Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) is pleased to announce its roster of January programs. Below are the MCPL programs available during the month of January at several local branches. To view the full list, or to register for an event, visit us online at mymcpl.org/events.
Please note: All MCPL branches will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, and Monday, January 20, 2020.
Colbern Road Branch Events
Adult Programs
Adulting 101: Buying a Car
Colbern Road Branch
Tuesday, January 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Buying a car can be frustrating and confusing. Learn about some of the online resources available to help with the process. Registration is required.
As the Page Turns
Colbern Road Branch
Wednesday, January 15 at 2:00 p.m.
Join us for an informal discussion where members share what they’ve been reading. Choose what you want to read within each month’s theme and meet up for a lively conversation. Registration is required.
Book Group
Colbern Road Branch
Thursday, January 2 at 10:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 8 at 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 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, January 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.
Podcast Discussion Group
Colbern Road Branch
Thursday, January 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 discussion of three to five podcast episodes centered on the same theme. Registration is required.
Using Your iPad for the First Time
Colbern Road Branch
Tuesday, January 28 at 2:00 p.m.
Learn some of the basic tips and tricks for using an iPad tablet. Registration is required.
Family Programs
Art Start
Colbern Road Branch
Friday, January 24 at 11:00 a.m.
Introduce your children, ages birth through five, to different art activities. Kids can explore different stations with activities geared toward babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. (Ages 1 and up) Registration is required.
Babies Who Build
Colbern Road Branch
Saturday, January 25 at 10:00 a.m.
Bring your children from birth to two years and enjoy building with all sorts of blocks! (Ages 1 and up) Registration is required.
Book Group
Colbern Road Branch
Monday, January 27 at 7:00 p.m.
Book discussions are a great way to meet other kids just like you! We’ll chat about great books and share ideas for other great reads with each other. Each discussion will be different, but you’re sure to meet some new friends. (For children) Registration is required.
Elephant and Piggie Party
Colbern Road Branch
Thursday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Come to the Library to celebrate the joy of reading with books and crafts featuring two of our favorite characters, Elephant and Piggie. (Ages 3 and up) Registration is required.
Kid STEAM
Colbern Road Branch
Mondays, January 6 & 13, at 6:30 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
Colbern Road Branch
Friday, January 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, January 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Put on your pajamas, and come enjoy a fan favorite at the Colbern Road Branch—a bedtime puppet show! Fun for the whole family. (Ages 3 and up) Registration is required.
Storytime for Babies
Colbern Road Branch
Fridays at 9:15 a.m.
Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, & 29, 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
Colbern Road Branch
Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21, & 28, at 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, January 16 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.
Storytime for Preschoolers
Colbern Road Branch
Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21, & 28, at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, & 29, at 10:00 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, January 6, 13, & 27, 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.
Winter Luau
Colbern Road Branch
Friday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrate summer in January at the Library! Hear a story, learn the hula, and participate in other fun summer activities. (Ages 3 and up) Registration is required.
Teen Programs
Teen Lock-In
Colbern Road Branch
Friday, January 10 at 6:30 p.m.
When the branch shuts down, it’s time to party it up! Permission slip required. Registration is required.
Teens at the Library
Colbern Road Branch
Tuesdays, January 7 & 21, at 4:00 p.m.
It’s your time to hang at the Library. Discover what we’ve planned just for you. Registration is required.
Lee’s Summit Branch Events
Adult Programs
Beginning Excel®
Lee’s Summit Branch
Saturday, January 18 at 9:30 a.m.
Learn Microsoft Excel® basic terminology, spreadsheet navigation, and formula writing as you create and format a simple spreadsheet. Registration is required.
Book Group
Lee’s Summit Branch
Thursday, January 2 at 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 8 at 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 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.
Celebrating the Life of J.R.R. Tolkien
Lee’s Summit Branch
Saturday, January 25 at 2:00 p.m.
Join the Tolkien Society of Kansas City for an exploration of J.R.R. Tolkien’s major works and his influence on contemporary art and fantasy fiction. Registration is required.
Decluttering: Finding Ways to Let Go
Lee’s Summit Branch
Wednesday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Is your stuff stressing you out? Join design consultant Lisa Holiman as she shares a methodology to pack up, donate, and throw away the things that are getting in your way and complicating your life. Registration is required.
Getting to Know Your Computer
Lee’s Summit Branch
Tuesday, January 7 at 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 9 at 2:00 p.m.
This hands-on program will introduce you to the basic features of a computer and how to use them. Registration is required.
Photography Forum
Lee’s Summit Branch
Tuesday, January 21 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.
Social Media and You
Lee’s Summit Branch
Thursday, January 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Come satisfy your curiosity about popular social media sites such as Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Registration is required.
Tech Talk
Lee’s Summit Branch
Thursday, January 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.
Using a Mouse and Keyboard
Lee’s Summit Branch
Tuesday, January 7 at 2:00 p.m.
This two-hour, hands-on session will guide you through some of the basics of mouse and keyboard use. No experience is required. Computers will be provided. Registration is required.
Warm from the Oven
Lee’s Summit Branch
Wednesday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Create made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls in this step-by-step class that will take you from making the dough to creating icing from scratch. Participants will take home a pan of rolls to bake. Registration is required.
Windows 10
Lee’s Summit Branch
Tuesday, January 14 at 2:00 p.m.
This class will introduce the layout of the Windows 10 operating system and demonstrate navigating its functions. Registration is required.
Family Programs
Jim “Two Crows” Wallen Presents Rock On
Lee’s Summit Branch
Thursday, January 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Native Americans were the ultimate rock collectors, traveling for miles to find the right rocks to make their tools. Join Jim “Two Crows” Wallen as he shares stories about his collection of stone artifacts. (Ages 5 and up) Registration is required.
Kid Lit
Lee’s Summit Branch
Wednesday, January 29 at 3:30 p.m.
Let’s use reading to explore our world! History, theater, literature, and more! (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.
Kid STEAM
Lee’s Summit Branch
Tuesday, January 21 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
Lee’s Summit Branch
Fridays, January 3 & 17, 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)
Storytime for Babies
Lee’s Summit Branch
Thursdays at 9:15 a.m.
Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21, & 28, at 9:15 a.m.
Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, & 29, 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, January 6, 13, & 27, 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
Thursdays at 11:00 a.m.
Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21, & 28, at 11:00 a.m.
Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, & 29, 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
Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21, & 28, at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, & 29, 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.
Teen Programs
Teen Fest
Lee’s Summit Branch
Tuesday, January 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate what’s happening in your world and in your community. Registration is required.
Teens Draw Caricatures with Marietta!
Lee’s Summit Branch
Tuesday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Learn to draw funny cartoon portraits of your friends and family with artist Marietta Williams. Practice by drawing caricatures of your classmates. Registration is required.
Lone Jack Branch Events
Adult Programs
Book Group
Lone Jack Branch
Wednesday, January 15 at 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 2 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.
Craft Group
Lone Jack Branch
Friday, January 3 at 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 21 at 6:30 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.
Medicare 101
Lone Jack Branch
Thursday, January 23 at 2:00 p.m.
Let a representative from Missouri CLAIM (Community Leaders Assisting the Insured of Missouri) help you get the most from your Medicare benefits. Learn more about CLAIM at missouriclaim.org. Registration is required.
Movie Night at the Library
Lone Jack Branch
Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 5:30 p.m.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show as the library screens some of our favorite movies. Registration is required.
Thomas Hart Benton Paints the Ozarks
Lone Jack Branch
Thursday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m.
See the Ozarks through the sketches, paintings, and words of Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton. Registration is required.
Tools for Job Seekers: Resumes and Online Applications
Lone Jack Branch
Tuesday, January 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Acquire the basic tools needed when applying for jobs online. This class will include resume assistance and tips for filling out online job applications. Registration is required.
Using Your iPad for the First Time
Lone Jack Branch
Tuesday, January 28 at 2:00 p.m.
Learn some of the basic tips and tricks for using an iPad tablet. Registration is required.
Family Programs
Play and Learn Time
Lone Jack Branch
Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, & 29, at 10:30 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)
Read to a Pet
Lone Jack Branch
Saturday, January 25 at 3:30 p.m.
Read to some very good listeners—Pet Partners registered therapy pets. These special animals will be available for 10-minute sessions to help children improve their reading skills and build self-confidence. Space is limited. Check with your local branch for more information. (Ages 3 and up) Registration is required.
Storytime for Families
Lone Jack Branch
Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, & 29, at 10:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Mondays, January 6, 13, & 27, 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, January 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.
Teen STEAM
Lone Jack Branch
Thursday, January 16 at 3:30 p.m.
Explore! Create! Learn! Unleash your imagination and prepare for your future! Registration is required.
Teens Draw Caricatures with Marietta!
Lone Jack Branch
Saturday, January 11 at 3:30 p.m.
Learn to draw funny cartoon portraits of your friends and family with artist Marietta Williams. Practice by drawing caricatures of your classmates. Registration is required.
Midwest Genealogy Center Events
Adult Programs
Archiver: How Missouri History Sounded
Midwest Genealogy Center
Tuesday, January 28 at 2:00 p.m.
Listen and discuss a podcast showcasing Kansas City regional stories as originally broadcast by KMBC radio in the mid-20th century and now archived in the Marr Sound Archives at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. This is part one of a three-part series led by Sam Zeff, metro reporter for KCUR and producer of the history podcast Archiver. This episode explores the history of cowboy music and shows in Missouri. Registration is required.
Beginning Ancestry Library Edition
Midwest Genealogy Center
Thursday, January 2 at 2:00 p.m.
Learn how to use Ancestry Library Edition in your genealogy research. This is a beginner-level class. Basic computer literacy is needed. Registration is required.
Beginning Genealogy
Midwest Genealogy Center
Monday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Learn the basics of genealogical research from census records to organization tips. This is a beginner-level class. Registration is required.
Census Records Research
Midwest Genealogy Center
Wednesday, January 8 at 10:30 a.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.
German Research Discussion Group
Midwest Genealogy Center
Saturday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m.
Join a group dedicated to presenting and preserving genealogy from the German region. All skill levels are welcome. Registration is required.
Hidden Treasures at MGC
Midwest Genealogy Center
Tuesday, January 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Unlock MGC’s many treasures with a tour of the Library’s little-known resources. This class is an intermediate-level class. Registration is required.
Interviewing Skills for Oral History
Midwest Genealogy Center
Wednesday, January 15 at 5:30 p.m.
Planning an oral history project? Working on one already? Led by Mark Livengood, Story Center Director, this program will help you develop the knowledge and skills to make your project succeed. Topics include developing questions, interviewing techniques, and recordkeeping. Participants will conduct practice interviews using the MCPL’s Tell Me a Story equipment. A list of resources will be provided. Registration is required.
Introduction to Internet Genealogy
Midwest Genealogy Center
Thursday, January 23 at 2:00 p.m.
Discover the best genealogy websites for your research. This is a beginner-level class. Basic computer literacy is needed to follow along. Registration is required.
Introductory Genealogy Clinic
Midwest Genealogy Center
Saturday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m.
Learn the basic dos and don’ts of genealogy research from local historian, archivist, and genealogist David W. Jackson. Registration is required.
Kansas City Union Station Massacre
Midwest Genealogy Center
Wednesday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Kansas City’s Union Station Massacre changed federal law enforcement in the United States. Join author and filmmaker Terence O’Malley as he recounts the chain of events that led to this infamous crime. Registration is required.
Newspaper Databases at Mid-Continent Public Library
Midwest Genealogy Center
Thursday, January 9 at 2:00 p.m.
Newspaper databases 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.
Researching Your German Ancestors
Midwest Genealogy Center
Wednesday, January 29 at 2:00 p.m.
Learn the basic methods for completing German genealogy research and about the resources available at Midwest Genealogy Center and online. Registration is required.
Tracing Your Immigrant Origins
Midwest Genealogy Center
Thursday, January 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Explore what types of 19th and 20th century records exist in the United States to help you find where your immigrant ancestors were born. This is a beginner-level class. Registration is required.
Using FamilySearch
Midwest Genealogy Center
Friday, January 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 Fold3
Midwest Genealogy Center
Thursday, January 30 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
Saturday, January 11 at 10:30 a.m.
Learn how to search thousands of resources—from history books to Revolutionary War records—with HeritageQuest Online. This is a beginner-level class. Basic computer literacy is needed to follow along. Registration is required.
Using Interlibrary Loan for Genealogy
Midwest Genealogy Center
Tuesday, January 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Discover how Interlibrary Loan can take your research beyond the Library by allowing you to order microfilm and books from other libraries across the country. This class covers internet sources and archival research. Registration is required.
Walkabout at MGC
Midwest Genealogy Center
Friday, January 31 at 10:30 a.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
Winter Wonderland Exploding Box
Midwest Genealogy Center
Friday, January 3 at 2:00 p.m.
Learn the story of Snowflake Bentley’s work in photomicrography and the beautiful snow crystals he discovered. Then create your own exploding box filled with snow crystals and a snowman. (Ages 5 and up) Registration is required.
To view the full list of MCPL programs, or to register for an event, visit us online at mymcpl.org/events.
