KC Public Libraries open to public; Mid-Continent Libraries extend hours

By John Sharp

With the June 1 resumption of most in-branch services at nine out of ten branches of the Kansas City Public Library (KCPL), area library services will almost be back to normal.  The Trails West Branch in Independence will be closed for carpet replacement until June 14.

Patrons will be able to enter KCPL branches to pick up holds, browse the collections, use public computers and pick up documents they emailed in to be printed.  Masks will still be required, and furniture has been relocated and barriers installed to provide proper social distancing.  Food and drinks are not permitted inside.

Meeting and study rooms are not yet available, and in-person public events will not resume until later.

Hours for KCPL’s two south Kansas City branches are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday at the Southeast Branch, 6242 Swope Pkwy., and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Waldo Branch, 201 E. 75th St.

Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) expanded its branch hours on May 18 and now allows browsing, and use of public computers, fax machines and copiers.  Patrons may pick up holds inside, and curbside and drive up pick up also is available.  Returns may be dropped off at inside or outside book drops.

Patrons are asked to follow Centers for Disease Control and local health department guidelines and not to visit while awaiting the results of COVID-19 tests or if they are not feeling well.

Small meeting rooms holding one to ten people may now be booked online or by calling the branch, but the branches big meeting rooms are not yet available.

Hours of MCPL’s Grandview and Red Bridge Branches are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.  The Blue Ridge Branch is closed for expansion and renovation and is expected to reopen in winter 2022.