Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) is pleased to announce its roster of May programs.
Below are the MCPL programs available during the month of May at several local branches. To view the full list, or to register for an event, visit them online at mymcpl.org/events.
Colbern Road Branch Events
Adult Programs
Adult Pastels and the Landscape
Colbern Road Branch
Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m.
The landscape is a great subject for both the novice and more advanced artist, providing a variety of subjects, depths of field, and details. Hands-on demonstrations will be given, introducing the pastel techniques, atmospheric perspective, and compositions. Instruction and materials will be provided by Continuing Education at the Kansas City Art Institute. Registration is required.
Book Group
Colbern Road Branch
Wednesday, May 1 at 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 2 at 10:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Read any good books lately? Our MCPL book group members have, and they are saving a seat for you! Come meet like-minded people, enjoy lively discussion, learn which books inspire others, and talk about your favorite books! Call or visit a branch to find out what they are reading next. Unless otherwise noted, the book groups are geared towards adults. Registration is required.
Craft Group
Colbern Road Branch
Tuesdays, May 7 & 21, at 1:00 p.m.
Creating your own works of art is one of the best ways to express yourself and share good will. Join us to meet new people, create new items, and even learn a thing or two. Quilt, knit, scrapbook, crochet, and more! Call the branch for meeting details. Registration is required.
How to Pack for Your Next Vacation
Colbern Road Branch
Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Don’t pay for extra luggage or risk losing your bag on the airlines. Join designer and organizer Lisa Holiman for tips on how to pack a carry-on bag that has a variety of outfits and is easy to transport. Registration is required.
Intermediate Excel®
Colbern Road Branch
Saturday, May 11 at 10:00 a.m.
If you are ready to go beyond Excel basics, this class adds to your Microsoft Excel® knowledge by introducing sorting, simple functions, and other useful tools. Attendance of the program Beginning Excel® is suggested. Registration is required.
Iranian (Persian) Culture and Civilization
Colbern Road Branch
Tuesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Discover the people, culture, and history of Iran, and learn more about their Persian heritage. Join the discussion after the presentation. Registration is required.
Kansas City’s Vine Street Rumble Live at Legacy Park Amphitheater
Colbern Road Branch
Thursday, May 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Mid-Continent Public Library and Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation will present Kansas City’s Vine Street Rumble live at Legacy Park Amphitheater. This 14-piece jazz orchestra takes audiences back to the golden era of Kansas City jazz with amazing performances of Count Basie, Jay McShann, Bennie Moten, and others. Registration is required.
Let’s Talk About It!
Colbern Road Branch
Saturday, May 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Adulting is hard. Talking is easy. Take a break and join us for lively conversations. Each month we will read a book, watch a film, or even listen to podcasts centered on a particular theme. #squadgoals! Registration is required.
Life is Like a Box of Crayons
Colbern Road Branch
Thursday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Whether you stay in the lines or venture outside them, coloring is credited with lowering stress and anxiety in adults, promoting greater self-esteem and awareness, as well as encouraging creativity and personal expression. Join us for a relaxing coloring event for grown-ups. No artistic ability is required. We supply coloring sheets and some materials, or you may bring your own. Registration is required.
Navigating Your Computer
Colbern Road Branch
Tuesday, May 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Learn how to find and organize the apps and files on your computer. Registration is required.
Podcast Discussion Group
Colbern Road Branch
Thursday, May 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Don’t know where to find your next favorite podcast? Want to start listening to podcasts but don’t know where to start? Join us for a monthly discussion of three to five podcast episodes centered on the same theme. Registration is required.
Family Programs
Babies Who Build
Colbern Road Branch
Saturday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m.
Bring your children ages birth to two years and enjoy building with all sorts of blocks! (Ages 1 and up) Registration is required.
Baby Prom
Colbern Road Branch
Friday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m.
Parents and their children from birth to two years are invited to baby prom at the Library. Come dressed in your fanciest clothes, take pictures in front of our backdrop, eat snacks, and dance to music! (Ages 1 and up) Registration is required.
Kid Fest
Colbern Road Branch
Monday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Party with us—there’s always room for more! (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.
Kid Games
Colbern Road Branch
Sunday, May 26 at 2:00 p.m.
Connect, cooperate, and compete in a variety of games that are fun for your brain. Game on! (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.
Kid Lit
Colbern Road Branch
Wednesday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m.
Let’s use reading to explore our world! History, theater, literature, and more! (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.
Kid STEAM
Colbern Road Branch
Monday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, May 13 at 6:00 p.m.
Explore sciences, technologies, engineering, arts, and math. Bring it all to life! (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.
Now Playing for Kids
Colbern Road Branch
Thursday, May 16 at 2:00 p.m.
Escape to the Library for an adventure on the Big Screen. (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.
Play and Learn Time
Colbern Road Branch
Friday, May 3 at 10:00 a.m.
Enjoy a special preschool playtime that is designed to stimulate young minds and strengthen early literacy skills. We offer stimulating and fun activities as well as the opportunity to meet other preschoolers and their parents. The open playtime allows you to come and go as your schedule permits. (Ages 3 and up)
Puppets and PJs
Colbern Road Branch
Thursday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Put on your pajamas, and come enjoy a new tradition at the Colbern Road Branch—a bedtime puppet show! Fun for the whole family. (Ages 3 and up) Registration is required.
Saturday Morning Cartoons
Colbern Road Branch
Saturday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m.Come dressed in your PJs ready to watch cartoons and munch on some cereal! (Ages 2 and up) Registration is required.
Starry Starry Night
Colbern Road Branch
Thursday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m.
Explore the stories behind the stars with wacky Professor Van Gogh Go and StoneLion Puppet Theatre. Discover how Cygnus the Swan realizes his dreams of flying with help from his friends. (Ages 3 and up) Registration is required.
Stars, Planets, Moons, and Suns: A Universe of Stories
Colbern Road Branch
Wednesday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m.
Starlight, star bright, these are the stories of the sky tonight. Explore the planets, the moons, the stars, and the suns through a universe of stories. (Ages 4 and up) Registration is required.
Storytime for Babies
Colbern Road Branch
Wednesdays, May 1 & 8, at 9:15 a.m.
Fridays, May 3, 10, & 24, at 9:15 a.m.
Join us for a fun and engaging storytime for babies, designed to build an early literacy foundation through play and one-on-one interaction with a parent or caregiver. Recommended for babies up to 18 months old and a one-on-one caregiver. (Ages 1 and up) Registration is required.
Storytime for Preschoolers
Colbern Road Branch
Wednesdays, May 1 & 8, at 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.
Tuesdays, May 21 & 28, at 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Visit the Library for an exciting and unique storytime journey. We will explore the first steps toward reading readiness for you and your preschooler. Designed for preschoolers between 3 and 5 years old and their caregivers. (Ages 3 and up) Registration is required.
Storytime for Toddlers
Colbern Road Branch
Mondays, May 6 & 20, at 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy this storytime for toddlers as we share the world of books with your child. Parents and caregivers will enjoy a fun and interactive environment with their toddlers that will engage and encourage those next steps into early literacy. Designed for toddlers between 18 and 36 months old and one-on-one caregivers. Program may require parental participation. (Ages 2 and up) Registration is required.
Young Rembrandts: Let’s Draw the Solar System
Colbern Road Branch
Thursday, May 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Kids will draw their own solar system and learn how STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) all work together to help us understand and appreciate the beauty of our solar system. All materials provided. (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.
Youth Sculpture Studio
Colbern Road Branch
Saturday, May 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Students will explore kinetic sculpture through the eyes of artist Alexander Calder and be challenged to rethink what makes a work sculptural. Then they will have the opportunity to create their own unconventional sculpture. Instruction and materials will be provided by Continuing Education at the Kansas City Art Institute. (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.
Teen Programs
Otaku Club
Colbern Road Branch
Wednesday, May 15 at 4:00 p.m.
Come to the Library for a celebration of all things anime. From Japanese culture and manga to cosplay and anime screenings, we’ll explore it all. Registration is required.
Teen Lock-In
Colbern Road Branch
Friday, May 31 at 6:30 p.m.
When the branch shuts down, it’s time to party it up! Permission slip required. Registration is required.
Lee’s Summit Branch Events
Adult Programs
Beyond Cable TV
Lee’s Summit Branch
Thursday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Are you interested in saving money by getting rid of cable? Learn the different devices and services you can use with your internet connection to start cutting the cord today. Registration is required.
Book Group
Lee’s Summit Branch
Thursday, May 2 at 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 8 at 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Read any good books lately? Our MCPL book group members have, and they are saving a seat for you! Come meet like-minded people, enjoy lively discussion, learn which books inspire others, and talk about your favorite books! Call or visit a branch to find out what they are reading next. Unless otherwise noted, the book groups are geared towards adults. Registration is required.
Going Gluten Free
Lee’s Summit Branch
Wednesday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m.
What is gluten and what are the signs and symptoms of intolerance? Learn how to take the mystery out of gluten by reading labels, shopping, cooking gluten free, and choosing healthy alternatives. Registration is required.
Intermediate Word®
Lee’s Summit Branch
Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m.
Sharpen your document creation skills with several great features of Microsoft Word. Attendance of the program Beginning Word® is suggested. Registration is required.
Introduction to Internet Genealogy
Lee’s Summit Branch
Wednesday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Discover the best genealogy websites for your research. This is a beginner-level class for adults. Basic computer literacy is needed to follow along. Registration is required.
Photography Forum
Lee’s Summit Branch
Tuesday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m.
Photographers of all skill levels are welcome to share ideas about photography, camera equipment, and the many things you can do on your computer with photos. Each month, we will choose a theme, take photos, and share them the following month. Selected photos may be displayed at the Library.
Tech Talk
Lee’s Summit Branch
Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Whether you are a first-time computer user or have had lots of experience, there are always questions waiting to be asked about technology. Bring your questions to the branch, or just come to listen and learn from other participants. You can bring your own laptop computer or tablet. Registration is required.
Tips and Tricks for Summer Wellness
Lee’s Summit Branch
Saturday, May 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Make your summer healthy with tips for meal planning, hydration, packing food, and avoiding toxins in summer products. Bring a small spray bottle to fill with all-natural bug spray you’ll make in class. Registration is required.
Family Programs
KC Magic Man
Lee’s Summit Branch
Wednesday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Take a magical journey into the world of illusions with KC Magic Man Brad Lynn. Be prepared to be amazed by his magical feats using cards, coins, cups, and more. (Ages 3 and up) Registration is required.
Storytime for Babies
Lee’s Summit Branch
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays at 9:15 a.m.
Join us for a fun and engaging storytime for babies, designed to build an early literacy foundation through play and one-on-one interaction with a parent or caregiver. Recommended for babies up to 18 months old and a one-on-one caregiver. (Ages 1 and up) Registration is required.
Storytime for Families
Lee’s Summit Branch
Mondays, May 6, 13, & 20, at 6:00 p.m.
Come share the early literacy experience with the whole family. Hear stories, sing songs, join in movement activities, and more. Bring the whole family, and make some great family memories at the Library! Designed for families of all ages. (All ages) Registration is required.
Storytime for Preschoolers
Lee’s Summit Branch
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays at 11:00 a.m.
Visit the Library for an exciting and unique storytime journey. We will explore the first steps toward reading readiness for you and your preschooler. Designed for preschoolers between 3 and 5 years old and their caregivers. (Ages 3 and up) Registration is required.
Storytime for Toddlers
Lee’s Summit Branch
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Enjoy this storytime for toddlers as we share the world of books with your child. Parents and caregivers will enjoy a fun and interactive environment with their toddlers that will engage and encourage those next steps into early literacy. Designed for toddlers between 18 and 36 months old and one-on-one caregivers. Program may require parental participation. (Ages 2 and up) Registration is required.
Young Rembrandts: Let’s Draw the Solar System
Lee’s Summit Branch
Monday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m.
Kids will draw their own solar system and learn how STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) all work together to help us understand and appreciate the beauty of our solar system. All materials provided. (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.
Teen Programs
Teen STEAM
Lee’s Summit Branch
Tuesdays, May 21 & 28, at 6:30 p.m.
Explore. Create. Learn! Unleash your imagination and prepare for your future! Registration is required.
Lone Jack Branch Events
Adult Programs
Book Group
Lone Jack Branch
Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 15 at 2:00 p.m.
Read any good books lately? Our MCPL book group members have, and they are saving a seat for you! Come meet like-minded people, enjoy lively discussion, learn which books inspire others, and talk about your favorite books! Call or visit a branch to find out what they are reading next. Unless otherwise noted, the book groups are geared towards adults. Registration is required.
Craft Group
Lone Jack Branch
Friday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 21 at 6:00 p.m.
Creating your own works of art is one of the best ways to express yourself and share good will. Join us to meet new people, create new items, and even learn a thing or two. Quilt, knit, scrapbook, crochet, and more! Call the branch for meeting details. Registration is required.
Facebook
Lone Jack Branch
Tuesday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m.
Are you new to Facebook or would you like to learn more? Learn how to navigate the newsfeed, share updates with your friends and family, and change your privacy settings. Registration is required.
Managing the Photos on Your Smartphone
Lone Jack Branch
Friday, May 24 at 10:00 a.m.
Are your photos taking up too much space on your smartphone? This class will teach you the various methods of storing and organizing your smartphone photos. Registration is required.
Family Programs
Kid STEAM
Lone Jack Branch
Saturday, May 11 at 3:30 p.m.
Explore sciences, technologies, engineering, arts, and math. Bring it all to life! (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.
Play and Learn Time
Lone Jack Branch
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.
Enjoy a special preschool playtime that is designed to stimulate young minds and strengthen early literacy skills. We offer stimulating and fun activities as well as the opportunity to meet other preschoolers and their parents. The open playtime allows you to come and go as your schedule permits. (Ages 3 and up)
STEAM-Powered Program
Lone Jack Branch
Thursdays, May 16 & 23, at 3:30 p.m.
Get geared up for a variety of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics-centered activities. These programs are designed with 8- through 14-year-olds in mind. Count on a skill-building good time! This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. (Ages 8 and up) Registration is required.
Storytime for Families
Lone Jack Branch
Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.
Mondays, May 6, 13, & 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Come share the early literacy experience with the whole family. Hear stories, sing songs, join in movement activities, and more. Bring the whole family, and make some great family memories at the Library! Designed for families of all ages. (All ages) Registration is required.
Teen Programs
Book Group
Lone Jack Branch
Wednesday, May 8 at 4:00 p.m.
Hey, Teens! Want to know what other teens are reading? Come to the Library’s book discussions and find out! Share your ideas, great book suggestions, and make some new friends. It’s all about you and the story! Registration is required.
Midwest Genealogy Center Events
Adult Programs
Beginning Ancestry Library Edition
Midwest Genealogy Center
Friday, May 3 at 10:30 a.m.
Learn how to use Ancestry Library Edition in your genealogy research. This is a beginner-level class for adults. Basic computer literacy is needed. Registration is required.
Beginning Genealogy
Midwest Genealogy Center
Saturday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m.
Learn the basics of genealogical research from census records to organization tips. This is a beginner-level class. Registration is required.
Brown Bag and Brick Walls
Midwest Genealogy Center
Thursday, May 2 at 11:00 a.m.
Bring a lunch and get together with others to share information, network, and gather inspiration to help you continue your genealogy project. Registration is required.
Cemetery Art for Genealogy
Midwest Genealogy Center
Wednesday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Discover the meanings of commonly found tombstone icons with an overview of changes in tombstone materials and design and some tips to maximize your family research. Registration is required.
Census Records Research
Midwest Genealogy Center
Tuesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Explore how the U.S. Federal Census can help your genealogy research. Learn how to access the various information included on each federal census. This is a beginner-level class. Registration is required.
Czech and Slovak Genealogy Research
Midwest Genealogy Center
Tuesday, May 21 at 2:00 p.m.
Did your ancestors come from Bohemia, Moravia, or Slovakia? What about Czechoslovakia, Austria, or Hungary? Learn the basic methods for completing your Czech and Slovak genealogy research. A brief history of the two nations will be presented, as well as resources available. Registration is required.
Family Heirlooms: Look Ahead, Look Behind
Midwest Genealogy Center
Saturday, May 25 at 2:00 p.m.
Family stories are heirlooms that take us around the world and put us in touch with our heritage. Discover your family stories, and learn how they influence your life today. Registration is required.
Finding Your Italian Ancestors: Italian Civil Registration Records
Midwest Genealogy Center
Friday, May 17 at 2:00 p.m.
If you have located where in the home country your ancestors are from, this class will show you how to locate and request Italian civil records online to discover more about them. Registration is required.
How to Date Old Photographs
Midwest Genealogy Center
Monday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Uncover the clues that can help determine when a photograph was taken. Bring a photograph for dating. This is a beginner-level class. Registration is required.
Introduction to Internet Genealogy
Midwest Genealogy Center
Tuesday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m.
Discover the best genealogy websites for your research. This is a beginner-level class for adults. Basic computer literacy is needed to follow along. Registration is required.
Marshals, Thugs, and Outlaws in Jackson County
Midwest Genealogy Center
Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Hear the tales of the officials and outlaws―the famous and not so famous―who lived, worked, and passed through the doors of the 1859 Jail, Marshal’s Home and Museum in downtown Independence. Registration is required.
Newspaper Databases at Mid-Continent Public Library
Midwest Genealogy Center
Monday, May 6 at 10:30 a.m.
Newspapers can be a treasure trove of genealogical information from birth and marriage records to obituaries and probate cases. Learn about the different online newspaper databases accessible through MCPL. Registration is required.
Past to Print: Writing Your Ancestor’s Story
Midwest Genealogy Center
Friday, May 24 at 2:00 p.m.
Have you ever found a fascinating person or story while researching your genealogy? This three-hour workshop will help you find those stories buried in the research, apply the key elements of story crafting to them, and explore how those elements apply to genealogical writing. Students are encouraged to bring projects they are currently working on to receive guided instruction. Registration is required.
RCMA Residency at MGC
Midwest Genealogy Center
Thursdays at 5:00 p.m.
Fridays, May 3, 10, 17, & 24, at 10:00 a.m.
The Roaming Center for Magnetic Alternatives (RCMA) seeks to capture LGBTQ+ life in the Midwest from 1977 to 2006 with live audio commentary from participants. Explore a collection of more than 1,000 VHS tapes collected by RCMA, or bring in your own VHS for digitization and add your commentary. Participants will receive a free, digital copy of their video within 1-2 weeks. Registration is required.
Researching Your Spanish-American War Soldier
Midwest Genealogy Center
Thursday, May 23 at 2:00 p.m.
Discover the sources you need to find ancestors that served in the Spanish-American War, and learn about the military, political, social, and cultural forces that affected their lives. Registration is required.
Using FamilySearch
Midwest Genealogy Center
Friday, May 24 at 10:30 a.m.
Learn how to use FamilySearch, including its wikis and other features. This is a beginner-level class. Basic computer literacy is needed to follow along. Registration is required.
Using Findmypast
Midwest Genealogy Center
Wednesday, May 8 at 10:30 a.m.
Learn to search the billions of records located at Findmypast.com to uncover your ancestors from all over the world. This is a beginner-level class. Basic computer skills are needed Registration is required.
Using Fold3
Midwest Genealogy Center
Tuesday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Learn the best ways to search Fold3 to access U.S. military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who have served. This is a beginner-level class. Basic computer skills are needed. Registration is required.
Using HeritageQuest
Midwest Genealogy Center
Monday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Learn how to search thousands of resources—from history books to Revolutionary War records—with HeritageQuest Online. This is a beginner-level class for adults. Basic computer literacy is needed to follow along. Registration is required.
Walkabout at MGC
Midwest Genealogy Center
Thursday, May 30 at 2:00 p.m.
Take a walk around MGC and see all the resources available for genealogy and history research. This is a beginner-level class. Registration is required.
Family Programs
This Is Kansas City Storytime
Midwest Genealogy Center
Monday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m.
Join author Angela Kmeck for a special storytime featuring her book, This is Kansas City. Illustrated by John Hare, the book introduces young audiences to the art and landmarks of their hometown. (All ages) Registration is required.
Discover Your Family History
Midwest Genealogy Center
Wednesday, May 29 at 2:00 p.m.
Who is in your family tree? Become a family history detective and learn how you can research your ancestors at the Midwest Genealogy Center. Ages 8 and up. (Ages 8 and up) Registration is required.
Teen Programs
Genes for Teens
Midwest Genealogy Center
Wednesday, May 29 at 2:00 p.m.
Explore your family’s history, learning techniques to help you collect and tell your story. Learn how to gather and record your genealogy through a variety of online databases and resources at MGC. Registration is required.
To view the full list of MCPL programs, or to register for an event, visit them online at mymcpl.org/events.
