The Library Ladies of Kalamazoo: Their Home and History

OUR STORY – THE BEGINNINGS The Ladies’ Library Association building on South Park Street has been a noted feature of downtown Kalamazoo since its construction in 1878-79. It is known as the first building in the nation to be financed and built by and for a women’s organization. Almost a century later it was the first structure in the city to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building reflects the influence of European architecture. Today its fine architecture and carefully preserved furnishings offer the community a window into the past. Careful renovations have preserved the historic character of the site, which is now barrier-free. The original group of women first met as a reading / sewing circle in 1844, only 13 years after the founding of the village of Bronson (later renamed Kalamazoo). These women, mostly from New England and upstate New York, envisioned a community that valued education and culture. By 1852, their numbers had grown and they were formally organized as the Ladies’ Library Association (LLA). Noted founding member Lucinda Hinsdale Stone furthered the ideal of creating “a college for women.” The LLA sponsored lectures and formed the first circulating library in the region. It was to remain active for over 20 years, until the founding of the public library. The club expanded its services to help Kalamazoo’s growing population with dental clinics and classes on health and hygiene. The LLA has the distinction of being the first women’s club established in Michigan and the third oldest in the United States. It continues to flourish as a nonprofit charitable organization with a steady membership of about 180 women. Membership activities center on support of literacy and women’s education, as well as preserving and sharing the LLA’s historic home, as a public trust. While the LLA, including its circulating library, was an active force in the Village, it lacked a permanent site. At various times it was housed in a private home, a fire station, and Corporation Hall (the forerunner of City Hall), among other places. After the Civil War, serious consideration was given to securing property and constructing a building to serve as a library and museum, as well as an auditorium for community use. Treasurer and charter member Ruth Webster donated land for the building on South Park Street, at the time valued at $1,375. From careful management of funds obtained from overdue book fines and loans at interest to local businesses, $3,000 was raised. This permitted the group to begin design and construction. Work on the building began in 1878 and was completed in 1879. The group sought to create a building worthy of their goal of “promoting moral and educational improvement in the town of Kalamazoo.” Chicago architect H. L. Gay created an elaborate design in the fashionable Venetian Gothic style appropriate for fine public buildings. Local builder Frederick Bush was hired to erect the building for $8,000. Once the shell was completed, the club raised another $2,000 to pay for a tiled vestibule, stained-glass work, a stage, and scenery. Furnishings were provided through the generosity of LLA members and friends. The total cost of the building and furnishings was $14,000. Since 1852, the LLA has carried out its commitment to serving the Kalamazoo community, especially its women and children.