The KC Library by Mail program is available to residents in the Kansas City Public Library service area who are physically unable to visit their neighborhood Library location.
The Senior Resources Sheet is a list of local resources and services that serve seniors.
Senior Listen Line
Call the Senior Listen Line at 816.701.3467 to listen to prerecorded stories and helpful tips on health, the arts, entertainment, and other topics relating to senior services. Updates happen monthly, call again soon to hear something new!
Lobby Stops
We bring the library to you! Lobby Stops bring the library to senior housing sites in the community monthly. The staff sets up a small, pop-up library in a common meeting area or lobby. During their visit, patrons are invited to browse and check out items on-site.
What Are Lobby Stops?
A Lobby Stop is a FREE monthly library service provided to senior housing sites located within the Kansas City Public Library District, but at least one mile away from a physical library branch. A small, temporary, pop-up library is set up for residents in a common meeting area or lobby. Patrons are registered for a library card, if they don’t already have one, and are invited to browse and check out materials on-site and return them at the next visit. Patrons may also request materials to be delivered to them on their next visit. The materials we offer include large and regular-print books, DVDs, and audiobooks.
Who is Eligible for This Service?
To be eligible for Lobby Stops:
- Facilities must be located within the Kansas City Public Library District and at least one mile away from a physical library branch. View a district map here »
- Facilities must provide a lobby or community room with tables and chairs for library staff to set up a temporary pop-up library.
Parking Availability and Ease of Access
The facility agrees to provide sufficient parking and ample space to safely maneuver a 18 foot delivery vehicle. Adequate parking includes approximately 15 ft. of clearance around the back of the van for loading and unloading. Parking spots must be on level ground to ensure safe loading and unloading of the vehicle. The facility agrees to keep the sidewalk/driveway/parking lot clear during the winter months and free from debris. An appropriate parking space is required to maintain library service at your facility and must be agreed upon by both parties.
Cancellations, Inclement Weather, Extenuating Circumstances
It is the responsibility of the facility to notify Senior Services staff if the site will be unavailable for a Lobby Stop no later than 4:00 pm the day before. In the event of inclement weather, vehicle maintenance, and other unforeseen problems, the Kansas City Public Library system reserves the right to cancel service and Senior Services staff will notify the site of a cancelled stop as soon as possible.
Space to Conduct Service
The facility will provide tables and chairs for library staff in a lobby or community room assuring everyone’s safety around book carts and furniture.
Attendance
We require a minimum of five residents to be actively checking out materials during our scheduled visits. This minimum attendance is necessary to maintain library services at your facility.
Building Access
The facility agrees to provide building access before the scheduled library visit to allow for setup time. If building access is not provided by 10 minutes beyond the start time of the visit, the visit will be cancelled. As we schedule several timed stops on the same day, we are unable to extend a visit if staff are let into a building late. Prompt building access is required to maintain library service at your facility.
Health and Safety
Prompt notification of health concerns is required to maintain Lobby Stops. Failure to notify the library of the flu, other contagious outbreaks or pest infestations before a visit may result in loss of library service. Please contact Senior Services at 816.701.3490 or seniorservices@kclibrary.org to notify us immediately.
Code of Conduct
All Kansas City Public Library Patron Code of Conduct policy applies while we are performing library service at the facility. The Patron Code of Conduct can be found on our website.
How Do I Become a Lobby Stop?
If you are interested in signing up to become a Lobby Stop, apply online below, or contact us at 816.701.3490 or by email seniorservices@kclibrary.org. Depending on program capacity, service may not begin immediately, and you will be placed on our waiting list.