Kansas City Public Library Hours - All 10 KCPL Locations

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Last Updated: December 2025 | Verified by Library Hours 24 Editorial Team

Your complete guide to Kansas City Public Library (KCPL) hours. The KCPL system serves Kansas City, Missouri with 10 locations known for innovative programming and community engagement. The iconic Central Library downtown features the famous Community Bookshelf - giant book spines adorning the parking garage that's become a KC landmark. Beyond the stunning architecture, Kansas City's libraries offer exceptional jazz and local history collections reflecting the city's rich musical heritage.

Holiday Notice: KCPL branches are closed on major holidays including New Year's Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Always verify hours before visiting.

Kansas City Central Library

Kansas City Branch Libraries

Plaza Branch

Address: 4801 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112

Phone: (816) 701-3481

Located in the famous Country Club Plaza shopping district with a sophisticated atmosphere.

Monday - Thursday9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
SundayClosed

North-East Branch

Address: 6000 Wilson Road, Kansas City, MO 64123

Phone: (816) 701-3485

Community-focused branch serving northeast Kansas City with ESL programs and job resources.

Monday - Thursday9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday - Saturday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
SundayClosed

Waldo Branch

Address: 201 East 75th Street, Kansas City, MO 64114

Phone: (816) 701-3488

Serving the historic Waldo neighborhood with active children's programming.

Monday - Thursday9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday - Saturday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
SundayClosed

Westport Branch

Address: 118 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111

Phone: (816) 701-3486

Located in the historic Westport entertainment district.

Monday - Thursday9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday - Saturday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
SundayClosed

Bluford Branch

Address: 3050 Prospect Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64128

Phone: (816) 701-3483

Named for Guion Bluford, the first African American astronaut. Youth programs and digital literacy.

Monday - Thursday9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday - Saturday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
SundayClosed

Southeast Branch

Address: 6242 Swope Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64130

Phone: (816) 701-3487

Community branch near Swope Park serving southeast neighborhoods.

Monday - Thursday9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday - Saturday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
SundayClosed

University Libraries in Kansas City

UMKC Leon E. Bloch Law Library

Address: 500 East 52nd Street, Kansas City, MO 64110

Phone: (816) 235-1650

One of the region's premier law libraries with extensive legal research resources.

Monday - Thursday7:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Rockhurst University - Greenlease Library

Address: 1100 Rockhurst Road, Kansas City, MO 64110

Phone: (816) 501-4142

Jesuit university library with strong collections in business, education, and humanities.

Monday - Thursday7:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday1:00 PM - 11:00 PM

🎷 Kansas City Library Insider Tips

πŸ“š Community Bookshelf = MUST-SEE!

Central Library's famous south facade features 22 GIANT book spines standing 25 feet tall - chosen by Kansas City readers! One of the most photographed spots in KC. Best photos from the south side of 10th Street. Instagram gold!

🎺 18th & Vine Jazz Archives

The Missouri Valley Room houses incredible jazz recordings and photographs from KC's legendary jazz scene. Charlie Parker, Count Basie, and Big Joe Turner all came from here. FREE access to researchers - staff are passionate jazz historians!

πŸšƒ FREE KC Streetcar Access

Central Library is a stop on the FREE KC Streetcar running through downtown! No fare, no ticket - just hop on. Connects to Union Station, Power & Light District, and River Market. Skip parking entirely.

🎀 FREE Major Author Events

KCPL hosts major author talks at the Helzberg Auditorium in Central Library - check their calendar for FREE events. Past speakers include Margaret Atwood, John Grisham, and other bestselling authors. Register early - they fill up!

🎡 Marr Sound Archives (UMKC)

UMKC's Marr Sound Archives hold one of the nation's LARGEST collections of historical sound recordings - 450,000+ recordings from the early 1900s! FREE access for researchers. Hear voices from a century ago.

πŸŒ™ UMKC Midnight Hours

UMKC Miller Nichols Library stays open until MIDNIGHT Sunday-Thursday during the academic year! Community borrower cards available for Missouri residents. Great late-night study option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Kansas City Central Library hours?

Kansas City Central Library at 14 West 10th Street is open Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm.

Is UMKC Library open to the public?

UMKC Miller Nichols Library welcomes community visitors during regular hours. Community borrower cards are available for Missouri residents.

Does Kansas City Public Library have Sunday hours?

Yes, Kansas City Central Library is open Sundays 1pm-5pm. Most branch libraries are closed on Sundays.

What makes Kansas City Central Library unique?

The Central Library features the Community Bookshelf - 22 giant book spines on the parking garage, chosen by Kansas City readers.

Verified Info: Our team personally contacts libraries to verify hours. Data last confirmed: December 2025

Common Questions About Kansas City Libraries

What time do libraries open in Kansas City?

Most public libraries in Kansas City open at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM on weekdays. Weekend hours typically start at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Academic and university libraries may open earlier, around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM during the semester.

Are Kansas City libraries open on weekends?

Yes, most Kansas City public libraries are open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours vary by location, with many libraries operating reduced hours (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or remaining closed.

Do I need a library card to visit Kansas City libraries?

No, you can visit and use library facilities without a card. However, borrowing books, accessing computers, and using certain services require a free library card. Residents can get one with valid ID and proof of address.

Why This Page? We aggregate and verify library hours from official sources so you do not have to visit multiple websites. Data updated monthly.