Kalamazoo’s Northside neighborhood has seen the return of the Alma Powell Branch Library, now operating from a temporary location at 308 W. North Street following its closure nearly a year ago. The Kalamazoo Public Library hosted a pre-opening celebration last Saturday, with the library officially reopening to the public today, according to FOX 17. Michael Cockrell, Director of the Kalamazoo Public Library, spoke about the ongoing efforts to shape the future of the Alma Powell Branch Library.
After the previous location inside the Douglas Community Association implemented new electronic entry systems that conflicted with state privacy laws, the library began searching for a new temporary space. "The opening of this temporary location is just the beginning of the exciting journey ahead as we work together to create the future of the Alma Powell Branch Library on the Northside," Cockrell told FOX 17. The library has a contract to secure a permanent home within the next three to four years.
Central to the reopening is the community's excitement, as reflected in the Interim Director's remarks during the open house celebration. "We are thrilled to bring back library services and look forward to serving you in this new space," Michael Cockrell announced at the event hosted by the Northside Association for Community Development, as NowKalamazoo reported. The facility boasts three dedicated spaces for young readers, teens, and adults, including five computers with accessibility prioritized for patrons with disabilities.
The library’s offerings reflect the community’s history and spirit. Deza's Corner, a space designated for teens, honors the memory of Deztanee Cobb, a longtime patron who passed away in 2017. “She was one of our amazing youth that always came down to the Alma Powell library branch,” Jermaine Jackson, a former librarian, reminisced in a statement obtained by NowKalamazoo. The branch also provides a sanctuary for children and adults alike, inspiring a new generation in the same way Alma Powell herself did as a librarian, educator, and storyteller.
The opening last Saturday marked a significant moment for both the library staff and the community, emphasizing the role of physical library spaces. "We're very very excited. It means a lot to be able to provide physical services again. To not have a physical space where people can come in and check out books, as well as use computers...those things are vital for our patrons in the Northside," Farrell Howe, head of marketing for Kalamazoo Public Library, expressed in an interview with WWMT. The celebration featured food from local caterers, crafts, entertainment, and the promise of a permanent location to serve the Northside for years to come.
