ANNUALREPORT

14.4%

8.9%

5.0% 4.6%3.2% 3.1% 2.2%

0.9%

88.7%

2.8% 2.6% 2.5% 1.5% 1.2% 0.6%

57.6%

Salaries & Benefits $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 $11,336,587

EXPENDITURES

District Population . . . . . . . .119,517

New Registrations . . . . . . . . . . .9,244

Materials Circulated . . . . . . . 805,006

Reference QuestionsAnswered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191,871

Programs Offered . . . . . . . . . . .1,244

Program Attendance . . . . . . . .33,626

Computer Usage . . . . . . . . .8,651,133

Quick Facts

Dear Friends,

As the year ends, we want to acknowledgeand appreciate your support. KPL’s strongrelationships with many organizations ledto a variety of programs this year. I’d like toshare a few examples in this brief report.

The Local History Room launched an after-hours Genealogy Lock-In. This very popularFriday event drew dozens of KalamazooValley Genealogical Society members andothers several times this year.

KPL was very pleased to support WMUK’shosting of StoryCorps. The national oralhistory project recorded 130 interviewsbetween local folks during their visit.

KPL collaborated with the SouthwestMichigan Black Heritage Society to offerfamily history programs, with the ACLU ona Banned Book Readout, and with P/FLAGon a seminar—all enjoyed great audiences.

Reading Together recruited 100 groups,many new to the community-wide readingprogram, to read and discuss The CuriousIncident of the Dog in the Night-Time by MarkHaddon. Together, we offered 50+ eventsthat drew thousands.

KPL increased outreach to the Latinocommunity through regular computerclasses in Spanish, new Spanish-languagematerials, and a number of programs,including Día de los Muertos events.

KPL’s Youth and Branch Services alsotargeted 5th-8th graders with new drop-inafter-school programs just for tweens.

The year, KPL extended wireless Internetconnections to all five buildings and joinedMeLCat, the statewide borrowing service.

KPL takes stewardship of your funds veryseriously; audited revenue and expenditurefigures are shown. Find additional budgetand financial info at www.kpl.gov/budget.

It’s our privilege to serve you! Come visit.

Ann RohrbaughLibrary Director

REVENUE

Kalamazoo Public Library joined MeLCat, the statewide library catalog and materialssharing system, this year. If you’re looking for a specific book, movie or musical recordingand can’t find it at KPL, you may be able to borrow that item from one of 170+ librariesacross 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!

Property Taxes $10,805,861

Investment Return 335,056

State Grants 321,448

Penal Fines 308,819

Other 183,818

Library Fines & Fees 145,541

Gifts & Grants 77,504

Total Revenues $12,178,047

L I B R A R Y L I N K W I N T E R 2 0 0 8

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

P A I DKalamazoo, MIPermit No.1224

Kalamazoo Public Library315 South Rose StreetKalamazoo, Michigan 49007

*****ECRWSS*****RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

Staff HighlightsSeveral retirements set off a domino effect of promotions and new hires this year.Now settled into new management or librarian positions are: Michael Cockrell ashead, 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; MarthaLohrstorfer, 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 bytheir peers this year. Kevin received the Michigan Library Association’s WalterH. Kaiser Award “due to his proven commitment to improve library services forteens….His dedication….is an inspiration to all…”

Susan, head of Youth and Branch Services, received the Michigan LibraryAssociation’s Children’s Services Division Award of Merit for her “…outstandingcontribution to library service for children in Michigan” and for her “innovativeand inspirational” leadership. Western Michigan University also honored Susanwith the David Czuk Memorial Award based on “her stellar studentevaluations…and the expertise and enthusiasm that she brings to teachingchildren’s literature.”

new

s

L I B R A R Y L I N K W I N T E R 2 0 0 8

www.kpl.gov

library boardCynthia AddisonPresident

Valerie WrightVice President

James VanderRoestTreasurer

Loren J. DykstraSecretary

Robert Paul BrownLisa A. GodfreyCheryl TenBrinkTrustees

creditsKalamazoo Public Library’sCommunity Relations Officepublishes Link with supportfrom the Friends of the Library.Contact the editor with yourcomments or suggestions,553-7879 or email cro@kpl.gov.

Central Library315 South Rose, 49007342-9837

Friends of theLibrary Bookstore315 South Rose, 49007353-7820

BookmobileCall 553-7991 forcomplete schedule.

Eastwood1112 Gayle Ave, 49048553-7810

Oshtemo7265 W Main St, 49009553-7980

Alma Powell1000 W Paterson, 49007553-7960

Washington Square1244 Portage St, 49001553-7970

Kristen, Kevin and Judi

Stewart and Cory

Martha, Michael and Ryan

Susan

Casual photos taken during thelibrary’s annual staff inservice and

during a Global ReadingChallenge quiz bowl (Susan).

L I B R A R Y L I N K W I N T E R 2 0 0 8

BOOK SALEShop 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 noon-

7:00 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 2007What’s your dream? We’re dreaming about the entire community readingthe same book at the same time! Join thousands of people throughoutKalamazoo County in reading Barbara Kingsolver’s powerful and richlyimagined second novel, Animal Dreams, the book selected for ReadingTogether’s sixth year.

In Animal Dreams, Kingsolver explores the complex, interconnected web ofhuman life and relationships, and how this web is shaped by time,memory, and culture. It takes place in a small town in Arizona, whereHispanic and Native American culture are deeply woven into the fabric oflife. Kingsolver’s central question is why do some people engage with theworld and its problems, while others turn their backs on it?

Barbara Kingsolver’s twelve books of fiction, poetry, andcreative nonfiction include the novels The Bean Trees andThe Poisonwood Bible. She has contributed to dozens ofliterary anthologies, and her reviews and articles haveappeared in most major U.S. newspapers and magazines.

Reading Together invites people of all ages, from all walks of life, to readand then discuss issues raised by a single book. Book discussions anddozens of special events are planned for January and February 2007. Visitwww.readingtogether.us to learn more.

Kalamazoo Public Library leads Reading Together, a collaboration oflibraries, schools, social service agencies, governments, businesses, themedia, and a wide variety of organizations throughout Kalamazoo County.

Holiday HopVisit the library for a festive Holiday Hop on December 7, 6:00 to8:30 pm, during the downtown Art Hop—the largest of the year.More than 50 Michigan authors and musicians will sell and autographtheir 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 theirnew CD. Artist Heather Stratton will display her mixed media on canvas.Enjoy refreshments and mingle with friends. Free gift-wrapping. See thecomplete lineup at www.kpl.gov/hop.

COLLECTIBLESTreasures for bibliophiles!

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.

Winter@ kpl

Author visits and

poetry readings, book

groups and writing

workshops, genealogy,

local history tales,

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.

Reality CheckExplore compelling history and memoirs.All discussions at Central Library.

� The Great Match Race,John EisenbergDecember 4, 7:00 pm

� Professor and the Madman,Simon WinchesterJanuary 8, 7:00 pm

� Arc of Justice,Kevin BoyleFebruary 5, 7:00 pm

Oshtemo Book GroupDiscuss best-sellers and little known gems.All meetings at Oshtemo Branch Library.

� My Sister’s Keeper, Jodi PicoultDecember 11, 1:00 pm

� Year of Magical Thinking,Joan DidionJanuary 8, 1:00 pm

� Water for Elephants, Sara GruenFebruary 12, 1:00 pm

Classics RevisitedThese book-lovers say classics keep talkingso you have to listen. All at Central Library.

� Essays of E. B. White, E. B. WhiteDecember 20, 7:00 pm

� Siddhartha, Herman HesseJanuary 17, 7:00 pm

� Light in August,William FaulknerFebruary 21, 7:00 pm

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BOOKS & MORESailing GraceAfter eight surgeries in eight months, hisdoctors are talking heart transplant. JohnOtterbacher decides to go sailing instead.He recounts the 4,000 mile journey toIreland with wife Barbara and their twoyoungest children in Sailing Grace.

November 29, 7:00 pmCentral, Van Deusen Room

Writing Your Life StoriesLearn how to spin your own tall tales withthe author of Q Road. Bonnie Jo Campbellwill share thoughts on how to choose goodsubjects, shape engaging stories, and revealstrategies to keep you writing for years.Registration required; call 553-7809.

December 1, 1:00 to 4:00 pmWashington Square Branch Library

February 9, 1:00 to 4:00 pmEastwood Branch Library

Reading Together Kick-OffWhat’s Your Dream? A central character inAnimal Dreams asserts that “Animals dreamabout the things they do in the daytime justlike people do. If you want sweet dreams,you’ve got to live a sweet life.” As part of ourcommunity’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr.celebration, this event will feature the firstperson dreams of a diverse cross section ofKalamazoo. We’ll remember King’s powerful“I have a dream...” speech and reflect on ourown dreams for our children, our community,our nation, and the world.

January 15, 7:00-8:30 pmCentral, Van Deusen Room

Poetry FeastOfferings co-sponsored by theFriends of Poetry.

� Amy McInnis ReadingHer first book of poetry,River, won the 2007 HollandPrize from Logan HousePress. McInnis’ poems haveappeared in The MacGuffin, Yemassee,Cimarron Review, and others. An UpperPeninsula native, she earned her M.F.A.at Western Michigan University.

January 22, 7:00 pmCentral, Van Deusen Room

� Artifactory 5Celebrate things Kalamazoo in poetry!Area poets from all walks of life read worksinspired by local artifacts (like this guitar),memories, and history. Kalamazoo Valley

Museum curator Tom Dietz emceesthis always intriguing event.

February 24, 1:30 pmKalamazoo Valley Museum

@ YOUR LIBRARYAsk a Lawyer

Free legal clinic with CountyBar Association volunteerlawyers. Get help with mostareas of civil law, includinglandlord-tenant problems,

government benefits issues, divorce andfamily law. For more info or to schedule a20-minute appointment, call 553-7920.

December 5, February 6, 6:00-8:00 pmAlma Powell Branch Library

December 13, January 10, 6:00-8:00 pmJanuary 11, February 15, 11:30 am-1:00 pmCentral, Law Library

Grant SeekingDiscover tools to help developand manage your nonprofitorganization. Locate andevaluate 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 pmCentral, Van Deusen Room

Down and DirtyDo YOU have what it takesto start your own business?Learn what you need to knoweven before you write yourbusiness plan: the only reason

why businesses fail; small business marketingmistakes; how to avoid common pitfalls,and more. Presented by Jim Coyle and AndréaHammond of Nexus Business Solutions.

February 27, 7:00 pmCentral, Van Deusen Room

Book & Lunch SeriesDiscussions of Animal Dreamsled by local experts. Bring yourbrown bag lunch. We’ll servecoffee, tea and cookies.All meetings at noon.

Central LibraryVan Deusen Room

Oral HistoryHow memories shape

individuals and cultures.

January 18, 12:00-1:00 pm

U.S. in Central AmericaForeign policy and

humanitarian involvement.

January 25, 12:00-1:00 pm

Pregnancy LossPain, depression,hope, and healing.

February 1, 12:00-1:00 pm

Sibling RelationshipsThe push and pull ofgrowing up together.

February 8, 12:00-1:00 pm

The U.S. SouthwestGeography and cultures

then and now.

February 15, 12:00-1:00 pm

Heart Dead Seton a New World

Activism andcommunity building.

February 22, 12:00-1:00 pm

READINGTOGETHER

HISTORY &GENEALOGYPrograms for thoseinterested in regionalor family history.

Women’s Writing GroupAll meetings at Powell Branch Library.

� How to Self-PublishSonya Bernard-Hollins self-published Here IStand: A Musical History of African Americans inBattle Creek. Discuss do’s and don’ts of selfpublishing 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 foranother? Explore memories, history, andfunny tales with popular local storyteller“Miss Nettie” Martin. You’ll write and sharea memorable story about your name.Registration required; call 553-7960.

February 13, 6:00-8:00 pm

African-American HistoryEvents co-sponsored by the SouthwestMichigan Black Heritage Society at theCentral Library.

� They Blazed a TrailHear a panel of local African Americanstell their stories about the challenges andstresses that came with being the firstAfrican American in a prominent positionin some of Kalamazoo’s most importantcompanies. The Gazette’s Stephanie Esterswill moderate.

January 17, 5:00-7:00 pm

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� Family History WorkshopRonne Hartfield, the author ofAnother Way Home: The TangledRoots of Race in One ChicagoFamily, will describe how familyhistory can illustrate the broader arenaof all human experience, and serve as aprism through which we can betterunderstand the world’s conflicts andcomplications. Ms Hartfield is a poet,author, and an expert consultant in artsand multicultural education.

February 15, 4:00-6:00 pm

Genealogy Lock-InEnjoy an after-hours event for genealogists!Learn about KPL’s unique resources and useequipment. Free parking. Registration required.Call 553-7808 beginning January 7 to register.

January 25, 6:00-10:00 pmCentral, Local History Room

This Old BuildingThis series offers a closer, insider’s look atintriguing historical buildings in Kalamazoo.

Many local notables have called theMarlborough Apartment building home.Hear about its history, architect, builder,and its new lease on life, from historianand Marlborough resident Pam O’Connor.

February 28, 7:00 pmCentral Library

The Marlborough, c.1940471 West South Street