Community Resources Mission

The Kansas City Public Library’s Community Resource Team provides individuals experiencing life challenges an inclusive place to access the connections, support, and services they need.

Community Resources @ Central

Community Resources staff are available to help you find the resources you need to improve your quality of life. We can help you:

• Make referrals to helping agencies
• Assist in completing forms for utilities, rent, and housing
• Locate free meals, food pantries, clothes and showers
• Direct you to medical and dental care services
• Offer handouts in acquiring vital documents

Connect with us:

Please be aware that we occasionally will make changes to this process, including the expansion of locations and hours, as public health trends evolve. For the latest updates on all Library services, visit kclibrary.org/coronavirus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just walk up and see a Community Resources staff person?

Yes, however, please understand that there may be a wait time before a Community Resources team member can see you.

Do I need a Library card?

You will only need a Library card if you need to use a computer during your appointment. If you do not have a Library card, the Community References staff can help you get one.

Where do I go when I arrive?

Community Resources is located in Room 311 on the 3rd floor of Central Library.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, however we are limiting capacity to two patrons per visit.

Can I bring my kids?

We suggest that small children of walking age not accompany you for this visit.

What do I need to bring with me?

Please bring any documents related to your request. For example, if you want assistance with a utility bill, be sure to bring your most recent bill, delinquency letter, or cut-off notice. Please also bring any form of identification you have.

Can I print, scan, or copy materials during my session?

Printing is available, as well as photocopying, faxing, and scanning. For pricing, see our printing service page.

The Team

Beth Hill: Community Resources Manager

Beth Hill is the Community Resources Manager for the Kansas City Public Library. After teaching in higher education for over twenty years, Beth went back to school to become a social worker. She served as a VISTA Volunteer for the Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas Job Hunter’s Program, as a Career Development Specialist for Job Corps, and as a Job Readiness Coach for inmates at Topeka, KS Women’s Correctional Facility. Beth brings her training and life experiences together to build trusting relationships with the library’s most vulnerable patrons to offer a “warm hand-off” to local service agencies for help and support.

Sara Escandon: Community Resources Specialist

Sara Escandon is the Community Resources Specialist at the Kansas City Public Library. Sara earned her Bachelor's of Social Work from Washburn University along with a Minor in Spanish and Poverty Studies. Prior to working at the library, Sara was the Youth Services Coordinator in Government Programs at Harvesters - The Community Food Network where she provided meals for after school and summer programming. She is also a former AmeriCorps member where she served at a variety of locations including The Lawrence Community Shelter, Hope and Healing Academy, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and The Villages Adventure Challenge Program. Currently, Sara provides direct service to vulnerable populations or individuals struggling with poverty, homelessness, and/or life challenges at the library.

Jimmy Thomas: Community Resources Specialist

Jimmy Thomas is a Community Resources Specialist at the Kansas City Public Library. Jimmy grew up in Chicago and lived there for most of his life. Jimmy earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, and his Master’s Degree in History from Loyola University Chicago. Jimmy worked as the Stacks Manager at Loyola’s Library before leaving to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA at Jerusalem Farm in Kansas City. At Jerusalem Farm, Jimmy worked on helping homeowners with building code violations find resources to repair their homes and avoid court fines. After completing his year of service, Jimmy returned to Chicago and worked at several non-profit and governmental agencies helping individuals with landlord tenant issues and those encountering discrimination in housing and employment. Jimmy works directly with individuals experiencing homelessness and helps folks discover resources that may be helpful to their housing, employment, and other searches.

Mary Olive Joyce: Director of Library Outreach and Community Engagement

Mary Olive Joyce is the Director of Library Outreach and Community Engagement at Kansas City Public Library. Mary holds master’s degrees in both Social Work and Library Information Science. She has over 20 years’ experience working in libraries and over a decade working in and collaborating with community and social service agencies in the greater Kansas City Metro. As the Director of Outreach, Mary enjoys working with a diverse team of staff dedicated to removing barriers and increasing access to Library services and community connections. In her role at the Library, she leads a team of Outreach staff with broad specialties including Mobile Library Services/Outreach, Senior Programming, Community Resources, Refugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment, and the Library VISTA Project.

Practicum Students:

The Community Resource Team has Social Work Practicum Students who assist with current programs and build new programs to better meet the needs of the patrons.

For further questions about any of these services, please contact us via email or by phone at 816.701.3767