Kansas City Public Library- Central Library

You find the best love stories at the library

What makes it fun

The Central Library of the Kansas City Public Library is housed in a historic bank building. This is no regular library. This library is gorgeous. The builidng has stunning columns both inside and out with beautiful architecture. The bank vault of the original building has been preserved and transformed into a movie space. Bring your book loving sweetie and enjoy all this library has to offer.

Google Reviews

The Kansas City Public Library: Central Library

4.7

Based on 470 reviews

Gabriel Richardson

18:48 08 Sep 25

A truly amazing place, so friendly and helpful

Rocky Aday

01:51 23 Aug 25

Amazing place, huge selection, amazing staff.

Brian W

22:06 19 Aug 25

Nice library, but in a rough part of town. Seems mostly homeless folks were inside.

Rain Rain

18:29 11 Aug 25

Justin Ault

20:04 09 Aug 25

Tons of vagrants

Slen Rogers

15:55 27 Aug 24

Kinda loud but still one of my favorite libraries. They will validate parking for an hour with their parking garage.

Aarav Patel

21:46 21 Aug 24

Karen Kipp

05:06 18 Aug 24

Beautiful building. Great movies in the vault.

John P. Hamilton

18:05 15 Aug 24

I requested a document from Cook County Clerk's office and emailed them back and forth so that the correct document could be found. I was told by the Clerk's office that my document was processed and placed in the mail on the 7th of August. Today is the 15th of August and still no document has ,allegedly, been received. No where in GOD's green earth does it take over 7 days for a piece of mail, sent first class, to be received by it's recipient. Now let's see what type of retaliatory acts occur for my exercising my first amendment right to free speech for speaking the truth.

Carrie C

15:44 15 Aug 24

Coolest library I have ever been in. If you decide to play yourself in chess on the roof remember to reset the board. Time well spent love love loved it from the parking garage bookshelf to the vault in the basement.

Cristin Case (Cristin C.)

04:44 09 Sep 23

Luca Ghost

18:36 27 Aug 23

Cheyanne Davis

19:29 25 Aug 23

It an amazing place for all ages and my favorite place to go to clear my head

Kelly Harlan

18:49 24 Aug 23

Nick Mayer

19:31 19 Aug 23

Worth coming just for the 40ft books facade!

Ruth Frank

17:10 17 Mar 23

We happened upon this cozy bar inside the Hilton, and loved every minute of it! Our bartender, Adam, was so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. He was truly our Bartender Extraordinaire! The drinks were original, and delicious! We got tips about the area and had the most delightful time in the Drum Room! 🥁

Laura Bain

18:56 12 Jan 22

This library has SO MUCH to appreciate! The parking garage steps are books, and the garage walls are book spines! There’s a vault in the basement where movies “in the vault” are kept. Then, upstairs there’s the coolest children’s area! The entrance to the children’s area makes it look like you’re walking IN TO a book!

C H

20:41 25 Jun 21

Craft night was so fun, and staff is awesome

Jenessa Adams

04:29 02 Jul 18

Love! A great asset to the downtown community. I came here with my 16 month old and husband to get out of the 100° weather one June afternoon. I appreciated the various galleries explaining local artists and history. The kids area is fantastic, too! Lots of toys, books, friendly employees, and a space for kids to be kids. Make sure to get the parking validation for 1 hour free on weekdays or free on weekends!