Library Services
The Kansas City Public Library is joining local efforts to facilitate a new federal program offering assistance to Kansas City-area residents and families struggling to pay for internet service and devices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It would be kind of retro-cool to bill the Library’s new outreach vehicle as its first bookmobile in more than half a century. Except it’s more than a bookmobile. The customized, brightly emblazoned cargo van hit the streets Thursday, September 17, 2020, ferrying bags of books, audiobooks, and DVDs to residents of area senior living centers as part of the Library’s Lobby Stops program. It will be a frequent presence at other outreach events and activities, transporting displays, supplies, and other materials and serving as a pop-up gathering place. Equipped with Wi-Fi, it’ll also eventually provide patrons who need it with essential internet access.
The Kansas City Public Library has taken another step toward normal operations, reopening many of the study and meeting rooms across its system. Beginning Monday, November 15, 2021, patrons can reserve spaces for individual and group study, for small conferences or committee gatherings, for business meetings, community speaking events, and similar activities.
Thousands of writers across the nation, professionals and hobbyists alike, participate each year in NaNoWriMo. You may have seen the phrase pop up on your social media timelines, usually accompanied by a frenzied fear of meeting deadlines and word counts.
Have questions about how the Missouri Secretary if State's proposed rule might impact how you or other community members use the library? We've collected some questions and answers to provide some insights and explanations.
We’re observing National Library Week, which runs April 3-9, 2022. This year’s theme, Connect With Your Library, underscores the role of libraries – here in Kansas City and nationwide – in connecting individuals, families, and entire communities to an array of crucial resources, from internet access and digital devices to programs, classes, and of course books.
In today’s interconnected world, access to information and resources opens doors to opportunity. And there are few keys more powerful than a library card. Fortunately, getting a Kansas City Public Library card – or managing your current account – has never been easier, thanks to our new online library card portal. Get details on how it works.
The Kansas City Public Library is piloting a new service at our Plaza location that allows families to safely browse through its collection and access computers in the Kid Corner. Learn more about how it works and how to make an appointment.
Introducing a new way to explore all your Library has to offer: Wayfarer is a digital tool that helps you discover paths that lead you towards your personal and professional goals. Give it a try today!
A highlight of the Kansas City Public Library’s year was the February completion of the North-East branch following its 18-month renovation. “One of the things we love about this space is that the North-East Branch isn’t just a part of the community, it’s embedded in the community,” said Library Director John Herron. Find out more about the changes made with community input.
The Kansas City Public Library joins the nation in observing Older Americans Month in May. This year’s focus – with the theme Age My Way – is on aging in place, on helping older adults stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible.
Nothing comes between readers and their books. Not even a pandemic. “One of the first things the Library did after closing our physical locations in response to COVID-19 was start looking for ways to maintain our connection with readers,” says Kaite Stover, director of readers’ services at the Kansas City Public Library. Read more about the Library's online book group offerings.
Missouri’s secretary of state wants to enact a new policy that libraries believe endangers your freedom to read and threatens to reduce community access to public library books and other resources. A public comment period runs through Thursday, December 15, 2022, giving you a chance to speak up for your right to read and speak out against censorship. Learn more and take action today.
Library Journal confirms what we (and we trust you) have long known: Librarians rock, particularly when faced with the unprecedented challenges of a pandemic.
If a parent is jealous of children’s programming, a library knows it has hit on a good idea. The Kansas City Public Library’s Read Outside the Box program is definitely an idea that parents wish they had for themselves.
Consumers already expect delays this year when ordering holiday gifts, books or otherwise; the Library may also be impacted by the same supply chain challenges. If you can't get that hot new title as quickly as you'd hoped, we're here to offer alternatives and other options to feed your reading habit.
To mark Library Card Sign-up Month in September, we asked Kansas City Public Library staffers to share the favorite ways they use their cards.
The Kansas City Public Library has long offered quiet spaces for study, reflection, and reading, but now three Library study rooms are specially equipped with phones and video-capable computers. These spaces are called Community Connections Rooms (CCR) and are at the North-East, Southeast, and Bluford branches. Read more about how patrons have enjoyed this service.
Services at the Library's Trails West location will be limited or unavailable from May 17-June 14, 2021, while upgrades and repairs are made. Learn about the improvements and the service schedule.
Does your online streaming experience feature more mattress ads than actual music? Tired of shelling out for a Spotify subscription or feeling boxed in by Pandora? If Apple Music or other paid services are taking a bite out of your budget, we have some news that will be music to your ears (and your wallet). Your library card lets you stream, borrow (and sometimes even keep) songs and albums - for free.