Home of The Story Center, a mission-enhancement program of Mid-Continent Public Library, the Woodneath historic home is a distinctive resource for MCPL customers. Originally constructed in 1855-56, the house was dedicated in November 2021 after an award-winning, privately-funded adaptive reuse project. The project created unique interior spaces designated for public use.
MCPL is committed to maximizing customer experiences of the Story Center and the home while maintaining stewardship of this significant cultural resource and using it in ways that complement the Story Center’s mission.
There is no fee to use the rooms.
Crouch Family Reading Room
Crouch Family Reading Room
This room features historic furnishings, including a baby grand piano. Keeping with a traditional function of a “parlor,” the room is well suited for low-tech programs for small groups that prioritize conversation, such as book clubs, author talks, storytelling performances, recitals, and poetry readings.
Capacity: 10
For any questions or to reserve, contact Mark Livengood: (816) 883-4793; mlivengood@mymcpl.org.
Named in honor of the family that acquired Woodneath in 1923 and sold the property to MCPL in 2008, the room was made possible by generous donations from John J. Crouch, William M. Crouch, Sara C. Peterson, Debbie Pryor, Diane Pryor Jones, and Chuck Pryor.
Note: This room is located on the ground floor, and the only door into and out of the room measures 32 inches wide.
Programming Room
Programming Room
The programming room is designed for maximum flexibility. Furniture can be arranged in various configurations according to customer needs. A podium and rolling monitor with an HDMI connection are available. The room is well suited for readings, book launches, storytelling sessions, writing and critique groups, and lectures.
Capacity: 20
For any questions or to reserve, contact Mark Livengood: (816) 883-4793; mlivengood@mymcpl.org.
The Story Center Programming Room was made possible by a generous donation from the Edward F. Swinney Trust, Bank of America, Trustee.
Note: The room is located on the ground floor, and the main door into and out of the room measures 32 inches wide.
Studio
Studio
The studio provides a sound-controlled environment for story creators working with digital media. Ideal uses of this space include podcast production, oral history interviews, audiobook creation, and performance recording. The studio features an Apple desktop that includes Adobe Creative Cloud applications, Audacity, and GarageBand.
Story Center staff are available to help orient customers to the studio and equipment, and the studio can be reserved or used during regularly scheduled open walk-in hours.
Capacity: 3
For any questions, or to book a time, email Simaran Singh: ssingh@mymcpl.org.
Note: This room is located on the ground floor, and the main door into and out of the room measures 32 inches wide. Detailed information about the studio is available below.
General Considerations
- Intended uses of reserved spaces must complement the mission of the Story Center to help people create, share, and connect with stories.
- Spaces cannot be reserved for individual work. The Woodneath branch library features several study rooms for this purpose.
- Reservations must be made with and coordinated by a member of the Story Center staff.
- Reservations must be made at least one month in advance; they cannot be made on a walk-up basis.
- Food is not permitted in the house; covered drinks are okay.
- The house does not have a bathroom or running water, which are available in the Woodneath branch library.
- Spaces are reservable for a minimum of two hours.
Accessibility
Four parking spots are reserved in the lot on the south side of the historic home. The Woodneath Library Center is accessible through sliding doors on the south side. A lift inside the library provides access to the cafe, which is directly across from the accessible public restrooms. Story Center staff are available to help operate the lift. Access to the ground floor of the historic home is through the cafe. There is a rubber ramp leading to the door that is 32 inches wide. Access to the second floor of the historic home is via an elevator that opens to the main concourse of the branch. Story Center staff are also available to help operate the elevator. For more information about accessibility, please contact Mark Livengood, Story Center Director, at (816) 883-4793 or mlivengood@mymcpl.org.
Open Studio Purpose and FAQs
Why have a studio?
Stories can take on many flexible forms, each having a unique strength. One of the strengths of creating a digital story project is the ability to easily share it. However, accessibility to the tools for creating quality digital content can be a barrier to creativity. The Story Center Studio provides a space intended to help overcome that barrier.
What is provided?
The studio is fitted with excellent sound insulation, making it easy to capture high quality sound recordings. There is a Mac desktop equipped with Adobe Creative Suite applications (Premiere Pro, Audition, InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) for creating and editing a project. There are also iPads, Wireless microphones, and a photo scanner.
What if I don’t know how to use the equipment or programs?
A staff member can give routine guidance on navigating the studio and equipment but cannot assist in creating your content. However, they can guide you to resources for learning how to reach your desired skills and you can use the equipment to help you learn. There is a compiled list of free online courses through LinkedIn Learning which go through many skills you may want to practice in the studio. LinkedIn Learning is free to any MCPL cardholder.
What projects can be made in the studio?
Your imagination is the limit! The studio would be great for making high quality content for social media, especially if you are a local author! You can record audiobooks, podcasts, make book trailers, edit short films, record oral histories and stories, etc.
Is my personal project saved on the studio computer?
For your privacy, all data is wiped after ending your session, just like with any public computer at MCPL. This means you must have a way to save your project externally, either with an external drive, or by uploading to a personal cloud storage service before you sign out of the computer.
How long can I book the studio?
Studio appointments can be made for up to 2 hour sessions. Extensions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
Can I rent equipment?
At this time, we do not have the ability to check out equipment, all equipment must be used within the studio.
Can I bring my own equipment?
Yes, you are encouraged to bring your own equipment. You do not have to use our equipment to use the studio as a quiet work space for your project