The Central Library's 10th Street accessible entrance is temporarily closed for elevator repairs. A phone number is posted outside the Library to contact staff for assistance with navigating the temporary accessible entrance on Baltimore Ave.
This month marks the close of another remarkable year for the Kansas City Public Library.
Each year, the Library deepens its commitment to serving the community and making a meaningful impact — some extra effort in 2025 intensified that mission. By listening to patrons and residents across the Kansas City metro, leadership and staff discovered which services matter most and where there’s room for growth and change.
"What I hope to get from this process is that our community feels heard,” says Chief Executive Abby Yellman about the Library’s strategic planning efforts.
With more than 1.3 million visitors stopping by one or more of the 10 Library locations, the Library had no shortage of Kansas Citians to survey.
The survey results have not yet been released but will guide the direction of 2026 and beyond. A look back at 2025’s popular services and programs offers a glimpse of what patrons have responded well to.
For instance, the time-honored tradition of checking out books remains strong. Patrons checked out 890,956 books and 1.6 million eBooks, audiobooks, music, videos, and podcasts. The Library also gained nearly 47,000 new cardholders.
But the Library is more than a place to read. It’s a gathering space, learning and technology center, and a connection to critical social service organizations.
With expanded digital programs and dedicated tech support, the Library is also helping bridge the digital divide across Kansas City. And, this year, more people got online at neighborhood Library branches.
Patrons logged 160,330 free, on-site Wi-Fi sessions. They also borrowed 865 hotspots — in the same way someone might check out a book. Tapping into these resources, they found jobs, learned new skills, stayed connected with loved ones, and accessed vital information.
In 2025, nearly 63,000 youth and teens participated in Library programs. They discovered new books, learned literacy skills, and developed leadership strategies.
People of all ages again took part in the Summer Reading program. A record-breaking 15,148 participants logged 30,468 books and earned fun prizes. Staff visited 29 stops at area parks through the Pop In at the Park program to connect with young patrons through providing not only access to books but also meals.
In fact, the Library worked with local partners to distribute 9,762 meals for children in 2025.
And the Library nourished older patrons with less tangible food for thought, mind, and body with activities like yoga, fitness classes, and meditation, book groups, film screenings, and writing workshops that celebrate creativity and community.
The Signature Events series, founded in 2006, continues to showcase visiting authors and notable speakers, discussions of hot-button local and national issues, and musical performances.
In 2025, more than 13,000 patrons attended 80 Signature Events — at the Bluford Branch, Central Library, Plaza, and Waldo branches — with more than 24,000 viewing the events online.
One highlight for all area book lovers was the third annual Heartland Book Festival, which expanded to two days in partnership with Missouri Humanities, the Missouri Center for the Book, and the Mid-Continent Public Library. Speakers at the Central Library included nationally known favorites such as Taylor Jenkins Reid (Atmosphere, Daisy Jones & the Six), who attracted a crowd of more than 700.
Looking ahead, the Library will continue to be a gateway to access and opportunity for all. Your continued support keeps it a vibrant center for learning, discovery, and community.