More Than a Library: The wide variety of books and materials at the Central Library in downtown Kansas City makes it a worthwhile visit for students

Libraries can seem unnecessary with limitless information quickly available on the internet, and going to the library isn’t an after-school activity I’ve indulged in before. But the KC Central Library — nestled downtown on West 10th Street — has made me reconsider.

Getting a library card only took five minutes, and I now have access to resources for five years. Even without visiting in-person, I can download free ebooks, movies, music and media.

I was pleasantly surprised to find extensive first-hand, peer-reviewed information about journals on different areas of research and all sorts of trade publications that I can’t get from a Google search. My new card gave me hours and hours of information in the palm of my hand. 

Included on the main library website is an automobile search engine where you can look up any car to find manuals and maintenance tips. Business and law resources are also provided online for basic study as well as convenient LinkedIn Learning master-classes of video content — completely free. Normally, I think of something more old-school when I picture a traditional library.

Looking at other libraries I’ve been to, there isn’t one that quite compares to the eye-catching architectural feel of the Central library, making me want to go back as soon as possible. I also find myself checking the website more often now, just to see what I have access to. 

Something I really loved on the site is its full ethical hacking course, a 40-hour course on data analysis, and just about every major programming language available. There are additionally full courses on accounting, business development, customer service, sales and so much more. The abundance of these great references make the library that much more useful, being a convenient spot to sit down and go through these programs.

When you go to the actual library, the peer-reviewed sources that the attentive staff will point out will be helpful for your next school report or essay. Though founded in 1873, the library is only 35 years younger than Kansas City itself but has been remarkably updated to stay relevant today. 

Integration of 21st-Century technology to the library in the basement provides even more entertainment: a 35-ton steel vault movie theater. Family-friendly films from “The Muppet Movie” to more mature features like “Pan’s Labyrinth” are played during the week free of charge, or you can pay $65 to watch a private screening in the 28-person theater. Adjustable lighting and curtains lead to the undisturbed atmosphere to accompany the chosen film, plus watching from inside a steel vault makes me feel like the heroic main character of a James Bond movie.

The more traditional part of the library has a classic cozy vintage feel with a light wood interior, complimented by a brightly skylit third and fourth floor. Books aesthetically line the walls, making it easy to get lost in the endless spines. I thoroughly enjoyed spending my time getting lost in them.

The library proves itself to be more than traditional, with modern integration of a checkout system that’s easily accessible to all as well as modern architecture, it’s sure to check all the boxes a library enthusiast could ever ask for. 

Along with reading, there’s no mundane atmosphere to discourage efficient studying, as you can even go out on the top floor terrace and bathe in the sun, accompanied by a beautiful view of downtown KC. If you need a break, you can play chess with the large full-scale set out on the roof. 

The Central Library is so much more than I expected and should be a more well-visited local gem for students and their families.