This library has a higher influx of new books, including a shelf and a half of new graphic novels…read morealone, fantastic programming for all ages, and a top notch early literacy program. We have been hitting up the Portage Library daily in order to attend children's programs or play in the massive preschool room on rainy days. The story time activities are engaging and accessible. If you needs some less structured play time for your little one, bring them to the preschool room near the end of a program, and it will soon be full of little ones. The preschool reading room includes a baby board book and toy area, shelves and shelves of fantastic diverse books that reflect the population of our nation, a doll house, magnetic and puzzle play are, dinosaurs, animals, a play kitchen, hand puppet theater, green toy trucks and cars, a train table, a wire wiggle play box (what else would this even be called) and plenty of little kid and parent seating. Librarians Laura and Andrea were a delight, helping is find what we were looking for and more. When I had trouble getting a worn library key tag to scan, and a four year old next to me very excited to help check out, she let us check out at her desk with my child helping her. This meant so much to my little one, who is a massive fan of reading. Laura is a person that embraces the child's perspective and celebrates it. She made the process of leaving such a beloved place easier on this mama. As for me, I certainly enjoyed grabbing a few salty smart mysteries and feminist tomes. There is no limit on books you can borrow here. New books will have an earlier return date. There is also no limit on how much you can get out of this place. ***Accessibility: there is an elevator to the lower floor where the kids and youth areas are housed. The bathrooms and check out stations have wide, railed steps for kids to use, and they also have WV accessible sinks and stations. The preschool room was laid out with plenty of space for strollers, wheelchairs or walkers to navigate.

Take note: The library is temporarily relocated while a major remodel is being completed on the…read moreoriginal building. The new location is at 5528 Portage Rd., and it is officially open as of yesterday, Thursday, May 27. The library has wauved fines during the pandemic, in part because the materials have to be quarantined before they can be checked back in. Please consider wearing a mask at the library, even if you're vaccinated, because so many elderly and immunocompromised patrons rely on the library services and are at extremely high risk of COVID co-morbidities.

This building is beyond breathtaking, so I highly recommend taking the opportunity to visit it if…read moreit arrives. I went to an ice cream social there ages ago and was totally in awe of the architectural beauty, by the sunlight streaming through the intricate stained glass windows and throwing colorful shards of light every which way. Possibly the best stained glass I've ever seen outside a cathedral. They offer tours by appointment, rentals are a possibility, occasionally concerts are hosted at their auditorium and there's tons of activities for members-only.

The Ladies' Library was built in 1878 and has been well maintained by the Ladies' Library…read moreAssociation in Kalamazoo. The building is handicapped-accessible. It has beautiful woodwork inside and brick and tile outside. The Ladies' Library Association sponsors concerts, tours, teas, luncheons, and speakers. Individuals can rent the building for weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, etc. Please contact Barb at 269-344-0158 for tour information.

WE LOVE THIS LIBRARY! The space is small, but the staff and offerings are mighty!…read more We don't venture downtown as much as we used to; we still love the main library branch. However, parking is a chore, especially with only one disability parking spot that is close enough for me to be able to access the library from. Enter, stage left, the Oshtemo branch of KPL. YAHOO!! Same services, super friendly staff, and *all* of the parking is close to the library. Inside, you'll find a smaller selection of books than at the downtown location, but a big heart. The staff are fantastic and oh so kind. You can still put holds on books, and they will be sent there from any KPL branch, per usual. There are tables and computers to work at, games to check out, a lovely and enticing children's area, clean bathrooms, and a useful meeting room for events, etc. This is the ideal of a warm, friendly community library. WE LOVE IT HERE!

We come here about once a week! All the staff are very courteous and friendly to myself and my…read morelittle ones. The book selection is great! The children's department just underwent a makeover so the shelves are easier to navigate for kids. Not a ton of toys for kids to play but the puppet show theatre, dollhouse, and LEGO table are favorites in our family. If you haven't looked at the Vox Books in the children's section you must!

I love this gem of a used bookstore, tucked into the lower level of the main Kalamazoo Public…read moreLibrary building downtown. There is both an elevator and stairs to get downstairs to it (also housed on the lower level: YA, music, videos, and more). The shop is only open a few hours a week, so be sure to check the times before you head there (unless you are already picking up your books, in which case, you will have built a stop here into your KPL journey). It is entirely staffed by volunteers (THANK YOU!). There is usually a cart of books on sale near the front, as well as DVDs for a dollar or two. You'll find just about EVERY genre here, even if it is only a book or two. There are always a lot of cookbooks (YAHOO!), YA, kids, fiction, poetry, music, etc. There's a Michigan section (always good for finding gifts), as well as plenty of NF offerings. Some coffee table books are more expensive, but generally a book won't run you more than a dollar or two. The prices are clearly marked on the back. If you are kicking it old school, they have both cassette and cds for sale. If you are musician, you're probably already in the know to check the small section that has sheet music and piano music books. A few times a year they have a big outdoor sale under tents in the back parking lot. The price to fill a bag is really inexpensive. We love this little bookstore, and the kind people that run it. It's a gem in our community. Re: Disability parking: There is ONE spot right out in front of the library. It is often taken by someone without a plate or placard. The library is not in charge of this situation, nor can they call ticketing to help (I asked). I have asked the city many times for more handicap parking spaces downtown, as of yet to no avail.

The Friends of the Library is a great little bookstore in the basement of the central branch of the…read moreKalamazoo Public Library. Most people don't know it exists unless they are regulars at the library, but it deserves its' own recognition. The store is stocked with public donations and overflow books from the library's shelves, so the selection will vary wildly all the time. They recently had a huge portion of their shelf space devoted to books about trains that were given by a donor's estate. Virtually no new releases, obviously, but there is almost some gem on the shelves and at a fantastic price. Twice a year they run a sale that overflows either onto the sidewalk or onto the library rotunda. This is usually a madhouse because of the pricing - 10 cents per book or $2.00 for a bag full of books. Well worth checking out. This place is also a great volunteer opportunity for book lovers!

This is a wonderful library. The small building is like Mary Poppins' bag, full of treasures…read moreuntold. There is an easy entry, with a gently sloping ramp. Inside the entryway, there is a bulletin board with upcoming events (so impressive!) and a few racks of free books (thank you!). Further in, you'll see stairs and an elevator to the basement level, where there is a meeting room and kitchen, as well as restrooms. The main part of the library features an open floor plan, with a variety of sections. Let's go counterclockwise: Right away, there's the checkout and help desk. The librarians are so friendly. Wander in a bit more, and you'll discover the children's area - with lovely windows, super cute castle bookshelves, and a play area. Heading further around is a tween section, where the bookshelves are crowned with large stuffed animals (I am sure I am not the only one to call that lion Aslan). In the corner is the teen section - with funky lights, fun seating, and plenty of displays. Follow along to the stacks, which feature the bulk of the library (all those lovely stories!), as well as interesting displays. My favorite display is the one for Poetry Month - take a look at my photo! The last corner is another one with gorgeous windows, and has table and chairs, as well as comfortable chair seating options. You can read magazines here, or get your work done. In the middle of the library is comfortable seating, and a wall of new books. Perhaps most impressive is the enormous array of events that the library has scheduled. We attended the Zingerman's Bakehouse talk tonight, with authors Amy Emberling & Frank Carollo. We'll be back for a cooking class, medieval faire, and intercultural events galore. The staff is so friendly and warm - this is one of Kalamazoo's greatest treasures.

I just love a smaller community library! This library is active with classes and groups for teens…read moreand book sales. I haven't had a negative experience here - from popping in to use the restroom during wassailing, to a class on cheese, to a presentation from Zingerman's, to book sales, to help finding an odd book - it's a lovely place to be!

The experience is just great being greeted by name and the childrens' programs are out of this…read moreworld. The staff are so friendly and they will do the best they can to get you the book you want. Also, they always encourage you to get more books and keep reading. "never to many books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Thank you for all you do!!

always greeted by name the second I walk in, I LOVE this place! they have weekly events and…read moreactivities for kids, they are SUPER helpful and everyone there loves their jobs and it shows. CANNOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS PLACE

This small kpl branch on the east side is warm, welcoming, and filled with great staff (like all…read morekpl locations). The teen section is small but offers many new books. The colors and art here are wonderful!

From the owner: The East Avenue School, later known as Roosevelt School, hosted library services from 1912 to 1940,…read morewhen the East Side branch moved to a storefront on East Main. In 1974, the Eastwood Community Center donated their Strand Hall on Gayle Ave. to the library. The current building on the Gayle Ave. lot was built in 1995-6, and re-dedicated on August 12, 1996. Residential in scale and detailing, the Eastwood Branch represents the idealized model of a small neighborhood library. The bottom of its classic L shape features the children's area and enclosed story room. A vestible elevator and stairwell lead to a community reading room on the lower level. A cupola skylight and iridescent entry glazing dramatize the rose brick exterior. Cheerful colors delight the eye in interior finishes and furnishings.

Always fun and educational things going on. Kid friendly. Always clean. Has Wi-Fi. Grate book…read moreselection.