17 Educational Library Programs at MCPL (Free Events & Resources)

Mid-Continent Public Library has some of the best library programs in Kansas City!

So, we gathered the unique library programs, educational library events, and helpful resources for Back to School.

Their vast list of educational resources can be utilized while getting back into the routine of school, or throughout the year.

Educational Library Programs at MCPL: Back to School

It’s back to school time with Mid Continent Public Library!

If you haven’t checked out MCPL, then head to one of the 41 MCPL branches across the metro. They make it easy to find a library near you. You can also download their new app or visit online for free library resources. Also, be sure to check out The Midwest Genealogy Center for free family history research!

Explore the Deals, Discount Codes & Money Saving Tips to find other ways to have fun while saving money.

So, what exactly does the Mid Continent Public Library offers for back-to-school help?

Library Programs for Young Kids

Grow a Reader Program & App:

With the library’s Grow a Reader program, you can bring your child to select locations for engaging story times and discover new books!

If you can’t make it to the library, you can download MCPL- Grow A Reader App! It is a free app that allows children to watch educational videos to learn new songs, fingerplays, and more. Your child can complete activities from the comfort of your home or while on the go!

Play and Learn Events:

Play and Learn is a special library program with stimulating activities, social interaction, and early literacy at the focal point of playtime! This program is designed for ages 3 and up to help them get ready for the preschool years and beyond.

Story Time in the Park:

You can also get your little one in the reading spirit with Story Time in the Park.

When the weather is nice and you need a day outside, head to the park to read with MCPL. You and your kids can enjoy great stories, fun games, and music all while enjoying the great outdoors! Check the library events calendar for upcoming story times in the park.

Story Time Events:

There are also story times held indoors at MCPL. These educational programs focus on preschoolers, toddlers & babies. You can find more information about the program, as well as upcoming story time events online.

• Storytime for Babies (0 to 18 mo.)
• Early Literacy Storytime for Toddlers (up to 3 years old)
• Early Literacy Storytime for Preschoolers (ages 3 – 5)
• Early Literacy Storytime for Families (all ages)
• Sensory Sensitive Storytime (all ages)

Early Literacy Fair:

Now that everyone is back to school, you and the entire family can head to the Literacy Fair!

Geared for ages 6 and under, you can introduce your little one to a variety of music, activities, and movement and of course… promote pre-reading skills. You can learn more or register for these events online anytime!

Teachables:

Parents, teachers, homeschoolers & students can also get free resources from Teachables.

Teachables is an online learning resource that provides activities and online lesson plans for a wide variety of topics – science, math, art, theater activities, and more! You can access this FREE resource online too.

Library Programs for Kids (School Age) & Teens 

STEAM Powered Programs:

The Mid-Continent Public Library is full STEAM ahead with its unique STEAM-powered programs.

Geared for ages 8 -14, select locations have a variety of programs that are designed to engage your child in a variety of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics-focused activities. Programs include but are not limited to, robots, virtual reality, and coding! Explore the library events calendar to find upcoming STEAM activities.

Mad Science:

The Mid-Continent Public Library also offers programs led by Mad Science educators! This fun library program is something your kids will go mad over. They will explore & discover different science experiments through chemistry, physics, magic tricks, and more! Perfect for all ages.

Check for upcoming Mad Science activities – some of the best free library events!

Music & Performance:

Have a budding musician? The MCPL has different opportunities for your child to learn a few things on a musical instrument, learn to count rhythm and understand song structure. This resource is available at select locations and varies in age range.

Teen Library Programs:

There are just as many resources for your teen as well! The MCPL has multiple Teen Programming events that range from art and movies to gaming and chaperoned parties.

Discover the different teen library programs now!

ACT Prep:

Throughout the year the Mid-Continent Public Library branches host a FREE, full-length ACT practice test.

Keep in mind this is a full-length test so it will last roughly 4 hours with a break in between. Your child must bring a #2 pencil, a calculator, a watch, and an established email address for the results. Students are encouraged to bring a snack, or drink and arrive 30 minutes before test time to ensure they are seated and ready at the start time!

Teen STEAM:

The Teen Steam workshops offer multiple opportunities and clubs for your child to be a part of. Various locations offer everything from Coding Club, Virtual Reality workshops, writing groups, and various art workshops.

Teens At The Library:

MCPL provides teens with a safe, fun, and exciting night with friends during Teens at the Library. How about on a school night?! Your teens can shake off the back-to-school blues by hanging out during teen time!

For each session, the staff at the library plans a fun, safe, and engaging activity just for teens! This resource is at select locations and dates and times vary, so check online for upcoming events.

Teen Lit:

One of the few teen “book clubs”, MCPL hosts Teen Lit for book lovers and those wanting to bulk up their reading lists. Teens can participate by reading a new featured book, then engaging in discussions.

Find upcoming book clubs for teens online…

Homework Help:

Need help with all that homework? Have no fear, MCPL offers FREE homework help resources! Sites like Biography in Context, Interactive: Science, and live homework help with Tutor.com are resources that ensure your kids are getting the help they need with projects and homework.

There are also free, homework help library events.

Adult Education Programs

Going back to school isn’t just for teens or school-age kids. There are adult education programs & events available too!

**Many of these programs are also available for teens.

The Story Center:

If you like writing, check out these upcoming library events! There is a wide variety of writing programs, so you can find something to fit your style. Examples of events & programs include:

• How to Make a Podcast
• Open-Mic Poetry Reading
• Copyright Basics
• Critiquing groups
• Introduction to Self Publishing

Need help navigating the world of technology? The MCPL has technology education programs designed to help you navigate and understand current software programs. They offer courses and classes on Word, Excel, basic computer features and functions, Windows 10, & more.

You can also combine The Story Center resources to learn more about our digital world. Explore adult library events about technology online.

Other Fun Online Resources & Activities:

• The Best Subscription Boxes for Kids – cooking, art, science, sports & more.
• Free Disney Imagineering Course for Kids – Build your own theme park!
• Best Homeschool Programs & Curriculum (most online)
• Free Educational Websites for Kids to Practice STEM Concepts. You can find educational companies here too.
• Our favorite museums in KC

If you are looking for other unique library programs, The Midwest Genealogy Center provides free family history searches online and at their stand-alone facility. All the above library programs & resources are designed with every Kansas City parent & family in mind! Mid-Continent Public Library is proud to have free resources for you and your family to use. In April, National Library Week occurs, so be sure to mark your calendars for even more from MCPL!

Or, explore library resources at other local library systems.

While the back-to-school season is in full swing, Mid-Continent Public Library is always in season. Head to your local branch anytime for the best educational resources & helpful library events. Activities can help your child with class, homeschooling, and in their personal lives!

For more library resources, click below and sign up for THE SCOOP. We will send all the best KC resources & things to do right to you!

From our family to yours, iFamilyKC.