Kalamazoo Public Library

The Kalamazoo Public Library just turned 150 years old. To commemorate that anniversary, they're offering a series of events open to the public.

The history of streetcar service in Kalamazoo began in 1885, first with horse drawn streetcars and then the city electrified the service in 1893 until 1932.

As medical experts in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek warn, extreme heat is dangerous and can kill you. Drink lots of water, and keep hydrated. If you can, get to a cooling station, like a Kalamazoo Public Library branch.

So much here to digest. In the black and white photo from 1939, the building looks like something from an Ivy League campus in the East. Is the Harvard, Yale or Kalamazoo?

The Kalamazoo Public Library is hoping to build a "Library of Things" that patrons could check out free of charge. Tools, cooking appliances, etc. Know of something that should be added? They're currently conducting a survey.

Some of the services and goods that have not been available are coming back, including magazines and newspapers, technology including iPads and Chromebooks, video games in the "Teen" area at Central Library, and study rooms will be available.

According to writer Michael McClendon, they are looking for "all types of humans; the more diverse the better."