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Community in Color: Library’s Digital Exhibit Spotlights Historic Northeast Murals

Last modified:

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Colorful murals and other public art have become a distinguishing feature of the richly diverse Northeast area of Kansas City. Some 40-45 paintings now adorn businesses, schools and abandoned buildings that once were eyesores. They pop out in local parks. Along city streets. In tucked-away alleys. More than 30 of those images are spotlighted in an exhibit, Community in Color: Murals of the Historic Northeast, at the Kansas City Public Library’s North-East Branch. The collection features high-definition, digitally displayed photographs of the murals and other al fresco artwork shot by Kansas City photographer David Remley.

How did Kansas City become Barbecue City, USA? KCQ cooks up a delicious tale

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Thursday, July 22, 2021

When you think of Kansas City, you think of a – perhaps the – barbecue capital of the world. No matter the event, there’s a strong likelihood it will be marked by a backyard barbecue. For this installment of What’s Your KCQ?, a partnership between The Kansas City Star and the Kansas City Public Library, we respond to reader Marcia Hall’s question: Why is Kansas City associated with barbecue more than any other Midwest city?

July 2021 Central Youth Services Zine

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Thursday, July 1, 2021

The July 2021 CYS kids zine is now available!This is an all-fun Summer Reading specular with hot new books, a Fizz Fountain STEAM activity, mustache art, and extra jokes! No squidding! Actually, there is an item about squid. Or two. Two items about squid.

Taking a 'Cue from the Master: Henry Perry, Barbecue King of Kansas City

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Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Henry Perry, the man who first assumed the title of Barbecue King of Kansas City, was born on March 16, 1874, in Shelby County, Tennessee. By 1908, he was in Kansas City selling smoked meats to downtown workers from a stand in the Garment District, eventually relocating to the east side at 17th and Lydia before landing at his famed 19th and Highland location. July 3 is Henry Perry Day in Kansas City; we take a moment to explore Henry Perry’s life and career through an article printed in the February 26, 1932, edition of The Call.

The Legacy of Lucile Bluford Lives On

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Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Lucile Bluford – namesake of the Library's L.H. Bluford Branch – was a local civil rights leader and helped make The Kansas City Call one of the most important African-American newspapers in the nation. During July, The Library celebrates Bluford’s impact on the KC community and the nation at large.