Hidden Historic Gems: Kansas City Central Library
Think the library’s just about books? Think again. Contributor Libbie Bond is here to introduce you to Kansas City Public Library’s Central Branch, from a rooftop terrace with a life-size chess board to art exhibits.
Photos by Madeline Simonds
Unless you’re a bookworm or bookstagrammer, a trip to the Kansas City Public Library may not be on your weekend to-do list, but it probably should be. The Central Library in downtown Kansas City offers something for everyone—even those who aren’t avid readers.
One of the library’s best features, the rooftop terrace, is perfect to enjoy as summer winds down. Its views rival the City Hall Observation Deck, so grab a coffee on the first floor cafe and head up to enjoy the scenery, flowers or a game of life-size chess.
The library hosts monthly movie nights on the terrace throughout the summer, and you can catch the final showing, Spider Man: Into the Spiderverse, on September 20th.
On your way up to the rooftop, take time to enjoy the 113-year-old building’s decor. The historic building once housed a First National Bank, and the library’s main lobby was renovated to include the bank’s original chandeliers, marble floors and recessed ceilings.
When the library moved into the building in 2004, they also turned the old bank vault into a movie room, complete with walls of steel and a 35-ton steel door. Catch a film there on Saturday afternoons.
The beauty of the building goes beyond features from the bank, so keep your eyes peeled—it seems that almost every corner is filled with art or antique furniture.
Along with the rooftop terrace, movie screenings and intricate decor, the Central Library offers:
Art galleries
Children’s area
Missouri Valley special collections, with resources about the area’s role in the Civil War and westward expansion.
Grand reading room and more
Of course, you can’t miss the Community Bookshelf—22 massive book spines that cover the wall outside the parking garage. The Community Bookshelf showcases books suggested by Kansas City readers, including To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee and Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.
While checking out all the Central Library has to offer, why not sign up for a library card? The Kansas City Public Library just made the process easier than ever, announcing they will no longer charge late fees for overdue materials.
While checking out all the Central Library has to offer, why not sign up for a library card? The Kansas City Public Library just made the process easier than ever, announcing they will no longer charge late fees for overdue materials.
Visit Kansas City Library’s Central branch at:
14 W. 10th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
