KC Public Library Blog
Nell Donnelly Reed
Nell Donnelly Reed, a pioneer in the field of women’s ready-to-wear clothing in the 1920s and 1930s, was largely responsible for making Kansas City one of the largest ready-to-wear clothing manufacturing centers in the world. Learn more about her in these books, films, and articles.
Frank McCourt: 1930-2009
Frank McCourt
Award-winning author Frank McCourt died in July 2009 at age 78. His memoir depicting a harsh childhood in Ireland, Angela’s Ashes, not only won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography, but also the Los Angeles Times Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Check out a few of Frank McCourt’s books at the Library or view some documentaries about his family and the feature film adaptation of Angela’s Ashes.
Landscape Photography
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Midwest and Western U.S. in these collections of landscape photography.
Fiction for Foodies
Celebrate Culinary Arts Month in July with these delicious novels – from drama to romance to mystery – which all feature chefs at work.
Emmett Till
The brutal murder of 14-year old African American Emmett Till in 1955 served as a catalyst for the Civil Rights movement. These books and films examine what happened and discuss its impact.
True Crime
Money, murder, sex, and deceit – true crime stories depict the criminal element in society. Read about some of the worst in these books.
Our Universe
2009 is the International Year of Astronomy. To celebrate, explore our amazing universe through these books and films at the Library.
Robert A. Heinlein: 4 Hugo Award Winners
Born on July 7, 1907, in Butler, Missouri, Robert Heinlein wrote four Hugo Award-winning novels. The Hugo Awards, science fiction’s most prestigious award, are presented annually by the World Science Fiction Society. Pick one of these winners up for a summer read.
Thomas Hart Benton: Missouri Artist
Explore the life and career of Missouri-born artist Thomas Hart Benton in these books and documentary at the Library.
Jesse James: American Outlaw
Discover the Missouri-born outlaw who became one of America’s most notorious bank and train robbers through these nonfiction accounts of his life, as well as through fiction.
Battle of Gettysburg
Learn all about the crucial Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War or pick up a novelist’s take on the events in these books at the Library.
A list not to miss
Wow! Summer's here and there are more great books than ever. Have you checked out the Library's Summer Reading Program? Check out lots of books and win prizes for reading them. What a deal! To celebrate great reads, I've made a list. Books about famous and not-so-famous people, books with fantastic adventures, and quiet, get-under-your-skin books for a day of reading in your favorite mud puddle.
Thrillers for Teens
From science fiction to the paranormal to creepy biotechnology scenarios, these books for teens are sure to thrill.
1920s-30s America
From flappers to Prohibition to the upheaval of the Great Depression, these books explore society and culture of 1920s-30s America.
Rosy Reading
For National Rose Month this June, pick up some entertaining “rosy” reads at the Library.