best-selling author, Iyanla Vanzant.
Neals, along with four other
Meet Neals and learn about The RED Panty Society and her experiences as both a survivor and a writer. For more information, visit our website.]]>
Jacqueline Woodson is the winner of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults, the recipient of three Newbery Honors for After Tupac & D Foster, Feathers, and Show Way, and a two-time Finalist for the National Book Award for Locomotion and Hush. Other awards include the Coretta Scott King Award and Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Miracle's Boys. Woodson's Brown Girl Dreaming is the 2014 National Book Award Winner for Young People's Literature, 2015 Coretta Scott King Author Book Award Winner, 2015 Newbery Honor Book, 2015 Sibert Honor Book, 2015 Boston Globe–Horn Book Nonfiction Honor Book, and 2015 E.B. White Read Aloud Award Winner for Middle Readers. Her most recent books are her novel Beneath a Meth Moon and her picture books Each Kindness and This Is the Rope.
Bookbug, a local, independent bookseller will be selling books for signing.
Woodson is also one of the key speakers for this year's Youth Literature Seminar. For information, visit kpl.gov/yls.]]>
Enter your films in the 13th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival, the best film festival for teens in Michigan. Expert judges will award prizes for the best films in eight categories, plus a grand prize. Audience members will vote for the People's Choice. Deadline to apply is Saturday, January 30th by 5 pm EST to Teen Services Desk at Central Library. Participants must be age 12-19, and residents of Michigan to enter.
Award Categories
The 13th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival will be held on Saturday, February 20, at 2:30 pm at Chenery Auditorium.
Submissions and Screening
You must attach an entry form to each film you enter in the Teen Filmmaker Festival. Only one
For official rules, submission requirements and more, please visit kpl.gov/teenfilmfest.
Want to see who won last year to get an idea of what type of films makes the cut? Watch the 2015 winning films here.
The 13th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival is sponsored by Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Public Media Network and Campaign Pictures.]]>
In partnership with the Michigan Humanities Council, KPL is thrilled to present the 2015-2016 Great American Read author. Mandel's novel, Station Eleven is set in a future Michigan turned upside down, but is ultimately an exploration of people surviving and remaking their lives by preserving the qualities that make us human: culture, art, and the humanities. Book sale by Michigan News Agency and signing will follow the reading.
Also, join us at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts library for a book discussion of Station Eleven on Wednesday, September 16, 2 pm - 3 pm.
Emily St. John Mandel is the author of four novels, most recently Station Eleven, which was a finalist for a National Book Award and the PEN/Faulkner Award, and won the 2015 Arthur C. Clarke Award. A previous novel, The Singer's Gun, was the 2014 winner of the Prix Mystere de la Critique in France. Her short fiction and essays have been anthologized in numerous collections, including Best American Mystery Stories 2013. She is a staff writer for The Millions. She lives in New York City with her husband.
The Great Michigan Read is presented by the Michigan Humanities Council with support from Meijer, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and a host of other sponsors.
Opening Author Season at KPL is Newbery Medal winner Katherine Applegate! Applegate will be hosting a release event for her upcoming novel, Crenshaw. Applegate's many books include her award-winning The One and Only Ivan, the Roscoe Riley Rules chapter book series, the picture book The Buffalo Storm, and the award-winning novel Home of the Brave. With her husband, Michael Grant, she wrote the hugely popular series,
Join us on Tuesday, September 22, 7 pm at Central Library. Seating is limited and free tickets are now available at Central Library.
In keeping with an important theme of Crenshaw, this event will also be a food drive, benefitting Loaves & Fishes. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations.
Want more? Mark your calendar for...
We are excited to bring these outstanding authors to Kalamazoo, and we hope you enjoy this fall's Author Season!
Meet the Author: Christina Baker Kline
Monday, March 7, 2016, 7 pm
Kalamazoo Central High School Auditorium
Copies of "Orphan Train" will be sold by Michigan News Agency at the event
About Orphan Train
Between 1854 and 1929, so-called orphan trains ran regularly from the cities of the East Coast to the farmlands of the Midwest, carrying thousands of abandoned children whose fates would be determined by pure luck. Would they be adopted by a kind and loving family, or would they face a childhood and adolescence of hard labor and servitude?
As a young Irish immigrant, Vivian Daly was one such child, sent by rail from New York City to an uncertain future away. Returning east later in life, Vivian leads a quiet, peaceful existence on the coast of Maine, the memories of her upbringing a hazy blur. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are the vestiges of a turbulent past.
Seventeen-year-old Molly Ayer knows that a community-service position helping an elderly widow clean out her attic is the only thing keeping her out of juvenile hall. But as Molly helps Vivian sort through her keepsakes and possessions, she discovers that she and Vivian aren't as different as they appear. A Penobscot Indian who has spent her youth in and out of foster homes, Molly is also an outsider being raised by strangers, and she, too, has unanswered questions about the past.
Moving between contemporary Maine and Depression-era Minnesota, Orphan Train is a powerful tale of upheaval and resilience, second chances, and unexpected friendships. - HarperCollins
About Christina Baker Kline
Christina Baker Kline is the author of five novels, including the #1 New York Times bestselling Orphan Train. Her other novels include Bird in Hand, The Way Life Should Be, Desire Lines and Sweet Water. She is currently working on a novel based on the iconic painting, Christina's World by Andrew Wyeth.
In addition to her five novels, Kline has written and edited five nonfiction books. She commissioned and edited two widely-praised collections of original essays on the first year of parenthood and raising young children, Child of Mine and Room to Grow, and a book on grieving, Always Too Soon. She is the co-editor, with Anne Burt, of a collection of personal essays called About Face: Women Write About What They See When They Look in the Mirror, and is co-author, with her mother, Christina Looper Baker, of a book on feminist mothers and daughters The Conversation Begins. Her essays, articles, and reviews have appeared in The New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, Money, More, Psychology Today, among others.
Kline is a graduate of Yale, Cambridge and the University of Virginia, where she was a Henry Hoynes Fellow in Fiction Writing. Kline currently lives in Montclair, New Jersey with her family.
For more information about 2016 Reading Together, visit
It's BACK! Kalamazoo Public Library has partnered with Bell's Brewery, Tibb's Brewing, New Holland Brewery, Tempo Vino Winery, West Michigan Beer Tours, Hop Head Farms, One Well Brewing and Shakespeare's Pub to bring you a series of programs guaranteed to make you want a pint or two!
This year, the programs for Booktoberfest will be more technical as we bring you expert advice on homebrewing from the some of the best in the business! Learn how to choose the best ingredients and brewing equipment; investigate different types of hops and the flavors they create; explore how to get your degree in homebrewing, and much more!
If you are serious about homebrewing, or just a big fan of craft brew, you won't want to miss a single Booktoberfest event!
Especially THIS one:
Stop & Taste with The Beervangelist
Tuesday, October 27, 6:30 pm, CEN
With more than two decades in the Michigan brewing industry, Fred Bueltmann, aka "The Beervangelist" will share his perspective and insights on how craft beer has contributed to a connected lifestyle. You'll hear about the history of New Holland Brewing, the Michigan Brewer's Guild and original stories from his book, Beervangelist's Guide to the Galaxy.
All Booktoberfest programs will have giveaways and the opportunity to win an official 2nd Annual Booktoberfest growler!
Featured Booktoberfest Brews
We couldn't bring back Booktoberfest without beer! Be sure to stop by Tibbs Brewing and One Well Brewing during the month of September and score a discount on this year's Booktoberfest Brews, just by showing your library card!
Tibbs Brewing
"Overdue Brew" (Belgian chocolate stout)
Save a $1 off of Overdue Brew on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the month of September, just show your KPL card!
One Well Brewing
"Literary Liquid" (Double IPA)
$1 off first pint of Literary Liquid or $1 off a flight with proof of KPL library card during the month of September
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. For students, a library card is essential. A library card provides access to e-books, homework help and a multitude ofonline research tools and resources for their studies.
A library card at KPL also means access to computers and free Internet access. For those without Internet access at home, a library card may mean the difference between failing and having a successful school year.
Get Carded! (Show Your Library Card and $ave!)
In honor of Library Card Sign-up Month, the following Kalamazoo businesses and organizations have partnered with KPL and are offering an incentive just for showing your KPL library card during your visit. These offers are only good for the month of September* and your Kalamazoo Public Library card must be presented at time of purchase to receive the offer.
Enjoy all the perks your library card has to offer, and be sure to share what your library means to you with your friends, family and colleagues who don't have their own library card. Tell them the true value of libraries and how the library benefits you.
If you don't have a library card, sign up today!
*West Michigan Beer Tours offer is good through December 31.]]>
KICtalks (Kalamazoo Innovative Community Talks) are quarterly events featuring three-to-four short presentations on innovative, engaging endeavors followed by an opportunity for formal discussions and networking. Bring your printed info for the literature table. Locally-sourced refreshments will be served.
Join us every quarter for three 10-minute talks presented by residents on the ground doing the work. The program is followed by a reception where locally-sourced refreshments will be served.
Quarterly KICtalk events are open and free to the public. To register, visit www.kpl.gov/ONEplace
While there is a plethora of diverse writers in the world, getting their work published, recognized, and mass distributed has continued to remain a major constraint. That is why We Need Diverse Books was started. WNDB is a grassroots organization of children's book lovers that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people.
Like most causes, WNDB started out as a small conversation, and exploded into a national movement.
"In a Twitter exchange on April 17th, 2014, Ellen Oh and Malinda Lo expressed their frustration with the lack of diversity in kidlit. This wasn't a new conversation for Ellen or Malinda, just the latest, this time in response to the all-white, all-male panel of children's authors assembled for BookCon's May 31st reader event. In a series of tweets, Ellen started talking about taking action. Several other authors, bloggers, and industry folks piped up saying they would like to be involved as well. We planned a three-day event for May 1-3 to raise awareness, brainstorm solutions, and take action (Diversify Your Shelves). Aisha Saeed primed the pump on April 24th with the first tweet including the #WeNeedDiverseBooks hashtag. After Aisha's post, the hashtag started taking off, officially trending for the first time on April 29th, around 9:30 pm EST."
Kalamazoo Public Library is a proud supporter of We Need Diverse Books. On July 11th, KPL hosted a First Saturday event with Educating for Freedom School in Schools. The need for diverse books was a main topic and we invited the participants to take pictures and tell us why they felt "we need diverse books." View those photos here.
Want to share with us why you think we need diverse books? Create your own WNDB sign and share it on Instagram! Be sure to hashtag #kplwndb #weneeddiversebooks and #wndb to see your photo included on our website!
Also be sure to check out the many diverse authors we have coming to KPL this fall, in the next issue of LINK coming at the end of August.]]>
Mr. Eric loves to visit communities, and bring his "interactive music and literacy" to the families at libraries and other family shows! Eric will share a Pete the Cat story, a Nut Family story and a new story in the works! Children and parents participate from start to finish.
Space is limited. FREE ticket required.
Tickets available starting June 4 at the Children's Room desk, Central Library.
About Mr. Eric
Eric Litwin (Mr. Eric) is a guitar strumming, book writing, harmonica blowing, song singing, folksy, fun type of guy. He is the # 1 New York Times Best Selling author of the first four Pete the Cat picture books and the author of the new musical series The Nuts. Eric's books have sold over 1.5 million copies, been translated into seven languages and won 15 state and national awards including a Theodor Geisel Seuss Honor Award.
He has also recorded award winning music CDs. Eric is a popular performing artist who plays guitar, sings, tells musical stories and brings books to life. He is also a nationally respected keynote speaker on interactive literacy and music. Eric is the co-creator of The Learning Groove which offers parent and child music classes and preschool music curriculum. Eric likes music, books and coffee.
Media welcome! Photo requests should be sent to firstname.lastname@example.com. For more information visit kpl.gov or call 269-553-7804.
The kick-off party will include inflatables, games and special guests! While you are there, be sure to sign-up for the 2015 Summer Reading Challenge. It's easy, just sign up, read and win terrific prizes!
Other June Jubilee
Friday, June 5, 5 pm – 8 pm: Art Hop: Tintype Photography by Eric Hennig
Self-taught photographer Eric Hennig specializes in antique tintype and ambrotype photographs, a process used during the middle 1800s. Known in some circles as Victor Vague, Hennig creates gorgeous wet-plate collodion photographs using 19th century techniques and equipment. His anachronistic portraits command the viewer's attention and demand a closer look, fairly drawing out the very soul of his subjects and creating a haunting image seemingly transported from another era.
Saturday, June 6, 9 am
– 3:30 pm: Friends
Summer Bag-of-Books Sale
10¢ each or a grocery bag full for $2.00! Don't miss the Friends annual June Jubilee Sidewalk Sale on the sidewalk outside Central Library. Choose from more than 10,000 books at just $2.00 a bag or 10¢ a book; fiction, mystery, romance, and more. Kids can browse carts full of children's books, too.
For more information about these, and other great summer programming, visit kpl.gov/summer]]>
Since 1998, Ready to Read has celebrated national Stand for Children Day with a special story hour to focus community attention on the importance of sharing books with young children. Kalamazoo County preschoolers, their parents, teachers, and child care providers are invited to Bronson Park to hear stories read by community leaders and costumed characters. Each child will receive a healthy snack, juice and a gift book courtesy of Kalamazoo Public Library. Please RSVP by calling (269) 553-7873 by May 26.
Photographs from last year's Party in the Park are available here.
Party in the Park is cosponsored by: Kalamazoo Public Library, Child Care Resources and Kalamazoo RESA.]]>
KICtalks (formerly Kalamazoo Connect) is a program that spotlights local organizations who are making a difference, or have ideas on how to make a difference, in Kalamazoo. The program will take place on Wednesday, May 6, 5-6:30 pm at Central Library, 315 South Rose Street.
Are you one of the many area residents who engage unique, innovative, even wild efforts making Kalamazoo a great place to live and work? We believe you need a forum to be heard. Kalamazoo Innovative Community Talks, or KICtalks feature three short presentations on innovative, engaging endeavors followed by an opportunity for informal discussion and networking. Locally-sourced refreshments will be served following the presentations.
Presentations will be given in a TED-talk style. Presentations must be a minimum of five minutes and cannot exceed ten minutes. Audio visuals are welcome.
To apply, visit kpl.gov/kictalks today to enter. Deadline for submission is Monday, April 27 by 5 pm EST. Selected speakers will be notified by Thursday, April 30.
Questions? Call 269-553-7910.
KICtalks is presented by ONEplace and Kalamazoo Public Library.]]>
For a $10 monthly fee, anyone who is not a KPL Resident Area borrow may purchase a card that will provide access to KPL's unique digital lab. Cards are valid for one month from the date of purchase and may be renewed. Purchase of a Hub Card also enables the user to make a reservation for The Hub.
Hub Cards will be available for purchase beginning April 1 at the Central Library Circulation Desk (first floor). The card is non-transferable. More information may be found at kpl.gov/hubcard.
Kalamazoo Public Library launched their digital lab, The Hub in May of 2014. The Hub offers patrons the opportunity to preserve the past and create the future by providing hardware and software to digitize and edit photos and video, preserve old LPs, cassettes or VHS tapes, produce podcasts, videos, music, animation and so much more! The Hub provides popular software and hardware necessary for most digital projects. A complete list of services, hardware and software can be found at kpl.gov/hub.]]>
Waking up Your Garden with Sarah Stewart has been moved from Tuesday, April 14th to Tuesday, April 7, 6:30 pm at Eastwood Branch Library, 1112 Gayle.
Sarah Stewart, respected author of The Gardener and The Money Tree, both illustrated by David Small, will give a writer's perspective of preparing your garden in the springtime. Books will be available for purchase.]]>
Dennis will share his adventures and misadventures while writing The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas and will discuss the impact of the lakes on the lives of those of us who live near them. He'll also talk about the challenges facing the lakes and some of the steps being taken to meet them. Michigan News Agency will sell copies of The Living Great Lakes at the event. Admission is free.
Dennis will also be hosting A Conversation About the Craft and Business of Writing program at Davenport University (4123 W. Main St.) on Wednesday, March 4 at 2 pm. He will speak about his career as a writer and offer tips to aspiring authors.
This Meet the Author event kicks off the start of this year's Reading Together Program. A detailed list of programming and events may be found at www.readingtogether.us.
The Living Great Lakes is the most complete book ever written about the history, nature and science of these remarkable lakes at the heart of North America. From the geological forces that formed them to the industrial atrocities that nearly destroyed them, to the greatest environmental success stories of our time, the lakes are portrayed in all their complexity. The book, however, is much more than just history. It is also the story of the lakes as told by biologists, fishermen, sailors, and others whom the author grew to know while traveling with them on boats and hiking with them on beaches and islands.
The book is also a personal journey. It is the narrative of a six-week voyage through the lakes and beyond as a crewmember on a tallmasted schooner, and a memoir of a lifetime spent on and near the lakes. Through storms and fog, on remote shores and city waterfronts, the author explores the five Great Lakes in all seasons and mods and discovers that they and their connecting waters—including the Erie Canal, the Hudson River, and the East Coast from New York to Maine—offer a surprising and bountiful view of America. The result is a mediation on nature and our place in the world, a discussion and cautionary tale about the future of water resources, and a celebration of a place that is both fragile and robust, diverse, rich in history and wildlife, often misunderstood, and worthy of our attention.
In the nearly 30 years that Jerry Dennis has earned his living as a freelance writer, he has emerged as one of America's most celebrated writers about nature and the outdoors. His essays in such publications as Audubon, Smithsonian, Orion, and The New York Times have won many awards and are frequently reprinted and anthologized. His eleven books, including The Living Great Lakes, have appeared on national bestseller lists, been translated into five languages, and are taught in many universities and high schools. Among Jerry's awards are the Michigan Author of the Year Award, the Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Award, Michigan State University's Great Lakes Culture Award, and four Best Book of the Year awards from the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Jerry lives with his wife Gail, near Traverse City, MI.
About Reading Together
The purpose of Reading Together is to build a stronger community with deeper connections through the common experience of reading the same book and exploring it's themes together. When we do that, we engage and learn, no only about ourselves, but more importantly about each other and the world around us.
Kalamazoo Public Library leads Reading Together with the help of many visionary partners. We draw on a diverse cross-section of individuals and organizations to create a season of programs that highlight important and relevant themes of the selected book. Our partners craft opportunities to connect with the book and its themes. A variety of talented experts freely share personal history, skills and other resources to that friends, families and other community members may share the experience and benefits of reading and discussing the same book.
Reading Together is sponsored by Friends of Kalamazoo PublicLibrary.
Media Partners: MLive, WMUK and WKZO
Partners: Alamo Drafthouse, Aspire Collaborative Services, Bronson Methodist Hospital, Davenport University, Grayling Ceramics, Great Lakes Grass, John E. Fetzer Institute, Freshwater Future, Friendship Village, KRESA, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Michigan Clean Water Corps, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan News Agency, Portage District Library, Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, Shakespeare's Pub, Western Michigan University and Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery.]]>
Come see Michigan's talented teen directors (aged 12-19) as they make their big screen debut! There will be drama, action, comedy and more! More than 60 films were submitted to the Kalamazoo Public Library for consideration. 25 films, varying within 2-10 minutes each will be shown to the public and juried for the following award categories:
The following films will be shown at the festival:
Presented by Master of Ceremonies Kevin Park, the President of Campaign Pictures and writer/director/producer of Love Cancer and Shaken Daddy Syndrome; the films will be juried by the following judges:
Award winners will be announced at www.kpl.gov/teenfilmfest.
Tickets are free and will be available at Chenery Auditorium on February 22 (the day of the festival.) For more information visit www.kpl.gov/teenfilmfest or call Chenery Auditorium at 269-337-0440.
Kalamazoo's Public Media Network will cover the Teen Filmmaker Festival. PMN will broadcast entries chosen for the festival, awards presentations, and interviews with the winners. Check www.publicmedianet.org for broadcast dates and times. DVDs of festival coverage and interviews will be presented to award winners and available for purchase.
The Teen Filmmaker Festival is cosponsored by Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Public Media Network, Campaign Pictures and Alamo Draft House.
Special thanks to Chenery Auditorium for hosting the 12th Annual Filmmaker Festival.
Kalamazoo Connect kicks off this Wednesday with the following speakers:
AACORN Farms
Hear about AACORN Farms latest programs for adults with autism and their long-term vision of a residential farming community.
A's for J's
Learn how one innovative young man came up with a unique way to get students excited about school and earning those A's!
Michigan Butterflies Project
This is the real "butterfly effect!" Bibby will describe how researchers, land managers, and backyard enthusiasts are coming together to monitor our environmental health via the butterfly population.
There are still spots open to register, so sign up today!
If you have any questions, please contact ONEplace 269-553-7910 or email@example.com.
Kalamazoo Public Library and ONEplace have united to spotlight dynamic community building efforts in Greater Kalamazoo. Each quarter, Kalamazoo Connect will feature three short presentations on innovative, engaging endeavors followed by an opportunity for informal discussions and networking. Locally-sourced refreshments will be served following the presentations.
Presentations will be given in a TED-talk style – open-stage speaking with optional use of notecards. Presentations must be a minimum of 5 minutes and cannot exceed 10 minutes. Audio visuals may be included. (For examples, visit www.ted.com.)
Here's how you can tell Kalamazoo about your innovative, community building efforts.
1. Submit your entry by emailing your name, phone number, name of organization or business, and description of talk (approximately 100 words) to email@example.com. Entries are due by 5pm on Friday, January 23.
2. Applicants will be notified by Tuesday, January 27.
3. Participate in a rehearsal of your talk during the week of Feb 2 (by appointment).
4. Accepted applicants must attend and speak at the Kalamazoo Connect event on Wednesday, February 11, 5-6:30 pm.
If you have any questions, please contact ONEplace 269-553-7910 or firstname.lastname@example.com.]]>
Three expert judges will award prizes for best film, best animation, best experimental film, best documentary, best short film (under three minutes), best technical merit, best music video and judge's choice.
Submissions and Screening
Submit films and entry forms to the Teen Services Desk at Kalamazoo Public Library's Central Library by 5 pm on Saturday, January 17, 2015. You must fill out an individual entry form for each film submitted.
A jury will screen every film entered and select finalists for screening at the Festival. Filmmakers will be notified if their film is selected by the week of February 1. Not every film submitted to the Festival will be selected for screening at the public event.
Official Rules
Films must be produced by teens, ages 12-19, who reside in the state of Michigan. More than one teen may work on a film. Adults may be talent in a film, but should perform no other duty in the actual creation of the film. Films may not be more than 10 minutes long. Teens may submit more than one film. Films submitted to the festival will not be returned.
A panel of judges will select the winners in each category except the People's Choice Award, which will be chosen at the Teen Filmmaker Festival by the audience members.
Format Requirements
Films should be submitted as full-quality Quicktime/MOV files on USB flash drive. DVDs may be submitted instead, but USB drives are preferred. All other formats, (including VHS, Windows Media Files, low-quality Quicktime files, etc.) will be automatically disqualified. If submitting on DVD, entries must be formatted for Region 1 (North America) and labeled with the film's title, running time and director(s) name(s). Please double-check that your DVD plays in its entirety on standard consumer DVD players.
Quick Links
More information about the Teen Filmmaker Festival, and last year's winning videos may be found at: kpl.gov/teens/filmmakerfest
The 12 Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival will be held on Sunday, February 22, at 2:30 pm. Location to be determined.
The 12th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival is presented by: Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Public Media Network and Campaign Pictures.]]>
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees your right to decide for yourself what to read, listen to, or view. Banned Books Week, observed since 1982, reminds Americans not to take this precious right for granted. Celebrate your intellectual freedom with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Kalamazoo Public Library. Local celebrities will read from frequently challenged books.
Readings will be approximately six minutes each.
Comics and graphic novels are the focus of this year's Banned Books Week, and in honor of that focus, KPL will host local comic artists and author wife-husband team Jane Irwin and Paul Sizer who will display their work during the Read-Out. Autographed posters designed by Paul Sizer will be available for guests of the Read-Out.
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community --librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types -- in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular. To see the list of 2013's top 10 most challenged titles, click here.]]>
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. For students, a library card is essential. A library card provides access to e-books, online homework help and a multitude of online research tools and resources for their studies.
A library card at KPL also means access to computers and free Internet access. For those without Internet access at home, a library card may mean the difference between failing and having a successful school year.
Enjoy all the perks your library card has to offer, and be sure to share what your library means to you with your friends, family and colleagues who don't have their own library card. Tell them the true value of libraries, and how the library benefits you.
If you don't have a library card, what are you waiting for? Get signed up today!
David Small is the Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator of more than fifty picture books, among them So, You Want to Be President?, Imogene's Antlers, and several written by his wife Sarah Stewart, including The Gardener, The Library, and The Friend. He is also the creator of National Book Award Finalist and New York Times Bestselling Graphic Memoir Stitches.
Hallie Durand is the author of six books for children, including the Dessert
First trilogy, Mitchell's License and Mitchell
Goes Bowling, and now - along with David - CATCH THAT COOKIE!, a
romp of a picture book that stars preschooler Marshall, as he is transformed
from a skeptic to a believer in magic, with the help of a cast of gingerbread
men, new for this holiday season.
Hallie Durand is the pen name for Holly McGhee, the celebrated founder of Pippin Properties, Inc, a boutique literary agency in New York City. Clients include David Small and his wife Sarah Stewart, National Ambassador for children's literature and 2014 Newberry Medalist Kate DiCamillo, 2013 Newberry Medalist Katherine Applegate, 2013 National Book Award Finalists Kathi Appelt and Adrian Matejka, Jandy Nelson, David Ezra Stein, Jon Agee, Dorreen Cronin, Betsy Lewin, Kate & Jim McMullan and the late William Steig. She and David have worked and laughed together for the past fifteen years, and now have a collaboration of their own.
Come meet David, Hallie / Holly, and Sarah. David and Holly will talk about their creative partnership as artist and agent and about their journey together over the past decade. A one-of-a-kind opportunity to ask them questions and talk to them candidly about the publishing experience.
MEDIA: Schedule an interview with Davide Hallie/Holly and Sarah with Caitlin Miller, Publicity Department, Penguin Young Readers Group, 212-414-3603 or email: firstname.lastname@example.com.
Session 1
Date: Wednesdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24 & October 1
Time: 10:30 – 11:45 am
Location: Central Library: 315 S Rose Street
Session 2
Date: Mondays, September 15, 22, 29 & October 6, 13
Time: 10:30 – 11:45 am
Location: Oshtemo Branch Library: 7265 W Main
Registration is required: Please call 269-553-7804 to register.
1,2,3 Play With Me: A Parent/Child Workshop is part of Kalamazoo Public Library's commitment to being a Family Place Library. A Family Place Library expands on the traditional role of children's services, and builds on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parental involvement and supportive communities play a critical role in young children's growth and development. Family Place Libraries™ is a network of children's librarians nationwide who believe that literacy begins at birth, and that libraries can help build healthy communities by nourishing healthy families. The Family Place Libraries network currently includes more than 300 sites in 23 states and continues to grow. More information can be found at http://www.familyplacelibraries.org/.
To view how a Parent/Child Workshop help grow toddler's brains while teaching parents and caregivers the vital importance of play for their child's healthy development, click here.
Family Place Libraries are committed to developing a family-centered approach to library services. Kalamazoo Public Library was recently selected to join more than 300 libraries in 23 states, which are committed to serving families with children from birth to age 5. Funding is provided in part by a special Family Place grant through the Institute for Museum and Library Services.
For more information about 1,2,3 Play With Me and Family Place Libraries, visit www.kpl.gov/familyplace.]]>
The Kalamazoo Public Library's administrative office is open Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. The city clerk's office is open Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm. Petitions must be signed by 40-100 registered voters living within the library's district. Valid petitions must be turned in by August 12, 2014.
Three seats will be available to the library's board of trustees. Each vacancy is a four-year term expiring December 31, 2018. For more information, visit www.kpl.gov/board, call Elysha Cloyd, Executive Assistant at 269-553-7886, or call the City of Kalamazoo clerk's office at 269-337-8792.]]>
As part of managing the Library of Michigan's Library Services & Technology Act funds as well as maintaining and improving the Michigan eLibrary, the Library of Michigan is surveying library staff and library users.
If you use MeLCat or other Michigan eLibrary (MeL) services, please help the library learn how to improve MeL by responding the library user survey. The survey runs through July 4th.
Michigan Library User MeL Survey 2014 »]]>
Since 1998, Ready to Read has celebrated national Stand for Children Day with a special story hour to focus community attention on the importance of sharing books with young children.
Kalamazoo County preschoolers, their parents, teachers, and child care providers are invited to Bronson Park to hear stories read by community leaders and costumed characters. Each child will receive a healthy snack, juice and a gift book courtesy of Kalamazoo Public Library.
Please RSVP by calling (269) 553-7873 by May 25.
Photographs from last year's Party in the Park are available here.
Party in the Park is cosponsored by: Kalamazoo Public Library, Child Care Resources and Kalamazoo RESA.]]>
The public is invited to attend the opening ceremony of The Hub. There will be a ribbon cutting, tour and cake.
Date: Tuesday, May 27
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: KPL Central - 315 South Rose Street, 3rd floor
Contact: Kevin King - email@example.com
"Kalamazoo Public Library recognizes that we live in a digital world," said Kevin King, Head, Branch and IT Services. "Digital literacy is critical to the success of the citizens of our community. Providing our patrons free, equal access to the latest technology and software is a top priority for KPL."
The addition of The Hub is also a key extended service of KPL's Local History department. A large majority of KPL's patrons utilize the services of Local History to research their family tree, find historic photos of Kalamazoo and locate old records or articles. The Hub will provide these patrons the opportunity to preserve their past by digitizing old photos, slides, and videos so that they may be shared with others via current technology.
The Hub is open Tuesdays, 3 - 8 pm and Thursdays, 10 am - 3 pm. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are suggested. KPL patrons may reserve a station at kpl.gov/hub. Trained staff will be on-hand to assist patrons.
The Hub is a service for Resident KPL borrowers only.
Funding for The Hub was allocated from the library's endowment fund, several gifts to the library including the generous support of Major General and Mrs. John S. Patton, through the Clarence L. Miller Local History Fund; and the library's capital budget.
For more information, visit kpl.gov/hub or email email@example.com.]]>
Americans love their public libraries. In fact, according to a 2013 PEW Internet study, public libraries received a 94% approval rating by the American public. Further analysis done for an article in The Atlantic revealed that Americans love public libraries even more than apple pie (94% vs 81%) and baseball (94% vs 67%)!
April 13-19 was National Library Week. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All libraries, academic, public and special participate. Kalamazoo Public Library celebrated by sharing a behind-the-scenes look at library operations with our second annual Library Snapshot Day on Tuesday, April 15. To view the photos, visit our album here.
As our fiscal year (July 1 – June 30th) nears the end, KPL would like to reflect on another successful year of serving Kalamazoo with some fun statistics.
More statistics and analysis may be found on KPL's website.
Kalamazoo Public Library
Class VI* Michigan Public Libraries
|KPL Service Population: 123,979
|Service Population Average: 130,279
|KPL Circulation: 1,682,620
|Average Circulation: 1,295,392
Per capita, KPL circulates 13.57 compared to the state average of 9.94 and KPL's materials turnover rate is 4.22 compared to the state average of 2.59.
For more information about the Kalamazoo Public Library, visit kpl.gov. To find out what your public library is worth to you, use our Library Value Calculator.
Think libraries are a thing of the past? Guess again…according to the Pew study, not only do American's love libraries, but the majority feel they're adjusting to new technology just fine. In fact, 94% of Americans say that having a public library improves a community and that the local library is a "welcoming, friendly place." Libraries remain a vital necessity to communities, 81% say that public libraries provide many services people would have a hard time finding elsewhere! Count Kalamazoo residents among the majority. They are included in the more than 1 million people who visit Kalamazoo Public Library annually, according to a Downtown Kalamazoo, Inc. study done in 2010.
April 13-19 is National Library Week. Celebrate by getting a behind-the scenes look at your Kalamazoo Public Library during our second annual Library Snapshot Day, Tuesday, April 15! All day long, KPL staff will take candid photos of all the behind-the-scenes activities at all five of our locations. We will also be sharing statistics, like how many people visit in a single day, how many digital downloads from home, how many items checked out, the number of questions answered by library staff and more! You can follow the day's activities on Flickr, Facebook and Twitter and the KPL website homepage.
Join in the fun! Share a photo of you using the library on April 15 on Facebook or Twitter, and use the hashtag #kplsnapshot. Tell everyone how much you love your local library!]]>
Meet Novella Carpenter!
Date: Tuesday, April 15
Time: 7 pm
Location: Kalamazoo Central High School Auditorium
Novella will speak about her best-selling novel, Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer and answer questions from the audience. The event will be followed by a book signing. Michigan News Agency will sell copies of Farm City at the event.
Novella will also be visiting Kalamazoo College's Light Fine Arts Building on Wednesday, April 16 at 1:15 pm. Join students, including some for whom Farm City is required reading, to hear Novella's thoughts on how human beings are connected to the natural world.
Novella Carpenter studied under Michael Pollan at UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism, and now teaches at University of San Francisco. A popular speaker, she has traveled all over the country sharing her experiences raising chickens, turkeys, pigs, goats, and bees in the lovable, but gritty city of Oakland, CA. Her new book, Gone Feral, will be published by The Penguin Press in June, 2014.
This Meet the Author event concludes the 2014 Reading Together program. Reading Together is a community-wide book club led by Kalamazoo Public Library. For more information, visit readingtogether.us.]]>
For Adults
For Tweens/Teens
For Kids
For more information about these, and other great KPL events, visit kpl.gov/calendar
Michigan News Agency will sell copies of The American Way of Eating at the event. McMillan will sign books after the presentation.
Award-winning journalist and Michigan native Tracie McMillan will share her experiences in California farm fields, the produce aisle of a Detroit Walmart, and the kitchen of a New York City Applebee's on her path to discovering the origins of the food on our plates.
From McMillan's website: McMillan mixes immersive reporting, undercover investigative techniques and "moving first-person narrative" (Wall Street Journal), McMillan's book argues for thinking of fresh, healthy food as a public and social good—a stance that inspired The New York Times to call her "a voice the food world needs" and Rush Limbaugh to single her out as an "overeducated" "authorette" and "threat to liberty." In 2012, Whole Living magazine named her a "Food Visionary," building on her numerous appearances on radio and television programs, which range from the liberal "The Rachel Maddow Show" to the "tea-party favorite" Peter Schiff Show. She has written about food and class for a variety of publications, including The New York Times, the Washington Post, O, The Oprah Magazine, Harper's Magazine, Saveur, and Slate.
In 2013, The American Way of Eating was awarded the prestigious Sidney Hillman Prize for Book Journalism in recognition of her work's commitment to the public interest, and a Books for a Better Life Award, a publishing industry touchstone which recognizes excellence in books that carry uplifting messages. AWE was also named a finalist for a Goodreads Reader's Choice Award; an International Association of Culinary Professionals Food Matters award; an Investigative Reporters and Editors Award; and a James Beard Journalism Award (considered "the Oscars of the food world"). The same year, McMillan won a James Beard Journalism Award as for a feature on farm labor she wrote for The American Prospect; she is a sought-after lecturer, speaking across the country about her work and the topics it covers, from farm labor to cooking, America's growing class divide to eating on a budget.
In 2013, she was named a Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellow at the University of Michigan, a year after she was named a Senior Fellow at the Schuster Institute for Investigative Journalism. She currently serves on the awards committee for the James Beard Journalism Awards, and is the 2014 Koeppel Journalism Fellow at Wesleyan University, where she teaches a course on writing about inequality.
Tracie's website is TracieMcMillan.com.
For more information about this and other 2014 Reading Together events, please visit readingtogether.us.]]>
Three expert judges awarded prizes for best film, best animation, best experimental film, best documentary, best short film (under three minutes), best technical merit, best music video, and judges' choice. Audience members voted for a people's choice award.
The Winners:
Award Category/Prize Awarded/Film Director
2014 Finalists: The following are the official selections for the 2014 Teen Filmmaker Festival
Kalamazoo's Public Media Network recorded the Teen Filmmaker Festival. PMN will broadcast entries chosen for the festival, awards presentations, and interviews with the winners. Check http://www.publicmedianet.org for broadcast dates and times. The films will also be available for viewing on KPL's website.
The Teen Filmmaker Festival is cosponsored by Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Public Media Network, the Kalamazoo State Theatre, Campaign Pictures and Alamo Draft House.
Special thanks to the Kalamazoo State Theatre for hosting the 11th Annual Filmmaker Festival.
Come see Michigan's talented teen directors (aged 12-19) as they make their big screen debut! There will be drama, action, comedy and more! Nearly 100 films were submitted to the Kalamazoo Public Library for consideration. 24 films, varying within 2-10 minutes each will be shown to the public and juried for the following Award Categories:
The following films will be shown at the festival:
Presented by Master of Ceremonies Kevin Park, the President of Campaign Pictures and writer/director/producer of Love Cancer and Shaken Daddy Syndrome; the films will be juried by the following judges:
James Sanford: Creative Manager at Alamo Drafthouse Kalamazoo, in charge of specialty film booking, promotions and marketing
Bannon Backhus: Writer, director and producer of Abduction Day, an independent film combining elements of science-fiction, horror and comedy that was completed in 2013
James Watkins: James W. Watkins: Painter/Illustrator and board member of the Kalamazoo Film Society
Award winners will be announced at www.kpl.gov/teenfilmfest.
Tickets are free and will be available at the State Theatre on February 23 (the day of the festival.) For more information visit www.kpl.gov/teenfilmfest or call the State Theatre at 345-6500.
Kalamazoo's Public Media Network will cover the Teen Filmmaker Festival. PMN will broadcast entries chosen for the festival, awards presentations, and interviews with the winners. Check www.publicmedianet.org for broadcast dates and times. DVDs of festival coverage and interviews will be presented to award winners and available for purchase.
The Teen Filmmaker Festival is cosponsored by Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Public Media Network, the Kalamazoo State Theatre, Campaign Pictures and Alamo Draft House.
Special thanks to the Kalamazoo State Theatre for hosting the 11th Annual Filmmaker Festival.]]>
Child experts agree that reading to your child starting at birth dramatically increases their vocabulary and cognitive growth, and sets them on a solid path of lifelong literacy. Early literacy is key to a successful future. The goal of this program is to share 1,000 books with your child during their early years. Sharing a book includes reading, singing, or even just talking about the pictures in a book with your child. Any child from birth to entering kindergarten can participate in this self-paced, early literacy program.
To get started, sign up at any KPL location and receive your first 1,000 Books reading log, or you can download one at www.kpl.gov/1000books. Record each book that you share on the log. For every 50 books read, bring the completed reading log to any KPL location to collect a prize. When 1,000 books recorded is reached, participants will receive a gift from the library and a certificate of completion in the program.
A Kalamazoo Public Library card is not required to participate in this program. However, if participants wish to check out reading materials from a KPL location, they will need to sign up for a KPL card.
For more information, please visit www.kpl.gov/1000books. 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is sponsored by an Early Childhood Reading grant from Target.]]>
KPL card holders can download the free hoopla digital mobile app on their Android or IOS device or visit hoopladigital.com to begin enjoying thousands of titles – from major Hollywood studios and publishers – available to borrow for instant streaming or temporary downloading to their smartphones, tablets, computers and Apple TV.
"We're always exploring new services that foster reading for our patrons, while providing on-the-go access to the library's information," said Michael Cockrell, Head of Adult Services Department at Kalamazoo Public Library. "With hoopla digital, content ranges from entertainment to educational, so there's something for everyone. Patrons only need a library card to get started and all content is free of charge. It's also digital so there is no waiting period for popular titles and hoopla's automatic return means no late fees."
"With hoopla digital, it is our mission to help public libraries meet the needs of the mobile generation. We've worked for years to create a best-in-breed service that is fun, fast and reliable. And we continue to secure content deals to expand the offering of movies, TV shows, music and audiobooks," said Jeff Jankowski founder and owner of hoopla digital.
About hoopla digital
hoopla digital is category-creating service that partners with public libraries across North America to provide online and mobile access to thousands of movies, TV shows, videos, music and audiobooks. With hoopla digital, patrons can borrow, instantly stream and download free dynamic content with a valid library card. All content is accessible via hoopla digital's mobile app and online at www.hoopladigital.com. hoopla digital is a service of Midwest Tape – a trusted partner to public libraries for over 20 years.
To learn more or for more information about hoopla, please contact 800-875-2785 (US) or 866-698-2231 (Canada). For questions regarding hoopla at KPL, call (269) 553-7879.
If you have placed a hold on movies or music, you will now find them in AV and will be required to check them out there.
Protect your investment in your library by helping us protect our collection. Please check out all movies and music in AV.Thank you for your cooperation.]]>
Condie is the author of the Matched Trilogy, which includes Matched, Crossed and Reached. Matched was chosen as one of YALSA's (Young Adult Library Services Association) 2011 Teens' Top Ten, named as Publisher's Weekly's Best Children's books of 2010, selected as the #1 Pick on the Winter Kids' Indie Next List and received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publisher's Weekly. The sequels, Crossed and Reached, were also critically acclaimed. All three books are available in 30+ languages and Disney has optioned the film rights for the series.
Meet Condie, hear excerpts from her trilogy and get your copy signed. Bookbug, a local, independent bookstore, will be selling books for signing. Refreshments included.
A former English teacher, Ally Condie lives with her husband and four children outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. She loves reading, writing, running, and listening to her husband play guitar.
The 2014 Teen Filmmaker Festival will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2:30 pm at the State Theatre in Kalamazoo. To view last year's winning videos, click here.
Official Rules
Films must be produced by teens, ages 12-19 who reside in the state of Michigan. More than one teen may work on a film. Adults may be talent in a film, but should not perform any other duty in the actual creation of the film. Films may not be longer than 10 minutes. No bloopers please. Teens may submit more than one film, an entry form is required for each film submitted. Films submitted to the festival will not be returned. Forms may be downloaded from www.kpl.gov/teenfilmfest. All films must be submitted to Teen Services, Kalamazoo Public Library, 315 S. Rose Street, 49007 by 5 pm, Saturday, January 18, 2014.
Format Requirements
Films should be submitted as full-quality Quicktime/MOV files on USB flash drive. DVDs may be submitted instead, but USB drives are preferred. All other formats, (including VHS, Windows Media files, low-quality QuickTime files, etc.) will be automatically disqualified. If submitting on DVD, entries must be formatted for NTSC Region 1 (North America) and labeled with the film's title, running time, and director(s) name(s). Please double-check that your DVD plays your entire film on standard consumer DVD players.
• Films due by 5 pm, Saturday, January 18, 2014: A jury will review every film entered and select festival finalists. Not every film submitted will be selected for screening at the festival. Entries must be postmarked by Saturday, January 18.
• Email Notification by Monday, February 3, 2014: Filmmakers will be notified if their film has been selected by email. Titles of selected films will also be posted to the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/teenfilmfest.
• Teen Filmmaker Festival is on Sunday, February 23, 2:30 pm: Festival finalists will be screened at The State Theatre.
For legal disclaimers and more information about the 2014 Teen Filmmaker Festival, visit www.kpl.gov/teenfilmfest or call (269) 553-7807 or (269) 349-7775 ext. 3162.
The 2014 Teen Filmmaker Festival is sponsored by: Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, State Theatre, PMN and Campaign Pictures.
This fall's Music & Make Believe is based on David McPhail's Mole Music, a story about a mole who feels something is missing from his life until he learns how to play the violin. Kalamazoo Public Library librarians will read Mole Music and follow the storytime with a craft activity. Kalamazoo Symphony String Quartet will also perform a program based on the story and activity.
Tuesday, October 29
Central Library: 315 S. Rose St., 553-7804
Two sessions
9:30 – 10:30 am and 10:30 – 11:30 am
Wednesday, October 30
Central Library: 315 S. Rose St., 553-7804
Two sessions
9:30 – 10:30 am and 10:30 – 11:30 am
Thursday, October 31
Washington Square Branch Library
1244 Portage St., 553-7970
One session only
10:30 – 11:30 am
Space is limited and registration is required. Groups should call 269-553-7804 to register.
This program is made possible with support from PNC, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and Kalamazoo Public Library.
Celebrate Teen Read Week (October 13-19) by reading for the fun of it and for the philanthropy of it! Teen Services will host a five-hour Read-a-Thon to benefit Kalamazoo Area Loaves and Fishes! Pick up a registration form at the Teen Desk, gather pledges of non-perishable food items and read all day (10 am – 3 pm). Donations need to be turned in by November 1. Snacks, prizes, game breaks and lunch provided! No registration or tickets required. Teens do not have to be residents or have a KPL library card to participate in this program. For more information, call 269-553-7807.
Teen Read Week™ is a national adolescent literacy initiative created by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). It began in 1998 and is held annually during the third week of October. Its purpose is to encourage teens to be regular readers and library users.
Teen Read Week's sub-theme for this year is Seek the Unknown @ your library, which encourages teens to explore and learn about the unknown through mystery, adventure, sci-fi, and fantasy books. For more information about Teen Read Week, visit YALSA's Teen Read Week website.
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. For students, a library card is essential. A library card provides access to e-books, online homework help and a multitude of online research tools and resources for their studies. A library card at KPL also means access to computers and free Internet access. For those without Internet access at home, a library card may mean the difference between failing and having a successful school year.
Get Carded and Get Rewards!
In honor of Library Card Sign-up Month, the following Kalamazoo businesses and organizations have partnered with KPL and are offering an incentive just for showing your KPL library card during your visit.
Enjoy all the perks your library card has to offer, and be sure to share what your library card means to you with your friends, family and colleagues who don't have their own library card. Tell them the true value of libraries, and how the library benefits you.
Those who don't have a library card can get signed up today by visiting any of their local KPL locations. For more information, visit kpl.gov/getcarded.
Due to the ever-increasing interest in all things food-related, we are seeing a growing demand to know exactly what is on our plates and how it got there. In response, Reading Together 2014 will focus on food themes, featuring: The American Way of Eating: Undercover at Walmart, Applebee's, Farm Fields and the Dinner Table by Tracie McMillan and Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer by Novella Carpenter.
All the health experts tout the importance of eating organic, but not everyone can afford the cost to do so. Award winning journalist and Michigan native Tracie McMillan wanted to go beyond the food on her plate and explore the national priorities that put it there. The American Way of Eating chronicles McMillan's own experiences in California farm fields, the produce aisle of a Detroit Walmart and the kitchen of New York City's Applebee's. Michigan-born and Brooklyn-based writer Tracie McMillan has won numerous awards for her writing in publications ranging from The New York Times to O, The Oprah Magazine. She is a Senior Fellow at the Schuster Institute for Investigative Journalism and a Knight-Wallace Fellow at the University of Michigan.
In Farm City, author Novella Carpenter recounts how she converted her ramshackle, weed-choked backyard in inner-city Oakland to an efficient farm complete with veggies, turkeys, ducks and pigs. This 2009 New York Times "Top 10 Book" heralds the joys and tribulations of a self-sustaining lifestyle.
Novella Carpenter's work has appeared in salon.com, sfgate.com, and Food and Wine magazine. She is also a member of the Biofuel Oasis Cooperative, a biodiesel station and urban farming feed store in Berkeley, CA. Carpenter also keeps a blog about happenings on her farm, GhostTown Farm at www.novellacarpenter.com.
What if the entire community read the same books? Find out! Join Reading Together, a county-wide book club led by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Since 2003, thousands of people from all walks of life have read and discussed the selected books and attended hundreds of events. Please join us.
Planning for the Reading Together 2104 events calendar and author visits are underway. Visit ReadingTogether.us for updates.]]>
The Children's Room is being redesigned to accommodate KPL's selection as a Family Place Library™. Expanding on the traditional role of children's services, Family Place builds on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parental involvement and supportive communities play a critical role in young children's growth and development. Family Place Libraries redesign the library environment to be welcoming and appropriate for children beginning at birth; connect parents with resources, programs and service agencies; and reach out to non-traditional library users. This creates the network families need to nurture their children's development during the critical first years of life and helps ensure all children enter school ready and able to learn. Kalamazoo Public Library is proud to have been selected as a Family Place Library due to our decades of service and dedication to early childhood literacy and the success of existing parent/child programming and support services. For more information about Family Place visit www.familyplacelibraries.org.
The enhancement of the Children's Room redefines work areas so that adequate space can be created for an interactive activity room where children and their caregivers can participate in Family Place activities and programs. Other areas of the Children's Room will be redesigned accordingly with this expansion to create a better visiting experience for children and their care givers. Toys and some programming for the new activity room will be paid for by a Family Place grant.
Renovations and improvements will also be taking place on the second floor Reference and Local History areas. The redesign will allow for improved visitor flow with easier access to materials, copy and print machines and an area in the rotunda for current periodicals and audiobooks. The local history department will also be expanded into the former tech center.
Miller Davis was selected as the construction company after a two-week bidding process. The building improvements will be paid for with funds designated for this purpose from KPL's endowment fund as well as a generous donation from Major General and Mrs. John S. Patton of McLean, VA. Their generous gifts will pay for the work to expand the local history room.
Programs and services will continue during the construction process. For more information, please call 269-553-7879.
When Walter Dean Myers decided to drop out of high school, it was a teacher who told him to keep writing, no matter what. "It's what you do," she said. It was something that young Myers took to heart and years later, while working construction, he started writing and hasn't stopped since. Myers' books are inspired by his own challenging upbringing in Harlem and chronicle the lives of urban teenagers, primarily young, poor, African Americans. His work includes poetry, nonfiction and picture books for children.
Myers will visit two of Kalamazoo Public Library's locations to discuss with children why reading is "not optional." Myers understands the potential teasing youth may face when being seen with library books. "I was teased if I brought books home. I would take a paper bag to the library and put the books in the bag to bring home…I felt a little ashamed having books." During his visit, Myers will speak about his rough upbringing, the vital importance of reading to children and how integral reading is for the intellectual development of all children, especially at-risk youth.
Myers was named the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature in 2012. As part of this role, he is touring for two years, speaking to schools and libraries about reading and literacy. Myers is the third person to be appointed to the post, which was created in 2008 and is chosen by a committee formed by two groups: the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and Every Child a Reader, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Children's Book Council, a trade association of children's book publishers. He succeeds Katherine Patterson, the novelist best known for "Bridge to Terabithia" and Jon Scieszka, author of "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales."
The selection of Walter Dean Myers for the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature is a bold statement. While his body of work includes poetry, nonfiction and picture books for children, his most notable works are aimed at young-adult readers and include stories of teenagers in violent gangs, soldiers headed to Iraq and juvenile offenders imprisoned for their crimes.
The Kalamazoo Public Library is honored to host Mr. Myers, and invites the public to join us for lively discussion and an opportunity to meet Walter Dean Myers. Myers will sign copies of his books (for sale courtesy of Bookbug.) Refreshments will be provided.
For more information about Walter Dean Myers, visit www.walterdeanmyers.net.
KPL's iMacs feature Apple's new OS X Mountain Lion operating system, with high speed Internet access and Safari, Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox browsers.
Popular software packages include Apple's iLife (iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand), iWork (Pages '09 for word processing and writing, Numbers '09 for spreadsheets, and Keynote '09 for presentations), plus Microsoft Office for Mac (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). MS Office files are compatible cross-platform, which means that files created on a PC it will work on a Mac and vice-versa. The iMacs also feature Photo Booth, a fun and easy to use photo editing program.
Like all KPL public computers, iMacs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a two hour per day limit for Internet computer usage for KPL cardholders. Limited passes for guest users are also available. Patrons may also reserve a computer through our online reservation system.
Stop by and give one a try!]]>
Enjoy your summer, and don't forget to Dig into Summer Reading!
Tornado Watch vs. Warning: A tornado watch means that the weather conditions are conducive for a tornado. A tornado warning means that a funnel cloud has been spotted and you should take cover immediately.
You will hear announcements from KPL staff over the PA system that will notify you of the current weather conditions and what action needs to be taken. KPL staff will also be on hand guiding patrons.
You will hear an announcement over the PA system, which will direct you to the shelter location of the branch. Staff will help to guide patrons the shelter location. Patrons who do not wish to take shelter must leave the building. This message will be repeated. Please follow KPL staff guides to the shelter area.
Yes, the library doors will not be locked. There will be signage on the door indicating that the library is closed due to the tornado warning, and giving directions to the shelter location for the branch you are visiting.
You are not required to seek shelter in the library, but you will not be able to stay in the building. You will be required to leave.
Once an all-clear is received, patrons will be allowed to return to their previous location, unless the building has sustained damage that prevents re-opening. In this case patrons will be asked to leave while staff work to address the situation.
You will find a permanent link to this information under About the Library.]]>
Kalamazoo Public Library wishes to thank all of the many readers who helped make this year's Reading Together Program a huge success! The following is a letter from this year's Reading Together author, Amy Waldman. Waldman's novel, The Submission spurred a lot of excellent program participation and discussion.
Dear Kalamazoo,
I can't thank you enough for selecting "The Submission" for your Reading Together program, and even more, for the hospitality you showed me. It was wonderful to spend a couple of days in a city that combines the warmth of a small town with the vibrancy of a cultural center.
And what readers! I almost fell over when I met a book club who had spent four hours discussing my novel, give or take a little time spent on the carrot cake. And who caught a tiny change I had made between the hardcover and the paperback versions. When I spoke, the audience's energy was palpable and their questions stimulating. And seeing the student art inspired by "The Submission" and displayed at the library was among the most inspiring experiences I've had since publishing my book.
Both the community and the library staff have my admiration and gratitude for doing so much to support readers and writers. The ideas for programming for Reading Together were brilliant, and I wish I could have attended.
I'm working hard on my next book so I can get back to Kalamazoo…
All best,
Amy Waldman
2013 Reading Together At a Glance:
• 263 print copies of the book, including five Book-Club-in-a Bag sets, circulated 1,670 times
• 13 supporting programs and events attracted 1,345 people to 8 different venues throughout the community, including 3 KPL locations, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Central High School, Portage District Library and Western Michigan University.
Most notable:
-364 attended Amy Waldman's author visit at Kalamazoo Central High School
-300 attended Brook Gladstone's author visit at Western Michigan University
-253 attended Art Hop at Central to view EFA student artwork and performances inspired by The Submission
Book Discussions
We estimate that roughly 200 residents participated in discussion about The Submission with either established or one-time-only book groups. Public discussions too place at locations like:
• Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
• Friendship Village
• Unitarian Universalist Community Church
• Surrounding libraries
while other discussions were held by private book groups in people's homes or other locations.
Sales and Circulation
Number of copies sold at local bookstores and circulation at surrounding libraries both totaled approximately 250
The following organizations and/or businesses collaborated with KPL in promoting, hosting, planning, or presenting Reading Together events:
• Davenport University
• Diekema Hamann Architecture & Engineering
• Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan
• John Lacko Photography
• Kalamazoo College
• Kalamazoo Community Foundation
• Kalamazoo County Public Arts Commission
• Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
• Kalamazoo Public Schools
• Kalamazoo RESA Education for the Arts
• Kalamazoo Valley Community College
• Michigan News Agency
• MLive Media Group/Kalamazoo Gazette
• Portage District Library
• Public Media Network
• Western Michigan University
Selected Comments from Patrons
Reading Together gets me to read books I never read otherwise.
Thank you… an asset to our community.
Am amazed at all events offered in Kalamazoo.
You folks do a terrific job!
Reading Together is a wonderful community program! Keep it up!
Community Read – How and why we survive Michigan winters.
To keep updated about the Reading Together Program, visit readingtogether.us
Digital magazine subscriptions cost the same as the print edition and multiple subscriptions can cost hundreds of dollars per year. Now Kalamazoo Public Library users have access to 75 popular titles for FREE with the addition of Zinio to its e-library collection on April 1. Available titles include: Businessweek, Cosmopolitan, Elle, ESPN, Forbes, Good Housekeeping, Martha Stewart Living, National Geographic, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Us Weekly and many more!
Zinio is now available for free for KPL Resident Area borrowers only. Signing up is simple:
KPL patrons can select the titles they are interested in and will be notified by email when new issues are available.
The addition of Zinio is not only consistent with its strategic goal of keeping on the forefront of the latest digital technology but also enables KPL to be more green by eliminating print subscriptions. KPL is very proud to include Zinio in its e-library which also includes the following online digital offerings:
*Available to KPL Resident Area borrowers only.
To access KPL's e-library, visit kpl.gov and click Download from the menu bar.]]>
National Public Radio Personality Brooke Gladstone: Featured Speaker for 2013 Reading Together Program
Will speak at WMU Center for the Humanities on Tuesday, April 2, 7 pm
Free Parking at Miller Auditorium for the program
Kalamazoo Public Library is pleased to welcome National Public Radio personality Brooke Gladstone as a featured speaker for the 2013 Reading Together program. Gladstone will present How Media Influences our Perception on Tuesday, April 2, 7 pm at Western Michigan University Center for the Humanities (Knauss Hall, for a map click here.)
Brooke Gladstone is co-host and managing editor of the National Public Radio newsmagazine, On the Media, an up-close look at what the media are covering and why. While maintaining the civility and fairness that are hallmarks of public radio, On the Media tackles sticky issues with frankness and transparency. Gladstone is also the author of The Influencing Machine, Brooke Gladstone on the Media, an enlightening look at the complexities and, sometimes, controversies of modern media.
Gladstone was chosen as a featured speaker for the 2013 Reading Together program presented by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Reading Together is a program that invites people of all ages from all walks of life to read and then discuss important issues raised by a single book. Since 2003, thousands of county residents have participated in ten previous Reading Together programs. The 2013 chosen novel is The Submission by Amy Waldman. Reimagining 9/11 and its aftermath, The Submission, begins with a resonant scene: a jury gathers in Manhattan to choose a memorial for the victims of a devastating Islamic terrorist attack. After tense deliberations, they select the Garden, which features trees both living and made from salvaged steel. Then the jury discovers that the anonymous architect who created the winning design is an American Muslim. The revelation triggers both fury and ambivalence throughout New York. A driving theme behind the book is the powerful influence the media covering the developments of the jury's decision has on the public and how it drives public perception.
During her talk, How Media Influences our Perception, Gladstone will share her experiences with the media and discuss her novel, The Influencing Machine, Brooke Gladstone on the Media. Description from the publisher: A million listeners trust NPR's Brooke Gladstone to guide them through the complexities of the modern media. Bursting onto the page in vivid comics by acclaimed artist Josh Neufeld, this brilliant radio personality guides us through two millennia of media history, debunking the notion that "The Media" is an external force beyond our control and equipping us to be savvy consumers and shapers of the news.
Cory Doctorow proclaimed The Influencing Machine, "Mind-opening, thought-provoking and incredibly timely… An absolutely spectacular read." in a posted review on BoingBoing.
This event is co-sponsored by Western Michigan University's Center for the Humanities, Center for the Study of Ethics in Society, and WMUK 102.1 FM.
Michigan News Agency will sell copies of Gladstone's book at the event.
Brooke Gladstone started out in print journalism, writing on defense policy, strip-mining, broadcasting and cable TV. Her freelance pieces (on topics ranging from orgasmic Russian faith healers to the aesthetics of Pampers to NPR's near fiscal crash) have appeared in the London Observer, the Boston Globe, the Washington Post and The American Journalism Review among others. She also covered public broadcasting for Current, wrote and edited theater, film and music reviews for The Washington Weekly.
In 1987, NPR's Scott Simon asked her to fill in as senior editor for his still-new program, Weekend Edition Saturday. Eventually they gave her the job, and a couple years later, she became senior editor of the NPR newsmagazine, All Things Considered. She was awarded a Knight Fellowship at Stanford in 1991 and a year later she was in Russia, reporting on the bloody insurgency of the Russian Parliament and other stories for NPR.
In 1995, NPR created its brand new media beat and gave it to Gladstone, who covered it for six years from NPR's New York bureau in midtown Manhattan, until she was tapped by WNYC several subway stops downtown to help re-launch On The Media. The program was reborn in January of 2001. I t has since more than tripled its audience and won quite a few awards by brazenly showing how the journalism sausage is made.
Gladstone has won several awards too, including an Overseas Press Club Award, a Peabody and the Milwaukee Press Club's Sacred Cat Award for lifetime achievement, but sadly, On the Media's staff stubbornly refuses to perform any of the associated rituals.
For more information about 2013 Reading Together and this event, please visit www.readingtogether.us.]]>
The Washington Square branch was closed on Friday, February 8 when bed bugs were discovered in returned books. The Kalamazoo Public Library contracted Griffin Pest Control to evaluate the situation. On Monday, February 11, bed-bug sniffing dogs were brought in, and while no live bed bugs were found, dead bugs were located and the dogs "alerted" in various areas of the library. An "alert" means the dog will sit and alert the handler of a potential presence of live bed bugs, their eggs, and/or larvae. On Tuesday, February 9, Griffin Pest Control conducted a treatment of the Washington Square branch by heating all affected areas to 120 degrees. Bed bugs are drawn out by the heat and then die as a result. The branch was then cleaned and prepared for re-opening.
The Kalamazoo Public Library contracted Griffin Pest Control to conduct testing at the rest of the library's locations: Central, Oshtemo, Eastwood and Alma Powell. Results indicated presence of bed bugs in the Children's Room of the Central location located at 315 South Rose Street. Due to the findings, the Children's Room will be closed on Friday, February 15 through Tuesday, February 19 for treatment.
The Children's Room will re-open on Wednesday, February 20.
Bed Bugs are a Growing Community Problem: Over the last few years, incidents of bed bug infestations have become a growing problem for all public buildings including: hotels, schools, hospitals, libraries and any other building where the public frequents en masse. Because bed bugs can hide in items like jackets, backpacks and other soft materials, they can be brought into any location and create a new case of infestation. As a result, many public buildings have added bed bug detection and treatment as part of their regular building maintenance procedures.
A library is a less than ideal place for bed bugs to flourish. Because they are night feeders, they prefer sleeping, human or animal hosts to feed from. Since libraries close at night, bed bugs are deprived of the nourishment they need to survive. Bed bugs are typically brought in to the library on human hosts entering the building or in books that are kept on or near the bed of an infected home. As a member of the community, the Kalamazoo Public Library is aware that bed bugs will remain an ongoing issue for all public spaces until science develops a way to eradicate them entirely. For this reason, the Kalamazoo Public Library has established new policies to its current building maintenance program to minimize the risk of infestation going forward.
If you are concerned about carrying bed bugs from any public space into your home, the following steps are recommended:
For more information about bed bugs and how to treat them, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/MIbedbugs or http://tinyurl.com/MDCH-Bedbugs]]>
From the Michigan Department of Education news release:
"The State Librarian's Excellence Award is sponsored by the Roger and June Mendel Fund of the Library of Michigan Foundation. Gifts from Martin L. Gibbs and Carole Sorensen and from Elaine M. Logan supported the citations of excellence.
Kalamazoo Public Library created a Customer Service Plan in 2007 and has sustained since then a Customer Service Committee that continues to define, measure, recognize, and reward excellence in customer service. The most recent revision of its service plan resulted in a Code of Service that outlines and defines the level of service it expects from its staff. In addition to this strong proactive focus on customer service, the library also forges strong collaborative relationships with community organizations, particularly its schools. In response to the Kalamazoo Promise, the library used creative thinking and service attitude to provide library cards to 1,000 first-grade students. This helps contributes to the Governor's goal to have Michigan students reading at grade level by the end of third grade. Even though it is operating at a significantly decreased number of staff than three years ago, the library continues to meet its mission to create a community where people aspire to learn, engage and thrive.
Director Ann Rorbaugh said, 'We are honored to be recognized. Customer service at KPL has many dimensions … one-on-one desk type interactions; partnering with other local agencies especially the Kalamazoo Public Schools; and the materials, programs, and services we offer to all ages. The state recognition is very affirming to our staff and board.'"
Michigan Department of Education news release, 8 November 2012]]>
The ONLA consists of ten all-day sessions beginning Friday, January 18 and meeting every other Friday through May 17. Between sessions, students complete reading assignments and meet with mentors. Mentor relationships may be arranged by the student or will be assigned by ONEplace. Applications are being accepted now through November 30, 2012.
Details and applications are available online: www.kpl.gov/ONEplace/ONLA. Please contact ONEplace@kpl for more information.]]>
This popular series explores key issues and strategies in supervision and management. Target audience includes middle-level directors and managers in all areas of nonprofit organizations – anyone who supervises others.
Sessions stand alone, but build upon each other. Learn more.
Space limited, so register online today!
We're asking friends of the library—both professional and amateur photographers—to take photos of KPL's buildings, staff, patrons, and/or events for display on October 5.
Art hoppers will enjoy music and birthday cake while they browse the photo collection—of both new and historical photos. Interested photographers, please contact email@example.com.
Learn more here or print photo submission guidelines and model release forms.]]>
To geek, used as a verb in this campaign, means to:
Whatever you geek, the public library supports you. Everyone is passionate about something—everyone geeks something. As we develop KPL's Geek the Library campaign, you'll learn what KPL staff geek. And you'll get a chance to share what you geek, too! Later this summer we'll offer KPL patrons a geek video or poster opportunity. To get involved, email firstname.lastname@example.com.
This community-based public awareness campaign was designed to highlight the vital role of public libraries in today's challenging environment. The nonprofit library cooperative OCLC manages the national campaign with funds from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Participating libraries receive materials and significant support from OCLC.]]>
We appreciate your patience while we make these exciting new changes!]]>
We appreciate your patience while we make several exciting new changes to our online catalog!]]>
On First Saturday, families will enjoy fun, free activities designed to entertain their children. They'll see that the library offers popular movies, music and books to borrow and computers to work on, all for free. They'll learn that libraries and librarians can answer questions on hundreds of topics, plus help with homework.
A number of other organizations are partnering with KPL and KPS in the First Saturday initiative. Each month, one or more of the partners will cosponsor the First Saturday event.
As the April cosponsor, the Hispanic American Council plans to feature a Guatemalan theme: folk tales in Spanish and English, food (tapas), dance, and a kids craft. The first 100 families to arrive on April 7 will receive a free book from HAC. Additional door prizes will be given away by KPS and KPL.
Partner organizations currently include Boys and Girls Club of Kalamazoo, Communities in Schools of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County Ready 4s, Kalamazoo Literacy Council, Goodwill Industries of Southwest Michigan, NAACP, and the Northside Ministerial Alliance. Any organization that serves families and children will be welcome in the initiative.
Organizations interested in helping with First Saturday should contact Andrea Vernola, KPL's children's programming librarian and coordinator of First Saturday, firstname.lastname@example.com, or 553-7853.
Following the scheduled viewings, the show will be available for check out from Kalamazoo Public Library.
Thanks for understanding! We know you'll appreciated the increased speed and greater access within the library's buildings.]]>
Read the official news release and the Detroit Free Press story.
While the tax is unpopular with businesses and most agree that PPT reform may be needed, scrapping the tax without guaranteeing replacement funds for local services and schools would be very harmful to Michigan citizens. Given earlier cuts in state revenue sharing, and continually declining property values, loss of the PPT would be devastating.
Locally, the tax accounts for $4.7 million, or almost 14 percent of the city of Kalamazoo's property tax revenue. In Portage, it accounts for $3.8 million, or nearly 18 percent. (Mlive) Kalamazoo Public Library would lose $1,224,000 every year, almost 11 percent of the 2011-12 budget.
In response to declining property tax revenue and cuts in state aid, KPL has eliminated bookmobile service, reduced hours at branch libraries, reduced staff by 10% (more than ten positions), and eliminated public computer training classes. Additional loss of library revenue will result in further reduction in service hours, fewer library programs and materials, less outreach to preschoolers, possible branch library closures, and more.
The resolution in support of fully replacing, not just erasing, Michigan's personal property tax, which was unanimously adopted by Kalamazoo Public Library trustees on December 19, 2011, may be read here.
Learn More
Michigan Municipal League
MLA Joins Replace Don't Erase Personal Property Tax Coalition
Replace, Don't Erase Michigan's Personal Property Tax
Mlive.com: Kalamazoo and Portage officials want to keep personal property tax
Mlive.com: Local officials want guaranteed replacement if business property taxes are cut
The section features nearly 600 interconnected web pages and covers more than 20 categories. The pages include information about people and places from Kalamazoo's past, researched and written by members of the Kalamazoo Public Library staff. The award citation proclaimed KPL's Local History website "an invaluable resource for researchers ranging from middle school students competing in History Day to genealogists."
The Historical Society of Michigan presented its 2011 State History Awards at the 137th Annual Meeting and State History Conference held September 23-25, 2011, in Traverse City. The awards were presented at the annual awards reception and banquet. KPL's webmaster Keith Howard accepted the award on behalf of Kalamazoo Public Library from Sharon Carlson, member of the Historical Society of Michigan board of trustees.
Each year the Historical Society of Michigan presents a State History Award to those individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the appreciation and understanding of Michigan history. Judging criteria include excellence of achievement by an individual or organization in the collection, preservation and promotion of state and local history.]]>
Clicking My Account at the top middle of every page on the KPL website will take you to your account login. Enter your User Id and your PIN and click Login to My Account. From there, you can review what you've checked out, renew items, and more.
As long as you remain in the library catalog, you will be logged in. If you click away from the catalog, to check a page in the library's or any other website, you will be logged out. That's a safety feature of the catalog—it protects your personal information by logging you out when you leave the catalog.
Questions about your account? Visit the Account Help webpage, call 553-7806, or ask a library staff member for help when you visit the library.]]>
KPL currently mails more than 2,500 notices using ink, paper, and postage every month. Email, phone, and text will save money and reduce KPL's environmental impact.
Beginning in July, KPL encouraged patrons to help this effort by updating their library account, through the "Verify My Record" contest, now underway at all five KPL locations.
There's still time to enter! Tell KPL how you want to receive overdue and hold notices from the library—by email, phone, or text—and make sure all your personal information is up-to-date.
Fill out the contest entry form at your neighborhood library by September 3. Don't delay! You could win an Apple iPad, Kindle 3G, or iTunes gift card.
KPL published a full page ad on the back of Excelsior from January through June of 2011. The ad featured a listing of children's, tween, teen, and adult events for the upcoming month.
If you read Excelsior, we want to know if you saw the ad and what you thought of it. Please take this brief survey.
At the end of the survey, you may share your contact information to be entered in a thank you prize drawing at the end of the summer. Prizes include five gift certificates to Bookbug in Oakwood Plaza. Winners will be notified by phone or email.]]>
Please check out these web pages designed to help readers, listeners, and viewers then answer one or more of three brief surveys. Your answers will help us better meet patrons' needs through the website.
The surveys will be available through July 10. Those who wish to enter thank-you prize drawings will be asked to provide contact information. Prize winners will be contacted the following week.
Thanks for your help!]]>
After the thousands of books that typically sell on Saturday have found new homes, the Friends will once again gratefully accept your donations. You may drop books, movies, and music in the slot outside the Friends store or place them on the Friends cart inside the back entrance during the Central Library's open hours.
If you're a book lover, be sure to stop by early on Saturday for super bargains. You'll find plenty of fiction (general fiction, mystery, sci-fi, and romance), assorted nonfiction, lots of children's books, lots of large print. Books are 10¢ each or buy a bag full for just $2. You can help the Friends by bringing your own bag. Proceeds help support the library.]]>
Ready to Read, Kalamazoo Public Library's early childhood literacy program, hosts this event with the support of KRESA's Ready, Set, Succeed and Child Care Resources. Each child who attends will receive a healthy snack, juice and a gift book courtesy of KPL.
Throughout June, July and August, Central Library's hours of operation will be:
The USB ports also accept external floppy disk drives and memory card readers. Both can be borrowed for use in the library, making it easier for patrons to upload photos from cameras to sites like Facebook and Flickr, as well as email. With headphones (bring your own or buy from KPL for just $2.75), every computer is a listening and watching station!
The computers run the Windows 7 operating system. Software installed includes Microsoft Office 2010, featuring the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, OneNote planner and note taking software, Publisher, Picture Manager, and Clip Organizer, to arrange and catalog clip art and other media files.
Additional features include an easy typing tutorial and Zoom Text, magnification and reading software for the vision impaired. Plus, patrons can now search the internet with both Firefox and Internet Explorer web browsers. At the end of each computer session, the computer will automatically reboot, improving patron privacy.
Come try out the new computers! Library cardholders receive free internet access for up to two hours a day. All computer users may print to library printers for just 10¢ a page. Need help using the library's computers? Tech interns now offer basic support 40 hours each week at the Central Library. Hours vary. Call 553-7801 to learn when an intern will be available. Read each intern's blog on the technology page.
Get a fresh start! Don't let overdue fines keep you from using the library. Visit any Kalamazoo Public Library location during the six weeks of Reading Together and ask a staff member at the checkout desk to forgive your overdue fines.
All library materials must be returned in good condition, either during these forgiveness weeks or earlier. This amnesty does not include replacement fees for lost or damaged materials, only for overdue fines.
We're reading Tracy Kidder's Strength in What Remains in 2011. The new website features pages about the author, the book, and Deogratias "Deo" Niyizonkiza, the subject of Kidder's compelling, true story, and the winner of a 2010 Womens Refugee Commission Voices of Courage Award.
You'll find the the full slate of great programs on the website, beginning with Appreciating Kidder on Thursday, February 10, at 6:30 pm. William Combs, WMU professor emeritus of English, will discuss Kidder's writing and reveal why readers and reviewers praise his research and insight.
Join a discussion group! Talk about the book with other readers at groups all over town, beginning Tuesday, March 1, at 7:00 pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Keep in touch with Reading Together. Subscribe to the eNews and read the blog.
Learn more about Reading Together.]]>
Search the catalog for books, movies, or music, then put the item you find on hold; see the hottest title, author, subject; and browse fiction, nonfiction, movies, and music lists to discover KPL's newest titles. Instantly link to a great variety of recommended reading and best seller lists.
Need to renew an item or check what you have on hold? Click the catalog icon, then Login to My Account. Enter your KPL card ID number and your PIN (usually the last four digits of your phone number). Tap the drop down labeled Local Information then select My Account.
New to Kalamazoo Public Library? Use the app to find locations and maps, check hours, and call each location. Read the latest KPL tweets for news and events.
Don't have an iPhone? The Android App is coming soon!]]>
Normal hours resume on Monday, December 27.
Holiday closures continue on the following days:
Normal hours resume on Monday, January 3.
The Friends Bookstore will be closed the week of December 27 and resume normal hours on Wednesday, January 5, at 12 noon.
The Kalamazoo Public Library trustees, staff and Friends wish you a happy holiday season.]]>
Artists were invited to create original art for the contest inspired by one of the following five frequently challenged or banned books.
Uncle Bobby's Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
TTYL by Lauren Myracle
The winners were announced following a readout of the five books. The adult winner took home a $500 award from the ACLU; the student winner received $150. Honorable Mention and People's Choice winners received copies of the five books.
Adult Category (artists over the age of 18 years)
Winner—Sandy Olson, "To Kill a Mockingbird"
Honorable Mention—Ann Marks, "Persistence of Memory"
People's Choice—Beverly Fitzpatrick, "A Two-Sided Scene"
Student Category (artists in grades 7-12)
Winner—Marissa Morgan, "Keep Reading Them"
Honorable Mention—Katy Munn, "Innocence"
People's Choice—Destine Price, "Trophy to the Twilight Readers"
The Literacy Council trains tutors in the internationally recognized Laubach Way to Reading, designed specifically for volunteers working with adults. The method allows learners to work at their own pace, with tutoring customized to their own needs, to develop basic reading and writing skills. The next training session will be held September 11 and 18, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, for a total of 12 hours.
Sadly, 13% of Kalamazoo County adults (approximately 31,000) cannot read well enough to share a bedtime story with a child or understand memos from school. Adult learners seeking help from the Literacy Council range from 18 years to senior citizens. Many are motivated by a desire to read to their children or grandchildren, or to help them with their homework. Other learners want to read the Bible or earn a GED.
To learn more about becoming a volunteer tutor, please contact Andrea Enyedi, Literacy Office, Kalamazoo Public Library, 553-7885.]]>
Kalamazoo Public Library receives 92.5% of its revenue from library district property taxes. The library's revenue has decreased almost $900,000, about 7% of the annual budget since 2008. Experts estimate that property tax values will continue to drop statewide.
To meet these budget challenges, the library has eliminated the bookmobile, reduced budgets in many areas, reduced salaried staff by 9 FTEs and significantly cut hourly staff, and begun a strategic planning process to better determine what services are most needed and valued in the community. With the staff reductions, the library can no longer effectively cover all current open hours in all locations.
A total of 33 branch and Law Library service hours will be reduced systemwide, reducing costs by approximately $145,000.
The recommended changes are based on a review of circulation statistics, computer use, and staff observation. The new open hours reflect the busiest times at each branch location. Powell Branch Library will be closed on Saturday because the Douglass Community Association building, home of the library, is closed.
Aside from the Law Library, hours will not change at the Central Library. As Director Rohrbaugh says, 'The Education Community' needs a main library that's open every weekday evening during the school year to serve students." A total of 33 hours will be reduced system-wide.
Artists are invited to create original art for the contest inspired by one of the following five frequently challenged or banned books.
Uncle Bobby's Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
TTYL by Lauren Myracle
The contest is open to artists residing in southwest Michigan. Artwork should be submitted in one of two categories: Adult, artists over the age of 18 years; or Student, artists in grades 7-12.
Entries must be received by mail no later than Wednesday, September 29. Hand-delivered entries will be accepted Tuesday, September 28, and Wednesday, September 29, between 9 am to 9 pm, at Kalamazoo Public Library, 315 S. Rose St. An entry form (available online) must accompany artwork.
The ACLU will award First Place cash prizes in two categories: $500 to the Adult winner and $150 to the Student winner. One Honorable Mention and one People's Choice will also be awarded in each category.
Art contest winners will be announced Friday, October 1, during the Art Hop Reception, from 5:00-8:00 pm, at Kalamazoo Public Library. The celebration will also include a Banned Books Readout, from 6:00-7:30 pm, featuring local personalities. All submitted art work will be displayed at Kalamazoo Public Library from October 1-8.
Please contact KPL's Kevin King or the ACLU's Jacquelyn Taylor, email@example.com, with any questions about the art contest.]]>
The unattended parking lot behind Central Library will still cost $.85 an hour, with a maximum permitted parking time of two hours. The lot will continue to be enforced Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.
Rates at attended parking facilities will go from the current $1.15 to $1.20 an hour, with the maximum all-day rate rising to $9.25 from $9.20 currently.
Parking meters will go up 25 cents per hour, to $1.50, for short-term meters. Also up 25 cents, to $2, for long-term meters for parking up to 10 hours. Metered parking will be enforced from 6 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, instead of from 8 am to 5 pm.
Please share your thoughts about this year's program using this short online survey—it will only take about 3-4 minutes. Your feedback will help us plan for the future.
While you're thinking about Reading Together, please suggest titles, themes/issues, or programs for next year using this online form or write to Reading Together.
As the president of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community, Dr. Kitamoto helped produce "For the Sake of the Children," a photo exhibit that documents four generation of Japanese Americans on Bainbridge Island—the real life inspiration for San Piedro Island in David Guterson's novel, Snow Falling on Cedars.
Kitamoto suggests that "lessons from the past help us not just to survive, but to come alive in a multi-cultural community...diversity, equality and humanism are the true strengths that make our country, the United States of America, so special and admired in the eyes of the world."
The evening includes a performance by the Kalamazoo College Taiko Drumming Troupe. The photo exhibit "For the Sake of the Children" will also be on display during the event on Thursday, April 15, 6:30 pm, at the First Baptist Church, 315 W. Michigan Ave.]]>
Teen Services will gratefully accept donations of formalwear, jewelry, evening purses, shoes, or any other prom-related accessory up to the day of the event. Please bring your donations to the Teen Services desk any time during library hours.
Questions? Call Jill or Amanda, the staff members coordinating this event, at 553-7807 or email firstname.lastname@example.com. Help Teen Services make prom night special!]]>
In October 2009, KPL's board of trustees decided to end bookmobile service no later than the end of the current fiscal year, June 30—the final date to be set after bookmobile staff could be reassigned elsewhere in the library. Staff retirements and resignations have now made that possible. All current bookmobile staff will continue to work in other areas of the library.
Bookmobile service started late in 1956 as a way to reach residents in growing suburban areas, at a time when many households had just one car, KPL's neighborhood services were far less developed, and the downtown library was outgrowing its original 1893 building.
The world has changed since then! About 600 of the library's 45,000 patrons checked out a total of 26,459 items from the bookmobile last year—less than 3% of the library's total circulation. In contrast, 375,088 unique visitors accessed 21,134 pages on KPL's website 2,117,508 times. KPL's website has truly become a very busy virtual branch.
In these challenging economic times, the library is cutting costs to meet declining revenue. In the last two years, KPL has reduced energy use; delayed equipment purchases; trimmed funds for materials; dropped positions and reassigned work following retirements and resignations. Those measures are no longer enough—now we have to weigh the cost and effectiveness of all library services in terms of the entire community's needs.
Sadly, KPL can no longer afford to offer bookmobile service. Fortunately, many bookmobile patrons already use other KPL locations. A small number of current bookmobile users cannot travel elsewhere. Staff members will seek to meet those patrons' needs through existing services, like Via Mail (books-by-mail) and deposit collections.
The library director's complete report and recommendation to the board is available online, www.kpl.gov/bookmobile.]]>
The Eventide at Siesta, Winchell School and Old Colony stops are closest to:
The Greenwood Reformed Church is closest to:
The Whitegate Lane at Powderhorn stop is closest to:
KPL realizes that some patrons cannot travel to the library's downtown or branch locations. The Patron Services department is considering deposit collections at additional locations. Homebound patrons—those who cannot visit the library because of age, poor health, or disability—may call the Via Mail coordinator to learn if they qualify for home delivery service, 553-7809.
Soil: The Web of Life, February 4, 7 pm
Learn some practical ways to promote soil health and provide better food for ourselves.
Recycle in Your Yard, February 9, 7 pm
Explore neighbor-friendly ways to compost to save money and the environment.]]>
Kalamazoo Public Library, like most other organizations, is facing budget constraints. Earlier this year, KPL asked voters to support a 20-year renewal of the library's operating millage at the same rate of 2.7782. Voters approved the request by a 3-to-1 margin. However, passing the millage at the same rate does not guarantee the same revenue to the library. 92% of KPL's revenue comes from property taxes. As property tax values drop, KPL's revenue drops, while costs for many items continue to rise.
The State Treasurer has forecast a 6.5% drop in taxable value statewide; we anticipate a 5% drop here in Kalamazoo. This drop, combined with additional revenue cuts in state aid and other income sources, will require another $550,000 cut in next year's budget.
Until now, KPL has met budget constraints by reducing energy use, delaying equipment purchases, trimming funds for books, movies, music, newspapers, magazines, and more. We've also eliminated positions and reassigned work following retirements and resignations. Those measures are no longer enough—we have to look for greater cost savings. Dropping bookmobile service will realize annual savings in staff costs, library materials, oil and gas, repairs, and various supplies.
About 600 patrons checked out a total of 26,459 items from the bookmobile last year—less than 3% of the library's total circulation. While we share the disappointment of bookmobile patrons, we know many of them also use other KPL locations. Bookmobile staff estimate that about 68-80 current bookmobile users cannot travel elsewhere. We will seek to meet their needs through existing services, like Via Mail (books-by-mail) and deposit collections at senior residences.
Read the library director's complete Bookmobile Report and recommendation to the board.]]>
Barnes & Noble stores across the country invite customers to give the gift of reading to children with the launch of its annual Holiday Book Drive. The Holiday Book Drive offers customers the opportunity to donate books to locally designated non-profit organizations.
Holiday Book Drive recipients throughout the country include schools, libraries, literacy organizations, family social service agencies, and homeless centers. This year, the local Barnes & Noble, 6134 S. Westnedge Ave., will collect books for Ready to Read.
"Each Barnes & Noble can partner with a non-profit local organization of its choice to benefit from the Holiday Book Drive. It's a great opportunity for our stores and customers to come together to donate new books for children in the community who really need them," said Sarah DiFrancesco, community relations director. "On a national level, Barnes & Noble will make donations to literacy charities across the country."
To learn more or find out how to participate in the Holiday Book Drive, call Kirsten Fredrickson, Barnes & Noble's local community relations manager, 269-327-9589.
A generous anonymous bequest allowed KPL to install a modern inventory system using Radio Frequency Identification from 3M Library Systems—the same system installed by Kent District Library, KPL's northern neighbor. Read about KDL's success in enhancing customer service. With RFID, patrons can quickly and easily check out their own items. RFID means convenience, speed, and self-sufficiency for patrons.
RFID also means fewer staff will be needed at the checkout desk. Instead, they'll be freed to more quickly check in materials and put them back on the shelves for patrons to borrow. This change will help KPL manage its evergrowing circulation. Last year, KPL loaned 29% more DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and 9% more books—a total increase of 14% more than last year, to almost a million items.
KPL will create three new, smaller checkout stations in a new location during this process. These stations will allow patrons to quickly and easily check out their own items. The old checkout desk will be replaced with two streamlined staffed stations plus an open shelving area for patrons to pick up their own holds. A computer will be installed in the check out area to allow patrons to apply for a library card online.
A new website page features the new floor plan, an architectural drawing of the area, and a renovation blog to keep patrons informed as the work progresses throughout the fall.
Artists of all ages are invited to create original art for the contest inspired by one of the following five frequently challenged books.
Entries should be delivered to KPL on Wednesday, September 30, or Thursday, October 1, from 9 am - 9 pm. (Please note that the earlier submission date of September 25 published in the Library LINK newsletter was incorrect.)
Art contest winners will be announced Friday, October 2, 6-8 pm, during the Art Hop at Kalamazoo Public Library. All submitted art work will be displayed at Kalamazoo Public Library from October 3-9.
The Art Hop on October 2 will also include a Banned Books Read-out, featuring local celebrities Bonnie Jo Campbell, Garrard McLeod, Lori Moore, Keith Thompson, and Von Washington.]]>
Other libraries in the Kalamazoo area that have reciprocal agreements with Kalamazoo Public Library either have or may soon establish similar limits. Regular users of reciprocal borrowing services should be aware that some aspects of their service may be changing.
As library usage has increased dramatically during the recent economic crisis, area libraries may set other limits to improve access to new books, movies, or other high demand items for taxpayers in their service area. While reciprocal borrowing was established to provide better access to library materials throughout the broader community, each library must also set polices that best serve the needs of its taxpayers.
A few Kalamazoo Public Library services have always been reserved for library district residents—including Hot Picks, Book Club in a Bag, Book My Favorites, MeLCat, and home access to some databases. The library board respects KPL taxpayers' support; they encourage library management to reserve KPL's more time intensive and costly services for KPL taxpayers. Nonresident, reciprocal borrowers may choose to pay an annual fee to get a KPL card with full borrowing privileges.
For further information, please refer to the list of reciprocal libraries.]]>
Some famous faces show their support for the simple but powerful message—READ—on posters published by the American Library Association. Kalamazoo has its own set of READ posters featuring local faces: patrons, KPS teachers and administrators, and some local celebrities. The posters have been used to create bookmarks, banners, print ad, and to wrap the KPL delivery van.
If you played a summer reading game, don't miss the party on Sunday, August 30, from 2-5 pm, at the Central Library! We'll have live music from the popular band Lake Effect; crafts, bingo and other games; face painting and caricatures; play Guitar Hero, ROCK BAND, and other video games; refreshments and door prizes.
Tales on the Trail storytimes are part of a KRVT summer program series, including nature walks, family scavenger hunts, local history walks, and more. Programming on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail has been made possible thanks to a generous grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail opened in 2008. It currently extends 4.8 miles from the Kal-Haven Trailhead at 10th St., to Westnedge Ave. in downtown Kalamazoo. The seventh park in the Kalamazoo County Park system, the trail was funded by private donations and matching enhancement grants from the Michigan Department of Transportation.]]>
During the sessions, counselors will discuss how a potential or existing business can thrive and grow in today's challenging economic climate. Small business counseling from SCORE can help businesses:
The Kalamazoo Chapter of SCORE also offers a series of low-cost, high-value workshops several times throughout the year. Specifically tailored for the entrepreneur and small business owner, these working sessions provide the tools necessary to start or improve a small business.
Members of SCORE are known as "Counselors to America's Small Business." Through the organization, working and retired business executives and business owners make their experience, knowledge and talent available to small businesses in need of assistance with business plan development, accounting and taxes, marketing and loan applications.
Headquartered in Herndon, VA, and Washington, DC, SCORE was founded in 1964. Today, there are 370 chapters nationwide, and some 11,200 volunteers offer their time and talent to small businesses.]]>
Persons interested in serving on the board of trustees are invited to send a letter of interest and a description of their qualifications to the board no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17. Trustees must be registered voters within the Kalamazoo Public Library district, which encompasses the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Township, Oshtemo Township, and the Kalamazoo Public Schools district.
Letters may be mailed, hand delivered, faxed, or emailed to
A committee comprised of trustees Cynthia Addison, Lisa Godfrey, and current board president Valerie Wright will review applicants' letters and credentials. If several qualified citizens apply, the committee may choose to interview candidates. The committee expects to present a recommendation to the full board at their August 24, 2009, meeting. A majority vote of the board will fill the vacated seat.
To learn more about the board of trustees, to read minutes of past meetings, or to see a schedule of upcoming meetings, please visit the Kalamazoo Public Library website. Please call Martha Coash, assistant to the library director, with any questions at 269-553-7826.]]>
Davis and Steppin' In It, both past performers at KPL, joined forces as a new quintet, Shout Sister Shout (named after the Sister Rosetta Tharpe classic), in 2006 after playing concerts as a double-bill. See video clips of previous KPL performances by Rachel Davis and Steppin' In It on YouTube.
Although Davis and Steppin' In It both enjoy national reputations for folk repertoires, Shout Sister Shout stretches them in the realm of old-time American Jazz with torch swing numbers mixed with bluesy ballads. Steppin' In It is known for their revival of old-time music, and its performers provide an ideal backdrop for the shimmering vocal versatility of Rachel Davis. The Detroit Metro Times says: "The quintet is a tribute to the smoky, sophisticated sound of the 1930s and 40s jazz, with plenty of influence from Cole Porter, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole Trio and Sarah Vaughn, and it's a trip to hear Davis channel those old greats."
Born in Lansing, Michigan, Davis spend nearly six years in Chicago before her musician parents settled in Cadillac, Michigan, where encouraging family members, friends and other musicians nurtured her developing talent. Davis has spent most of her life involved with music in one way or another. In 2001 she moved to Boston where she won a Boston Music Award for Best New Singer-Songwriter. In 2003, Davis won the grand prize in the Telluride Bluegrass Festival's Troubadour Contest. The Detroit Free Press says, "Davis commands a voice older than her years, an instrument that is equally sure expressing strength and vulnerability, and her songwriting is fearlessly eclectic."
Celebrating Amercian roots music, Steppin' In It is an acoustic quartet with hearts based in tradition and minds forever moving in creative directions. The combination of multi-instrumentalists Andy and Joe Wilson, upright bassist Dominic Suchyta and singer/songwriter Joshua Davis is a rootsy roller coaster ride of original and traditional music. Playing everything from blues to bluegrass, calypso to cajun, woeful waltzes to western swing, Steppin' In It has become one of Michigan's most sought after live acts. — CD Baby]]>
"The program is the look before you leap part of the process," says Nexus Chief Advisor, Jim Coyle. "We will explore four basic factors—people, time, money and resources. The better one is at managing these, the greater the chance he has of being successful in his own business." Participants will learn the only reason businesses fail and the number one mistake made in marketing a small business. Then they will learn how to avoid these common pitfalls from leaders who have deep real-business experience.
Jim Coyle has a diverse background in corporate consulting and has worked with firms such as Allstate, Ocean Spray, Accenture and Bombardier. He has owned and operated several small businesses, including a restaurant/bar, a property management firm and several investment companies. He currently owns a number of real estate companies. Jim is also active in teaching small business management and works with Kalamazoo College, the Northside Economic Potential Group and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Tom Earll is a Nexus Advisor with broad domestic and international experience in business and information technology.
Nexus Business Solutions helps companies re-engage their drive by re-clarifying their vision. The company provides the experience, know-how and perspective to get business owners past the next crossroads, or "nexus" in the maze of small business ownership to create sustainable change and long-term growth.
For sixteen years, Kalamazoo Public Library has sponsored the Global Reading Challenge for fourth and fifth grade students in public and private schools throughout the library district. This popular program promotes the joy of reading and the understanding of different cultures through a rich variety of fictional characters.
All elementary schools in the Kalamazoo Public Library district are eligible to participate. This year, 71 classroom teams participated from the following schools: El Sol, Heritage Christian Academy, Kazoo School, MLK-Westwood, Lincoln, Milwood, Parkwood-Upjohn, Spring Valley, Washington, Winchell, and Woods Lake.
Children's librarians select ten books for students to read. The books offer a wide range of reading levels so students with different reading abilities can participate. This year's books are listed online. One set of ten books is provided to each team by the library.
Librarians write questions based on factual and content information in all ten books. During a Global Reading Challenge battle, librarians ask one question of all participating teams in a high-spirited quiz bowl. Teams are allowed to confer on the answers. Points are awarded for each correct answer.
From March 1 through March 31, classroom teams of up to seven students competed to represent their school in challenges at KPL's five buildings. From April 15 through 23, those school teams will battle to represent their neighborhood branch library in the final district challenge on April 30.
All of the five Global Reading Challenge branch challenges have now taken place. Competing on April 30 will be:
The Alma Powell Library first opened in a room at the Lincoln School in 1969 – 40 years ago – through a gift of $10,000 from Mrs. Dorothy Dalton. It was named in memory of Alma Harrod Powell, a KPL staff member from 1946 until 1967. She was a noted storyteller and enjoyed sharing her rich African heritage and love for books with children. The branch moved into the new Douglass Community Center 25 years ago to be closer to neighborhood homes and children.
Then, 20 years ago, in 1989, Powell launched the Barnabee Gallery. Dr. Walden Baskerville, a local sculptor and a psychologist at Western Michigan University, led the effort to create the gallery as a showcase for children's art. Doris Miller, the former art coordinator for Kalamazoo Public Schools, worked with Walden on the first show in the Barnabee. She reports that the show was well received and well attended. Ms. Miller writes, "Children learned about appreciation of other's work, gallery manners, discussions about art, etc. all of which were among the many goals that Mr. Walden had for this concept. I am happy to hear his vision lives on!"
The purpose of the Barnabee Gallery as stated in the opening program was to represent and encourage the work of young artists in the Kalamazoo Public Schools. To give students the opportunity to visit with, observe and learn from artists and authors in the community as well as learn to exhibit and discuss their own work.
Goals included increased commitment and understanding of:
The Barnabee Gallery, now a regular Art Hop site, exhibits work by a variety of artists of all ages with the help of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo.
The Dulcet Club, a social and community service club founded in 1958 by a group of prominent black women, helped with the opening reception in 1989 and will provide some of the refreshments at this reception. The party will feature food, music and a presentation to honor Dr. Baskerville for his vision and inspiration.]]>
During the presentation:
The word ONE stands for Opportunities for Nonprofit Excellence, which is why the center exists. ONEplace will offer all who lead, manage, and support nonprofit organizations in Kalamazoo County assessments and technical assistance, targeted resource referrals, training workshops, webinars, and casual, peer-learning opportunities. The ONEplace calendar already features several free workshops. Registration will be required; learn more online. The center's comprehensive new website will also launch on March 3.
The concept for ONEplace grew out of discussions by a task force of area foundation representatives and nonprofit leaders. Recognizing the challenges facing nonprofit organizations in our county, the foundations sought a centralized support center like others they studied across the state. Known as management support organizations (MSOs), each center operates through a unique model that service serves its community best.
Kalamazoo Public Library was selected by the task force to house and operate the center because of its accessibility, strong infrastructure, and neutral, information-based mission.
Major funding for ONEplace is provided by the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation with start-up support from the Greater Kalamazoo United Way, materials support from the Timothy and Bernadette Marquez Fund at the Denver Foundation, and in-kind support from the Kalamazoo Public Library.]]>
The Kalamazoo Public Library office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The city clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Petitions must be signed by 40-100 registered voters living within the library's district. Valid petitions must be turned in by February 10, 2009.
Three seats will be available on the library's board of trustees. Each vacancy is a four-year term expiring June 30, 2013. For more information, visit www.kpl.gov/board, call Martha Coash, assistant to the library director, at 269-553-7826, or call the City of Kalamazoo clerk's office at 269-337-8793.]]>
An associate with the law firm Cooper, Martin & Chojnowski, P.C., of Kalamazoo, Mr. Kennedy also serves on the Friends of Recreation Board, a Kalamazoo City Commission appointed advisory board. Mr. Kennedy lives in the Milwood neighborhood with his wife, Sarah, a law school classmate, and their young sons Charlie and Jimmy.
A committee comprised of board members Lisa Godfrey, trustee, Jim VanderRoest, treasurer, and Valerie Wright, board president, reviewed applications solicited from the public, interviewed applicants, then presented a recommendation to the board. Those trustees present at the meeting voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Kennedy.
To learn more about the board of trustees, to read minutes of past meetings, or to see a schedule of upcoming meetings here.
Late in 1960, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling outlawed segregation in terminals used by interstate bus and rail services. On May 4, 1961, thirteen people traveled south on the first Freedom to test the compliance of Southern bus stations with the ruling. This, and subsequent rides, encountered increasingly violent resistance.
Though there were Freedom Rides across the South, Jackson, Mississippi, soon became the campaign's primary focus. More than 300 Riders were arrested there and quickly convicted of breach of peace. Author and photographer Eric Etheridge came across the mug shots of all 328 Freedom Riders in 2004.
Etheridge was "immediately captivated by [their] faces … The police camera had caught something special … The resulting portraits were compelling and intense." He decided to publish the mug shots and, where possible, include new photos and stories of the Riders in his new book, Breach of Peace: Portraits of the 1961 Mississippi Freedom Riders.
Miller Green, a high-school senior in 1961 and one of the Freedom Riders who inspired the book, will speak in Kalamazoo with Etheridge. About Green and other Riders, a Newsweek review revealed some of them "…remain in awe of the courage of their former selves." In the article, Miller Green is quoted: "'It came down to a bunch of teenagers … who knew what the consequences could be… Yet we carried that [weight] on our shoulders.'"
From a recent Smithsonian.com review:
The legacy of the rides "could not have been more poetic," says Robert Singleton, who connects those events to the election of Barack Obama as president. Obama was born in August 1961, Singleton notes, just when the riders were languishing in Mississippi jails and prisons, trying to "break the back of segregation for all people, but especially for the children. We put ourselves in harm's way for a child, at the very time he came into this world, who would become our first black president."]]>
The new page prominently highlights many more of the Local History Room's resources for genealogists, including the library's comprehensive Local Information Database. This database, continually updated by library staff members, now includes close to three million citations to local newspapers and magazines about people, places, and events in Kalamazoo.
The Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society welcomed Beth as their speaker at their November meeting. Beth showcased the new genealogy page as well as the Local History section of the new KPL website for KVGS members. Many at the program were impressed with all the resources available via the Local History webpages.
Have a specific genealogy or Local History question? Contact Beth. KPL's Local History staff members answer 600+ inquiries each month, from births, deaths, and census data to information about local events, buildings, and businesses, using databases, city directories, KPL's own historical records, and more.]]>
Every day, the library sends 1,000 overdue and hold notices to KPL patrons. Patrons can help the library reduce that amount of paper messages by adding their email address to their library record. Here's how:
Patrons using email will receive a new courtesy alert—sent to patrons with email addresses ONLY—that warns them three days before the items they've borrowed are due. Plus, patrons using their email learn right away when the items they've put on hold are ready to be picked up—no more hold ups in snail mail!
Patrons who use email may also opt to receive the new e-newsletter—sent for the first time in November—as well as a wide variety of regularly published lists of new materials.
Patrons may be assured that KPL will never share their personal info with anyone. The library board of trustees has established several policies that guard patrons' privacy:
Help KPL go green—use email!]]>
Persons interested in serving on the board of trustees are invited to send a letter of interest and a description of their qualifications to the board no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2008. Trustees must be registered voters within the Kalamazoo Public Library district, which encompasses the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Township, Oshtemo Township, and the Kalamazoo Public Schools district.
Letters may be mailed, hand delivered, faxed, or emailed to:
Board of Trustees
c/o Martha Coash
Kalamazoo Public Library
315 S. Rose St.
Kalamazoo MI 49007
Fax: 269-553-7999
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
A committee comprised of board members Lisa Godfrey, trustee, Jim VanderRoest, treasurer, and Valerie Wright, board president, will review applicants' letters and credentials, then present a recommendation at the December 15, 2008, board meeting. The vacated seat will be appointed by a majority vote from the board.
To learn more about the board of trustees, to read minutes of past meetings, or to see a schedule of upcoming meetings, please visit the board of trustees pages on the library website. Please call Martha Coash, assistant to the library director, with any questions at 269-553-7826.
Each year, the Association for Library Services to Children, a division of the American Library Association, presents the Caldecott Medal to the illustrator of the most distinguished American picture book published that year. Named after Randolph Caldecott, a former banker turned picture book artist, the Caldecott is, with the Newbery Medal, the most prestigious American children's book award.
Kalamazoo Public Library's 31st annual children's literature seminar on November 14 will feature Kadir Nelson, a 2008 Caldecott Honor Award winner for his illustrations in Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad written by Ellen Levine. Learn more or register for the seminar online.
The Programs
At the October and November events, Spicer will describe the Caldecott Medal and demonstrate how a previous award winner exemplifies one Caldecott criteria. Spicer will introduce 15 to 20 brand new picture books, and briefly explain why he selected each title. Participants will have time to look at the books and to vote for three favorite books. Caldecott Committee members are encouraged to seek out a diverse group of views about eligible books. Participants may also share their favorite picture books published in 2008.
On December 11, Spicer will stage a mock Caldecott Committee award selection meeting. Participants will discuss the list of contenders according to criteria found in the Randolph Caldecott Medal Committee Manual (2007). Book titles will come from the votes generated during the October and November programs. By the end of this program, we will have selected our Caldecott Medal winner and up to four honor books, if warranted. See a list of contenders for the award.
About Ed Spicer
Ed Spicer is a reading specialist who teaches first grade students in Allegan. Spicer has served on the Michael L. Printz Award committee (2005) and on the Best Books for Young Adults committee (2006-2008). Spicer writes a regular column for the Michigan Reading Journal, a publication of the Michigan Reading Association, on noteworthy books for school libraries. Spicer also runs a teen reading group in Allegan and coordinates the Allegan High School Literary Contest along with co-chair, Michael Kiella.]]>
Linda has canvassed the state of Michigan looking for the strange and offbeat, everything from outsider artists and giant roadside statues to local cemetery lore, eccentric people and history, to ghost stories, unidentified creatures and UFO's. She put over 5,000 miles on her "weirdmobile" and found enough strangeness to fill both Weird Michigan, written for Barnes & Noble in 2006, and the just-released sequel, Strange Michigan: More Wolverine Weirdness, co-authored with Michiganian Lisa Shiel.
As an author and researcher of the strange and uncanny, Ms. Godfrey is especially well-known as an authority on the upright canine known in Wisconsin as the Beast of Bray Road, in Michigan as the Dog Man, and in other places as Skinwalker, Werewolf or a dozen other names. She appeared in, co-wrote and co-produced the History Channel's Monsterquest episode, "American Werewolf," based on her book Hunting the American Werewolf.
A former award-winning newspaper reporter and art teacher, Ms. Godfrey provides many illustrations for her own books. She co-hosts a weekly radio show on Uncanny Radio and has appeared on such national TV and radio shows as Inside Edition, Discover Kids, Travel Channel, Sci-Fi Channel's New In Search Of, Coast to Coast AM radio, and many more. The Independent Publishers awarded Ms Godfrey's Strange Wisconsin: More Badger State Weirdness a 2008 bronze medal in the category Great Lakes – Best Regional Non-Fiction at the 12th Annual IPPY Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, May 2008.]]>
All summer reading game players will be sent a postcard invitation to attend. Players should bring the postcard or their previously issued summer reading party wristband for free admittance to the Air Zoo that evening.
The original event, planned for the Arcadia Creek Festival Place on September 13, was cancelled due to heavy rain.]]>
The event will feature Patricia Jabbeh Wesley and Nisi Shawl (née Denise Rickman). Wesley will read her poems and share her recent experiences teaching in Liberia. Shawl will read from Filter House, her collection of short stories released this past August. Both women will talk about their work in progress. Wesley and Shawl, and local authors including James J. Smith and Christina McGrinson, will display, sell and sign their works.
In keeping with their tradition, the group will also present books to children at the event. Some years ago, members decided to buy books for children rather than giving each other presents at the holidays. They now donate about 40 books twice a year to children from a selected school or academic enhancement program, CAPS (Community Advocates for Parents and Students). Children in this tutorial program at Interfaith Homes will receive this year's gift books.
Musical performances and refreshments will complement this literary celebration, which is open to the public. For further information about the Saturday Eves or the celebration, please contact their president, Regena Nelson, 387-3509.
Ten women started the group, the first African American book group in Kalamazoo, to take time out of their busy professional lives to read and discuss current books—most, but not all, by black authors and focused on the African American experience or women's issues and concerns. Most months, two members each select, read, review, and share a book with the group. Twice a year, in the spring and fall, the whole group reads the same book.
Six of those original ten members are still active with the group: Susan Fraizer Davis, Betty Gardner, Marie Jackson, Shelia Myles, Phyllis Seabolt, and Dorothy Young. More than 70 women have enjoyed the group's lively, animated discussions over the years. They've grown together, raised families, and supported each other through all stages of life—birth, death, marriage, divorce, career changes, retirement—relishing the bonds of sisterhood in their 40 years.
While Saturday Eves began with the love of books as their core, they've expanded their influence in the community, promoting, sponsoring and raising funds for a variety of civic programs. Each year, they choose a project to support—the Black Arts Festival, the Northside Association for Educational Advancement, Push for Learning, and Northside Little League teams have all benefitted from the Saturday Eve's involvement.]]>
Reading Together book discussions and a wide variety of special events will take place in March and April of 2009. Author Bragg will visit Kalamazoo on April 14, 2009, during National Library Week to conclude this year's program.
Reading Together invites people of all ages from all walks of life to read and then discuss important issues raised by a single book. Thousands of county residents have participated in six previous Reading Together programs.
Kalamazoo Public Library leads Reading Together with the collaboration of libraries, educational institutions, health and social service agencies, cultural, civic and religious organizations, businesses, the media, and local governments throughout Kalamazoo County.
The Kalamazoo Community Foundation helped the library launch Reading Together with funding for the first three years with grants from their Better Together initiative. Kalamazoo Public Library now provides major support for the program. Foundation grants, gifts and contributions from collaborating organizations make it possible for KPL to offer Reading Together to all of Kalamazoo County. KPL program specialist Lisa Williams coordinates the program.
The book selection process continued Reading Together's tradition of democratic community participation. A large group of community members considered dozens of titles gathered from last year's evaluation process, suggested by library patrons, staff, and community leaders, and recommended by librarians and educators.
Committee members read and discussed the suggested titles with these guidelines in mind. A good Reading Together book features:
Rick Bragg's memoirs of home and childhood are related but not linear. They sufficiently connect so that readers could start with the newest book, The Prince of Frogtown, then move on to one of the others. Rick Bragg already has many fans in our community. Even now, more than 10 years after its publication, Shoutin' still garners a waiting list at KPL. Here's what readers can look forward to:
With colorful language and emotional honesty, Rick Bragg recounts a turbulent and poverty-stricken childhood in rural Alabama that gave rise to a career in journalism and a Pulitzer Prize for reporting. His book is a sensitive but never self-pitying look at the fruits of his alcoholic father's abuse and abandonment of the family, and at his mother, who bore the brunt of the pain.
Bragg celebrates his mama's daddy, Charlie Bundrum, a heroic figure whose life was symbolic of a people and way of life nearly gone today from the Southern landscape. An ode to his grandfather, but also a study of the history and culture of the rural South, richly seasoned with all-but-forgotten lore and language.
This completes the cycle of Rick Bragg's stories about his childhood. Bragg was convinced the last thing he wanted was to become a father. Now married and suddenly stepfather to a young boy, Bragg looks back to move forward. Through conversations with people who knew Bragg's father, he builds a picture of who Charles Bragg really was, searching for shreds of goodness in him. Stories about his father alternate with chapters about the developing relationship with his stepson.
Rick Bragg says he learned to tell stories by listening to the masters, the people of the foothills of the Appalachians. They talked, of the sadness, poverty, cruelty, kindness, hope, hopelessness, faith, anger and joy of their everyday lives, and painted pictures on the very haze of the early evening, when work faded into story-telling. Those stories are the backbone of all three of his memoirs.
Bragg was born in Alabama, grew up there, and worked at several newspapers before joining The New York Times in 1994. He covered the murder and unrest in Haiti while a metro reporter there, then wrote about the Oklahoma City bombing, the Jonesboro killings, the Susan Smith trial and more as a national correspondent based in Atlanta. He later became Miami Bureau Chief for the Times just in time for Elian Gonzalez's arrival and the international battle for the little boy.
Bragg received the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing in 1996 while at The New York Times for his elegantly written stories about contemporary America. He has twice won the prestigious American Society of Newspaper Editors Distinguished Writing Award, and more than 50 writing awards in his 20-year career. In 1992, he was awarded a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University. He has taught writing in colleges and in newspaper news rooms.
With his powerful voice and mournful guitar, Michael Beauchamp spins melodic yarns about lost love, travel, and the importance of live music. His debut solo album, My Northern Voices, echoes old time, bluegrass, and '60s folk sounds. Eana Agopian, who created Voices' cover, will display her collage-based work, combining her photos, drawing, painting, and found objects.]]>
Ready to Read encourages parents to read aloud to their children, beginning at birth. By sharing the joy of reading, parents help prepare their children to learn to read. Ready to Read gives books to newborns, prescribes reading with gift books at medical offices and human services agencies, and sends volunteers into the community to read aloud in clinic waiting rooms, shelters, and Head Start classrooms. Kalamazoo Public Library leads this community collaboration of more than 30 organizations.
Ready to Read reaches parents, children and the community with several programs. Through Books for Babies, Bronson and Borgess hospitals give each newborn a storybook, encourage their parents to read aloud to their babies with a list of baby-friendly books. Rx Reading pediatricians, nurses, social workers, educators, and other professionals prescribe reading and give young children books at 36 medical offices and human services agencies, including the WIC program and Loaves & Fishes' food pantries. Volunteer Readers model book sharing and read aloud to children in clinic waiting rooms, family shelters, Head Start and PEEP classrooms. Volunteers read for two hours a week; training and books are provided.
Ready to Read participated in more than 20 community events in addition to hosting the annual Party in the Park to celebrate the joy of reading. Fifty community leaders and costumed storybook characters read to 1,430 preschoolers at this special storytime in Bronson Park on May 28, 2008.
To learn more about Ready to Read, please visit the website, www.kpl.gov/ready-to-read, or contact the coordinator, Andrea Enyedi, 269-553-7885.]]>
Rachael Davis began singing on-stage at the age of two with her parents. Six years into her solo career, she's shared the stage with such musical luminaries as Taj Mahal, Fred Eaglesmith, Josh Ritter, Prairie Home Companion regulars Robin and Linda Williams, folk divas Claudia Schmidt and Sally Rogers, jazz legends Marcus Belgrave and Winston Walls, and many others. In 2003, she took grand prize in the Telluride Bluegrass Festival's Troubadour Contest. Her influences range from the jazz stylings of Ella Fitzgerald to the soulful pop vocals of Patty Griffin. A contemporary songwriter, she's equally at home singing anything from traditional ballads to Cole Porter to Joe Henry.]]>
If you have any questions, please call 269-553-7878.
Dale Ford passed away suddenly Monday, June 23, 2008 at his home. He was born September 9, 1966 in Kalamazoo, the son of Dale and Patricia (Baker) Ford. Dale was employed by Kalamazoo Public Library as the Book Mobile driver for their Oshtemo Branch for many years. He loved music, and professional wrestling and attending concerts and wrestling events; but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Surviving are his parents, Dale and Patricia Ford; his sister and brother, Michelle Dolph and Darren Ford both of Kalamazoo; 2 nephews; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Friends may visit with Dale's family from 5-8 PM on Thursday (tomorrow) at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street. There will be no services. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Kalamazoo Public Library or a charity of one's choice.]]>
Tuesday, June 17, 7:00 pm
Toting an ample supply of vintage instruments, the swingin' quartet Steppin' In It creates a sound that evokes old-time bluegrass radio. The boys pound out their own brand by combining folk, sweet jazz, country, swing, zydeco, and blues. At this very special acoustic show in-the-round, listeners will hear the stories behind their music. The 2004 Telluride Bluegrass Festival program proclaimed that "they accomplish the seemingly impossible task of making the most traditional sounds contemporary, blending hillbilly rackets with blues rhythms and European folk....we think they're knee deep in the future of bluegrass."
Tuesday, July 8, 7:00 pm
Experience the virtuosity, exuberant style and often daring repertory choices of the Pacifica Quartet, winner of the Naumberg Chamber Music Prize, Cleveland Quartet Award, and the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, amoung others. The group tours extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia, performing in the world's major concert halls. Their recordings include the complete string quartets of Felix Mendelssohn, chamber works by Dvorak, the complete quartets of Easley Blackwood, and music composed during the turbulent decades between World Wars I and II. Pacifica will weave informative lectures with its performance at the library. Appearance courtesy Fontana Chamber Arts.
Tuesday, August 12, 7:00 pm
Rachael Davis began singing on-stage at the age of two with her parents. Six years into her solo career, she's shared the stage with such musical luminaries as Taj Mahal, Fred Eaglesmith, Josh Ritter, Prairie Home Companion regulars Robin and Linda Williams, folk divas Claudia Schmidt and Sally Rogers, jazz legends Marcus Belgrave and Winston Walls, and many others. In 2003, she took grand prize in the Telluride Bluegrass Festival's Troubadour Contest. Her influences range from the jazz stylings of Ella Fitzgerald to the soulful pop vocals of Patty Griffin. A contemporary songwriter, she's equally at home singing anything from traditional ballads to Cole Porter to Joe Henry.