The Kirkwood Public Library inspires a lifelong commitment to learning and creativity, for a more informed and connected community. ~ Our Mission Statement

Discover More at KPL

September 2024

Your Source for Entertainment!


Big Books of Fall

Fall into a good book this autumn! New titles for all ages can be found here, including works from favorites such as John Grisham, James Patterson,  Jodi Picoult, Patricia Cornwell and Danielle Steel. Find your fall escape now!

Renovated Outdoor Space


You are invited to the ribbon cutting for our new outdoor space.  Join us on Wednesday, September 18th at 11:30 am to celebrate the opening of our renovated garden featuring new plants, seating and a walkway with engraved pavers.  This flexible space will be used for outdoor programs and an inviting space for the community to read and relax. Bring the kids on  Saturday, September 21st  at 10:00 a.m. when CHAMP reading dogs will be here to showcase the new dog water fountain. Special thanks to Riggs Construction Company and The Constant Gardener for their work creating this welcoming oasis and deep gratitude to all who contributed to this project that the Kirkwood community will enjoy for years to come.

Exciting Changes Coming to Kirkwood Public Library


As we reach the 15th anniversary of the library renovation that was completed in 2009, it is time for an update and refresh! Work will begin soon on several projects inside including renovated restrooms, repairs in the children’s room, and a New Books Room in the southeast corner of the main floor.  Staff will be relocated making way for this space dedicated to showcasing all of our new and hot materials conveniently bringing them together in one place.  Phase two of the renovations include new carpet and seating areas to make your library visits more enjoyable. These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to keep the building up to date, welcoming, and functional for the community.  Stay tuned as your browsing experience improves!

KPL is Going Evergreen


Exciting news! Kirkwood Public Library and the other eight libraries in the MLC are  joining Missouri Evergreen–a consortium of over 70 library systems statewide (and growing!)  As part of this transition, we will be moving to a new Integrated Library System (ILS) that will have enhanced features integrated into the catalog that will improve your library experience.


What does this mean for you?

  • A new, improved library catalog with better searching and browsing capabilities
  • An updated easy-to-use mobile app
  • Access to a combined collection of over 4 million items from participating libraries


During the transition:

  • Saved lists will not transfer to the new system. If you have saved lists in your library account, they can be emailed or printed.  Library staff is happy to assist you.
  • The catalog and access to your account will be unavailable Monday, Oct. 14th through Thursday, Oct. 17th.  During this period, you won’t be able to place holds or browse the catalog but will be able to check out items and online resources will remain accessible.
  • Pin/password information will not transfer so will have to be reset – more information to come.


We appreciate your understanding during this transition.

This project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.

Fall Programs


The Fall programming season is here, and we’re excited to highlight some upcoming Youth Services events, so that you can mark your calendars, or sign up to join in on the fun! 


Our weekly Storytimes are expanding so more families have the opportunity to attend! Now you can gather with us for stories, songs, activities & fun on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 am. This storytime is best for ages 2-5 & families. 


Books for Babies continues on Thursdays at 9:30 am, starting 9/5, with a focus on early literacy promotion through lap bounces, stories, fingerplays and community connection. Find all the dates here. 


For Elementary Age, we have a Book Hedgehogs program on 9/14 at 2:30 pm. Where ages 10 & up can hang out and make their own hedgehog from a book. Then on 9/28 we’re celebrating all things crayons at Crayon Palooza at 10:30 am. Sign up here to get your spot. After School Clubs continue on Wednesdays from 4-5 pm with Coloring Club, Kids Cooking Class, and After School Art for ages 6-12.


Teen programming kicks off on 9/30 at 7 pm with Town of Salem in Real Life. Teens ages 12-18 can travel back in time to the Salem Witch Trials for an exciting game of social deduction based on the popular computer game. Reserve your spot here. Find more great Fall programs for babies-teens on the online calendar.

Film Series: Creepy Film Noir


Come down to the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center for four nights of Creepy Film Noir! Kirkwood Public Library is excited to bring you this grant-funded film series, courtesy of Kanopy and the Staff Endowment Fund. Grab some popcorn and catch these black-and-white crime classics at KPAC’s Ross Family Theater. The transition from September to October has inspired us to pick Golden Era thrillers with an air of menace, morally dubious characters, and good old fashioned suspense.


Travel back in time and experience these atmospheric gems— Woman on the Run on September 23rd, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers on September 30th, The Red House on October 7th, and The Naked Kiss on October 14th, all at 7 pm. Cinema has come back to Kirkwood and you won’t want to miss it!

Library of Things Spotlight:

Apple


The Kirkwood Public Library has many items you can borrow from books to movies, magazines to music. We also loan out a variety of non-traditional library items. We refer to these items as the Library of Things. Each month, we will be highlighting parts of this collection.


Featured in September is our collection Apple and Apple compatible devices.


Need a disc drive for your Macbook? How about a pair of bluetooth headphones? Or a UCS-C to HMDI to connect your iPhone to an external display. We even have iPads your can check out for an extended period.


View our entire collection of Apple and compatible devices here.

KPL Podcast


Check out the KPL Podcast. New episodes released every Friday.

Books & Beyond


Join our community of volunteers to staff the shop. Applications are available in the shop and at the circulation desk. One-on-one training provided and it's a great way to meet other dedicated Kirkwood library enthusiasts. Mostly daytime hours and some evenings are available. As always, all proceeds from the shop benefit the library.


Want to discover a new author for the Fall? We recently added a new supply of donated gift quality books to our shelves. Stock up during a visit to the shop and consider joining our efforts as a volunteer. 

Story Walk


Finding a safe, fun and educational activity that your whole family will enjoy may feel like a task. Leave it to the library, we've got the perfect idea!


Head over to Kirkwood Park to take a walk around Walker Lake where you can follow our Story Walk. A librarian has handpicked the book that you follow page by page around the lake until you've enjoyed a whole story and some exercise. Look for this story in September: Iamasaurus by Annie Ylvisaker.


And be sure to check out our new Story Walk in the front lawn of the Kirkwood YMCA. Look for this story in September: If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen.

Thank You Donors!


For their generous gifts to the Library.


See a list of our Contributors.

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