Testimonials
Comments from patrons about the library and its resources.
"a central gathering place for the community..."
"Please vote “YES” on May 5 to pass the millage renewal for the Kalamazoo Public Library (KPL), a very important community service organization.
As we consider the opportunity of renewing the Kalamazoo Public Library millage on May 5, consider how many free programs and services this community gem, recognized as Library of the Year, offers besides books: services such as access to audio and visual materials; internet access; a multitude of reference resources for job searching, exploring new business opportunities, self-help and how-to’s. Supporting KPL at this time will allow it to continue offering a plethora of programs that extend beyond traditional reading and literacy focuses, providing ongoing educational opportunities for all ages.
As downtown Kalamazoo’s highest traffic generator, binging in nearly 1,000,000 visits annually, we look to the KPL as a major stimulant to the local economy and a central gathering place for the community. Now more than ever, during these times or economic challenges, public libraries across the country are seeing an increased usage. Let’s give KPL the tools it requires to continue serving the community to the degree that is needed. Please vote “Yes” on May 5."
—Kenneth A. Nacci, President, Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated
"safe places..."
“Let us all remember that our libraries are not just great depositories of information, but also, safe places. We should cherish that, and support everything these cornerstones of democracy represent.”
— 2007 Michigan Author Award Winner and author of The Library, Sarah Stewart and Caldecott Award Winning illustrator, David Small
"heart of this community..."
"In 2001 I moved from Chicago to Kalamazoo. I deeply missed the sense of community I’d had there all my life and didn’t know where to find the multi-cultural, interdisciplinary resources to create that. The first place I felt welcomed and immediately “at home” was the downtown library branch. KPL has been, and continues to be, my refuge and center.
The library has connected me to the larger community in a way that nothing else has. Through KPL I get connected to information, ideas, projects, organizations, resources, and opportunities. A world without libraries would be a much bleaker and harsher place to be. I cannot imagine living in Kalamazoo without KPL at the heart of this community."
—Gay Guard-Chamberlain
"such a valuable part of Kalamazoo..."
"As the director of a local private academic library, I am, of course, a huge supporter of libraries of all types. As our collection is largely curriculum related, there are occasions when I direct students to the Kalamazoo Public Library for supplementary resources. Our students also often make use of the computers at KPL to complete coursework when their work/class schedules require those services and we are closed. In addition, as a community volunteer for KPL’s Ready to Read and Reading Together programs, I see how thousands of people are impacted and enriched by these programs and the services they provide. These KPL services are such a valuable part of Kalamazoo that I can’t imagine our city without them."
—Judy Bosshart, Davenport University
"people rely more than ever on KPL..."
"I am very impressed by KPL’s growing video selection, which I use frequently. I just noticed that Hot Picks are greatly increased in number, e.g., several copies of each DVD. I have discovered many hitherto unknown (to me) great films (e.g., your Criterion Collection and others). I’ve now come to the point where I rely on getting videos 95% of the time from KPL, not from Hollywood or Blockbuster (don’t let them know about that!). I also see [there is] a new “honors” policy whereby a patron will be allowed to check out DVDs even if returned videos have not yet showed up in the system (I know there can be a lapse of hours between the time when I return materials and the time when they are recorded as checked in). With these awful economic times, people rely more than ever on KPL, and [the library is] making it worth their while. It’s about time Americans gave up the fancy, expensive consumer goods and returned to the good old public library. Andrew Carnegie would be proud. Thanks again,"
—Michael Reed
"many many wonderful opportunities..."
"My family has the pleasure of using the award-winning Kalamazoo Public Library. The director, Ann Rohrbaugh and her wonderful staff keep five locations and a bookmoblie accessable to our entire community. My family checks out books and DVD’s on a weekly basis and I have just completed five computer class free of charge. We have a great Ready to Read program for early childhood literacy, and story times all week long. Our yearly community reads program, Reading Together, has several months of programming... anyone in Kalamazoo can involve themselves in many many wonderful opportunities every day. Kudos to KPL and to all libraries."
—Lynne Konett
"Kalamazoo Public Library enriches reading..."
"I have two library accolades. My daughters and I began our relationship with the Kalamazoo Public Library as toddler story time attendees. Soon, the librarians in the children’s room would greet my daughters by name. One particular afternoon after they had been personally greeted, my daughter turned to me and said, “Mom, they’re like our library family.” Yes, aren’t we lucky,” I replied. As a public school employee, I have found the resources and programs, particularly in the children and teen departments, to be invaluable. An author’s visit brings little known facts about the evolution of the book and it’s creator to life. Students light up at the mention of the “Global Reading Challenge.” The Kalamazoo Public Library enriches reading in our school."
—Maureen Cartmill
"a great community resource..."
"The Kalamazoo Public Library is a great community resource. I use it weekly - particularly the Audio books and Hot Picks selections. I have also attended several of the author's lectures about their work and found them informative and worthwhile."
—Robb Buckley
"homework help..."
"I used homework help in my calculus based physics course in high school, and it was amazing. I remember a lot of people using it, and I think a lot more people could benefit from it."
—Sessie Burns
"a totally different online vibe..."
"Congrats on the genealogy page. It looks fantastic. ...KPL [has] a totally different online vibe from, say, academic libraries. And I love it."
—Michael Whang, WMU Libraries webmaster
"the breadth of programming..."
"Wanted to share with you how much I enjoyed the ‘P is for Paper’ Program last evening at the Kalamazoo Public Library. Jessica, the instructor, did a wonderful job of reinvigorating my creative side. I really appreciate the breadth of programming at KPL and am always excited when the next Link newsletter comes out to see what the next quarter brings. Thank you for all you do for the Kalamazoo community!"
—Callie Gaines
"access to desired information..."
"Greta and I are grateful of the kind, courteous and helpful treatment that has been accorded us by the members of the library staff that we have come in contact with, especially Beth Timmerman and Lynn Houghton. ...you know how dependent we historians are on the assistance of others in gaining access to desired information."
—Dr. William Decker
"delighted to see children reading..."
"[The Saturday Eves 40th anniversary celebration] was a great success. We had a full house. People stayed until 5:30 talking to the authors and mingling. The exhibitors were very generous with book donations to the children who came. I was delighted to see children reading their new books that afternoon. It was worth all the effort. We are grateful for [the library's] help and support. The publicity for this event was excellent. [KPL] rock(s)! [They] went over and beyond the call of duty for this event. Thanks,"
—Regena Nelson, Saturday Eves president
"KPL isn’t just a building to holds books..."
"For years I did not go to the Kalamazoo Public Library because of the internet, now I find myself at the Library 3 – 4 times per month. Through Link, the library newsletter, I’ve learned about and attended workshops, presentations by authors, a variety of meetings, and musical concerts. KPL isn’t just a building to holds books anymore."
—Jacque Eatmon
"a very helpful program..."
"As a member of a Book Club I’ve learned that the library has a great program for book clubs called Books in a Bag that provides multiple books and includes questions for discussions. This has been a very helpful program. Our book club also participated in the community READ poster contest to promote reading among young children."
—Brown Sugar Book Club Member
"a community treasure..."
"KPL is a community treasure with programs and facilities to meet every persons’ interests and needs.The service minded staff have always been warm and helpful. Keep living your fine reputation KPL. Kalamazoo, let’s continue supporting services that we cannot do without."
—Karen Eddy
"beyond simply providing books..."
"The Southwest Michigan Black Heritage Society was established in 2003. Since the beginning the Kalamazoo Public Library has been our strongest supporter, partnering with us on numerous programs and offering advice and encouragement as we continue to build our organization. On a personal level, I’ve loved libraries since I was a child. They provide an invaluable service to the community by bringing the world of ideas and thought to everyone, young and old, rich and poor. The Kalamazoo Public Library goes beyond simply providing books, by offering services to organizations like ours and many others throughout the community. As I often say, 'The library is our best friend.'"
—Donna Odom
"many helpful suggestions..."
"I asked a KPL children’s librarian for names of books that would help children when they had lost a close relative or teacher. I received a prompt response with many helpful suggestions. The children responded to the books as I had hoped."
—Fran Raffel
"I don’t know what I would do without the library..."
"I am an avid reader (biography, mystery, fiction/non-fiction, gardening, etc) and read about 200 books a year. I have never had one instance where the KPL has not had the book I requested. A pretty good track record...I don’t know what I would do without the library."
—Tony Sinkula
"a rich resource..."
"The Kalamazoo Public Library is a rich resource and its services are priceless!"
—Bob and Phyllis Straw
"the center of my life..."
"The Kalamazoo Public Library has been the center of my life for years. I am continuously grateful to the professional staff who have provided me with a variety of services. Having access to the computers and the internet has permitted me to develop a new and satisfying hobby of creative writing. I am particularly proud that the KPL was honored as Library of the Year."
—Madeleine R. Fitch
"a tremendous family resource..."
"Our children, now 12 and 10, have enjoyed going to the library since they were toddlers. These visits sparked and continue to nurture a love of reading and learning. In fact, a week isn’t complete without our trekking to the Central Library on Saturday or Sunday to check out new books and films. KPL is a tremendous family resource."
—Joe Bower
"helpful and friendly..."
"We have lived in Kalamazoo for 12 years and made many, many trips to the Kalamazoo Public Library. We have always found the staff helpful and friendly and ready to help us find what we want or need. If the book we want is not available, they will always request it from another branch. We especially appreciate the Bookmobile and its staff."
—Bob and Nira Watkins
"a community treasure..."
"The Kalamazoo Public Library is a community treasure--and critical to maintaining the quality of life that this city provides. As one would expect, its shelves and computers yield a wealth of information, ideas, literature and entertainment. But beyond fulfilling this basic function of libraries everywhere, KPL is a catalyst for bringing Kalamazoo, in all its diversity, together via collaborative programs like Reading Together, Kids’ Storytime, Tweens Drop Zone, and the Teen Advisory Board. In the process, our community is strengthened, enriched and enlivened."
—Diane and Mark Donovan
"quiet, accessible, safe and free..."
"As a mentor and tutor for Kalamazoo Public School students, I have really appreciated the study rooms at Central Library. They are quiet, accessible, safe and free! When I first introduced my bilingual mentee to the Central Library, he was amazed. He said, “Wow! This better than Barnes and Noble. There you have to pay for things before you leave.” Kalamazoo Public Library is my favorite community resource."
—Shirley Freeman
"I’d miss the library seriously if it were not there..."
"The Kalamazoo Public Library is what I rely on to find the books I hear about that sound interesting or the ones our book group chooses to read for our discussions. If they aren’t on the shelves downtown, I may find them at Oshtemo. The staff always cheerfully help when my inept attempts fail on the computer. I’d miss the library seriously if it were not there. During the several years I was working on a church project, the Local History Room staff helped me find pictures and articles that pertained to my subject. It was one of the three places in town that enabled me to carry out my plan. The staff were remarkably interested, cooperative, and attentive."
—Marjory Spradling, long-time library patron
"I am grateful for this library!"
"The Kalamazoo Public Library is so much a part of my life that sometimes I’m afraid I take it too much for granted. I have been using it for many years, starting long ago when my children were small and continuing to the present, when it helps me with books for my book groups and with the good mysteries that I enjoy. And if I need help in finding a specific item, the librarians always give it competently and pleasantly. I am grateful for this library!"
—Drusie Rosegrant
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