The other day I had to call the library because I realized a book I put on hold had been “in transit” for three days, and I figured Kansas City traffic hasn’t gotten so bad that it ought to take that long to get a book from one corner of the city to another. Normally I wouldn’t even notice; my to-be-read list is getting long enough to qualify as a book in its own right, and I still hadn’t returned the last book I picked up from the library. Unfortunately, in this case, it was time sensitive: I host a book club and it would be a little embarrassing to not have read the book in question. So I called, got the confusion sorted out, and went along with my day (and put another book on hold while I was at it).

Now, it might seem odd to start a glowing report on the Kansas City library system with a lost book. Because that’s what this is—I love our library. I check out dozens of books every year and, given how many books they check out to patrons on a daily basis, it feels a little miraculous that one doesn’t get lost in transit more often. Plus, when I called to ask about the book, they were super quick and super helpful.

It’s not just books, either. The library has so much to offer. Did you know you can print up to 50 pages for free? You can check out music and movies, book conference rooms, and get homework help. They host movie nights, lecture series, and author appearances. They’ve got book groups, too—sci-fi, Black classics, true crime, whatever suits your fancy. And each location has its own personality, its specific contributions. The Central Library is probably the most iconic, with its vault (where they host movie nights) and the book spines decorating the parking garage. Ruiz Library has a ton of Spanish language material as well as a seed bank. The Plaza Branch has an incredible kids’ section; I remember when the location first opened and my sisters and I would all cram ourselves into the globe chair with a handful of books to drag home in tote bags later.

I live walking distance to my local branch, but if you have a hard time making it out to one of the ten locations there’s also a bookmobile. They’ll pick up and drop off your holds and you can even check out a chromebook. You can also get help with voter registration at any location (and not to be preachy but you should vote, especially in local elections. We make more of a difference than we think!).

I’ve almost never had a question I couldn’t get answered at the library, and if the person helping me doesn’t know the answer, they know who to ask. They’ve even got a new video series on library resources to tell you about the million other things they offer that I haven’t gotten to—like Libby! I’m trying to get into audiobooks, and Libby is perfect since I’m too commitmentphobic to buy them on Audible (plus, does Amazon really need more of my money? I think they’re doing okay without it). I promise you, even if you’re not interested in a single one of the things I’ve mentioned, the library has something for you.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, so now is the perfect time to get yourself a library card if you don’t have one—or to dust off your old one and check out what the library has on offer. I promise it’s the best subscription service you’ll ever sign up for.

(Cover photo sourced from the KCPL website)