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 the KC community by expanding access to educational resources, books, & library programs. MCPL provides families with innovation, information, & ideas! 

Their 31 branches host over 13,000 live programs per year & consistently expands the resources available to KC parents & children. Explore programs like homework help & The Genealogy Center today…

Come explore an award-winning library with your kiddos this week!

1. Storytime for Toddlers, Preschoolers, & Kids

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. Children will also be entered into the MCPL monthly drawing for a 4-pack of SEA LIFE tickets.

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 about locations & times, contact your local MCPL branch or 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 provides more than 750,000 family history resources.

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.

The center is located in Independence and open daily for use by local residents as well as out of town guests.

Explore genealogy events at your local library, or any MCPL in the metro now!

6. The Story Series

This series allows you to hear from nationally-recognized authors as well as local authors.

Hosted throughout the year at Woodneath Library Center, the story series has featured many New York Times bestselling authors.

The Story Center also presents classes throughout the year to assist aspiring authors, writers, and storytellers.

Learn more about upcoming programs.

7. Square One Small Business

The small business division offers programs & resources to learn more about operating a business.

Learn things like Restaurant Ownership, Facebook Advertising, How to Fund a Small Business & other helpful classes!

8. 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!

There are also other library programs, like FAFSA workshops, nature activities, magic shows, online foreign language courses, eBooks & audiobooks, and other fun, learning resources.

Check out the MCPL events 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 Genealogy Center!

MCPL Antioch

6060 N Chestnut Ave, Gladstone, MO 64119

• Storytimes for Families, Toddlers, and Babies.
• STEAM Powered Programs
• Quilting Classes
• Tax Help
• Computer Classes
• Book Clubs
• Interior Design Classes

MCPL Blue Ridge

6131 Raytown Rd, Raytown, MO 64133

• Storytime for Families
• Kids Create Workshops
• STEAM Powered Programs
• Kids Shows & Games

MCPL Blue Springs North

• LEGO Events
• Read to a Dog
• Storytime for Families
• Play & Learn
• KC Magic Man

MCPL Blue Springs South

2220 S. 7 Hwy, Blue Springs, MO 64014

• Kids Create Workshops
• Storytime for Toddlers & Preschoolers
• Kids Lab

MCPL Boardwalk

8656 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, MO 64154

• Homeschoolers at the Library
• Storytime for Babies, Toddlers, Families, & Preschoolers
• Play & Learn
• Kid Reads
• Sensory Lab – Play & Learn
• Yoga Tales
• Brixology

MCPL Buckner Branch

19 E Jefferson St, Buckner, MO 64016

• Storytime for Families
• Play & Learn

MCPL Claycomo

309 E. U.S. Highway 69, Claycomo, MO 64119

• Read & Draw
• Storytime for Families – hosted at the Claycomo Community Center
• Lego Time
• Kids Create
• STEAM Powered Programs
• Zoomobile Visits

MCPL Colbern Road

• Stuffed Animal Sleepover
• Storytime for Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
• Play & Learn Time
• Family Night

MCPL Excelsior Springs

1460 Kearney Rd, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024

• Storytime for Toddlers & Preschoolers

MCPL Grain Valley

101 SW Eagles Pkwy, Grain Valley, MO 64029

• Storytime for Preschoolers

MCPL Grandview

12930 Booth Ln, Grandview, MO 64030

• Storytime for Families
• Play & Learn Time

MCPL Kearney

100 S Platte Clay Way, Kearney, MO 64060

• Storytime for Families @ Firehouse Community Center

MCPL Lee’s Summit

150 NW Oldham Pkwy, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081

• Gardening Workshops
• Storytime for Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers, & Families
• Play & Learn Time

MCPL Liberty

1000 Kent St, Liberty, MO 64068

• Homeschoolers at the Library
• Play & Learn Time
• Storytime for Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
• Read to a Dog
• Stuffed Animal Sleepover
• STEAM Program

MCPL Lone Jack

211 N Bynum Rd, Lone Jack, MO 64070

• Storytime for Families
• Play & Learn

MCPL North Independence

317 US-24, Independence, MO 64050

• Storytime for Preschoolers, Famillies, & Toddlers
• Play & Learn Time

MCPL North Oak

8700 N Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64155

• Storytime for Babies, Toddlers, & Families

MCPL North Independence Branch

317 US-24, Independence, MO 64050

• Kids Create
• LEGO Robotics
• Yoga for Kids
• Pet Safety Classes
• Art Classes from Nelson Atkins

MCPL Platte City

2702 NW Prairie View Rd, Platte City, MO 64079

• Storytime for Toddlers & Preschoolers

MCPL Raytown Branch

6131 Raytown Rd, Raytown, MO 64133

• Storytime for Babies & Families

MCPL Red Bridge

11140 Locust St, Kansas City, MO 64131

• Storytime for Families
• Play & Learn Time

MCPL Smithville

120 Richardson St, Smithville, MO 64089

• Storytime for Families, Preschoolers, & Toddlers

MCPL South Independence

13700 East 35th St S, Independence, MO 64055

• Storytime for Families & Toddlers

Kansas City Public Library

Lucile H. Bluford Library Branch

3050 Prospect Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64128

• ABsolutely Amazing Abs
• Cardio Kickboxing with NickiFit
• Full Body Chair Fitness with NickiFit
• HIIT Training with NickiFit
• Kids Café ( free healthy snacks for kids 18 and under)
• Strength Training with NickiFit
• Tech Coach Drop-In at Bluford
• Teen Tabletop Gaming and more!

Central Library

14 West 10th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105

• Storytime at Central
• Citizenship Interview Practice
• Graphic Novel Book Club at Central (7-15)
• FREE Tax Preparation
• Coffee & Conversation
• Ukes on the Roof Monthly Meetup
• Coffee Tastings and Pairings

Irene H. Ruiz Biblioteca de las Americas

2017 West Pennway Street, Kansas City, MO 64108

• Lego Time

Plaza Library Branch

4801 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112

• Baby Bounce
• Tales for Tiny Tykes
• Preschool Story Time
• Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic
• Wildcard Wednesdays
• Book Club (topics vary)
• Tabletop Gaming

Sugar Creek Library Branch

102 South Sterling Avenue, Sugar Creek, MO 64054

• Walk with us
• Teens After Hours
• Low Impact Cardio Workouts
• After Lunch Book Group
• Preschool Story Time
• Kid’s Craft Time

Trails West Library Branch

11401 East 23rd Street, Independence, MO 64052

• Rockin’ Ramblin’ Readers
• Tuesday Family Fun (every Tuesday)
• KC Kids Create: Kitchen Science
• Coffee and Coloring (adults and seniors)
• Teen’s Group

Waldo Library Branch

201 East 75th Street, Kansas City, MO 64114

• Teen Gaming Club
• Tabletop Tuesdays
• Stories for Ones (12-24mo)
• Preschool Story Time (2-5)
• Read to a Dog
• Lego Club
• Parents as Teachers Playgroup

Westport Library Branch

118 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111

• Preschool Story Time
• Library Yoga
• Grown Up Game Night
• Between the Lines Book Group

Kansas City Kansas Public Library

Main Library

625 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101

• Working Wednesday
• Baby Story Time
• Computer Training
• Kids A Cookin
• Kids Cafe
• Family Story Time
• STEAM Story Time
• Anime Club
• Book Clubs

South Library Branch

3104 Strong Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66106

• Quilting
• Little Learners Story Time
• Teen Time
• Conversational Spanish
• Movie Night (varies in rating)

Turner Library

831 S 55th Street, Kansas City, KS 66106

• Anime Club
• Friday Story Time
• Cubs Corner Crafts

FL Schlagle Branch

4051 West Drive, Kansas City, KS 66109

• Homeschool Adventures (weekly age varies)
• Project Feeder Watch
• Nature Story Time

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.

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.