Kalamazoo Public Library Announces Temporary Alma Powell Branch

Not even a full year ago, the news came through that the Alma Powell Branch inside of the Douglass Community Association would be closing due to some differences between their motto and new advancements at Douglass Community Association. The closing of the branch got under the skin of the many people within the community as that was somewhere accessible for them to find books, knowledge, internet access, news, and more.

The Kalamazoo Public Library wasn't happy to close the Alma Powell Library Branch, but they had no choice as the new policy for the Douglass Community Association would violate the Kalamazoo Public Library's privacy policy and their open to everyone views. Since they left the Douglass Community Association the neighborhood has been wondering what will be done in the meantime, they now have their answer. The Kalamazoo Public Library has announced plans to create a temporary Alma Powell Library Branch.

The Kalamazoo Public Library will be working with the Northside Association for Community Development- NACD to begin renovations at 308 W. North Street as the partnership will bring the library back to life for the time being. As they prepare to bring the library back to the community, they want to hear from those who will be using the library the most. 

The public is invited to informational meetings about the new Alma Powell Branch at the following dates and times:

• Thursday, July 11 | 11:30 am | NACD: 612 N Park St.
• Thursday, July 11 | 5:30 pm | NACD: 612 N Park St.

In addition to the public sharing their opinions, both Michael Cockrell, interim director of the Kalamazoo Public Library, and Elizabeth Washington, executive director of the NACD will share words about the vision for the library.