Kansas City Library Programs & Activities Guide (ALL Metro Libraries)
We can all agree that the libraries in Kansas City are ah-mazing!
There are so many educational programs & tools at your fingertips. You can learn anything!
…not to mention, libraries always have fun, free things to do with kids.
So, head to your local library to take advantage of great library programs.
Here are a few free library programs & activities that you may not know KC branches offered! To find even more ways to save money while saving money, check out the Deals, Discount Codes & Money Saving Tips guide.
You can also find more library resources in our guide to Read Across America.
Mid Continent Public Libraries | Kansas City Public Libraries | KCK Libraries
Libraries in Kansas City
Mid-Continent Public Library Programs
Mid-Continent Public Library’s mission is to enrich its communities by expanding access to information, ideas, inspiration, and more through books, movies, music, and online resources and programs. Since 2018, MCPL has renovated many of its branches creating new comfortable welcoming spaces for KC families. All branches offer a wide-variety of in-branch services, including curbside pick-up of materials.
While its live programming is on hold at its 33 branches (as of August 2021), the Library holds virtual programs at on its MCPL360 Facebook page but continues to offer resources available to KC parents & children. Explore programs like homework help & The Midwest Genealogy Center today…
Come explore an award-winning library with your kiddos this week!
1. Storytime for Toddlers, Preschoolers, & Kids (currently on hold)
This early literacy program helps children develop literacy skills through reading, playing, talking, singing & more.
Storytimes include books, picture books, songs & music, get up & move activities, and more.
Which MCPL Storytime is right for your children?
-
Storytime for Babies
0 – 18 months (Caregiver must be present) -
Storytime for Toddlers
18 – 36 months (Caregiver must be present) -
Storytime for Preschoolers
Kids 3 to 5 years (Caregiver must be present) -
Storytime for Families
All ages welcome! -
Play & Learn
Preschool playtime to build strong literacy skills.
MCPL locations & times differ, so check online to find your local Storytime!
2. Read 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program
This library program is free!
Kids can be challenged to read 1,000 books before they start kindergarten in this Mid Continent Public Library program.
Your children can track books they read on the mobile application or a printed book log. You can also request a book log at a MCPL branch.
After your child completes this program they will receive a completion certificate to display at home.
Learn more & find the answers to your questions online.
3. BookFlix
This is an online library program – free for your family to use!
BookFlix matches video storybooks with related eBooks to foster a love for reading in your family. This is a great way to get your kids interested in reading for years to come.
If you have MCPL card, check out BookFlix now & get your kids excited about reading!
4. Book Groups
Most branches host various book groups you can join.
Come to discuss characters, writing styles, and book context in the books your group selects. To find out the current book group schedule, explore online info.
If you host your own community book group, you are welcome to use books from the Book Group Service Collection.
It is home to multiple copies of books for your group to use at the same time.
5. Midwest Genealogy Center
The Midwest Genealogy Center located in Independence is open daily and available for local residents as well as out-of-town guests to visit and use its more than 750,000 family history resources free of charge.
MGC hosts classes to help you learn how to use both onsite, as well as online resources like Ancestry.com Library Edition to trace your family history.
Explore genealogy events at your local library, or any MCPL in the metro now!
6. Square One Small Business Services
The small business division offers programs and resources to learn more about starting or operating a business.
Learn things like Restaurant Ownership, Facebook Advertising, How to Fund a Small Business and other helpful classes! Square One staff are also available to do one-on-one sessions with business owners to help them learn about the Library’s online resources.
7. Homeschool Resources
If your family homeschools, you probably already spend time at the library.
Did you know live homework help is available through Tutor.com for kids & teens?
Check out the resources for homeschool families now!
Does your daycare, school, or home school group want to visit the library? Contact them ahead of time for your group!
Mid Continent Public Library Locations:
You can find TONS of library resources from MCPL online, including many educational & technology programs. You can even trace your ancestry for free at the Midwest Genealogy Center!
Antioch Branch
6060 N Chestnut Ave, Gladstone, MO 64119
Blue Ridge Branch
(closed for renovations through Fall 2022)
Blue Springs North Branch
850 NW Hunter Drive, Blue Springs, MO 64015
Blue Springs South Branch
2220 S. 7 Hwy, Blue Springs, MO 64014
Boardwalk Branch
8656 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, MO 64154
Buckner Branch
19 E Jefferson St, Buckner, MO 64016
Camden Point Branch
401 Hardesty St. Camden Point, MO 64018
Claycomo Branch
309 E. U.S. Highway 69, Claycomo, MO 64119
Colbern Road Library Center
1000 NE Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
Dearborn Branch
206 Maple Leaf Ave. Dearborn, MO 64439
East Lee’s Summit Branch
2240 SE Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Edgerton Branch
404 Frank St. Edgerton, MO 64444
Excelsior Springs Branch
1460 Kearney Rd, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
Farview Neighborhood Library
18109 E. 12th Street Independence, MO 64056
Grain Valley Branch
101 SW Eagles Pkwy, Grain Valley, MO 64029
- Storytime for Preschoolers
Grandview Branch
12930 Booth Ln, Grandview, MO 64030
Kearney Branch
100 S Platte Clay Way, Kearney, MO 64060
Lee’s Summit Branch
150 NW Oldham Pkwy, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 (closed through Spring 2022 for renovations)
Lone Jack Branch
211 N Bynum Rd, Lone Jack, MO 64070
Midwest Genealogy Center
3440 S. Lee’s Summit, Rd., Independence, MO 64055
North Independence Branch
317 US-24, Independence, MO 64050
North Oak Branch
8700 N Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64155
Oak Grove Branch
2320 S. Broadway St., Oak Grove, MO 64075
Parkville Branch
8815 Tom Watson Parkway, Parkville, MO 64152
Platte City Branch
2702 NW Prairie View Rd, Platte City, MO 64079
Raytown Branch Branch
6131 Raytown Rd, Raytown, MO 64133
Red Bridge Branch
11140 Locust St, Kansas City, MO 64131
Riverside Branch
2700 NW Vivion Road, Riverside, MO 64150
Smithville Branch
120 Richardson St, Smithville, MO 64089
South Independence Branch
13700 East 35th St S, Independence, MO 64055
Withers Branch
1665 S. Withers Rd., Liberty, MO 64068
Woodneath Library Center
8900 NE Flintlock Road, Kansas City, MO 64157
All of these local libraries host recurring clubs and library programs that vary in age.
Did you know, local libraries also host a wide variety of special events & activities! To make sure you get the full details, check out the full list of events on your local library’s websites.
If you’re a homeschool family, check out our Homeschool Guide, Homeschool PE & Activities in KC or the Best Homeschool Curriculum for kids.
Be sure to sign-up for The Scoop, so you know all the things happening in Kansas City. You’ll get our Weekend Planner delivered to you each week, with things to do this weekend with kids. Find exclusive offers as well as invites for special kids events.
From our family to yours, iFamilyKC.
