Kalamazoo Public Library

Love this library — it’s the best one I’ve ever had a card to! :) The librarians are so very helpful and thoughtful — every time I go in, I ask for recommendations, in addition to getting what I want. They are spot on!
The space is beautiful, and there are TONS of new books. Yahoo!

We LOVE our library! I love that it is downtown and thus close to lots of fun places, I love the helpful staff (and check out the «Staff Picks» books– they are usually great choices), I love the children’s room (though sometimes the bathrooms there are dirty), I love all the community activities that they plan (story times, all-​city reads), and I even love the aesthetic of the building.
The only thing I don’t like is trying to find free parking downtown if we go on a weekday.

I have lived in several towns and cities and this is one of the best public libraries I’ve ever encountered.
Libraries are amazing places where any local can join free and have access to unlimited books, videos, DVDs, CDs, magazines, etc. for FREE! I often log on to my KPL library account from home, do a search for something, be it a specific book or movie, or a subject, and when i find something interesting, I put a hold on it so I can pick it up at the library next time I come in.
The staff are helpful and neutral at the very least, and often friendly and insightful. There has never been a long line to take out books when I am there and there is also a self check-​out station.
Upon entering, a person can just turn to their left and find the latest popular DVDs, novels, graphic novels, and other popular material. Their are comfy chairs all around so there’s not even a need to take anything out. You could probably stay there all day reading. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
This library is wheelchair accessible. It also has a wonderful children’s section worth wa;king into just to see the beautiful stained glass windows.
Check it out!

Summary: A great public library
The last city I lived in had over $ 200mm at its disposal to add, expand, and remodel its libraries. When I moved to Kalamazoo, I assumed that its libraries wouldn’t come anywhere near those and was tremendously impressed by how wrong I had been.
The central branch of the KPL system is clean, well organized, and housed in an awfully pretty building. It could use a little more natural light in its main area, but its children’s section is beautifully lit.
They email library notices and allow you to renew books online. They’re also linked to the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services which gives library members access to a surprisingly large selection of ebooks for your Nook or iPad.
I love the special book sales they have quarterly ($ 2 for a bag of books) and also their regular Friends Bookstore (located downstairs and open Thursday through Saturday). You can donate used books for the bookstore by either dropping them off at the store or putting them in a donation slot outside (which is great because then no one can judge you on the selection).