Kansas City has lots of great libraries, but these specialized collections offer something unique...

While the Kansas City region is home to robust public library systems, it also boasts specialized libraries that focus on individual subjects. These libraries have extensive collections devoted to arts, natural history, science and storytelling, and also offer events, activities, and exhibits for readers and researchers alike.

Kansas City is full of curious people, and it’s lucky enough to have the Kansas City Public Library, Mid-Continent Public Library, Johnson County Library, and more to fuel that curiosity.

But if you want to dive deep into a subject, there’s no better resource than a specialized library. At these particular establishments, the staff are well versed in their particular field, able to help both the expert researcher and those new to the subject.

While many of the libraries are free to visit, in most cases their resources do not circulate, meaning you can’t take the books or materials home. So if you plan to visit, schedule yourself enough time to peruse the materials in house.