Kansas City, MO - The Kansas City Public Library will host a community open house at its Southeast Branch, 6242 Swope Parkway, on Saturday, April 28, 2018, to showcase the branch’s renovation and unveil the new Goppert Media Center – the permanent home of the Kansas City Digital Media Lab.

The public is invited to join the celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

This is the culmination of a nearly 1½-year makeover of the Southeast Branch. The first phase entailed new computers, meeting rooms, and study rooms; a new children’s area; and thousands of updated materials available for checkout. The media center was built during the second phase.

Patrons can participate in hands-on activities in the lab, including robotics demonstrations, animation, design, and video and audio production.

Digital Youth Engagement Manager Andrea Ellis says the new permanent home in the Goppert Media Center will allow the Digital Media Lab to fully realize its mission of youth development and create a culture of learning. 

“The Kansas City Digital Media Lab takes the Library's mission of being a doorway to knowledge to the next level,” Ellis says. “In addition to access to resources, [the KCDML] provides mentorship, encouragement, and opportunities to put that knowledge into action. Through project-based, peer-to-peer learning, and making, youth are challenged to transform their interests in technology, media production, and more into pathways for personal growth and professional development.”

As part of the celebration, Fifth District City Councilwoman Alissia Canady, who represents the Swope Park neighborhood, will discuss the value of the Library’s presence in the community and the value of giving young patrons access to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning.

There will also be story times for families, as well as refreshments. The event is free.