Kansas City Public Library Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Last updated: March 12, 2020

The Kansas City Public Library is paying close attention to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in our country and to recommendations from local, state, and national health officials for safeguarding against it.

March 12, 2020: Kansas City Public Library Suspending Activities, Events

All Library locations still open

All 10 Library locations continue to operate on normal schedules, providing access to computers (except at the relocated North-East Branch) and other Library materials. Kids Cafés also remain open at the Waldo, Southeast, Trails West, and L.H. Bluford branches.

Suspension of activities, events, and services

The Library’s broad menu of services and activities is an important community resource. However, our overriding concern is for the health and safety of our patrons and staff. We are adhering to recommendations to maintain social distancing during this challenging time. Know that this is not an easy decision; we will continue to monitor services and program availability.

As a precaution, the Library is suspending all group activities and events starting Friday, March 13, through at least March 31. That includes children’s story times, book club gatherings, and our evening speaking and other signature events.

Outreach Services has suspended all Books to Go, Lobby Stop, and Home Bound Book delivery until further notice.

Library event spaces and meeting rooms are not available for booking by the public through at least March 31.

The North-East Branch's temporary space will not have public computers available due to the inability to provide the minimum level of social distancing.

Library locations are not currently accepting book donations from the public.

Passport services have been discontinued until further notice.

What the Library is doing

The Library continues to follow best practices in its cleaning, disinfecting, and housekeeping regimen at all locations.
Ample supplies of hand gel sanitizer are available for patrons and staff.
Toys and other difficult-to-clean items have been removed temporarily from children’s areas.
We urge all – patrons and staff – to be vigilant about frequent hand washing and instructing those who feel ill to stay home and consult their healthcare providers.

Ways to keep yourself and your community healthy:

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Throw used tissues in the trash right away.
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-90% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control

Using your Library remotely

One thing that we can promise will remain unaffected is the Library’s multitude of digital resources. We encourage you to visit our Digital Branch to access and take advantage of them – from ebooks and digital audiobooks to online learning and career-development sites; access to newspapers and magazines through PressReader and other subscription services; and TV, movie, and music streaming services.

Explore our Digital Branch
Don’t have a Kansas City Public Library card? Get immediate access to our online services by signing up for an eCard.
(Note: if you already have a KCPL card, you do not need an eCard)

Keeping You Updated

The Library will continue to follow the actions and recommendations of health officials through this COVID-19 outbreak, including any measures arising from the City of Kansas City’s emergency declaration. We know it is a challenging time, and we’ll work hard to continue to communicate further changes in our services.

You also can monitor the Library’s website and/or follow the Library on social media.
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