Get Ready for an Exciting Summer at Mid-Continent Public Library!

Excelsior Springs, MO – Get ready for an incredible summer at Mid-Continent Public Library‘s Excelsior Springs Branch! With a diverse range of programs and activities for all age groups, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the exciting lineup of events below:

Excelsior Springs Branch Events

Summer Library Program: All Together Now

June 1 – August 24, 2023

The Summer Library Program encourages families to spend at least 20 minutes a day reading or engaging with literacy. Readers will log each day that they read to receive a daily reading badge. When readers aged 0-19 complete 20, 40, and 60 days of reading, they will earn a prize book from their local branch. Readers who are registered in Beanstack and log 60 or more days will also be entered to win a Grand Prize. MCPL Branches will award a Grand Prize in each of three age categories: 0-5 years, 6-12 years, and 13-19 years. Adults aged 20+ can earn prizes, too! All adult readers who log 60 or more days will earn a prize.

Adult Programs

A Day at the Beach Painting
Wednesday, June 28 at 6:00 p.m.
Imagine yourself on a relaxing vacation as you create your own 9 x 12 beach scene in this 90-minute class with A to Z Artistry. Recommended for ages 18 and up. Registration is required. (For adults)

Abandoned Kansas City
Tuesday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m.
New schools are built, and businesses move on, but what happens to the structures that are left behind? Explore forgotten places in the Kansas City area with author Regina Daniel. Hear stories of their history and see how they have aged. (For adults)

Adult Game Night
Tuesday, June 20 at 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy board games and meeting new people? Join us for a fun evening of gameplay and conversation! Come alone or bring a friend! (For adults)

Book Group
Tuesday, June 27 at 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 25 at 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 22 at 2:00 p.m.
We look forward to seeing you at our book group! Titles are typically available at the branch one month prior to the discussion. (While stock lasts.) For more details, please call or visit your local branch. (For adults)

Create Your 30-Day Social Media Calendar (Hybrid)
Thursday, June 22 at 6:00 p.m.
Consistency is crucial when navigating social media algorithms, but finding the time to post can be difficult for business owners. In this Square One program, learn how to brainstorm, create, and schedule your monthly social media content for your business. Please note: this class is for individuals who already have a Facebook page set up but need help with content creation and scheduling. Registration is required. (For adults)

Food Preservation Basics
Tuesday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Preserving your garden’s bounty from one year to the next and making special gifts for friends are just some of the reasons for preserving foods at home. Learn the latest, safest methods to can, freeze, or dehydrate at home from the University of Missouri Extension. Registration is required. (For adults)

Using FamilySearch
Thursday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Get the most out of the FamilySearch website. Learn tips for searching records, using the research wiki, finding family trees, using the Family History catalog, and more. This in-person beginner-level class requires basic computer literacy. Registration is required. (For adults)

Using Findmypast
Thursday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Learn to search billions of records to find your ancestors from all over the world. Records include U.S. and UK censuses, Irish records, and parish records from England and Wales. This class focuses on search tips as well as the types of records that can be found on Findmypast.com. This in-person beginner-level class requires basic computer literacy. Registration is required. (For adults) 

Family Programs

All Together Now: All Around the World
Saturday, July 1 at 3:30 p.m.
Whether unearthing the mysterious treasures of King Tut’s tomb in Africa, gasping in the thin atmosphere atop Mount Everest in Asia, or learning to swim with piranhas in the Amazon of South America, this amazing journey with Dino O’Dell introduces all seven continents and highlights interesting details about them. (All ages)

Babies Who Build
Friday, August 18 at 10:30 a.m.
Play is a great way to develop early literacy skills for writing and imagining. Create lasting memories with your young architect as they enjoy building with different blocks. Designed for ages up to 2 years. (Ages 1 and up)

Community Heroes Storytime
Tuesday, June 20 at 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, July 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Hear stories, sing songs, join in movement activities, and create memories with community heroes! Come share an early literacy experience with the whole family and the amazing people who help keep us safe. Designed for children of all ages. (All ages)

Early Literacy Music and Movement
Thursday, July 27 at 10:30 a.m.
Early Literacy Music and Movement encourages the development of early literacy skills through music, instrument play, and big body movement. This Music and Movement program is a very active session, so make sure to put on your dancing shoes! (Ages 3 and up)

Fill the Bill
Thursday, June 29 at 2:00 p.m.
A bird’s beak or “bill” looks different based on what it likes to eat. They can be curved, sharp, or flat like a spoon. Bird bills help our feathered friends catch and eat their favorite food. Explore the diversity of bird beaks with this interactive program on Missouri birds. (Ages 9 and up) Registration is required.

Kansas City Zoo: Jungle Harmony
Wednesday, June 14 at 3:00 p.m.
Did you know the animals and plants of the rainforest need one another to create a harmonious ecosystem? Join the Kansas City Zoo and their animal ambassadors to explore how all the layers of the jungle work together to survive and how we can work together to conserve rainforests. (Ages 4 and up) Registration is required.

Kids Create Art
Monday, July 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Craft and create at the Library. We provide the supplies; you supply the imagination! (Ages 6 and up)

Kids STEAM
Saturday, July 15 at 3:30 p.m.
Learn while you play with STEAM games and activities at the Library. Join us for science, technology, engineering, art, and math fun. (Ages 8 and up)

Let’s Stick Together: A Celebration of Music
Monday, June 5 at 11:00 a.m.
Join Mr. Stinky Feet as he celebrates 25 years of uniting communities through music. It’s a rockin’ dance party for the whole family. (All ages)

Mad Science Presents Science of Music
Saturday, June 17 at 3:00 p.m.
Strike up the band! Instruments are the focus of this loud workshop. Learn the various ways vibrations are generated. This program is recommended for ages 4 to 6. (Ages 4 and up) Registration is required.

One Big Juggling Family
Monday, June 19 at 2:30 p.m.
Brian Wendling reminds himself, and his audiences, that his program takes EVERYONE coming together to have a fun, high-energy time with award-winning juggling and audience antics! Here’s to all of us! (All ages)

Play and Learn
Thursday, June 8 at 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, July 13 at 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, August 10 at 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy a special preschool playtime that is designed to stimulate young minds and strengthen early literacy skills. There will be exhilarating and fun activities and the opportunity to meet other preschoolers and caregivers. The open playtime allows you to come and go as your schedule permits. (All ages)

Ringo’s Sing-Along Road Trip
Saturday, August 12 at 3:30 p.m.
Join travelin’ Meredith and her singing dog, Ringo, on an interactive, musical road trip. Sing, clap, and stomp along as the duo performs favorites such as “B-I-N-G-O,” “Wheels on the Bus,” and “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” They’re even joined by a dancing chicken! (All ages)

Storytime for Preschoolers
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Visit the Library for an exciting, unique storytime journey. Explore first steps toward reading readiness for you and your preschooler. Designed for preschoolers 3-5 years old and their caregivers. (Ages 3 and up)

Storytime for Preschoolers: Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Dropoff – Friday, August 25 at 4:00 p.m.
Storytime – Saturday, August 26 at 11:00 a.m.
The Library’s stuffed animals invite your stuffed friends to a sleepover! Drop off your friend at the Library, then come back for a special program featuring their overnight adventures. Dolls and other toys are welcome. One toy per child. Contact your branch for details. (All ages)

Storytime for Toddlers
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Share a fun, interactive journey with your toddler that will engage and encourage next steps into early reading. Designed for toddlers 18-36 months old and caregivers. (Ages 2 and up)

Youth Role-Playing Games
Monday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, August 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Join the Library for cooperative role-playing games! These board games are perfect for first-time players or gaming pros. Talk to your branch for more information about which game will be offered. (Ages 8 and up) Registration is required.

Teen Programs

Teen Role-Playing Games
Monday, June 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, July 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, August 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Play tabletop role-playing games at the Library! From D&D to Fate, Starfinder to Lasers and Feelings, join us for a campaign-style gaming experience. Talk to your branch for more information about which system will be played. Character sheets and dice will be provided. Registration is required. (For teens)

Don’t miss out on these fantastic summer programs at Mid-Continent Public Library’s Excelsior Springs Branch. Mark your calendars, register for your favorite events, and get ready for a summer filled with fun and enrichment. For the full list of all MCPL programs and to register for any of the events listed above, visit mymcpl.org/events.