Information about Kansas City, Kansas Public Library

Mission, Vision & Values

The Kansas City, Kansas Public Library adopted a new Strategic Plan starting with the 2017/2018 Fiscal Year. In this plan, the Library continues and enhances its Vision and Mission along with its Values.

Vision: Leading the way in Reading, Information, and Culture.
Mission: Connecting members of our dynamic community with information, tools, resources, and welcoming spaces to enrich their lives.

To meet our mission and vision, KCKPL and its staff will embrace and focus on the following core values, which include working goals.

Excellence in Public Services
Be a one million-circulation library.
Create a master facilities plan.
Increase access to technology to support patron experience in the Library.
Increase services to people who can't come to the library.

Community Partnership
Develop community partnerships in defined areas.

Embracing Diversity
Demographics of Wyandotte County reflected in allocation of resources.
Intellectual Freedom & Patrons Privacy
Increase access to library resources for more groups.
Increase patron privacy options for patrons.

Valuing and Empowering Employees
Increase technical support for day-to-day service providers.
One hundred percent of staff will participate in job specific training annually.

Library Administration Contacts

KCKPL Administration and Staff Members can be reached by calling 913.295.8250 and then dialing the extension of the staff member or using the directory. The following extensions can get you to a Library Branch or Library Administration.
Press 1 for Main Library
Press 2 for Schlagle Library
Press 3 for South Branch Library
Press 4 for Turner Community Library
Press 5 for West Wyandotte Library
Press 6 for Library Administration
Press 7 for a Directory by Name
Dial 6500 for Mobile Library Voice Mailbox

Administrative Contacts

Library Closings

All locations of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library will close on the following dates.
November 23-24, 2017 - Thanksgiving Holiday
December 24-26, 2017 - Winter Holiday
December 30, 2017 - Winter Holiday
December 31, 2017-January 1, 2018 - New Year's Holiday
January 15, 2018 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 19, 2018 - President's Day
April 1, 2018 - Spring Holiday
April 19, 2018 - Staff Inservice Day
May 28, 2018 - Memorial Day

Working at the Library

To learn more about working at the KCKPL and view current openings, click here.

Volunteering at the Library

KCKPL offers volunteer opportunities for young adults (high school age and older) and adults. Volunteer jobs generally require a minimum commitment of 20 hours, but exceptions are made for school projects and special events. Volunteers help with a variety of activities including:
Shelving materials
Assisting with children's programs
Straightening up around the library
Assorted other jobs

Download a PDF of the Volunteer Application by clicking here.

Rules of Conduct

The purpose of the library is to provide materials and services in a welcoming, safe, environment. In order to provide an appropriate environment, KCKPL has Code of Conduct that is in effect at all times. KCKPL asks Patrons to follow the instructions of library staff and law enforcement officers (LEOs). Staff will ask anyone violating the Code of Conduct to leave the building. Depending on the severity of the infraction, library administration may ban a person from the library and, possibly, file charges.

To review the Code of Conduct, click here.

Children at the Library

The library is a great place for families to learn and have fun, but the library does not offer childcare. KCKPL asks parents to watch their children and keep them safe and well behaved while in the library.

  • Children age 8 or younger must have an adult age 11 or older in charge of them at all times.
  • Children age 8 or younger or those with special needs left unattended at the library will be reported to SRS and/or the Police Department.
  • Children age 15 or younger left at the library at closing will be reported to SRS or the Police Department
      • Anyone using the public library that does not follow the library’s rules or ignores staff instructions may be asked to leave the library.

      Libraries are large places, open to the public. Due to the multiple demands on library staff, they cannot attend to the location of children and assure their safety. Please keep a close watch on your children when they are in the library.

      Library Governance

      The Kansas City, Kansas Public Library is governed by the Board of Education of Unified School District #500. The board consists of seven members elected by the citizens of USD #500. Click here for more about the Board of Education.

      KCKPL also receives a portion of its funding from the Wyandotte County Library Board. This board consists of 11 (eleven) members that are appointed by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County Commissioners. The County Library Board has the authority to set the County Library Tax Levy. Click here to see the current members of the library board.

      Library Foundation

      The Kansas City, Kansas Public Library Foundation (KCK Public Library Foundation) is an independent, community-based nonprofit organization whose purpose is to raise private money to enrich services and expand the reach of our publicly supported library system. A far-sighted and generous gift from the Marguerite Lubratovic Estate in 2007 established the foundation. More information can be found about the Foundation by going here or to the organization's website.

      Donating to the Library

      Individual Giving

      Donations: You may make a donation to support the Library at any time by mailing a check payable to the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library Foundation. Tributes: Gifts to the KCK Library Foundation offer a unique way to honor a graduation, anniversary, birthday or other special event in the life of someone you love or admire. An attractive note is sent to the person being honored to inform him or her of your gift. The amount of the gift is kept confidential; you will receive a confirmation and an acknowledgement that your gift has been received and a note has been sent to the honoree.

      Memorials: A gift to the KCK Library Foundation in memory of a family member or friend is a special way to express the value both you and your honoree place in lifelong learning and the library. If you choose, a notice of your gift will be sent to a family member of someone else close to the individual being honored. The amount of your gift will be kept confidential; you will receive a confirmation and an acknowledgement that your gift has been received and a notice sent.

      Other Gift Options

      Donations of Materials: The Library welcomes donations of books, other materials and historical documents. Condition, processing requirements and space availability all contribute to decisions about the disposition of these donations. Materials may be sold, donated or discarded at the Library’s discretion. Donated materials will not be returned to donors.
      Donors who wish to help build the collections are encouraged to consult with Library staff about titles that are needed and desired. Donations of substantial worth, such as rare books or special editions, significant personal library collections, art objects or equipment should be arranged through the Director of Libraries.

      For other options, please review this PDF document. If you are interested in making a gift to the KCK Public Library Foundation, click here for a PDF form.