July 9, 2022
Lee’s Summit, MO – Mid-Continent Public Library is pleased to announce its roster of August–October programs. Below are the MCPL programs available during the months of August, September, and October at several local branches. To view the full list, or to register for an event, visit us online at mymcpl.org/events.
Colbern Road Library Center
Adult Programs
Address the Stress
Monday, September 19 at 6:00 p.m.
Everyone experiences stressful situations at some time or another. While stress can’t be eliminated, you can learn tips to manage your response and minimize its effects on your life.
Book Group
Wednesday, August 3 at 2:00 p.m.; Thursday, August 4 at 10:30 a.m.; Thursday, August 4 at 2:00 p.m.; Monday, August 22 at 7:00 p.m.; Thursday, September 1 at 10:30 a.m.; Thursday, September 1 at 2:00 p.m.; Wednesday, September 7 at 2:00 p.m.; Monday, September 26 at 7:00 p.m.; Wednesday, October 5 at 2:00 p.m.; Thursday, October 6 at 10:30 a.m.; Thursday, October 6 at 2:00 p.m.; Monday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Titles are typically available at the branch one month prior to the discussion. (While stock lasts.) For more details, please call or visit your local branch.
Cloud Storage
Tuesday, August 9 at 6:00 p.m.
Cloud storage allows you to save your files online, so you can access them from anywhere at any time. Learn how to store your documents, music, and photos on a cloud storage system. Registration is required.
Designing a Rain Garden with Native Perennials
Monday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m.
Rain gardens are beautiful landscape elements that catch and absorb storm water runoff. They’re easy to build and provide habitat and nectar sources for bees, birds, and butterflies. Join us to learn how to design and build your own rain garden. Registration is required.
Family Programs
Babies Who Build
Saturday, August 13 at 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, October 8 at 10:00 a.m.
Play is a great way to develop early literacy skills for writing and imagining. Create lasting memories with your young architect as they enjoy building with different blocks. Designed for ages up to 2 years. (Ages 1 and up)
Family Movie
Tuesday, August 30 at 6:00 p.m. – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Saturday, October 22 at 2:00 p.m. – Coco
From family classics to new releases, come watch a movie at the Library! (Ages 6 and up)
Kids Book Group: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Tuesday, August 23 at 6:30 p.m.
It’s rough being a small kid in middle school where you’re trying to make it big. This is true for Greg Heffley who documents his everyday happenings in his diary journal. Join us as we explore Greg’s world with trivia, games, and making your own diary journal. Titles are typically available at the branch one month before the discussion. (Ages 8 and up) Registration is required.
Kids Book Group: Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
Tuesday, September 27 at 6:30 p.m.
He has the body of a man and the head of a dog and is such a good boy at taking a bite out of crime! Discover your crime-fighting powers at the Library with our fun, interactive Dog Man Book Group. Create your own comics and enjoy other fun activities. Titles are typically available at the branch one month before the discussion. (Ages 8 and up) Registration is required.
Kids Book Group: Into the Wild Warriors by Erin Hunter
Tuesday, October 25 at 6:30 p.m.
When members of ThunderClan discover kittypet Rusty’s natural ability for hunting and fighting, they invite him to join their feral Clan. Join us to explore the feral world of Warriors, where we’ll play trivia, create Catsonas (cat personas), and discover more of this furtastical cat world. Titles are typically available at the branch one month before the discussion. (Ages 8 and up) Registration is required.
Kids sBOOKtacular Party
Friday, October 14 at 3:30 p.m.
Are you ready for the spooky season? Come hear an eerie tale, play chillingly fun games, make ghoulish creations, and check out our favorite hair-raising books at this thrilling party! Wear a costume or come as you are for this terribly enjoyable event! (Ages 6 and up)
Mad Science Presents Crime Lab
Saturday, August 27 at 11:00 a.m.
Help the Mad Scientist solve a mystery using clues, forensic science, and observation. Come along as they test mystery fibers and liquids, check for clues at the scene, and reveal the perpetrator. (Ages 7 and up) Registration is required.
Operation Wildlife Presents: Barn Owls
Saturday, September 10 at 11:00 a.m.
Meet a live barn owl, and learn the natural history, characteristics, and other facts about these amazing birds of prey. Participants will receive building plans to construct their own nest box to help in the conservation of barn owls. (Ages 6 and up)
Pumpkin Yoga
Thursday, October 20 at 10:00 a.m.
Kids will celebrate the change of seasons by learning “the Pumpkin” and other autumn poses while they move, play games, listen to stories, and relax to the quiet thoughts of falling leaves. (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.
Storytime for Babies
(Beginning in September) Mondays and Fridays at 9:15 a.m.
Join us for a fun, engaging storytime for babies. Build a foundation through one-on-one interaction with a caregiver. Recommended for babies up to 18 months old and a caregiver. (Ages 1 and up)
Storytime for Families
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Hear stories, sing songs, join in movement activities, and create memories together. Designed for children of all ages, come share the early literacy experience with the whole family. (All ages)
Storytime for Families: Costume Storytime
Tuesday, October 25 at 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, October 26 at 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Wear your favorite costume to this special storytime! Designed for children of all ages. Come share the early literacy experience with the whole family. (All ages) Registration is required.
Storytime for Preschoolers
(Starting in September) Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Visit the Library for an exciting, unique storytime journey. Explore first steps toward reading readiness for you and your preschooler. Designed for preschoolers 3-5 years old and their caregivers. (Ages 3 and up)
Storytime for Toddlers
(Starting in September) Mondays and Fridays at 11:00 a.m.
Share a fun, interactive journey with your toddler that will engage and encourage next steps into early reading. Designed for toddlers 18-36 months old and caregivers. (Ages 2 and up)
Tween Book Group: My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi
Tuesday, October 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Izuku has been given the chance of a lifetime, and he is on his way to The Hero Academy. Join us for discussion and activities. Titles are typically available at the branch one month before the discussion. (Ages 10 and up) Registration is required.
Tween Book Group: The Baby-Sitters Club by Raina Telgemeier
Tuesday, August 9 at 6:30 p.m.
A classic reimagined! The Baby-Sitters Club is just beginning at the start of this graphic novel series. Join us for discussion and activities. Titles are typically available at the branch one month before the discussion. (Ages 10 and up) Registration is required.
Tween Book Group: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Colbern Road Library Center
Tuesday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Middle school is hard enough without suddenly learning you are a demigod. Join us for discussion and activities. Titles are typically available at the branch one month before the discussion. (Ages 10 and up) Registration is required.
Teen Programs
Shakespeare Off the Cuff
Tuesday, October 4 at 6:00 p.m.
Explore the art of improvisation in this fun workshop presented by the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival designed to help with creativity, awareness, and “thinking on your feet.”
Teen Games: Dungeons and Dragons
Tuesday, September 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Play D&D at the Library! Join us for a pre-generated 5th edition Dungeons and Dragons experience. Characters and dice will be provided. Registration is required.
East Lee’s Summit Branch
Adult Programs
Book Group
Thursday, August 11 at 7:00 p.m.; Monday, August 15 at 2:00 p.m.; Wednesday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m.; Thursday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m.; Monday, September 19 at 2:00 p.m.; Wednesday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m.; Thursday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m.; Monday, October 17 at 2:00 p.m.; Wednesday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Titles are typically available at the branch one month prior to the discussion. (While stock lasts.) For more details, please call or visit your local branch.
Getting to Know Your Computer
Thursday, September 1 at 6:30 p.m.
This hands-on program will introduce you to the basic features of a computer and increase your computer literacy and comfort. Registration is required.
Medicare Educational Seminar
Wednesday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Learn about the 2022/2023 Medicare changes; what original Medicare covers; and the real differences between Part C, Part D, and Medicare supplement plans. This class will be held in person as well as virtually via Zoom simultaneously. Registration is required and closes 1 hour before the start of the program. Please indicate whether you will be attending in person or virtually when registering. An email address is required when registering to attend on Zoom. All start times are Central Time. Registration is required.
Special Needs and Disability Planning
Thursday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Discover tools to help with the challenges of accessing and affording care for loved ones with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This program will help you understand certain aspects of special needs planning, such as the benefits of establishing a special needs trust and care management. This class will be held in person as well as virtually (via Zoom) simultaneously. Registration is required. Please indicate whether you will be attending in-person or virtually when registering. An email address is required when registering to attend on Zoom.
Tea and Chocolate
Tuesday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Discover the origins of these two timeless classics and how they complement each other. Sample a trio of pairings, plus learn how to incorporate tea and chocolate into both sweet and savory recipes. Registration is required.
Family Programs
Block Building at the Library
East Lee’s Summit Branch
Monday, August 22 at 6:00 p.m.
Who doesn’t love building with hard plastic shapes! Our plastic brick building time includes free builds, challenge builds, and themed builds. Visit your branch and show off your building skills! (Ages 6 and up)
Family Book Group: Creepy Pair of Underwear by Aaron Reynolds
Monday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m.
Bring the family to listen, follow along, and engage with Creepy Pair of Underwear by Aaron Reynolds. Family Book Groups explore stories through reading, discussions, games, and activities that bring books to life. (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.
Family Book Group: Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating
Monday, August 8 at 6:00 p.m.
Bring the family to listen, follow along, and engage with Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating. Family Book Groups explore stories through reading, discussions, games, and activities that bring books to life. (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.
Family Book Group: The Bad Seed by Jory John
Monday, October 10 at 6:00 p.m.
Bring the family to listen, follow along, and engage with The Bad Seed by Jory John. Family Book Groups explore stories through reading, discussions, games, and activities that bring books to life. (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.
It’s Your First Day of School, Busy Bus!
Tuesday, August 16 at 10:00 a.m.
Celebrate the start of the school year with crafts, activities, and a special reading of It’s Your First Day of School, Busy Bus! (Ages 4 and up) Registration is required.
Play and Learn
Fridays at 10:00 a.m.
Enjoy a special preschool playtime that is designed to stimulate young minds and strengthen early literacy skills. There will be exhilarating and fun activities and the opportunity to meet other preschoolers and caregivers. The open playtime allows you to come and go as your schedule permits. (All ages)
Pumpkin Yoga
Saturday, October 1 at 10:30 a.m.
Kids will celebrate the change of seasons by learning “the Pumpkin” and other autumn poses while they move, play games, listen to stories, and relax to the quiet thoughts of falling leaves. (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.
Storytime for Families
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.
Hear stories, sing songs, join in movement activities, and create memories together. Designed for children of all ages, come share the early literacy experience with the whole family. (All ages)
Storytime for Preschoolers: Celebrating Abilities
Friday, August 12 at 10:00 a.m.
Friday, August 26 at 10:00 a.m.
Friday, September 23 at 10:00 a.m.
Friday, October 7 at 10:00 a.m.
Friday, October 21 at 10:00 a.m.
Join us for a storytime celebrating all children’s unique abilities. This specially designed storytime will feature songs, stories, and more to show the variety of ways we each interact with our world. Designed for preschoolers 3-5 years old and their caregivers. (Ages 3 and up) Registration is required.
Teen Programs
Free Full-Length, Diagnostic Practice ACT Test
East Lee’s Summit Branch
Saturday, October 29 at 10:00 a.m.
MCPL and the Sylvan Learning Center have partnered to provide free practice ACT tests. Bring a #2 pencil, a calculator, a watch, and a valid email address to receive your results. This is a full version of the ACT and will last about four hours. The test will begin right at the program start time, and no late arrivals will be allowed to participate after the test begins. Registration is required.
Hallo-Teen After-Hours Event: A Night of Frights
Friday, October 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Come join the revelry, don’t be late; dance your spooky heart out, cosplay, and create! Once the lights go out, the Library will transform into a haunted haven for all of the ghouls and goblins to showcase their costumes, bone up on creepy crafting skills, and ramble like the recently risen. For teens, ages 12-18. A parent permission form is required. Registration is required.
Teen Bad Art Night
Tuesday, September 27 at 6:30 p.m.
How bad can you make your art look? Take an art break and create something truly tacky and terrible. Registration is required.
Teen Games: Dungeons and Dragons
Tuesday, August 16 at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 13 at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 11 at 6:00 p.m.
Play D&D at the Library! Join us for a pre-generated 5th edition Dungeons and Dragons experience. Characters and dice will be provided. Registration is required.
Teens Draw Caricatures with Marietta
Tuesday, August 23 at 6:00 p.m.
Learn how to draw funny cartoon portraits of your friends and family with artist Marietta Williams. Practice by drawing caricatures of your classmates. Registration is required.
Lee’s Summit Branch
Adult Programs
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Friday, August 5 at 1:00 p.m.
The Library is sponsoring a blood drive for the American Red Cross to help ensure reliable blood inventories in our area and beyond. To review donor eligibility requirements, or make an appointment to donate, visit www.redcrossblood.org. Please allow an hour for your donation and bring a photo ID with you.
Book Group
Thursday, August 4 at 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 1 at 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 6 at 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 19 at 6:30 p.m.
We look forward to seeing you at our book group! Titles are typically available at the branch one month prior to the discussion. (While stock lasts.) For more details, please call or visit your local branch.
Chiefs Kingdom Painting Class
Wednesday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Calling all Chiefs fans! Create a 9×12 painting of a Chiefs’ arrowhead against the Kansas City skyline. A to Z Artistry will walk participants through the entire process, so no experience necessary. Registration is required.
Designing a Rain Garden with Native Perennials
Thursday, August 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Rain gardens are beautiful landscape elements that catch and absorb storm water runoff. They’re easy to build and provide habitat and nectar sources for bees, birds, and butterflies. Join us to learn how to design and build your own rain garden. Registration is required.
Fall in the Outdoors
Thursday, October 27 at 6:30 p.m.
There’s plenty to do in the cool months of fall. Join outdoor writer Brent Frazee as he covers everything from bicycling the Katy Trail to hiking the Ozark Trail to paddling Ozark streams.
Instant Pot Cooking
Tuesday, September 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Is that Instant Pot you received as a gift still in its box? Learn tips and tricks for putting it to use and go home with some awesome recipes to get you started. Registration is required.
Introduction to Crochet
Wednesday, September 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Learn the basics of crochet during this two-session class and create a unique mug rug that uses beginning stitches and techniques. Supplies needed: one skein yarn (weight number 4) and a crochet hook, size G or H. Registration is required.
Let’s Create: Mexican Tin Art Inspired Sugar Skulls
Saturday, October 29 at 2:00 p.m.
Learn about Mexican Tin Art, known as hojalata. Then make your own interpretation of this art form by creating tin art sugar skulls. Sugar skull art is a recognizable symbol used in the celebration of Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead). Registration is required.
Medicare Educational Seminar
Monday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Learn about the 2022/2023 Medicare changes; what original Medicare covers; and the real differences between Part C, Part D, and Medicare supplement plans. Registration is required.
Minimalism: Enhance Your Life with Less
Thursday, August 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Decorating magazines and blogs show great examples of minimalist design. Join Lisa Holiman with Breath of Fresh Flair as she goes a step further and shares how these concepts affect in everyday life and teaches the benefits of living with less stuff.
Tech Talk
Thursday, September 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Whether you are a first-time computer user or have had lots of experience, there are always questions about technology. Bring your questions to this session, or just come to listen and learn from others. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptop computer or tablet. Registration is required.
Family Programs
Operation Wildlife Presents: Barn Owls
Thursday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Meet a live barn owl, and learn the natural history, characteristics, and other facts about these amazing birds of prey. Participants will receive building plans to construct their own nest box to help in the conservation of barn owls. (Ages 6 and up)
Storytime for Babies
Tuesdays at 9:15 a.m.
Join us for a fun, engaging storytime for babies. Build a foundation through one-on-one interaction with a caregiver. Recommended for babies up to 18 months old and a caregiver. (Ages 1 and up)
Storytime for Families
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Hear stories, sing songs, join in movement activities, and create memories together. Designed for children of all ages, come share the early literacy experience with the whole family. (All ages)
Unscary Scarecrows
Saturday, October 1 at 10:30 a.m.
Join Jo and her not-so-scary scarecrows for a lively story time about autumn and harvest time. Her kid-sized mascots will invite giggles during this fall festival of stories and sing-alongs. (Ages 3 and up) Registration is required.
Teen Programs
Free Full-Length, Diagnostic Practice ACT Test
Saturday, September 24 at 10:00 a.m.
MCPL and the Sylvan Learning Center have partnered to provide free practice ACT tests. Bring a #2 pencil, a calculator, a watch, and a valid email address to receive your results. This is a full version of the ACT and will last about four hours. The test will begin right at the program start time, and no late arrivals will be allowed to participate after the test begins. Registration is required.
Teen Games
Tuesday, August 16 at 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 13 at 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 18 at 5:00 p.m.
Play card and board games at the Library! There are options for everyone! Play as a team or get competitive one-on-one. Try something new or play an old favorite—no matter what, it’s going to be fun!
