Kansas City’s downtown revival is a source of pride. The Kansas City Public Library’s Central Library, located at 10th and Baltimore, is its literary focal point.
The former bank building is an architectural marvel and a community hub. Jonathan Kemper, library board president, envisioned repurposing the building. In 2004, after extensive restoration, the library relocated. Kemper’s vision included the Community Bookshelf, a book-inspired parking garage façade. The library and city gain national recognition through its photographed books.
The Great Equalizer
No longer is the library just about checking out physical books. Today the institution constantly strives to improve the literacy of Kansas City with the goal of providing knowledge to all.
This vision blends past and future, providing a timeless experience. Kirk Hall showcases grandeur with molded ceilings and marble. Classic atmosphere extends to bathrooms with cream-colored palette. Glass mosaic tiles add elegance. Shimmering tiles complement granite countertops and cream-colored floor tiles. Every corner exudes charm. The library preserves heritage while embracing progress, captivating visitors and enriching the community.
Architecturally Speaking
While the bathrooms are definitely not what one would expect to find in a public institution, it might be the contents of the basement that will truly blow library visitors away.
While the bathrooms are definitely not what one would expect to find in a public institution, it might be the contents of the basement that will truly blow library visitors away. The library’s vault, a critical structural element of the original bank built in 1925 now serves as architectural component and home to the library’s film vault. Here library patrons can view a film on Saturday afternoons such as upcoming Ciné Shakespeare series, produced in conjunction with the UMKC Department of English. The series features four films (Shakespeare in Love, Richard III, Richard II and Coriolanus) based on the legendary Bard’s work. The film series, which began in February, is a teaser for six months of Shakespeare activities at the library including a summertime viewing of Shakespeare’s First Folio originally published in 1623.
Come grab a book, watch a film, or just to check out the facilities! Learn more about the Kansas City Public Library here.