The Library Invites Patrons to Explore ‘Creative Freedom’ in July
The Fourth of July holiday provides a moment to reflect on a 249-year-old revolutionary manifesto: the Declaration of Independence.
The Second Continental Congress ratified the document on July 4, 1776. It detailed how the 13 colonies were no longer subject to Britain’s monarchy; instead, they were united, free, and independent states—the United States of America.
The federal holiday is associated with fireworks displays, parades, barbecues, picnics, political speeches, and ceremonies. And this July, the Library extends the celebration beyond one day to explore the idea of “creative freedom.”
“For me, creative freedom means being able to imagine, create, and express yourself through any variety of means — writing, drawing, painting, moving your body — regardless of skill level, experience, or ability,” says the Library’s exhibitions coordinator Craig Auge, who’s also an artist. “It also means having the freedom to create without censorship or fear of being silenced.”
Auge says he believes that creative expression is inherent in everyone, even those who don't consider themselves artists. Those whose creativity best comes out in organizing, cooking, public speaking, building, fixing electronics, or "simply wearing fun or silly outfits," he says, are all creatively expressing themselves.
For years, the Library has invited Kansas Citians to experience freedom from fines when checking out materials, allowing more patrons to have greater access to Library services.
Patrons also have the liberty to tap into their own creativity with DIY activities throughout the Library system, including learning how to draw, paint, knit, crochet, and write.
“The arts have always given me brilliant glimpses into lives different than mine,” says Brandon Allen, a graduate student in UMKC’s MFA in Creative Writing program who teaches writing classes at the Library.
“As an author, to me, creative freedom means the ability to investigate and imagine every experience, whether through reading or writing. Only after we see the world through others' eyes can we empathize. This is the singular gift of fiction, and we need it today more than ever,” he says.
A few creative events that might inspire: KC Fringe Festival Preview on July 10, Joyous Longevity: The A-Z Field Guide on July 27, and Sharing the Love of Gardening on July 29.
And, if you haven’t already, sign up for our Summer Reading Program. Get a free book for signing up and earn prizes for reading and logging five books by August 15. This year’s theme, Color Our World, recognizes the power of joy and creativity in different hues.
“Creativity is human expression,” says Missouri Valley Special Collections associate Abbey Briscoe. “Creative freedom is the ability to show up physically in the world without restraint.”
The Library continues to highlight the pressing issues facing our country today – political extremism, lack of trust in institutions, and the spread of misinformation – and the importance of open conversations about differences with The People, the President, and the Constitution on July 22, and Creating Belonging in a Fractured World on July 24.
“Another way to think about creative freedom is first understanding that ‘freedom’ may not mean the same thing for everyone. For some, the pursuit of liberty requires a particular creativity beginning with the imagination,” says Auge. “Recognizing that democracy is fragile and not to be taken for granted, we must always continue to imagine and create a truly free, equitable, loving, and just future for all.”
We hope you’ll join us at the Library this month and share what creative freedom means to you.
Read
Past Programming
'Why Everyone Hates White Liberals (Including White Liberals)'
On May 21, 2025, historian Kevin Schultz talked about his latest book, Why Everyone Hates White Liberals (Including White Liberals): A History, and the beef many Americans have with white liberals – libertarians, socialists, conservatives, and fellow liberals alike.
The Power of Storytelling for a Healthy Democracy
Carol Quillen, the president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, discussed on May 20, 2025, the importance of storytelling, rooted in historic places, in maintaining a healthy democratic society.
'Free for All: Inside the Public Library'
A public library’s mission is simple but powerful: to be a place anyone can enter, free of charge, and encounter a universe of ideas and resources. On April 23, 2025, Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor talked about their documentary Free for All: Inside the Public Library and how civic institutions remain a sanctuary to this day.
Red Scare: Blacklists, McCarthyism, and the Making of Modern America
Journalist Clay Risen visited the Library on March 20, 2025, to discuss his latest book Red Scare: Blacklists, McCarthyism, and the Making of Modern America, drawing on newly declassified documents to recount how politicians like McCarthy, with help from other government officials and organizations, ruined lives in their pursuit of alleged Communist conspiracies.
The Power of Our Supreme Court: How Supreme Court Cases Shape Democracy
Lawrence, Kansas-based teacher Matt Beat has over 1 million subscribers to his Mr. Beat and The Beat Goes On YouTube channels, through which he aims to make up some of those lost civics lessons. His latest book, The Power of Our Supreme Court: How Supreme Court Cases Shape Democracy, has the same goal, and he talked about it on November 13, 2024.
How Facts Help Us Feel Less Afraid: Lessons from "The Small and the Mighty"
A former high school government and law teacher, Sharon McMahon acquired the nickname “America’s Government Teacher” during the 2020 election when her fact-checking social media posts went viral.
McMahon discussed her debut book, The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement, on October 24, 2024, at a special 150th Library event at Unity Temple on the Plaza.
