Previous Special Events

Beginning with their regular gig in the Plantation Grill at Kansas City’s Muehlebach Hotel, the Coon-Sanders Nighthawk Orchestra in the 1920s took the Midwest, and then the entire nation, by storm. UMKC jazz expert Chuck Haddix follows the rise and fall of the band that had hit recordings like “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby,” “When You’re Smiling,” “The Flippity Flop,” “Kansas City Kitty,” “I Ain’t Got Nobody,” “Harlem Madness,” and “What A Girl! What A Night!”

Think you’re film literate? Not until you’ve experienced the masterpieces of world cinema presented as part of this new series. Former Kansas City Star film critic Robert W. Butler (now a member of the Library’s Public Affairs staff) provides opening and closing remarks.

The Vox Narro project hosts an afternoon of traditional and contemporary Kurdish poetry, music, and dance, plus an introduction to Kurdish literature, culture, and history. Following the presentations, sample a variety of Kurdish cuisine.

Presented by Michelle Brown

The Kansas City Public Library is hosting Money Smart Month adult programs across all Library locations during April 2013. Topics range from budgeting to investing to effective couponing.

The Library will waive up to $30 in overdue fines and fees for any Kansas City Public Library cardholder who attends one or more of the events.

Author Margaree King Mitchell shares a story of a small business owner’s perseverance during the Great Depression in her award-winning children’s book Uncle Jed’s Barbershop. Mitchell will speak at the Library as part of a children’s Money Smart Month activity. Following her presentation, the Library will have a face-painter and self-led activities promoting financial education. Author Book reading is from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., with activity stations from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Not sure how to budget your money? Ready to start planning for retirement? Is it time to teach your kids to be money savvy?

Personal finances – from managing credit and debt to the special financial needs of women, from understanding your credit report to knowing your mortgage options – will be examined during this day of free presentations and hands-on activities, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

At the Early Literacy Symposium you will learn practical ways to stimulate children’s language skills and a love for books and reading. Register today for the free Early Literacy Symposium! Registration is required by April 16th.

A face-painter and Sesame Street games delight children as they experience this interactive, hands-on financial education event with their families.

In honor of Money Smart Month, PNC Foundation is sponsoring age-appropriate financial literacy concepts to preschool age children and their families. Please see our full list of Money Smart Kids Programs for more information.

Military historian Gregory S. Hospodor examines the year-long effort by a Union army -- under the command of Ulysses S. Grant -- to take Vicksburg, the Mississippi River stronghold that Jefferson Davis called “the nail head that holds the South’s two halves together.”

Presented by Michelle Brown

The Kansas City Public Library is hosting Money Smart Month adult programs across all Library locations during April 2013. Topics range from budgeting to investing to effective couponing.

The Library will waive up to $30 in overdue fines and fees for any Kansas City Public Library cardholder who attends one or more of the events.