Support Us Button Widget

Where would you put an outdoor library in Kansas City?

The concept is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in KC.

A little library in Kansas City. It is red and next to a tree-lined path.

Except instead of a little library like this, we’re thinking of a big one.

Photo by KCtoday

A cool breeze, some vitamin D, and a good book. Does it get much better than that?

If you ask a resident of South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, the answer would probably be a resounding “no.” The city’s innovative Outdoor Library concept drew in a million visitors in the past three months, and has attracted 6 million since launching in 2022.

What is it?

“The Seoul Outdoor Library is designed as a vibrant space where people can freely read books and engage in cultural activities outside the traditional library setting,” according to the official city website. The space features chairs, rentable books, and multiple locations.

Where would one go in KC?

Our vote? Loose Park. There’s plenty of tree cover to suppress the KC summer heat, 75 acres to find a quiet grassy spot, a tranquil rose garden, and the peaceful sounds of the Loose Park pond.

Where would you like to see an outdoor library in KC? Let us know — we’ll share your ideas in a future newsletter.

More from KCtoday
Atlas9 plans to attract locals and tourists alike for an otherworldly journey through its 48,000 sqft of themed rooms and corridors.
Dining in Kansas City is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Check out fall and Halloween-themed events happening in and around Kansas City in this seasonal guide.
Whether it’s an al fresco brunch on the patio or margaritas on the rooftop, these dining decks across the metro will get you drinking in sunshine.
Locals have lived alongside these native trees for hundreds of years, but it’s not always easy to share a backyard with the Black Walnut’s constantly falling fruits.
Plaza Art Fair areal shot looking down the plaza art fair at night. people walk about tents.
Plaza Art Fair returns for its 94th year
Plaza Art Fair is a long-standing Kansas City tradition that takes place annually on the Country Club Plaza. Let’s dive into the details of this year’s event.
Learn about the biggest industries and employers in the Kansas City area with this guide to local business.
The 300+ projects slimming down streets have less to do with aesthetics and more to do with driver safety.
Use these fall foliage predictions to plan your scenic drives in and around Kansas City this autumn.
We broke down the cost of living in Kansas City, including rent, housing, and other expenses, and compared it to other locations.