The Nook

The most beautiful library I’ve ever seen (haven’t been to D.C. yet). Beautiful inside and wonderful art and photographs as well as great historical exhibits. The rooftop terrace is wonderful and provides beautiful views of the city. Unfortunately there are people who are struggling on the third and first floor, with signs of drug use and lots of people sleeping. They do not disturb you and I’m happy they have a place to stay cool and comfortable, but it does impact the library experience as most places to sit are used up for sleeping.

This is a 5 floor library with basement. Pretty good book selection. The 5th floor has a terrace and an old school reading room that looks like an executives office. Parking is free for one hour in the adjacent garage with validation. They have a small art gallery and a coffee and pastry shop.

My daughter and I were in town for something else and had a few hours to spare so we walked over to the library. It's very nice and welcoming and felt very safe. There is a display up some stairs called "The Road Home" that highlights/honors the stories of some homeless people which is beautiful. Downstairs there are movies and a little theater.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I can’t say enough about the amazing staff at the Kansas City Public Library, especially James and Sawyer. I recently found myself in a very desperate situation after my vehicle tag was stolen. To prevent further issues, I was creating a temporary tag with my police case number and department information to stop people from reporting my vehicle for not displaying a tag. When I visited the library, I explained my predicament to Sawyer on the third floor. She immediately understood the urgency of my situation and provided me with book repair tape—exactly what I needed to laminate my homemade license plate. Sawyer was professional, resourceful, and compassionate, even as she juggled assisting other patrons. I’ve also had the pleasure of interacting with James, whose professionalism and respectfulness consistently stand out. It’s clear that both James and Sawyer are skilled at managing diverse personalities with grace and emotional intelligence, which is something I truly appreciate as someone with a background in psychology and sociology. The library staff truly went above and beyond to help me in a stressful time, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support. I highly recommend this library for their exceptional service and caring staff!

Beautiful library filled with stunning art and sculptures throughout. It’s a fantastic place to study, and the staff was incredibly attentive and friendly. I even received a library card as a visitor, which was perfect because it allowed me to work comfortably on the 5th floor. The only downside I noticed was the presence of many homeless individuals, though I understand they are just in need of a warm place, and I respect that. Overall, I highly recommend this library for anyone looking for a serene study environment!