ANNUAL REPORT Dear Friends,
2.8%
Reading Together recruited 100 groups, many new to the community-wide reading program, to read and discuss The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. Together, we offered 50+ events that drew thousands. KPL increased outreach to the Latino community through regular computer classes in Spanish, new Spanish-language materials, and a number of programs, including Día de los Muertos events.
1.5%
Property Taxes
The Local History Room launched an afterhours Genealogy Lock-In. This very popular Friday event drew dozens of Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society members and others several times this year.
KPL collaborated with the Southwest Michigan Black Heritage Society to offer family history programs, with the ACLU on a Banned Book Readout, and with P/FLAG on a seminar—all enjoyed great audiences.
2.5%
1.2%
Reference Questions Answered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191,871
0.6%
335,056
State Grants
321,448
Penal Fines
308,819
Other
183,818
Library Fines & Fees
145,541
Gifts & Grants Total Revenues
88.7%
Program Attendance . . . . . . . .33,626 Computer Usage . . . . . . . . .8,651,133
77,504 $12,178,047
REVENUE
Kalamazoo Public Library joined MeLCat, the statewide library catalog and materials sharing system, this year. If you’re looking for a specific book, movie or musical recording and can’t find it at KPL, you may be able to borrow that item from one of 170+ libraries across the state! It’s easy—just click the MeLCat logo at www.kpl.gov, search for what you want, then click ‘Get this for me!’ MeLCat now includes 26 million items!
EXPENDITURES 57.6%
Salaries & Benefits
14.4%
LIBRARY LINK
4.6%
$6,534,924
Debt Service
1,636,033
Materials
1,003,909
Building Operation & Maintenance
571,549
Operating Supplies & Expenses
523,901
Capital Outlay
357,554
Purchased Services
356,205
Automation & Equipment
245,229
Programming
107,283
Total Expenditures
8.9% 5.0%
Ann Rohrbaugh Library Director
Materials Circulated . . . . . . . 805,006
Investment Return
The year, KPL extended wireless Internet connections to all five buildings and joined MeLCat, the statewide borrowing service.
It’s our privilege to serve you! Come visit.
New Registrations . . . . . . . . . . .9,244
$10,805,861
KPL’s Youth and Branch Services also targeted 5th-8th graders with new drop-in after-school programs just for tweens.
KPL takes stewardship of your funds very seriously; audited revenue and expenditure figures are shown. Find additional budget and financial info at www.kpl.gov/budget.
District Population . . . . . . . .119,517
Programs Offered . . . . . . . . . . .1,244
As the year ends, we want to acknowledge and appreciate your support. KPL’s strong relationships with many organizations led to a variety of programs this year. I’d like to share a few examples in this brief report.
KPL was very pleased to support WMUK’s hosting of StoryCorps. The national oral history project recorded 130 interviews between local folks during their visit.
2.6%
Quick Facts
3.2%
WINTER 2008
3.1%
2.2%
0.9%
$11,336,587
news
Central Library 315 South Rose, 49007 342-9837
Staff Highlights Several retirements set off a domino effect of promotions and new hires this year. Now settled into new management or librarian positions are: Michael Cockrell as head, Adult Services; Stewart Fritz, children’s librarian; Ryan Gage, lead librarian, Law Library; Cory Grimminck, lead librarian, Teen Services; Kevin King, head, Loan and Outreach Services; Kristen Larson, cataloguing librarian; Martha Lohrstorfer, lead librarian, Oshtemo Branch; and Judi Rambow, lead librarian, Powell Branch. Congratulations and welcome to all. We’re very proud of Kevin King and Susan Warner who were both recognized by their peers this year. Kevin received the Michigan Library Association’s Walter H. Kaiser Award “due to his proven commitment to improve library services for teens….His dedication….is an inspiration to all…” Susan, head of Youth and Branch Services, received the Michigan Library Association’s Children’s Services Division Award of Merit for her “…outstanding contribution to library service for children in Michigan” and for her “innovative and inspirational” leadership. Western Michigan University also honored Susan with the David Czuk Memorial Award based on “her stellar student evaluations…and the expertise and enthusiasm that she brings to teaching children’s literature.”
Friends of the Library Bookstore 315 South Rose, 49007 353-7820
Bookmobile Call 553-7991 for complete schedule.
Eastwood 1112 Gayle Ave, 49048 553-7810
Oshtemo 7265 W Main St, 49009 553-7980
Alma Powell 1000 W Paterson, 49007 553-7960
Washington Square 1244 Portage St, 49001 553-7970
www.kpl.gov
Susan
Martha, Michael and Ryan
Stewart and Cory
Casual photos taken during the library’s annual staff inservice and during a Global Reading Challenge quiz bowl (Susan).
Cynthia Addison President Valerie Wright Vice President James VanderRoest Treasurer
Kristen, Kevin and Judi LIBRARY LINK
library board
WINTER 2008
Loren J. Dykstra Secretary
Kalamazoo Public Library 315 South Rose Street Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID Kalamazoo, MI Permit No.1224
*****ECRWSS***** RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
Robert Paul Brown Lisa A. Godfrey Cheryl TenBrink Trustees
credits Kalamazoo Public Library’s Community Relations Office publishes Link with support from the Friends of the Library. Contact the editor with your comments or suggestions, 553-7879 or email cro@kpl.gov.
BOOK SALE
Reading Together 2007 What’s your dream? We’re dreaming about the entire community reading the same book at the same time! Join thousands of people throughout Kalamazoo County in reading Barbara Kingsolver’s powerful and richly imagined second novel, Animal Dreams, the book selected for Reading Together’s sixth year. In Animal Dreams, Kingsolver explores the complex, interconnected web of human life and relationships, and how this web is shaped by time, memory, and culture. It takes place in a small town in Arizona, where Hispanic and Native American culture are deeply woven into the fabric of life. Kingsolver’s central question is why do some people engage with the world and its problems, while others turn their backs on it? Barbara Kingsolver’s twelve books of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction include the novels The Bean Trees and The Poisonwood Bible. She has contributed to dozens of literary anthologies, and her reviews and articles have appeared in most major U.S. newspapers and magazines.
Shop the Friends Gift Book Sale for holiday gifts! All year, the Friends of Kalamazoo Public Library save hundreds of high quality books for this sale; all are in mint condition. Sale continues while supplies last. Visit the Friends Bookstore on Wednesday, from 12:00 noon7:00 pm, and on Thursday through Saturday, from 10:00 am-4:00 pm, on the lower level of the Central Library. Questions? Call 553-7820 or visit www.kpl.gov/friends.
Reading Together invites people of all ages, from all walks of life, to read and then discuss issues raised by a single book. Book discussions and dozens of special events are planned for January and February 2007. Visit www.readingtogether.us to learn more. Kalamazoo Public Library leads Reading Together, a collaboration of libraries, schools, social service agencies, governments, businesses, the media, and a wide variety of organizations throughout Kalamazoo County.
COLLECTIBLES Treasures for bibliophiles!
Holiday Hop Visit the library for a festive Holiday Hop on December 7, 6:00 to 8:30 pm, during the downtown Art Hop—the largest of the year. More than 50 Michigan authors and musicians will sell and autograph their work, including children’s and teen authors, cartoonists, historians, poets, fiction and memoir writers—many with newly published work. Ken Morgan Jazz Unit will perform throughout the evening and sell their new CD. Artist Heather Stratton will display her mixed media on canvas. Enjoy refreshments and mingle with friends. Free gift-wrapping. See the complete lineup at www.kpl.gov/hop. LIBRARY LINK
WINTER 2008
While you’re shopping the gift sale, check the special collectibles shelf. In stock right now are a signed first edition of The Executioner’s Song by Norman Mailer, The Collected Works of C.G. Jung, and more. Visit often. Treasures show up on the Friends’ donation cart every month. Want to learn more? Call 553-7821 or visit www.kpl.gov/friends.
Reality Check Explore compelling history and memoirs. All discussions at Central Library.
The Great Match Race, John Eisenberg
Winter @ kpl
December 4, 7:00 pm
Professor and the Madman, Simon Winchester January 8, 7:00 pm
Arc of Justice, Kevin Boyle
Author visits and poetry readings, book groups and writing
February 5, 7:00 pm
workshops, genealogy, local history tales,
Oshtemo Book Group
free legal clinics, and more! Enjoy an array of programs for the whole family at KPL. Check online calendars at www.kpl.gov for a complete schedule of events.
BOOKS & MORE Sailing Grace After eight surgeries in eight months, his doctors are talking heart transplant. John Otterbacher decides to go sailing instead. He recounts the 4,000 mile journey to Ireland with wife Barbara and their two youngest children in Sailing Grace.
November 29, 7:00 pm Central, Van Deusen Room
Discuss best-sellers and little known gems. All meetings at Oshtemo Branch Library.
My Sister’s Keeper, Jodi Picoult December 11, 1:00 pm
Year of Magical Thinking, Joan Didion January 8, 1:00 pm
Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen February 12, 1:00 pm
Classics Revisited Writing Your Life Stories Learn how to spin your own tall tales with the author of Q Road. Bonnie Jo Campbell will share thoughts on how to choose good subjects, shape engaging stories, and reveal strategies to keep you writing for years. Registration required; call 553-7809.
December 1, 1:00 to 4:00 pm Washington Square Branch Library February 9, 1:00 to 4:00 pm Eastwood Branch Library
LIBRARY LINK
WINTER 2008
These book-lovers say classics keep talking so you have to listen. All at Central Library.
Essays of E. B. White, E. B. White December 20, 7:00 pm
Siddhartha, Herman Hesse January 17, 7:00 pm
Light in August, William Faulkner February 21, 7:00 pm
READING TOGETHER Book & Lunch Series
Reading Together Kick-Off What’s Your Dream? A central character in Animal Dreams asserts that “Animals dream about the things they do in the daytime just like people do. If you want sweet dreams, you’ve got to live a sweet life.” As part of our community’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, this event will feature the first person dreams of a diverse cross section of Kalamazoo. We’ll remember King’s powerful “I have a dream...” speech and reflect on our own dreams for our children, our community, our nation, and the world.
January 15, 7:00-8:30 pm Central, Van Deusen Room
@ YOUR LIBRARY Ask a Lawyer Free legal clinic with County Bar Association volunteer lawyers. Get help with most areas of civil law, including landlord-tenant problems, government benefits issues, divorce and family law. For more info or to schedule a 20-minute appointment, call 553-7920.
December 5, February 6, 6:00-8:00 pm Alma Powell Branch Library December 13, January 10, 6:00-8:00 pm January 11, February 15, 11:30 am-1:00 pm Central, Law Library
Poetry Feast Offerings co-sponsored by the Friends of Poetry.
Amy McInnis Reading
Her first book of poetry, River, won the 2007 Holland Prize from Logan House Press. McInnis’ poems have appeared in The MacGuffin, Yemassee, Cimarron Review, and others. An Upper Peninsula native, she earned her M.F.A. at Western Michigan University.
January 22, 7:00 pm Central, Van Deusen Room
Artifactory 5 Celebrate things Kalamazoo in poetry! Area poets from all walks of life read works inspired by local artifacts (like this guitar), memories, and history. Kalamazoo Valley Museum curator Tom Dietz emcees this always intriguing event.
February 24, 1:30 pm Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Grant Seeking Discover tools to help develop and manage your nonprofit organization. Locate and evaluate grant sources. Explore the library’s resources with an expert in this fact-filled workshop. Registration required; call 553-7844.
January 15, February 19, 2:30-3:30 pm Central, Van Deusen Room
Down and Dirty Do YOU have what it takes to start your own business? Learn what you need to know even before you write your business plan: the only reason why businesses fail; small business marketing mistakes; how to avoid common pitfalls, and more. Presented by Jim Coyle and Andréa Hammond of Nexus Business Solutions.
February 27, 7:00 pm Central, Van Deusen Room
Discussions of Animal Dreams led by local experts. Bring your brown bag lunch. We’ll serve coffee, tea and cookies. All meetings at noon.
Central Library Van Deusen Room
Oral History How memories shape individuals and cultures.
January 18, 12:00-1:00 pm
U.S. in Central America Foreign policy and humanitarian involvement.
January 25, 12:00-1:00 pm
Pregnancy Loss Pain, depression, hope, and healing.
February 1, 12:00-1:00 pm
Sibling Relationships The push and pull of growing up together.
February 8, 12:00-1:00 pm
The U.S. Southwest Geography and cultures then and now.
February 15, 12:00-1:00 pm
Heart Dead Set on a New World Activism and community building.
February 22, 12:00-1:00 pm
HISTORY & GENEALOGY Programs for those interested in regional or family history.
Women’s Writing Group All meetings at Powell Branch Library.
How to Self-Publish
Sonya Bernard-Hollins self-published Here I Stand: A Musical History of African Americans in Battle Creek. Discuss do’s and don’ts of self publishing with Sonya and her husband, Sean, Fortitude Graphic Design & Printing. Registration required; call 553-7960.
January 9, 6:00-8:00 pm
What’s in a Name? How did you get your name? Ever wish for another? Explore memories, history, and funny tales with popular local storyteller “Miss Nettie” Martin. You’ll write and share a memorable story about your name. Registration required; call 553-7960.
February 13, 6:00-8:00 pm
Family History Workshop Ronne Hartfield, the author of Another Way Home: The Tangled Roots of Race in One Chicago Family, will describe how family history can illustrate the broader arena of all human experience, and serve as a prism through which we can better understand the world’s conflicts and complications. Ms Hartfield is a poet, author, and an expert consultant in arts and multicultural education.
February 15, 4:00-6:00 pm
Genealogy Lock-In Enjoy an after-hours event for genealogists! Learn about KPL’s unique resources and use equipment. Free parking. Registration required. Call 553-7808 beginning January 7 to register.
January 25, 6:00-10:00 pm Central, Local History Room
This Old Building This series offers a closer, insider’s look at intriguing historical buildings in Kalamazoo.
Events co-sponsored by the Southwest Michigan Black Heritage Society at the Central Library.
Many local notables have called the Marlborough Apartment building home. Hear about its history, architect, builder, and its new lease on life, from historian and Marlborough resident Pam O’Connor.
They Blazed a Trail
February 28, 7:00 pm Central Library
African-American History
Hear a panel of local African Americans tell their stories about the challenges and stresses that came with being the first African American in a prominent position in some of Kalamazoo’s most important companies. The Gazette’s Stephanie Esters will moderate.
January 17, 5:00-7:00 pm LIBRARY LINK
WINTER 2008
The Marlborough, c.1940 471 West South Street