Richland Community Library
🏢 Richland Community Library · Richland, Michigan
Richland Community Library
Richland Community Library was born in 1974 when eighteen volunteers answered a newspaper advertisement and opened a library in four months with 42 member families and 3,641 books. Today it serves Richland Township in Kalamazoo County from a 1910 building — originally constructed as a library, later converted, then purchased back and doubled in size in 2003 — and celebrated its 50th anniversary in fall 2025 with the State Librarian's Citation of Excellence already in hand.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–6pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 10am–7pm |
| Friday | 10am–5pm |
| Saturday | 10am–3pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 8951 Park Street, Richland, MI 49083
Phone: (269) 629-9085
Website: richlandlibrary.org
Plus Code: 86JP9GGV+VM (Richland, MI)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Richland Community Library
Richland Community Library began in January 1974 when eighteen community members responded to a newspaper advertisement seeking people interested in starting a local library. Early supporters including Joan Split, Dick Griffith, Carol Wetzel and Jane Mansager rallied local businesses for donations, and within four months the library opened in the Community Hall's lower level with 42 member families and 3,641 books. A September 1975 millage passed 259–115, generating about $7,500 plus state aid and establishing a first annual budget of roughly $12,000. That same year the library joined the Kalamazoo County library system, becoming a 'legally established and system-affiliated library.' In 1977 the board purchased the Church House at 8951 Park Street — a structure originally built as a library in 1910, converted over the decades, and now repurposed again. A 2003 renovation doubled the building's footprint through community fundraising. The library holds 30,526 volumes, circulates 90,904 items per year and serves a population of roughly 7,580 residents. In October 2024 it received the State Librarian's Citation of Excellence, and it celebrated its 50th anniversary in fall 2025.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded 1974 by 18 volunteers in four months — opened with 42 families and 3,641 books; celebrated its 50th anniversary in fall 2025
- Building at 8951 Park Street was originally constructed as a library in 1910, purchased back in 1977 and doubled in size in 2003
- Received the State Librarian's Citation of Excellence in October 2024
- Holds 30,526 volumes and circulates 90,904 items per year, serving approximately 7,580 Kalamazoo County residents
- Extended evening hours Thursday to 7pm; open Saturdays 10am–3pm for weekend visits
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Richland Community Library cardholders access Michigan's statewide digital collection free of charge:
📚 Services
- Public computers and free Wi-Fi
- Printing and photocopying
- Reference and readers' advisory assistance
- Interlibrary loan through MeLCat statewide network
- Youth, teen and adult collections
- Art exhibit space
🎸 Programs
- Storytime for young children
- LEGO Masters and youth STEM activities
- Summer reading program for all ages
- Youth and teen book clubs
- Teen gaming and Dungeons & Dragons
- Adult book club and cookbook club
- Creative classes and team trivia nights
- Writers' Circle
📍 Nearby Libraries in Kalamazoo & Barry Counties
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Richland Community Library get started?
The library began in January 1974 when eighteen community members answered a newspaper advertisement asking who wanted to start a local library. Within four months, thanks to business donations and volunteer effort, the library opened in the lower level of the Community Hall with 42 member families and 3,641 books. A millage passed in September 1975 established its first real budget. It celebrated 50 years of service in fall 2025.
Why is the library in a building that was 'originally built as a library'?
The building at 8951 Park Street was first constructed in 1910 specifically as a library. Over the decades it was converted to other uses, becoming known as the Church House. In 1977 the library board recognized its historic significance and cost efficiency and purchased it, converting it back to its original purpose. A 2003 renovation doubled the floor space through community fundraising.
What award did the Richland Community Library receive in 2024?
In October 2024 the library received the State Librarian's Citation of Excellence — a recognition from the State Librarian of Michigan honoring outstanding public library service to the community.
What teens and youth programs does the library offer?
The library runs a range of youth and teen programs including LEGO Masters builds, a teen gaming group, Dungeons & Dragons sessions, a teen book club and a summer reading program. Younger children enjoy storytimes, and there are also adult programs such as a cookbook club, a writers' circle and team trivia nights.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.