Washington Square Branch Library, Kalamazoo Public Library

History

Library services to Kalamazoo's south side opened in 1910 in the basement of the old Portage Street School and later moved to a store front on Portage St. The present British Arts & Crafts-style building was dedicated in 1927. Restoration of this neighborhood treasure in 1996-97 included updated electrical and HVAC, a new lift to help patrons reach the community meeting room, and new ADA-compliant restrooms. The library site was recontoured to facilitate better drainage and the 42-car parking lot was finally repaved--possibly the most popular improvement!