The Kansas City Public Library redefines the wall of sound as the annual Off-the-Wall Film Series reels off a rollicking line-up of cult musicals this summer.

This raucous rock/pop driven showcase kicks off with the long lost Xanadu (1980) on Friday, May 16, at dusk (approximately 8:45 p.m.) on the Rooftop Terrace at the Central Library, 14 W. 10th St.

Look up the phrase "dog's dinner" in any dictionary, and see the illustration of Xanadu. Olivia Newton-John stars as an elusive Muse on roller skates who inspires the opening of a huge art deco nightclub. Watch as the kibosh is put on the movie careers of Newton-John, Michael Beck, and Gene Kelly (who offers his final big screen song and dance). Though resurrected last year as a Broadway production, the source material proves its superiority with dizzying disco-skate spins. Rated PG. (93 min.)

Admission is free. Click here or call 816.701.3407 to indicate your inter­est in attending. Free parking is available in the Library District Parking Garage at 10th and Baltimore.

An exhibit designed to increase awareness of low vision and provide information for people with low vision, as well as their families and friends, is on display from May 4 through July 6, 2008 at the Central Library, 14 W. 10th St.

THE EYE SITE: A Traveling Exhibit on Low Vision consists of five colorful kiosks with interactive multimedia touch screens and panels that describe causes of low vision, warning signs, local resources, and a self-assessment. One of the kiosks features assistive devices. The interactive program is available in English and Spanish, and features a variety of videos  and an animated guide.

THE EYE SITE is a project of the National Eye Institute, a part of the National Institutes of Health, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its Central Library appearance is a collaboration with community partner Alphapointe Association for the Blind.

Related Reading: African Americans in Film Films in Our Collection

An exhibit that reflects the peaks and valleys of the African American experience in film in the 20th century will be on display at the Central Library, 14 W. 10th St.

Imaging Blackness, 1915-2002: Film Posters from the Indiana University Black Film Center/Archive presents 43 posters from almost a century of movies that feature legendary actors including Lena Horne, Sidney Poitier, Herb Jeffries, Danny Glover, James Earl Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jada Pinkett Smith. Curated by Audrey T. McCluskey, Ph.D., associate professor of African American and African Diaspora Studies at Indiana University, the exhibit serves as a visual timeline that tracks early cinematic stereotyping of black culture to modern day acceptance of big-budget productions depicting a more positive image.

The exhibit will be on display from March 29 - June 22.

The exhibit is organized and toured by Mid-America Arts Alliance through its ExhibitsUSA national program.

Related Reading: Discover Taiwan

Enchanting Taiwan is an exhibit of 38 full-color photo murals that displays the history and culture of this well-known East Asian economic tiger on display from April 5 through May 18 in the Guldner Gallery.

Featuring the work of top Taiwanese photographers, this exhibit reveals the superb culture and natural beauty of the small island, which spans three climate zones and hosts a vast array of compelling visuals. Subjects include Tsaoshan Moon World, Mount Jade – known as "the snowy mountain of the tropics" – and Taroko National Park as well as cityscapes from Taipei, which includes the world’s tallest skyscraper, and the harbor city of Kaohsiung. Enchanting Taiwan is on loan from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Kansas City.

In addition to the exhibit, the Kansas City Public Library is hosting a series of complementary programs celebrating Taiwan through mid-May.

Preschool story times connect children with literature through stories, rhymes, and hands-on activities for children age 3 - 6. Bring your preschooler in for great stories! Preschool Story Time is held at the Central, L.H. Bluford, Plaza, Waldo, and Westport branches.

This story time and play group is intended for parents and caregivers of small children, from newborns to five-year-olds.The purpose of this small group gathering is to provide parents and caregivers inspiration and resources for establishing a lifelong love of language, books, and learning. On the first Friday of every month, the Kansas City Museum takes over this program with a presentation of stories, songs, and crafts for the pre-school set. The most important connection between literacy and a child is a caring adult who actively participates with the child in exploring the world of language.

Preschool story times connect children with literature through stories, rhymes, and hands-on activities for children age 3 - 6. Bring your preschooler in for great stories! Preschool Story Time is held at the Central, L.H. Bluford, Plaza, Waldo, and Westport branches.

The imaginative comedy, Men In Black (1997), is a lot of fun, largely on the strength of Will Smith's engaging performance as the rookie partner of a secret agent (Tommy Lee Jones) assigned to keep tabs on Earth-dwelling extraterrestrials. There's lots of comedy to spare in this bright film, some of the funniest stuff found in the margins of the major action. The inventiveness never lets up, and the cast, including Vincent D'Onofrio doing frighteningly convincing work as an alien occupying a decaying human, hold up their end splendidly.

Throughout May, the Plaza Branch offers diverse activities that appeal to the entire family.

May 2: Game Night. Come and join us in the Kid Corner for some fun high-tech games. We also have fun board games for the low-tech set.

May 9: Harry Truman's Birthday Party. Step back into history with a fun old-fashioned birthday party. We will enjoy games Harry would have played as a kid and find out fascinating facts about why KC loves him so much.

May 16: Asian Pacific Heritage Month. May is Asian Pacific Heritage Month and we will celebrate at the Library. Join us in the Art Spot for games, crafts, and stories about this amazing culture.

May 23: Turtle Night. Did you know that turtles have their own day? We are celebrating World Turtle Day in the Art Spot with videos, crafts, and a special live turtle guest!

May 30: Music Night. Clap your hands and stomp your feet! If you love music, you are in for a treat. Join us in the Kid Corner to explore the musical rhythm of the world around us.