contents books & more 2-3annual report 4tween/teen 5kids 6-7director’s note 8

January-February 2013LIBRARY LINK

red carpet at stateFebruary 24, 2:30 pm

Calling all teen filmmakers! Enter your teen-produced films in the 10th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival by Saturday, January 19, 5 pm. Submit films to Teen Services, Kalamazoo Public Library. Entry forms, rules, requirements at kpl.gov/teenfilmfest.

An experienced jury reviews every film entered and selects about 30 finalists to screen at the festival. Expert judges award prizes for the best films in seven categories, plus a grand prize. Audience members will vote for the People’s Choice. Public Media Network covers the event. They’ll broadcast finalists' films, awards presentations, and interviews with winners.

We’ll roll out the (metaphorical) red carpet at the Kalamazoo’s venerable State Theatre for the 10th Annual Teen Film Fest. Originally built in 1927, the restored interior evokes an ornate Spanish courtyard, complete with a dark blue sky and twinkling stars above.

Organizers chose the State after Rave Motion Pictures closed in November. Free theater admission and free parking in nearby city lots and ramps on Sunday, February 24. Come see dynamic, imaginative, and polished work by the next generation of filmmakers. You may meet the next Spike Lee, Sam Rami, or Sofia Coppola!

babymouse release partyJanuary 8, 4:30 pm, Central

Grab your snowboard and hit the slopes with Babymouse! Will the sassy mouse with the kinky whiskers make it down the bunny run? Will this winter be extreme—or just extremely lame? Find out in Extreme Babymouse, the 17th book in this popular, award-winning graphic novel series for early readers.

We’re celebrating Extreme Babymouse with a release party featuring a 4:45 pm Skype visit with author Jenni Holm, a three-time Newbery Honor winner. Enjoy pink cupcakes, of course, plus you may win one of several door prizes—a Cupcake Queen apron, Babymouse tote bag, Babymouse posters, and Babymouse window clings!

School Library Journal says “Babymouse is spunky, ambitious, and, at times, a total dweeb.” The series started with Babymouse, Queen of the World. Since then, the daydreaming Babymouse has been a superhero, beach babe, rock star,

skatergirl, run for student council president, and more!

Bookbug will sell selected Babymouse books at the event.

More free family fun, pages 6-7.

Art Hop—An Evening with EFAMarch 1, 6-8 pm, CEN

Reading Together's 2013 selection, "Amy Waldman's emotionally and politically rich novel, The Submission, raises wrenching post-9/11 questions about what it means to be an American." —USA Today

This "gorgeously written novel of ideas...is sure to generate a lot of discussion in book clubs across the land," according to NPR's Fresh Air.

See student artwork and performances inspired by The Submission, created by high school students in two KRESA Education for the Arts classes: Design for Digital Media, and Theatre Practice and Performance.

meet waldmanMarch 5, 7 pmKCHS Auditorium

www.readingtogether.us

musicAcoustic Slow JamJanuary 2, 7 pm, CENDoes your guitar, fiddle, or mandolin never leave home? Want to make music with others but think you can’t keep up? If you can play basic chords, then you can join GLAMA members for a slow jam.

The DanemansJanuary 16, 7 pm, CENEnjoy the musical marriage of trumpet player Benje Daneman and his wife, Ashley Gonzalez Daneman, “a fine young jazz vocalist,” according to USA Today. Their band features rich harmony, lyrical storytelling, and a willingness to take interpretive risks.

Keith Hall and Mike JellickFebruary 20, 7 pm, CENA joyful performer and passionate educator, drummer Keith Hall tours the globe playing concerts, festivals, TV and radio shows. He teaches privately in his studio and on WMU’s jazz faculty. Modern Drummer Magazine praises Hall for his “nimble, grooving, and melodic touch.” Detroit-based pianist Mike Jellick joins Hall.

books

eBooks at KPLJanuary 8, 6:30 pm, EASHear what’s new and what’s on the horizon for KPL’s digital collections—books that you download to a digital device, like a Kindle, iPad, or Nook. Get help and answers for your technical questions from KPL’s expert staff.

Classics RevisitedJanuary 17, 7 pm, CENFebruary 21, 7 pm, CENClassics lovers discuss George Orwell’s Selected Essays in January and Toni Morrison’s Beloved in February. classicbookgroup.blogspot.com

Urban FictionJanuary 29, 6 pm, POWThis popular street lit group will talk about Leo Sullivan’s Life, a tale of murder, sex, drugs, and the ultimate betrayal. Pick up a copy of the novel at Powell desk. Refreshments.

Town and GownJanuary 28, 7 pm, CENThe Friends of Poetry present local literati Joe Costello, Denise Miller, and Diane Seuss, with WMU writers Daneen Wardrop, Traci Brimhall, and Glen Shaheen.

events

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Meet Anna-Lisa CoxFebruary 19, 6:30 pm, POW

Despite our nation’s historyof violence, hate, and racialinjustice, there was a place innineteenth century Michiganwhere ordinary Americans,black and white, treated eachother as equals and as friends.

Author Anna-Lisa Cox shares her history of Covert, Michigan, A Stronger Kinship: One Town’s Extraordinary Story of Hope and Faith. She remembers an America that miraculously once was, and offers a vision for what our nation might be.

A compelling book for entirecommunities to read together.

COVERT

& moreAsk a LawyerJanuary 10, 6-8 pm, CENJanuary 11, February 8, 11:30 am-1 pm, CENFebruary 5, 6 pm, POWFree legal clinics with Bar Association lawyers. For a free 20-minute appointment, call 553-7920. Only one appointment available every four months.

Groundhog Day Movie MarathonFebruary 2, 12 pm, OSHEnjoy multiple showings of the 1993 comedy starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell!

African Soups and StewsFebruary 5, 6:30 pm, EASChef Zee of the People’s Food Co-op will create West African Groundnut Stew, Ethiopian Doro Wat—spicy chicken stew with hard-boiled eggs, Chapati—an unleavened flat bread originally from India, now a staple among the Swahili-speaking people of East Africa, and dessert.

Free Tax PrepFebruary 9, 10 am–2:30 pm, CENFebruary 23, 11 am-3 pm, OSHFree tax prep for people who made $50,000 or less in 2012, prepared by IRS-certified VITA tax volunteers. Appointment required. Call 211 to schedule or further information.

Keeping Bees in SW MichiganFebruary 12, 6:30 pm, OSHBeekeeping expert and author Larry Connor Ph.D. has written three books on beekeeping and regularly contributes articles to the American Bee Journal and Bee Culture Magazine. He’ll discuss beekeeping basics. www.wicwas.com

Covert at the SmithsonianFebruary 12, 6:30 pm, WSQLearn how and why the first black settlers of Covert, Michigan, will be featured in an opening exhibition at the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture when it opens in 2015.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Kalamazoo, Allegan, and Van Buren Counties, Michigan (Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1892)

QuiltingFebruary 26, 6:30 pm, POWExperienced quilter Bette Boulding enjoys designing her own patterns and creating beautiful yet functional quilts with bits and pieces of used fabric. Valerie Osborne will show slides of Vicki Fischer’s story quilts that were inspired by her experiences in Edo State Nigeria.

history & genealogy Intro to Genealogy

January 24, 1:30 pm, CENLearn how to start compiling your familytree through databases like Ancestry.com,Heritage Quest, FamilySearch, KPL’s index to local publications, plus important print sources, major collections, and more. Registration required; call 553-7808 or register online starting January 2.

Genealogy Lock-InFebruary 22, 6-10 pm, CENAfter-hours event for genealogists. Explore our newest resource, FamilySearch. Take advantage of free copying, printing, and parking in the library lot. Registration required; call 553-7808 or register online starting January 21.

Browse Onlinekpl.gov/local-history/blogLocal History staff recently launched a project to make collection curiosities available online. Their first offering? A Henderson-Ames Company catalog of Odd Fellows regalia and costumes!

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92%

3%2%

1% 1% 1%

60%

10%

8%

5%4% 4%

2% 2% 2% 2%1%

Property Taxes $11,016,155

Gifts and Other Revenue $300,235

Penal Fines $292,421

Library Fines & Fees $165,841

State Aid 78,069

Investment Return 70,537

Total Revenue $ 11,923,258

revenueSalaries & Benefits $6,780,831

Debt Service 1,162,101

Materials 977,010

Purchased Services 562,317

Technical Services 462,004

Facilities Maintenance 451,050

Capital Outlay 260,738

Misc. Operating Expenses 210,138

Taxpayer Refunds 208,304

Supplies 182,228

Programming 104,586

Total Expenditures $ 11,361,307

expenditures

annual report

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Population 123,979

New Registrations 9,435 (+28%)

Materials Circulated 1,612,133 (+21%)

Circulation Per Capita 13 (+21%)

Programs Offered 1,202 (+12%)

Program Attendance 46,308 (+35%)

Dear Friends,

As I consider the work of this past year, I’m very pleased to report that KPL staff members’ commitment to our 2010-2013 strategic plan objectives resulted in an award from Michigan colleagues as well as continued growth in priority services to you, our patrons and community.

Michigan State Librarian Nancy Robertson presented a Citation of Excellence to Kalamazoo Public Library for superior customer service at the Michigan Library Association conference in November. We were very honored to be so recognized.

Customer service at KPL has many dimensions…one-on-one staff-patron interactions; partnering with other local agencies, especially the Kalamazoo Public Schools; and the materials, programs, and services we offer to all ages. The state award affirmed that KPL provides superior service with a can-do attitude, in a cost effective manner, and by always delivering on promises.

In their letter of support for KPL’s award nomination, Kalamazoo Public Schools praised KPL, saying we “exemplify excellence in a

host of ways, not only by providing outstanding customer service but in making a lasting impact towards creating community literacy.” KPL and KPS continued our highly successful first grade visits and First Saturday events, with a host of community partners and kids checked out 19% more books this year.

We celebrated a number of important anniversaries this year, including a big birthday. Our 140th year saw even greater library use by the community, as you’ll see in the left column. I’ve included the percentage increase next to each “at a glance” item.

Meanwhile, our revenue dropped 9.3% from last year’s $12,852,451. We kept expenditures in line with revenues by continuing to increase backroom efficiencies, to more effectively target materials selection, to cut additional staff positions through attrition, and other economies, all without noticeable impact on customer service, thanks to our excellent staff.

Come visit soon!

2011-2012

at a glance

tween/teen Candy Craze

January 2, 2 pm, WSQEnjoy yummy candy then create projects like journals, magnets, bookmarks or buttons with the wrapper. We supply the materials, you supply the creativity. Gr. 5-12. Registration required; call 553-7807.

Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.)January 7, February 4, 3:30 pm, CENPlan programs and service projects, discuss books, movies, music, and web sites, eat snacks, play games, and have fun! Gr 7-12.

Create with Duct TapeJanuary 12, 2 pm, OSH Choose from a rainbow of colored and printed tapes that will make your creative energy soar! Samples, instructions, supplies provided. You supply the creativity! Gr 5-12.

J-Pop ClubJanuary 21, February 18, 3:30 pm, CENEnjoy Japanese Anime, manga, Pocky and food. Drop in any time! Gr 7-12.

Art AttackJanuary 24, 4 pm, EASDrop in downstairs at the library after school. Fun, food, games, crafts! Gr. 5-12.

Teen Open Mic January 28, February 25, 4:30 pm, POWCalling teen performers! Sing, read, act at the open mic, or just hang out. Enjoy snacks, network with other performers. Gr. 7-12.

Anti-Valentine’s PartyFebruary 12, 4:30 pm, EASDrop in and make your own cards. Decorate a tee shirt. Enjoy some not so festive Valentine’s treats and music. Gr. 5-12.

Cupcake FunFebruary 13, 3:30-6 pm, OSH & POWFebruary 14, 3:30-6 pm, WSQ & EASMake a Valentine’s card for a special someone! Celebrate Valentine’s Day by decorating a cupcake with frosting and candies. While supplies last.

Gamers’ ArenaFebruary 16, 2 pm, CEN From the newest favorites to old classics,it’s an afternoon of strategy, skill and fun.Choose from our board, card or video games, or bring your own! Gr 5-12.

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Teen Open Mic January 28 February 25 4:30 pm, POW

Japanese Language Club

Interested in learning Japanese? Come to this free weekly class and learn a new language in a relaxed environment. No experience necessary!

Cosponsored by WMU’s Soga Japan Center. Gr 7-adult.

Thursdays January 10-February 28 6-7:15 pm, CEN

Winter Warm UpJanuary & February, Monday-Thursday from 4-7 pm, CEN, TEEN AREARelax in the Teen Area this winter! We have plenty of space to do your homework, use the computers and hang out with friends. Take a break with drop in craft projects and games. Enjoy hot cider, hot chocolate, and snacks!

kidsThumbprint Art ClassJanuary 3, 10 am, CENEd Emberley believes that everyone can learn to draw. Parents who loved his books when young now share them with their own kids. Hear some of his stories and create thumbprint art pictures. Grades K-3.

Make a Calendar January 3, 3 pm, WSQMake a cool calendar for the New Year. Stickers and supplies provided. Grades 1-4.

Movie & PopcornJanuary 4, 2 pm, POW, The LoraxFebruary 22, 2 pm, WSQ, Cat in Paris February 22, 2 pm, POW, The Pirates! Band of Misfits

First SaturdayJanuary 5, February 2, 2-4 pm, CENTake your family to the library the first Saturday of every month! Enjoy stories, activities, guests, and door prizes! Hosted by KPL, Kalamazoo Public Schools. Monthly sponsors are Girls Scouts Heart of Michigan, with activities and crafts in January, and Kalamazoo Valley Museum with a Storytelling Festival in February.

MLK Day CelebrationJanuary 21, 5 pm, POWHonor civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Listen to a story and do some activities.

BookwormsJanuary 24, February 21, 4:30 pm, CENIn January, talk about The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman, make crafts, and enjoy other activities. Pick up a copy of the book at the Children’s Desk starting the first of the month. For kids in grades 1-3 with their adults. We’ll choose February’s book at the January meeting.

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half day hootenannyFamily FunJanuary 25, 2-5 pm, CENDrop in and play Legos, make crafts, and get some winter reading suggestions!

Winter CraftsJanuary 25, open hours, POW & EAS Drop in and make some fun winter crafts!

Movie & PopcornJanuary 25, 2 pm, POW, Ruby Bridges

January 25, 2 pm, OSH, Madagascar 3

Toddler TalkJanuary 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10 am, OSHFebruary 6, 13, 20, 27, 10 am, OSHToddlers play while adults share the joys and challenges of the parenting 1-3 year olds. Connie Koning, RN, facilitator.

Baby TalkJanuary 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 1:30 pm, OSHFebruary 6, 13, 20, 27, 1:30 pm, OSHTalk about care of babies up to one year with other parents. Connie Koning, RN, facilitator.

Winter CraftsJanuary 2-4, open hours, OSHDrop in and make some fun winter crafts!

LEGO at the LibraryJanuary 2, 2-3 pm, POWJanuary 3, 12-2 pm, EASJanuary 5, February 2, 10:30 am, OSHJanuary 15, 6:30 pm, WSQJanuary 19, February 16, 10:30 am, CENBuild, create, race, inspire, and imagine with other Lego fans. Bricks provided, from Duplo to expert builder. All ages welcome.

Read with BaileyJanuary 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 4-5:30 pm, EASEnjoy a “pawsitive” reading experience. Read to Bailey the loveable Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle mix). Registration required, call 553-7811.

Fit FamiliesJanuary 3, 2 pm, EASFamilies that are fit together, stay healthy together. Carol Raseman will show you how to make family exercise fun and rewarding.

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Little ScientistsFebruary 11, 10 am, CENEarly literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) for preschoolers. Read familiar stories and practice retelling. Explore scientific vocabulary with crafts and activities. Ages 3-6.

Africa! Animals!February 18, 6 pm, OSHDon’t be a stodgy old “faru.” Leap like a “chui” for stories, activities, and crafts. Faru means rhino and chui means leopard in Swahili. Grades 1-4.

Kalamazoo Lion Dance TroupeFebruary 23 2 pm, CENCelebrate the Year of the Snake! See a 30-foot dragon weave a sinuous Dragon Dance. Hear “Lina the Shepherdess,” a folktale about a talented girl who defeats an evil landlord. In the final act, five colorful lions display their skills in an amazing Lion Dance. Fun for the whole family.

The Musical Adventures of Flat StanleyFebruary 23, 10:30 am, CENMarch 2, 10:30 am, CENMarch 9, 1 pm, Parish TheaterBudding actors! Learn about acting, expressive movement in storytelling, and how to create a character. Based on the adventures of Stanley Lambchop, who’s just a normal boy until a bulletin board falls on him during the night and flattens him to half an inch thick! Ages 5-7. Plan to attend all three sessions to participate. Series cosponsored by the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre.

storytimesAdult caregiver must accompany babies and toddlers. Siblings may attend as guests.

Preschool StorytimeMondays, 5 pm, CENJanuary 7, 14, 21, 28Febrary 4, 11, 18, 25Stories, crafts, fingerplays, and other fun activities. Ages 3½-5.

Baby LapsitTuesdays, 9:30 am, CENJanuary 8, 15, 22, 29February 5, 12, 19, 2615-30 minutes of rhymes, songs, and books plus time to talk with other caregivers. Birth-walking.

Baby StepsTuesdays, 10:30 am, CENJanuary 8, 15, 22, 29February 5, 12, 19, 26Little ones enjoy jumping, dancing, clapping to 15-30 minutes of rhymes, songs, and books. Walking-2 years.

Family StorytimeStories and activities designed for birth-5.

Wednesdays, 10:30 am, POW January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 20, 27

Thursdays, 10:30 am, EAS January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28

Thursdays, 10:30 am, OSH January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28

Fridays, 10:30 am, CEN January 4, 11, 18, 25 February 1, 8, 15, 22

From the HeartFebruary 4-9, Open Hours All LocationsDrop in during open hours at all branches. Spread a little joy. Help us make Valentines for residents of local nursing homes.

Valentine’s Day Cupcake Fun!February 13, 3:30-6 pm, OSH & POW

February 14, 3:30-6 pm, WSQ & EAS

Make a Valentine’s card for a special someone! Celebrate Valentine’s Day by decorating a cupcake with frosting and candies. While supplies last.

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

As I look ahead to next year, I’m excited by several new KPL initiatives, especially a new grant award designating KPL as a Family Place Library.

Family Place grants help public libraries expand traditional children’s services. Family Place

builds on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parental involvement and supportive communities play a critical role in young children's growth and development.

Several Youth Services staff members and I will attend the Family Place Training Institute this spring, the first step in creating a Family Place at KPL. We’re also working to expand and refresh family program and play areas.

Early in 2013, we’ll add Freegal Music to our services. With a KPL card, you’ll get access to millions of songs from 10,000+ labels, including all Sony Music labels. From the easy-to-use website, you can download Mp3 files that can be played on ANY device (including iPods). Watch for an announcement at kpl.gov.

Our current strategic plan runs through June 2013. We’ll send a survey to a scientifically-selected sample of citizens; we’ll also link to the survey from our website. We’re very interested in your input as we plan for the next three years. If you receive a survey in the mail, please take a few minutes to fill it out. We’ll be grateful for your help!

We’re also looking forward to two of our biggest annual events, coming up this spring—Reading Together and the 10th Annual

Teen Filmmaker Festival. Your support, and funds from our wonderful Friends of the Library, help make these exciting, creative programs possible. Thank you!

director's note

Central Library – CEN 315 S Rose St, 49007 553-7800

Friends of the Library Bookstore 315 S Rose St, 49007 553-7820

Eastwood – EAS 1112 Gayle Ave, 49048 553-7810

Oshtemo – OSH 7265 W Main St, 49009 553-7980

Alma Powell – POW 1000 W Paterson St, 49007 553-7960

Washington Square – WSQ 1244 Portage St, 49001 553-7970

Library BoardLisa A. Godfrey President

Valerie Wright Vice President

James VanderRoest Treasurer

Robert Paul Brown Secretary

Fenner Brown II Bruce Caple Cheryl TenBrink Trustees

CreditsKalamazoo Public Library’s Marketing and Communications Office publishes Link with support from the Friends of the Library. Contact us with your comments or suggestions, 553-7879 or email mac@kpl.gov.

kpl.gov

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