The oldest library building in Kansas City, the historic Westport Branch originally was called the Allen Library in honor of former Jackson County Presiding Judge Arthur M. Allen, who championed its construction in 1898. His name remains inscribed above the front doors. The branch serves a wide area – well beyond its immediate neighborhood – with demand great among seniors and others needing access to computers and the internet, groups looking for public meeting space, and those in need of passport processing.
WESTPORT PROJECTS
Look for these icons with each project to help identify how it supports the Library's Next Chapter:
Increase access to materials & programs.
Expand outreach to the community.
Upgrade computers and digital resources.
Renovate and replace aging facilities.
PROJECT STATUS:
Completed
Ongoing
PROGRAMING & EXHIBIT ENHANCEMENT
Provide more quality programs, events, and exhibits to our patrons.
Estimated date of completion: Ongoing
NEW COPY-SCAN-FAX MACHINES
Install new multipurpose copy-scan-fax machines in all branches.
Estimated date of completion: March 2019
RENOVATE RESTROOMS
Renovate the public restrooms.
Estimated date of completion: September 2019
EXPANDED HOURS
Remain open later on weekends, providing a safe space for youth and others.
Estimated date of completion: September 6, 2019
Blog: "We're Here (Longer) for You"