For too long, and in particular since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed acts of senseless, shameless violence against our nation’s Asian and Asian American community. The Library calls on everyone in our city, state, and country to join us in saying: Enough! And to act in ways large and small to tu...

During Women's History Month, we commemorate the lives and achievements of trailblazers throughout history and share experiences of today's changemakers. Check out lists of recommended books and browse the collection of films available through the Library's free streaming services.   

Are you ready for some book-themed Super Bowl fun? Or perhaps it is some Super Bowl-themed book fun. Either way, the Kansas City Public Library has you covered with pun-filled social media posts, Coach Read’s Shelf Help, and enormous, Chiefs-themed video screens visible from outside our Plaza location.  ...

From classic literature to contemporary cinema, the Library offers a number of ways to discover stories celebrating the African American experience. As we commemorate Black History Month, check out a selection of recommended books and browse the collection of films available through the Library's free...

Using the Library’s SHELF HELP service, Coach Read’s roster of MVP librarians can give you a personalized reading playbook, building a winning team of book titles tailored to your tastes. Get your reading game on!  

Saying 2020 has been a challenging year is an epic understatement. But amid the ongoing difficulties (and between rounds of cleaning and sanitizing), our staff discovered books that offer moments of enlightenment, delight, enjoyment, and empowerment. Check out the some of the reads that got us through these past months...

What nonfiction books were winners with Library staff in 2020?  From pop culture potboilers to heavy-hitting history reads, check out the favorites that lined staff members' personal shelves this past year.  

What fiction books were winners with Library staff in 2020?  From pop culture potboilers to heavy-hitting history reads, check out the favorites that lined our staff's personal shelves this past year.  

Wondering what to give the picky reader on your gift list? You need Holiday Gift Shelf Help. The reading experts at the Kansas City Public Library have suggestions for book lovers of all ages in all genres.  

We’re celebrating the 100th birthday of Kansas City jazz legend Charlie Parker. Known as “Yardbird,” or just “Bird,” he was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on August 29, 1920, and grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, during its peak years of jazz culture. Discover more about Parker’s impact on Kansas City an...