Plan a Visit

Located on the 5th floor of the Central Library, the Missouri Valley Room provides researchers access to the Library’s local history and special collections. The room is open to all Library visitors. If you would like to communicate with a staff member, discuss how to access specific items, or have items pulled in advance of your visit, please fill out the Contact Us form at the bottom of this page and a staff member will reach out to help.

Location Central Library — 5th Floor
14 W. 10th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105

Send Us a Message

Contact
Phone 816-701-3427
Hours Monday–Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Features

Researchers are welcome to make use of the room’s resources. There are four study tables, free wireless internet, microfilm stations, a book scanner, and public computers available to access the Kansas City Public Library's history and genealogy resources. Public computers for other uses are available on the first floor of the Central Library.

The Missouri Valley Room is a designated quiet area. Researchers are asked to keep their volume to a minimum while using the room.

Browsing Collection

Our Browsing Collection makes a wide assortment of Kansas City and regional history books available in the Missouri Valley Room. Researchers will find sections devoted to new books, the American West, the Civil War, African American History & Culture, Kansas City and regional growth, arts & culture, periodicals, and genealogy.

Closed Stacks

We are happy to retrieve items from our closed stacks area. Please see the staff member at the Missouri Valley Room service desk for assistance.

Policies

A Kansas City Public Library card is required to access most Missouri Valley Special Collections items. Our staff can help you register for a new library card or update an existing account. Researchers must also follow the rules of the room, which include:

  • Items in the Missouri Valley Room cannot be checked out or leave the room.
  • No food or drinks.
  • Only pencils may be used in the room.
  • Personal items such as bags, backpacks, purses, laptop cases, coats, and jackets must be stored in a locker. Locker keys are charged to your library card and must be returned when departing the Missouri Valley Room.

Parking

The Central Library parking garage is located directly west of The Central Library building on the northwest corner of 10th and Baltimore (enter on Baltimore). Please note: The Central Library parking garage has a maximum 8’ (eight foot) clearance.

Learn more about the Central Library's parking system and cost to park >>

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access microfilm for The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times, The Call, or The Kansas City Journal in the Missouri Valley Room?

No, microfilm for these titles are located on the 3rd floor of the Central Library.

Can I register for a Kansas City Public Library card if I don't live in Missouri?

Yes, if you live outside of the greater Kansas City metropolitan area, you will be issued a limited access card with limited borrowing and no electronic resource access privileges. Limited access cards can be used to access all Missouri Valley Special Collections materials and resources.

Can I print, scan, or photocopy materials during my visit?

Free printing is available, as well as free photocopying, faxing, and scanning. If printing from your own device, use our Remote Printing service.

Contact Us

Research Room open Mon - Sat from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Research Room open Mon - Sat from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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