Kansas City Public Library

I love the central library in downtown Kansas City! Although I live in the Northland, this is my preferred library.
I love the architecture of this library. It was converted from a bank and has a grand feel to it that you don’t get in many libraries. It is also cool how they repurposed the features of the bank into the new library. For example, the vault has become a movie vault with a cool viewing area inside. The history of the bank is woven into the story of the library in a unique way.
I also love the programming that this branch puts on. One of my favorites so far was a performance of the Bach Aria Soloists in conjunction with the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. It was a wonderful evening of classical music and Shakespeare in a grand space that reminded me of days gone by.
Parking is easy at this location! There is a garage next door… you’ll recognize it by the classical book spines decorating the outside. As a visitor to the library, you can get up to 1 hour of parking validated. Just don’t forget your ticket when you go. The validation machines are located next to the check-​out desks.
If you haven’t been to the central library, you need to check it out! I guarantee it will have you coming back!

Very nice and spacious library! Plenty of book options and computers for people to use. There are 4 floors, so definitely an area to get lost in culture. This is definitely a good place to come to work or just explore, and is open pretty late (until 9 through the week). I would advise coming here if you are in need of a book, or to kill time! P. S. there is a coffee shop!

Book nerds, unite!
This is a top notch library in downtown KC, one with the feel of a library that’s been around a century despite it’s newer construction. They put on tons of community events, have a killer rooftop, and an overall great vibe for studying/​reading/​working.
The book-​cover parking garage is architectural genius, combining beloved classic books and design. I love things like this, and it’s the reason this library makes national photo features on Twitter and Instagram.
Truly a gem nestled into our fair city, and one I can’t wait to go back to.

This will be a bit of a different review because I really haven’t used the Kansas City Public Library for its intended use. I have never checked out a book, done any studying or research, used any of the computers, printers or other multimedia equipment available for public use.
What I will write about are some of the extracurricular events that the library offers to the open public. On the top floor, there is a meeting room available for certain events and functions, most notably book signings and panels. While the calendar offers a wide ranging amount of events, many are tailored with a local feel. Panels I’ve attended have included a book signing and discussion about baseballs unwritten rules as well as some local interpretations and stories that enhanced the topic and a panel featuring some of Kansas City’s brightest young business minds and their opinions about building a business and staying current in today’s constantly changing marketplace. I think you get the idea. If you look at the calendar, which I hope you do, there really is something for everybody.
Throughout the year, weather permitting, the library will also project movies outside on the patio area of its roof. I’ve never been to one, but they do look like a good time and the library often will partner with a local restaurant and adult beverage company for some food and drink to enhance the evening.
I’m glad that Kansas City has a public library that is able to offer events like the ones I have described. I’m making it a goal to try and involve myself in more of them. I hope you do too.

If you had to pick just one public library, just ONE, in all of America, might I suggest the Central Library of Kansas City Public Library’s system?
I’m ashamed I haven’t gushed about it sooner, but this is hands down, one of the best libraries I have had the privilege to visit. Last fall, I was in KC for a conference for cataloging librarians, and KCPL was the selected site for our evening cocktail hour. Imagine this: it’s Friday evening and the library’s closed, but roughly about 100 librarians or so have free reign to explore the library. Kids in a candy shop doesn’t even begin to describe the atmosphere of giddiness I experienced.
The architecture and design is perfection. It is very ornate and detailed, keeping in touch with its historic roots as the First National Bank. But at the same time, modern renovations are evident. The childrens’ section is beautifully decorated with a welcoming entrance with quotes about libraries from popular kids’ books (think Hermione and her reverence for the library). There were study spaces aplenty with ample room for meetings to take place. The collections fabulous – downstairs up entering, we spotted the periodicals and the fiction easily.
Even cooler, the basement level is home to the Stanley H. Durwood Film Vault, where there is a small theater for film viewings. Our film club here in OKC would be so, so jealous. There’s also a coffee shop, special collections archive, computers to use, books upon books, access to numerous databases, and everything anyone could possibly need from a library.
A sense of place is very important to what constitutes an excellent library. You want people to come to you for their information needs? Then your library needs to be easily accessible and welcoming — I mean, how can you not want to go to a library with giant book spines on their parking garage? Central Library does both very well.
I am grateful for my visit here and hope to return one day. In the meantime, Central Library raises a giant ‘FU’ to all those naysayers who think libraries are doomed by serving as a beautiful, welcoming space with superb access to many kinds of resources.

My first trip to Kansas City, and the first stop I make after checking into the hotel? The public library.
Actually, the library was only on my list of «things to see if I happen to be walking by.» And, I was on my way to a CVS-​run when I walked by a beautiful, visually arresting building and thought «By God, if that business is open, I’m going in!» Only then did I realize I was at the library.
Terrifically redesigned space. The parking garage and some of the interior spaces (the vault; the children’s library) have such respectable whimsy.
As an out of towner, I was also impressed by how the library was actually being used for library purposes. I didn’t see anyone on the computers doing Facebook or gaming (which happens in my hometown).
Plus, the art exhibit space (not sure if it is a permanent collection, or if it rotates) was really well curated and interesting.
AND THEY HAVE MICROFICHE!

I really have to say that I enjoyed this place. We were wandering around KC last week as tourists and happened upon this building. It’s a building historic building that used to be a bank.
Lots of columns, lots of history and it’s just a big beautiful building even with tasteful posters up showing its history.
It’s just a beautiful library.

We just moved into town and the KC public library was on my list of sites to check out (mostly for the cool community bookshelf). It’s located on 10^th street between Baltimore and wayandotte street. It is striking!!! The gigantic books are breath taking (nerdy, yes, but totally awesome!). We took plenty of pics around them, but the library itself was just as gorgeous! Pillars, chandeliers, glass and the best part was the Children’s section of the library was the best I’ve ever seen! So colorful and inviting.
If you have a kid that maybe isn’t too fond of books (like mine) this is the perfect place to slowly get them interested because they not only have books but so many activities! There is a cool little puppet show set up where you can put on your own puppet show, a section where iPads read a book to you, coloring, board games etc!
Definitely a must see if you are in Kansas City!!!

I was really excited about a special event they were having. I was disappointed about paying for parking in the evening, plus the fact that you still have to walk across the street to get to the building (unless I’m missing a secret tunnel).
The staff pretty much ignored me, which I wandered around a little trying to find the directory, I would think they could maybe look up and act friendly… even if they don’t say anything.
I enjoyed a photo exhibit while I waited. The special event was a joke. It was so disappointing, but since it doesn’t really reflect the every day stuff, I won’t go into it.
I enjoyed the reading area, although it was a bit of a mess (periodicals); however, it was evening, so I’m sure it’d seen a lot of foot traffic during the day.

I am a library connoisseur and this library is as good as it gets. Do you want 50 shelves of books on religion? Check. Do you want an expansive «new» book collection? Check. Do you want «Urban Fiction»? Check. (Not even sure exactly what that is). Do you want to watch movies in the old bank vault in the basement or maybe on the roof in the summer? Check. Coffee shop? Yep. Desks in quiet spaces for working? Self Check Out? Awesome architecture? Friendly security guards? This place has it all. Just don’t answer your phone if it rings. Those security guards are not just for display, as I found out!

Came here to study for my life/​health/​disability insurance exam that I took this morning and the library overall was fantastic.
I started off rocky because I went up to the front desk and said «Where do I get a study room?» The girl kindly replied that the rooms are checked out by the 3^rd floor desk so I would have to go up there. After walking up the stairs to the 3^rd floor, I approached the desk (very non-​threatening with my large bag that included a diet coke and my computer) and asked the woman if there were any study rooms available because I needed to «check one out» per-​say. The library nazi then asked me for my library card… which I do not have because this was my first time to a KCMO library. I told her I did not have one and she said that I had to get one. I then had to question her where I could get one of these golden tickets because apparently she wasn’t going to offer up the information. Her reply was that I needed to go back downstairs because she didn’t have them.
There I went… lugging my big bag downstairs to then ask the nice lady for a library card. The process was quick and while I was down there, I made mention that the woman upstairs was not the nicest. She replied, «Yeah, that’s not the first time I’ve heard that!» Hmm… intriguing.
Alright, back upstairs with my big bag… I must mention that I decided to take the elevator… it’s very nice besides one ride I had smelled of vodka. I believe either the library nazi leads people to drink or a homeless drunk person wandered in.
Forked over the library card for a key fab to a study room and then asked if I could use it at any of the rooms and where they were. Library nazi then told me «No. Go to the room number on the card! The rooms are on the 4^th floor.» «Wellllllllll thannnnnnnnk YOU.» was my reply.
Used my room for 3 hours… got what I needed to get done and then got interrupted at 8:50 by a security man telling me they closed in 15 mins and that I needed to return my key as soon as I get my stuff cleaned up. Cool beans, I just finished my last chapter.
Clean up my stuff, turn off the light, make sure the door closed behind me and then made my way downstairs for the final time to give library nazi her room key. Her reply to me… «We would APPRECIATE if you would bring the key back 15 minutes before…» (I cut her off). «Well ma’am NO ONE informed me of this unwritten rule and this is my first time here. So I recommend that you TELL someone if you want them to FOLLOW your rule.»
About face, leave library.
This is my long story about the library nazi that I encountered… she was the only negative about the beautiful library. Lots of books (probably not leather bound), a coffee bar that is open 9 – 3 (during the week), a parking garage (first hour is free) and lots of study rooms. Just stay away from the library nazi. :)
Oh — and if you’re wondering… I passed my exam this morning ;)

I love libraries, especially big old ones. This one used to be a bank (witness the fact that they have turned the vault into a movie theater to show films!)
The architecture in this place is amazing, and they had some cool displays. If you go wandering you will find cool stuff: local history, AV (up near the bank vault/​theater).
One thing we couldn’t find? The reference desk! I mean, really? In looking at the map of the first floor it said «information desk» but there wasn’t a loction listed for it (as opposed to the circulation desk, which is the people who check you out). We figured we would ask the Circulation lady, because all we wanted to know was the location of a nearby building, and figured she could either a) tell us or b) just point us to Reference.
Bad move. Circulation Lady proceeded to give us the most convoluted directions possible (looking at Google Street View, and using south, west etc. — I finally said, «we don’t live here, can you just tell us left or right?») When we got outside, looking at the 4 step directions, I figured out that we could cut out three turns and just in fact turn once and we were there. So I still have no clue a) how she came by those directions and b) where the Reference desk is. :/​
The only other drag is parking (in their cool garage that looks like spines of books). You can park on the street (if you can find it) for a couple of hours, or you are validated for an hour in their garage and presumably have to pay after that. So kind of deters people from staying there long-​term to study etc.
Overall, though, this place is definitely worth checking out. Happy reading!

Ahhhh, where to begin?
The downtown KCMO library is one of my favorite places in KC. Have you seen the parking garage, the one decorated to look like a bookshelf? It’s been featured several times on different websites as a «must see».
I don’t live all that far from here. You can bike there, find parking easily enough, and it really feels like you are in the heart of downtown, as there is always a bustle. Libraries are cornerstones of a civilized city and I couldn’t be more proud of our towering building of books.
Located conveniently on the bus line, it is accessible to everyone. Some bores may see this as a negative, as this does mean there will be a lot of people hanging around, maybe even some «undesirables». I tend to see it as a positive: everyone is welcome here.
Along with an impeccable selection of the best literature, they also boast a nice cafeteria on the main floor, almost constant small art gallery showings, author in-​person talks, multiple floors open to students, laptop users, or just a place to read. There are multiple individual rooms you can use if you need quiet and concentration and a whole ton of computers to use.
Moving on, in «the vault «on the ground/​basement floor, they have Saturday showings of old, classic movies. Within reason, you can bring in snacks and you literally watch them IN AN OLD VAULT. Also downstairs is DVD and CD rental, which is 100% free; it wasn’t always the case — they used to charge a buck for movie rentals but they finally wised up.
The kid’s section on the third floor is also excellent, equipped with friendly staff, toys, computers, etc. I have noticed the toys are a little, uh, dirty and germy BUT that’s why they invented hand sanitizer?
All told, this is the best place that exists.