MCPL Celebrates Reopening of Raytown Branch

Mid-Continent Public Library is pleased to announce the completion of renovations at its Raytown Branch (6131 Raytown Road, Raytown, Mo.), which reopened to the public on January 27. An official Rededication Ceremony will be held at the Raytown Branch on Friday, March 6, at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will include remarks from Library leadership as well as local officials, followed by a special “book-opening” ceremony and reception.

Later in the day, the Raytown Branch will host an Open House from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., which will include light refreshments, an appearance by the Library’s mascot Marty the Martian, and an "I Love My Library" selfie station. The open house will conclude with entertainment at 4:00 p.m. by KC Magic Man Brad Lynn (registration required for Lynn’s performance). All customers will receive a $10 fine forgiveness token (one per person) during regular business hours Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 8. Tokens can be used one time to clear all Library fines and fees up to $10.

In addition, the Library will offer a mobile scavenger hunt through the free GooseChase app, which customers can participate in to qualify for a $50 gift certificate to Breakfast & Lunch Lovers Restaurant in Raytown. The Raytown Branch Scavenger Hunt will kick off at the rededication ceremony on March 6 and run through Saturday, March 14, at 6:00 p.m.

Since the Raytown Branch closed in August 2019, it has received a variety of interior and exterior upgrades, including the addition of new collaboration rooms for smaller meetings and tutoring sessions, more natural lighting, and upgraded technology—from new computers to improved Wi-Fi coverage and access.

As part of MCPL’s Capital Improvement Plan, the Raytown Branch is one of many Library branches to receive upgrades, which have been made possible by increased funding from the passage of Proposition L by voters in 2016. While the upgrades at each branch vary based on individual community needs and the building’s current condition, the Library’s goal has been to create more intentional spaces and improve essential technology. Design work for the five-year Capital Plan is being completed by Sapp Design Architects and Helix Architecture + Design with JE Dunn assuming responsibility for construction contractor management.

In addition to all the physical upgrades, the increased funding approved by voters in 2016 has allowed MCPL to expand branch hours, enhance special services, augment early literacy efforts, and buy more materials.

More information about the Raytown Branch’s reopening can be found at mymcpl.org/Community.

-MCPL Marketing & Communications