Get a library card?
Library cards are free with proof of current address and identification. Mail received within the last 30 days may be used as proof of address. You must use your own card to check out or renew materials, or to use some library services. You may use your card to sign up to borrow materials at other metro libraries. Library cards are renewed every two years. All fines and fees must be paid in full to renew. Lost cards may be replaced for $1. Keep your contact information current and report lost or stolen cards immediately. Adult application | Juvenile application
Access my account and find my PIN?
Library staff will only show patron records to the person named on a library card account. With valid identification, a parent or legal guardian of a child under 12 may see the child’s records. To access your account online, click on “Check My Account.” Login using your library card number and your PIN, which is your birthday in the following format: mmddyyyy. For example, if your birthday is July 9, 1954, enter 07091954. When finished, be sure to click on "Logout" at the top of the page to ensure your privacy.
Check out materials?
For the first three weeks, all new patrons are limited to a total of five items at any one time. After three weeks, you may check out 50 books, audiobooks and/or magazines for three weeks; 15 CDs for three weeks; 5 CD ROMS and computer software for three weeks; 3 adult and 3 juvenile feature movies for one week; 3 adult and 3 juvenile nonfiction and TV series for one week.
Renew materials?
You may renew with your library card at any branch, by phone or online. Movies, browsing materials and any materials with a hold may not be renewed. Up to two renewals are allowed on other materials.
Return materials?
You may return materials at any branch. Book drops are available, but are locked on holidays.
Return damaged materials?
If damaged library materials cannot be returned to the shelf, the current retail cost of the item will be billed to your library card. Patrons may keep damaged items after payment in full. If a damaged item can be repaired, a charge for minor damage will be billed to the account. This policy does not apply to materials borrowed from other libraries.
Pay fines?
Fines for all materials except videos and DVDs are 10 cents per day, with a maximum fine of $3. Fines for videos and DVDs are $1 per day, with a maximum fine of $3. Library cards are blocked when fines are $25 or greater. A collection agency recovers fines and charges for unreturned materials. You may sign up to get overdue notices by email to help avoid overdue fines. Fines must be paid off completely before a card can be renewed.
Request something that is checked out or at another branch?
Library staff can help you place holds on materials that are checked out or located at other branches. You may also place holds through the online catalog. No holds are allowed on feature videos or DVDs.
Request something the library doesn’t own?
Library staff can help you request materials not owned by KCKPL through an interlibrary loan. There is no charge for placing a request. You are responsible for any fees charged by the lending library.
Reserve a meeting room?
Meeting room reservations are free to service, educational and nonprofit groups on a first come, first served basis. Meeting rooms may be used for information, educational, cultural, civic or recreational activities. The Computer Training Lab at the Main Library may be reserved by other libraries or library organizations for training purposes. Small study rooms for six or less are also available at the Main Library. Call the library where you want to meet to reserve a room. See complete room use policy.
Use a computer or the Internet?
Public computers and Internet access are available at all branches and may be used with your KCKPL library card. Printouts are 10 cents per page and may be billed to your library card. Time limits for computer use vary based on the number available at each branch. Work done on library computers cannot be saved to the hard drive. The library sells disks for $.50 each and headphones for $1. Free wireless Internet access is available at all branches. The library also offers free basic computer classes. Check our calendar of events or call your local branch for more information. See rules for computer and internet use.
Use a copier or a typewriter?
There is a 10 cent per copy fee to use copiers at the library. The Argentine Library also has a typewriter.
Let my children use the library?
Children age 8 and under must be with an adult when using the library. Children age 9 and older may use the library unattended, but must obey library rules for behavior. Before your child 9 or older uses the library unattended, please review the rules with your child. Rules are available online or at the library. Children age 15 or younger left at the library at closing will be turned over to the police for their own safety. Children may use the library phone to call for rides.
Bring a group to the library?
Groups or organizations bringing more than 6 must call in advance to schedule their visit to the library and to check program availability. Registration and contact information will be required for all groups who attend programs. Due to space and supply limitations, not all programs will be open to groups. Space for groups is limited and at the discretion of supervisors at each branch. Organizations may be limited in the number of programs they attend. When possible, branches may try to schedule a separate program for groups to attend on a different date from that of public programs.
Sign up for e-mail notices?
To receive email notification of overdue materials, holds ready for pick up, items due in three days and library card expiration simply fill out a short registration form. Notices will be sent automatically to your peferred email account. Please allow up to two business days for your notices to to begin. Don't forget to let us know if your email account changes. Your email address will only be used for KCKPL notices. Click here to sign up.
Donate to the library?
Donations to the library help make up the gap between public library funding and all of the emerging needs of a vital library system. The Kansas City, Kansas Public Library Foundation is an independent non profit that raises funds on behalf of our library. Click here to see all of the ways you can make a tax deductible gift to help strengthen and expand services.