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Confessions of a Library-aholic

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Libraries. We often think of the local library as a dusty, musty place with stacks of books and stern ladies always with a finger to their lips whispering Shhhh! And while it is true that libraries house mounds of books and they do appreciate your consideration of others and use of a "library voice," today's libraries offer much, much more!

As a mother I have always desired that my children love reading and learning and I actively look for ways to “increase the odds” of this happening. I am a self-confessed library-aholic—an addiction I sincerely hope to pass along to my children.

This was my motive for taking my first daughter to story time at the age of 6 months. We became faithful to our Monday morning story time routine, fast instilling in my daughter a love for books and anticipation in visiting one of her favorite people, Miss Carrie, our story time librarian. Beyond story time, I have come to love the many features the library offers, enhancing our family’s experience and seemingly growing with our needs.

Each summer, the library features a summer reading program where parents record the books they read to their children and earn prizes. Programs vary within systems, but every local library system offers a summer reading program annually.

Thanks to the online catalogs and apps available at all major library systems in KC, we are able to reserve books 24/7. On more than one occasion, I’ve spent my time on road trips requesting our next collection of books. The library’s recommended reading lists on their site only fuel my habit and, yes, I consider myself a “library junkie” with well over 100 books, movies and CDs checked out at any given time. In addition to “real books” (and I admit that I have a paper bias when it comes to reading actual books), we may now check out e-books using the library’s account and enjoy reading these materials for free on our devices—this has been a new favorite feature on long car trips.

So, what else does the library have to offer? If you browse the library websites, you will find a calendar of events. Our local libraries host wonderful programs for families ranging from concerts to puppet shows, as well as children’s programs including craft projects and petting zoo visits, and adult programs to learn new languages or art forms. Over the years, I’ve come to especially love the cooking classes offered at the library featuring exotic foods and healthy alternatives for families. These events are free and provide another outlet to meet new friends in our community. The Plaza Branch of the Kansas City Public Library offers tremendous family programs every Friday night in the Truman Auditorium. Simply visit your local library website (all listed below) for an upcoming calendar of events and be sure to register for programs in advance, as many programs do fill up quickly.

Special libraries worth a special visit:

Regular library patrons visit their neighborhood library faithfully, and rarely do they venture out to explore other libraries. Frankly, we often think they are much like McDonald's: very little changes other than minor details. While it is true that most Kansas City-area libraries are quite similar, there are a few gems that stand out among the rest, making them worthy of an off-the-beaten path visit.

The Central Library of the Kansas City Public Library (14 W. 10th St., Kansas City, MO, 816.701.3400), housed in the former First National Bank of Kansas City, is one of the city's most beautiful best-kept secrets. It’s home to fabulous research departments, in particular the Missouri Valley Room, located on the fifth floor, with an archive of special historical collections including the Missouri Valley Collection (local history), Ramos Collection (African American history) and Western expansion materials. The library is an architectural masterpiece with reading rooms, research areas, a cafe and a rooftop view of the city skyline complete with a giant life-size chess set! But the most special section of the library for families is the Children's Department. Enter through the pages of a book where kids will discover a wonderful reading area organized by ages and interests and offering many hands-on activities as well. This library is so special that even the parking garage is unique! The “Community Bookshelf” painted along the south wall of the Central Library's parking garage (on 10th Street between Wyandotte Street and Baltimore Avenue) displays book spines featuring 22 titles from classics to local interest. The library’s many features beg to be explored and photographed. Parking Tip: The Central Library parking garage is located directly west of the Central Library building on the northwest corner of 10th & Baltimore. Parking is free on weekends and free for the first hour Mon.-Fri. with library validation and $1 for every 20 minutes thereafter with an $8/day maximum. The garage is one of Kansas City's most unique landmarks as it is styled after a giant bookcase of famous literature.

The Woodneath Library of the Mid-Continent Public Library System (8900 N. Flintlock Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.883.4900). This is one of the newest and yet “oldest” libraries in the metro. Located in the Shoal Creek area, this library is built incorporating a 30-acre antebellum farm and 1855 Elbridge-Arnold home and a 21st century library. The Greek Revival home is a popular event and meeting space adjoining the modern library. The Woodneath Children’s Literacy Center is state-of-the-art with skill-building computers and special interactive early literacy story times in the Story Time Barn. One of their most unique features is the Espresso Book Machine that prints, binds and trims a paperback book in minutes. You may purchase and print a book of your choice from a catalog of more than 3 million titles or bring your book for self-publishing.

Five Reasons I Love the Library:

 

Kristina Light is proud mother to four more library junkies!

 

 

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