Reading Lists

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.   

It’s medals season! Of course we’re talking more about literature than luge, and our preferred sport is curling up with good books. No matter if you’re a speed reader or more of a freestyle fan, we’ve put together collections of recent award winners and nominees in our catalog for you to enjoy.   

What fiction books were winners with Library staff in 2021?  From pop culture potboilers to heavy-hitting history reads, check out the favorites that lined our staff's personal shelves this past year.

What books from the past year really resonated with our staff? From pop culture page-turners to mind-melting history reads, we’ve highlighted some favorites that boosted our bookish delight.  

Throughout November, discover the rich history, ceremonies, and storytelling traditions of the Indigenous peoples of North America as part of Native American Heritage Month. Explore Library reading recommendations, films, resources, and more.  

Have a delightfully wicked Halloween season with a monstrously good mashup of scary story recommendations, frightfully fun films, and other creepily cool Library resources.  

Banned Books Week (September 26 - October 2) was established in September 1982 to highlight current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. We’ve put together a list of some of the most challenged titles since 2000, plus other resources to further your appreciation of the free...

The Library celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) with a collection of book recommendations, film offerings, and other resources that explore a rich array of the experiences and perspectives of Latino Americans.  

Two hundred years ago, on August 10, 1821, Missouri officially became the 24th state. From this year’s Homegrown Stories Summer Reading Program and our Missouri Valley Special Collections to recommended reading and online events, the Kansas City Public Library has many ways to celebrate th...