The Bluford Branch Library is located in Kansas City's east side. Along with its strong collections in African American literature it is the first library in the Kansas City Public Library system to host a Health & Wellness Center.
Among the amenities in the Center are specialized collections featuring extensive materials on topics ranging from teen pregnancy to diabetes and a machine to measure blood pressure. The well trained staff of the Bluford Branch are ready to help with technology questions and making community connections.
At this branch
- Computers: 24 for adults, 8 for teens & 4 for kids
- Wi-Fi: All branches have free wireless Internet access.
- Wireless Printing
- One Study Room
- Two Meeting Rooms
- Village Post Office
Do you have a criminal record? Do you have a skill or hobby that you want to turn into a money-making venture? Learn what it really takes to start a business and how the entrepreneurial mindset can help you reenter your community from incarceration.
Punch and kick your way to good health. Fitness champion Nicki Jones will lead you through 10 to 12 rounds of punches, kicks and cardio exercise with this 45-minute workout.
Learn how to manage chronic disease and take charge of your health! Truman Medical Center's Health Strategies and Innovation team is pleased to offer the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program developed by Stanford University to the community at no cost.
To enroll in this event or if you have any questions, please contact Judith Navarro at 816.404.9713 or Judith.Navarro@tmcmed.org.
DIY: EMAIL MARKETING AND NEWSLETTERS
Stay in touch with your customers or constituents with Mail Chimp.
Newsletters or emails can be powerful tools. Learn how to utilize another FREE online tool, MailChimp, to make your life easier, look professional, and communicate effectively.
In this course, you will open a free MailChimp account and build your first newsletter.
All are welcome but registration is requried--space is limited!
DIY: FACEBOOK PAGE
Is anyone even on Facebook anymore?
YES! Over 75% of Americans still use Facebook. It’s a free and super simple way to connect. Even if you think you already know about Facebook, does your small business or nonprofit have an official page?
By the end of this course, you will have a Facebook profile for your business or organization and understand how to post updates and announcements.
All are welcome but registration is required--space is limited.
DIY: graphic design
How can you save a ton of money and still have great looking graphic design?
Be your own graphic designer by using Canva! It's Free! And you just might be suprised in yourself with the materials you create.
Join this 2-week peer learning section as part of our DIY series, Build Your Online Presence.
By the end of this course you will have a free Canva account and create your choice of brochure, flyer, poster or business card.
All are welcome but registration is required--space is limited!
DIY: SOCIAL MEDIA
We covered Facebook already but what else are you missing?
Nextdoor, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube...
Join us for the final course in the DIY: Build :Your Online Presence series as we explore what other social media platforms you could be using to promote your small business or nonprofit. What are the differences and is any of it worth your time?
In this course you will learn about social media, understand which accounts are relevant to your business, and get help getting started.
All are welcome but registration is required--space is limited.
DIY: WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT
How do people find more information about your business or organization?
Join our 5-week peer learning group to build a great looking website using wix.com! Each week we will spend the first half of our meeting learning from an online course together and the second half working on our websites.
We will make sense of the subscription levels, use a template to design a homepage, create a site-map and more. By the end of this course, you will have at least a basic live website and know how to maintain it.
All are welcome but registration is requried--space is limited!
Talk, sing, write, and play with your little ones! For ages 0 - 5 and their caregivers.
Parents and children will have the chance to connect and socialize with other families in the neighborhood. Children will enjoy a time of engaging in developmental play, while parents enjoy meaningful discussions with other parents over snacks. For pre-school-aged children and their caregivers.
No matter your limitations, we hope you can still reap the physical, mental and emotional benefits of exercise. This class is designed to give you a total body workout. Cardio, strength and flexibility exercises are all performed from a seated position.
This high intensity interval training (HIIT) will get you sweating and moving. Get the maximum benefits of exercise with this 45-minute workout.
Enjoy a free healthy snack at the library. Snacks are reserved for youth ages 18 and under.
This class involves a series of movements performed in a slow focused manner accompanied by deep breathing. Tai Chi is an excellent addition to any workout regimen as it has great physical and mental benefits.
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Computer Questions?
Get help on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at Bluford Branch. We're here to help with whatever technology questions you have--from building a resume to building a website! Drop-in, no appointment necessary. We have computers or bring your own device.
Can't make it to the drop in session? Appointments and more information available.
Health & Wellness Center
The Health and Wellness Center is a well-used enhancement to the beautifully renovated Bluford Branch and was created in partnership with Truman Medical Centers and the Health Sciences Institute of Metropolitan Community Colleges – Penn Valley. It provides access to health, nutrition, and wellness information through collections of educational materials, online information, and regular programming.Village Post Office
Limited postal services are available:
- Purchase Forever Stamps
- Obtain Priority Mail Flat Rate envelopes and boxes
- Mail pre-stamped envelopes or packages
- Enjoy extended P.O. Box hours
About Lucile H. Bluford
The Lucile H. Bluford Branch of The Kansas City Public Library stands as a tribute to one of the city’s most accomplished and beloved individuals. From her early days as a student at Lincoln High School and the University of Kansas to her long and distinguished career at The Kansas City Call, Miss Bluford used her journalistic talents to champion civil rights and strengthen the African-American community. Read More...