libraries

A sweeping historical epic, an eerily relevant political dystopia and an adult fantasy book from a beloved children’s author are just a few of the recommendations from KCUR’s book experts this spring.

Make the most of your library card, no matter where in the Kansas City area you live. Our region has no shortage of great libraries, and you can find an entire world of resources and unique activities beyond just a great read.

Librarians and staff in the Mid-Continent Public Library system have announced their intent to unionize. They want better wages and workplace protections. With more than 700 workers, it could be the largest library union in Missouri.

Artist Heidi Pitre’s new show brings together literature, nostalgia and pen-and-ink illustrations on vintage library checkout cards. Pitre brings her library card art to — where else? — the Kansas City Public Library.

Looking for a powerful memoir, a cozy bedtime story, a creepy collection — or all of the above for a potential holiday gift? KCUR's Up To Date invited a librarian, professor and bookstore owner to offer the favorites titles they read in the last year.

The now-void law, passed by Missouri lawmakers in 2022, expanded the state’s regulations on pornography to create the offense of providing explicit sexual material to a student. The state's library associations sued, arguing that it undermined the First Amendment rights of students.

The Kansas City Public Library announced a "Strategic Plan" to meet community needs, funded by a new grant. Anyone can weigh in on what they want it to include.

A hair metal band recruited by the CIA, fake newlyweds and retellings of "The Great Gatsby" are among the stories selected by Up To Date's panel of readers as the best books to pick up this summer.

When President Trump made deep cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities earlier this year, grants were cancelled and programs across the country were suspended. In Kansas City, one oral history project for Vietnam War veterans had to be scaled back.

As the gay rights movement began picking up steam in the 1970s, Barbara Grier co-founded the largest lesbian publishing company in the world — right from her Kansas City home. Grier was bold, controversial, and unstoppable in her mission to make books reflect the people and love stories in her life.

University officials say the library has been weeding out materials that are outdated or have not been checked out in over a decade. But faculty say they should have been consulted first.

An executive order from President Trump has stopped mid-Missouri libraries from receiving reimbursements for federally funded grants. Libraries across the state are being instructed to limit their spending.