COVID-19

For most people, the closing of the Kansas City Public Library’s 10 brick-and-mortar locations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic meant a loss of access to a vast physical collection of books and movies. For others, the stakes were higher. The closing marked the first major disruption...

The Library’s Pop In / Pick Up holds service began Tuesday. May 19, 2020. Patrons were able to begin retrieving holds that were placed prior to March 15, when the Library’s physical locations closed. See how things went and learn what’s next.  

Beginning Tuesday, May 19, 2020, the Library initiates a phased-in reintroduction of some services and operations.  We begin with a new Pop In/Pick Up contact-free holds service, allowing patrons to pick up holds at five locations during designated hours, expan...

The Kansas City Public Library recently partnered with Swope Health to expand COVID-19 testing, providing tests at no charge to anyone who is exhibiting coronavirus symptoms, has come in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus, or is in a group at risk of experiencing more severe symptom...

With thousands of Kansas City children confined to their homes, exercise and early literacy programs are at a premium. Librarian Alli Bernskoetter is tackling the problem on both fronts. Read more about the Library’s yoga storytimes.  

Swope Health will offer testing for the coronavirus (COVID-19) at the Library's Trails West Branch on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Appointments are not needed, and both drive-throughs and walk-ups will be accommodated. &nbs...

If you’re a parent or caregiver who’s overwhelmed by the seemingly endless number of events and activities online for kids right now, don’t panic! Your Library is here for you. Our Youth & Family Engagement department is reviewing what’s out there and recommending our favorite new online content....

The world is changing – in so many ways – amid a COVID-19 pandemic that has seen everything from schools to restaurants close as governors across the country issue shelter-in-place orders, requiring residents to stay at home unless travel is absolutely necessary.  The Kansas City Public Library has had to adapt, t...

This week, one reader asks: “Have there been any changes in criminal activity during the last few weeks? There sure seem to be a lot more police sirens.”

Need a break from 24/7 information on the pandemic? Many local institutions and organizations are adapting their content and programming (for free) during this time of sheltering in place. Here are some links to just a few.