Portage District Library

What Portage District Library does

Portage District Library is a Michigan public library district established under the state's District Library Law (1989 PA 24) and headquartered at 300 Library Lane in Portage, Michigan. The institution serves residents of the City of Portage and the Portage Public School District — a tax base that funds its operations through a voter-approved millage — and is governed by an elected seven-member Library Board. Day-to-day operations are led by Library Director Christy Klien (in role since 2013) with a team of nearly fifty full and part-time employees plus community volunteers.

The library operates a multi-channel service platform spanning physical collections, digital lending, fabrication facilities, and community programming. Physical offerings include a general book/media collection, the Library of Things (telescopes, mobile hotspots, specialty items), a Seed Library, and study and community meeting rooms. Digital services are delivered through the SirsiDynix catalog, the proprietary PDL Mobile app, and integrations with Libby/OverDrive (eBooks/eAudiobooks/eMagazines), Hoopla (streaming media), Kanopy (independent film), Freegal (music), Wall Street Journal and New York Times, LinkedIn Learning, and Mango Languages. The Creation Station Makerspace provides professional-grade fabrication equipment including Bambu Lab 3D printers, xTool laser engravers, HP DesignJet large-format printing, full Adobe Creative Cloud, sewing/embroidery machines, and digitization services for photos, slides, vinyl, and 8mm film. Community programming includes Summer Reading (3,000+ annual participants), 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, the Library PASS school partnership (Portage Public Schools students access the library via Student ID), Home-Based Services for homebound patrons, reciprocal borrowing with 10 Kalamazoo County libraries, MeLCat statewide interlibrary loan, and the ChargePoint EV charging station.

Revenue is structurally diversified across four streams: millage tax revenue (the primary funding source), non-resident membership fees ($232 individual/family, $116 senior), transactional fees for printing, copying, room rental, and Makerspace services, and donations/endowment support channeled through the Friends of the Portage District Library, a 60+ year-old independent 501(c)(3) organization. The institution also generates small ancillary revenue from EV charging ($2.00/hour) and grant-funded programming. Pricing is fine-free for patron overdue items, with replacement-cost billing for materials 28+ days overdue, a policy implemented October 1, 2022 to reduce access barriers.

Name

Portage District Library

Legal name

Portage District Library

Website

https://portagelibrary.info

Company type

Private

Founded year

1960

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Portage District Library is a Michigan public library district serving City of Portage and Portage Public School District residents via millage tax funding. It operates a SirsiDynix catalog, PDL Mobile app, Libby/Hoopla/Kanopy/Freegal digital lending, a Creation Station Makerspace with 3D printing and laser engraving, and school, reciprocal, and home-based service programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Library Collections & Cataloging Services (Acquisitions, Metadata, Circulation) (EDAEAGAE), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Digital library platforms
• Community makerspace
• Interlibrary loan services
• Youth literacy programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Portage

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Tax Millage Revenue: Supported by a millage paid by taxpayers in the City of Portage and Portage Public School District. This is the primary funding source for operations.
2. Non-resident Membership Fees: Annual membership fees for non-residents: $232 for individual/family, $116 for seniors 62+. These fees supplement the tax-funded operations.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Annual campaigns, memorial donations, planned gifts, and support from Friends of the Portage District Library. Also includes Grandmother and CIG Endowment Fund for Youth Services.
4. Fees and Service Charges: Fees for printing ($0.05 B&W, $0.25 color), lost/damaged materials processing ($5 plus replacement cost), room rentals, and Makerspace services including 3D printing ($0.06/gram). Fine-free policy means no overdue fines.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Portage District Library is a public library providing free access to physical and digital collections (books, movies, music, eBooks, streaming media, research databases), community programs, a Creation Station/Makerspace with 3D printing, laser engraving, large format printing, sewing/embroidery, and digitization services, plus meeting rooms, home-based delivery, EV charging, and school-district-integrated student access via Library PASS.

Product overview

Portage District Library operates as a comprehensive public library system serving the City of Portage and Portage Public School District in Michigan. Its offering is organized around several integrated pillars: a physical collection of books, media, and Special Collections (Library of Things, Seed Library, Mobile Hotspots) available via a SirsiDynix-powered Catalog and interlibrary loan through MeLCat; a Digital Library offering eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, streaming movies and music, and digital learning resources through integrated platforms including Libby by OverDrive, Hoopla, Freegal, and Kanopy; physical facilities including a Creation Station/Makerspace with 3D printing, laser engraving, large format printing, sewing, embroidery, digitization, and creative/STEM kits; patron services such as curbside pickup, study/meeting rooms, home-based delivery, and one-on-one tech tutorials; and community programs including Summer Reading (via Beanstack), 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, the Library PASS student card program, Michigan Activity Pass, and the Friends of PDL fundraising organization. The PDL Mobile app serves as the central hub for account management, digital card storage, and service access.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PDL Mobile: The library's official mobile application for managing accounts, browsing materials, placing holds, and accessing digital services.
• Library of Things
• Summer Reading Program
• Library PASS
• 1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Products and services

• PDL Mobile App PDL Mobile is the library's primary mobile application, enabling patrons to manage their library account, store a digital library card, browse materials and place holds, scan ISBNs to search books, book study rooms, find and register for events, and access services quickly from a mobile device.
• Online Library Catalog Online catalog for searching the library's books, music, and movies, supporting holds, account management, and interlibrary loan requests.
• Library of Things Collection of non-traditional items available for loan including telescopes, adapters, chargers, laptops, and other specialty items for community use.
• Seed Library Collection of seeds available for patrons to borrow, plant, and return seeds to support community gardening and education.
• Mobile Hotspot Lending Portable WiFi hotspot devices available for checkout to patrons (18+) for internet access outside the library.
• EV Charging Service ChargePoint commercial EV charging station on the south end of the parking lot, supporting any EV with Level 2 SAE J1772 connector at $2.00/hour.
• Copy, Print, Scan, and Fax Services Public copy, print, scan, and fax services including mobile printing via email and app, large format printing, and free faxing through the ScanEZ machine.
• Curbside Pickup Drive-thru curbside pickup service for holds, available during all regular open hours with email or phone coordination.
• Home-Based Services (Books by Mail) Free delivery and pick-up support for eligible patrons with health challenges, including Books by Mail with prepaid return shipping, designated pick-up, and digital services assistance.
• Community Meeting Room Rental Four rentable community meeting rooms (Austin Lake, Sugarloaf Lake, West Lake, Long Lake) with tiered pricing for residents and non-residents, booked through the Meeting Room Coordinator.
• Creation Station (Makerspace) Facility Comprehensive makerspace facility offering 3D printing, laser engraving, sublimation printing, large format printing, sewing, embroidery, digitization services, and creative/STEM kits for patron use.
• 3D Printing Service 3D printing service using two Bambu Lab printers (H2D and X1C) with PLA filament; staff-assisted service with submissions reviewed and approved, priced at $0.06/gram with a $1.00 minimum.
• Laser Engraving Service Laser cutter and engraver services using xTool P2S and xTool F1Ultra 3D laser engraver available in the Creation Station makerspace.
• Large Format Printing Service HP DesignJet T650 large format printer service for posters and sewing patterns with staff supervision required, priced per linear foot for matte, coated bond, and photo glossy paper.
• Digitization Services Physical media digitization including photo/document scanning via Epson Fast Foto and V800 slide scanners, vinyl record conversion via Fluance turntable, 8mm/Super 8 film conversion via Wolverine Movie Maker Pro, and DVD duplication.
• Creative and STEM Kits Free-to-use kits in the Makerspace covering creative activities (Zentangle, jewelry making, knitting, quilting) and STEM/robotics (Edison robots, Cubetto, Ozobots, Snap Circuits, Sphero Indi, Magna-Tiles, KEVA planks).
• One-on-One Computer and Tech Tutorials Personalized computer and digital literacy tutorials with library staff covering internet use, email, Microsoft Office, Excel, and accessing digital library services including Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, and Freegal.
• Non-Resident Library Membership Annual membership access to library materials and services for non-residents, priced at $232/year for individuals/families and $116/year for seniors 62 and older.

Quantifiable outcome

• Fine-free policy implemented October 1, 2022, eliminating barriers to access for patrons unable to pay overdue fines
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration23 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Portage Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLibrary PASS partnership automatically provides all Portage Public School students with library card access using their Student ID numbers. Students can check out physical materials and access digital resources including OverDrive/Libby, Hoopla, databases, and MeL statewide resources. Partnership removes barriers to library access for students and supports educational outcomes.
• Kalamazoo Public LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReciprocal borrowing agreement providing free limited membership access to Portage District Library for Kalamazoo Public Library residents, and vice versa. Expands service area and resource access across the county.
• Battle Creek/Willard Public LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReciprocal borrowing agreement providing free limited membership access to Portage District Library for Willard Public Library residents.
• Paw Paw District LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReciprocal borrowing agreement providing free limited membership access to Portage District Library for Paw Paw District Library residents.
• Vicksburg District LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReciprocal borrowing agreement providing free limited membership access to Portage District Library for Vicksburg District Library residents.
• Plainwell/Ransom District LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReciprocal borrowing agreement providing free limited membership access to Portage District Library for Plainwell/Ransom District Library residents.
• Parchment Community LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReciprocal borrowing agreement providing free limited membership access to Portage District Library for Parchment Community Library residents.
• Comstock Township LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReciprocal borrowing agreement providing free limited membership access to Portage District Library for Comstock Township Library residents.
• Schoolcraft Community LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReciprocal borrowing agreement providing free limited membership access to Portage District Library for Schoolcraft Community Library residents.
• Richland Community LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReciprocal borrowing agreement providing free limited membership access to Portage District Library for Richland Community Library residents.
• Galesburg Charleston Memorial District LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReciprocal borrowing agreement providing free limited membership access to Portage District Library for Galesburg Charleston Memorial District Library residents.
• Michigan Electronic Library (MeLCat)coreTechnology or IntegrationPDL is a member of the Michigan eLibrary Catalog, providing patrons access to materials from libraries throughout Michigan state through interlibrary loan.
• Friends of the Portage District LibrarycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNon-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has supported the library for over 60 years. Raises funds through membership fees and book sales, provides grants for programs including Summer Reading, and supports non-budgetary library projects.
• Michigan Activity PassminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership enabling library cardholders to access free or discounted passes to 450+ Michigan destinations including state parks, museums, and attractions.
• Accessible WebminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDigital accessibility consulting partner working with PDL to remove barriers and achieve conformance with WCAG 2.2 AA guidelines for ADA Title II compliance.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Plainwell / Ransom District Library: Direct peer Michigan district library participating in reciprocal borrowing with PDL. Comparable scale and service model.
• Parchment Community Library: Direct peer Michigan community library in PDL's reciprocal borrowing network. Similar tax-funded suburban model.
• Schoolcraft Community Library: Direct peer Michigan community library in PDL's reciprocal borrowing network. Similar small-scale public library operations.
• Richland Community Library: Direct peer Michigan community library in PDL's reciprocal borrowing network. Comparable size and service orientation.
• Comstock Township Library: Direct peer Michigan township library in PDL's reciprocal borrowing network. Operates under comparable public library governance model.
• Paw Paw District Library: Direct peer Michigan district library in PDL's reciprocal borrowing network. Operates under similar Michigan District Library Law with millage funding.
• Galesburg-Charleston Memorial District Library: Direct peer Michigan district library in PDL's reciprocal borrowing network. Similar district library governance and funding structure.
• Kalamazoo Public Library: Direct peer Michigan public library system in adjacent Kalamazoo with reciprocal borrowing partnership. Comparable in operating model, millage funding structure, and community programming approach.
• Battle Creek / Willard Public Library: Direct peer Michigan public library participating in PDL's reciprocal borrowing network. Comparable tax-funded suburban library with similar service mix and community programming.
• Vicksburg District Library: Direct peer Michigan district library in PDL's reciprocal network. Similar size, funding model, and community service orientation.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/pdlibrary

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Portage District Library