Lucile H. Bluford Branch
About this branch
The Bluford Branch Library is located in Kansas City's east side. Along with its strong collections in African American literature it is the first library in the Kansas City Public Library system to host a Health & Wellness Center. Among the amenities in the Center are specialized collections featuring extensive materials on topics ranging from teen pregnancy to diabetes; health kits for adults and teens containing books, DVDs, brochures, and articles relating to particular ailments, conditions, and diseases; and a machine to measure blood pressure. Also, a series of special programs take place on a monthly basis featuring health experts, healthcare industry job fairs, workshops, and health screenings.

At this branch
- Computers: 14 for adults, 6 for kids, 6 for tweens, 14 for teens, 4 business & career computers, 2 education computers, 2 health & wellness computers, 2 research computers, & 7 laptops
- Wireless: All branches have free Wi-Fi wireless Internet access.
- Meeting Rooms: 2 rooms
Location & hours
3050 Prospect Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64128
Map & directions
Plan your trip by bus
Phone: 816.701.3482
Fax: 816.701.3492
Branch Manager: Oliver Clark
oliverclark@kclibrary.org
Office: 816.701.3582
| Monday - Thursday | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. |
| Friday - Saturday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Sunday | 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. |
Photos of the Bluford Branch Renovation
Photos of the Grand Reopening of the Bluford Branch
Regular activities & classes
Yu-Gi-Oh Weekly Tournament
Every Monday at 4 p.m.
During Kids Cafe. Bring your desk and your game! For more information contact Mary Olive Thompson, 816-701-3689.
Kids Story Time
Every Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Introduce your child to the love of reading by brining your child to the library for story time. For more information contact Mary Olive Thompson, 816-701-3689.
Black Classics
Second Saturday in June, August, October and December 2010 at 3 p.m.
Devoted to reading and discussing works written by African or African American authors that can be considered great classics—these include outstanding works of fiction, poetry, drama and non-fiction. Contact Bernard Norcott-Matheny, 816.701.3482, for more information.
Heat of the Night Book Club
Second Saturday in September and November 2010 at 3 p.m.
Reads and discusses mystery novels written by African American or African authors, or featuring an African-American or African detective. Contact Bernard Norcott-Matheny, 816.701.3482, for more information.
More Resources
Business Resources for the Bluford Branch Area
There are many organizations and agencies who help entrepreneurs to start and grow their business. Listed on this page are organizations in the area that you can turn to for information.
Health & Wellness Center
The Health & Wellness Center is the newest enhancement to the recently renovated Bluford Branch and was created in partnership with Truman Medical Centers and the Health Sciences Institute of Metropolitan Community Colleges – Penn Valley. It provides access to health, nutrition, and wellness information through collections of educational materials, online information, and regular programming.
Local Parks and Recreation Sites
Find local parks, community centers, and recreation areas on this page.
Education
Find practice tests, financial aid information, and more on this page of education resources.
Research
Start your research at the library with these librarian-selected resources.

