Take note: The library is temporarily relocated while a major remodel is being completed on the…read moreoriginal building. The new location is at 5528 Portage Rd., and it is officially open as of yesterday, Thursday, May 27. The library has wauved fines during the pandemic, in part because the materials have to be quarantined before they can be checked back in. Please consider wearing a mask at the library, even if you're vaccinated, because so many elderly and immunocompromised patrons rely on the library services and are at extremely high risk of COVID co-morbidities.

What an incredible resource for parents in this area! This was my first visit to the Portage…read morelibrary, and I was super impressed. My 4 and 5 year old could have stayed hours longer. Tons of toys and books in an imaginative, brightly-colored space. Couldn't have asked for more. We've only scratched the surface of what is offered here. We'll be back.

This place is great they have books, dvds, discovery kits, video games, and others items to borrow…read more They offer public computer usage, copying, scanning, faxing, notary, and other services. There are many programs for kids, teens, and adults. My kids and I enjoy the book recommendations that we get from the staff. The staff is always friendly and helpful.

I love this gem of a used bookstore, tucked into the lower level of the main Kalamazoo Public…read moreLibrary building downtown. There is both an elevator and stairs to get downstairs to it (also housed on the lower level: YA, music, videos, and more). The shop is only open a few hours a week, so be sure to check the times before you head there (unless you are already picking up your books, in which case, you will have built a stop here into your KPL journey). It is entirely staffed by volunteers (THANK YOU!). There is usually a cart of books on sale near the front, as well as DVDs for a dollar or two. You'll find just about EVERY genre here, even if it is only a book or two. There are always a lot of cookbooks (YAHOO!), YA, kids, fiction, poetry, music, etc. There's a Michigan section (always good for finding gifts), as well as plenty of NF offerings. Some coffee table books are more expensive, but generally a book won't run you more than a dollar or two. The prices are clearly marked on the back. If you are kicking it old school, they have both cassette and cds for sale. If you are musician, you're probably already in the know to check the small section that has sheet music and piano music books. A few times a year they have a big outdoor sale under tents in the back parking lot. The price to fill a bag is really inexpensive. We love this little bookstore, and the kind people that run it. It's a gem in our community. Re: Disability parking: There is ONE spot right out in front of the library. It is often taken by someone without a plate or placard. The library is not in charge of this situation, nor can they call ticketing to help (I asked). I have asked the city many times for more handicap parking spaces downtown, as of yet to no avail.

The Friends of the Library is a great little bookstore in the basement of the central branch of the…read moreKalamazoo Public Library. Most people don't know it exists unless they are regulars at the library, but it deserves its' own recognition. The store is stocked with public donations and overflow books from the library's shelves, so the selection will vary wildly all the time. They recently had a huge portion of their shelf space devoted to books about trains that were given by a donor's estate. Virtually no new releases, obviously, but there is almost some gem on the shelves and at a fantastic price. Twice a year they run a sale that overflows either onto the sidewalk or onto the library rotunda. This is usually a madhouse because of the pricing - 10 cents per book or $2.00 for a bag full of books. Well worth checking out. This place is also a great volunteer opportunity for book lovers!

In front of this beautiful and large building that is obviously government related, this worn…read morehistorical marker lets us know what it's all about. Located in downtown Battle Creek near the Underground Railroad Sculpture and the Kellogg House, it reads: "The second Battle Creek Post Office, one of Albert Kahn's earliest commissions, opened in 1907. He designed the structure with reinforced concrete supports, an innovation he later used in his internationally renowned factory designs. The building's stone trim and repeating arches exemplify Second Renaissance Revival architecture. The post office became the Calhoun County Hall of Justice in 1978. The structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972." [Review 11055 overall, 828 of 2019.]

Very friendly staff. Good selection of books and other materials. Easy to get to from my home.read more

A smaller library than Central or Portage locations but they still offer great programming, a cool…read morelayout/architecture, and they've got awesome wooded views if you fancy sitting in a comfy chair and enjoying a lovely view while you read a good book, which I do. Fancy an outdoor adventure? You can connect to the Leila Arboretum trails from behimd the building, which is much easier than spotting the Leila lot, which is unmarked.

This sign is a nice commemoration of Abraham Lincoln coming to Kalamazoo…read more This was President Lincoln's only time speaking in Michigan, and this sign in Bronson Park helps us remember that. It is decorated in the Spring and Summer by flowers surrounding it's base. If you're a Lincoln fan, it's worth checking out to honor one of America's greatest presidents.

Located in the southwest corner of Kalamazoo's Bronson Park, this marker was placed in 1957 and…read moreremembers the time from 100 years prior when an unknown lawyer came to the city and spoke at a rally. I've been to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington and the Gettysburg National Cemetery in Pennsylvania. It's cool to be able to follow this great man around. The marker reads, "On August 27, 1856, here in this park, Abraham Lincoln, then an obscure lawyer, spoke to a rally for John Fremont, the Republican presidential nominee. This was the only time that Lincoln addressed a Michigan audience. The event was almost unnoticed in the press. Some Republicans felt the speaker was too moderate on the antislavery issue. Four years later Michigan's vote helped put Lincoln into the White House." [Review 11220 overall, 996 of 2019.]

Easy to miss this marker that recalls the history of one of Kalamazoo's residents who went on to do…read moregreat things. The marker has gotten a little overgrown since it's installation over 30 years ago, so you might not notice that it has a back to it. Located in downtown Kalamazoo, the marker reads: "The only resident of Kalamazoo to be elected governor of Michigan during its first 150 years, Epaphroditus Ransom lived and farmed on this site. Born in Massachusetts in 1796, Ransom came to Michigan in 1834. An attorney, he soon became the area's first circuit court judge, riding horseback through the wilderness to hear cases. In 1836 he was appointed associate justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, and in 1843 he became the court's chief justice. A declaration he issued in 1840 prevented the removal of the Catholic Potawatomi from their southwestern Michigan lands. In 1848 Ransom was the first governor to be inaugurated in Lansing, which had just become the state capital." "During Epaphroditus Ransom's gubernatorial term (1848-1850), the Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital was established. Following his term as governor, Ransom became the first president of the Michigan Agricultural Society, which was instrumental in the creation of both the Michigan State Fair and Michigan State University. He was also a regent of the University of Michigan (1850-1852), a founder of the village of Augusta, and a state representative (1853-1854). In 1857 President James Buchanan appointed Ransom receiver of the Kansas Osage Land Office in Fort Scott, Kansas. He died in Kansas in 1859. His body was returned to Kalamazoo, where it was interred in Mountain Home Cemetery." [Review 11248 overall, 1024 of 2019.]

I came for a quick hike on an icy cold afternoon with my friend. The Park is composed of a…read moreHistorical Area, hiking trails and a kayak launch into the creek. In May, the Park was hit by a tornado that destroyed many of the trees and damaged several structures. It is amazing how Mother Mature can change the face of the land so quickly. The Park is named Celery Flats, because the region has been popular for growing celery with its sandy soil. The Historic Area of the Park is decorated for the holidays with trees and lights. Historic buildings include a grain elevator, a one room school house and Stuart Manor. Stuart Manor as moved to the park in 1994 and was one of the first homes built in Portage. Hayloft Theater is a restored barn turned theater. The barn was damaged by the tornado and is awaiting repair. There is also an amphitheater in the Park that is perfect for summer concerts. The buildings were not open for touring during our visit, but they appear to be open during events. The Historic Area is a perfect place to bring the kids to learn about history. The hiking trail through the Park is part of the trail system that meanders through Portage and Kalamazoo. There are picturesque bridges along the trail with a canoe/kayak launch over Portage Creek. The trails are a perfect place to watch birds. We saw a flock of mallards in the creek during our visit. The trail offered something I had not seen before. There was a solar phone charging station near a bench for those who need to stay connected. The Park has a really nice pavilion that was decorated for Christmas. I could see this as a perfect place to take family pictures or visit with Santa. The parking lot is large with handicapped spaces close to the pavilion. The trails are paved and easily accessible. I will return to see how the forest recovers from the tornado. The Park has a lot to offer.

This is a very popular spot, very clean and beautiful it was recommended by a friend when we asked…read morewhat's a good walking trail. We are from Battle Creek and she told us this spot county zoo.