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Kalamazoo Public Library Collection

 Collection
Identifier: RH-A-441

Scope and Contents

The Kalamazoo Public Library dates its beginnings to 1872 when they formally opened to the general public although they began earlier in the 1850s as a school library. Currently they serve the residents of the Kalamazoo Public Library District which is includes the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo and Oshtemo Townships. There also is a folder here for the Friends of the Kalamazoo Public Library (previously known as the Friends of the Kalamazoo Public Library and Museum). The Kalamazoo Public Library is composed of the Central Library and four branches: Washington Square, Alma Powell, Eastwood and Oshtemo. This collection contains items from the branches along with items from the various departments, for example, Children's, Young Adult, Reference, Adult Services along with programs they sponsor like Ready to Read and Reading Together. The items in this collection are organized according to department, program or event. In addition there are copies of the most recent newsletter called Library Links which began in 1999 and continues to be published as of 2011. Any additional items to this collection will be added to the respective folder although new categories can be created as needed. The folders are organized in alphabetical order.

Dates

  • Creation: 1942-2011

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions

Extent

0.50 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The collection is composed of materials produced by the Kalamazoo Public Library and date from 1942 to 2011.

Arrangement Note

According to department, service or branch.

Source of Acquisition

This collection was composed of publications from the Kalamazoo Public Library in addition to materials the Library no longer needed and sent to the WMU Archives.  Many of those items have been integrated

Physical Description

The collection amounts to .50 cubic feet and is composed of a variety of publications produced by the Kalamazoo Public Library in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The items date from 1942 to 2011 although this collection is designed to be an open collection so more items will be added as they are acquired. The items in the collection vary in size however the majority are 8 ½”x11” with some folded into a brochure format. The items are in good condition although there is some fading and yellowing with the older items especially those that were mimeographed.

Source

Title
Kalamazoo Public Library Collection Finding Aid
Status
Completed
Author
Lynn Houghton
Date
2012-11-12
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Western Michigan University Archives & Regional History Collections Repository

Contact:
Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center
1650 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5307 US
(269) 387-8490