The Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) opened the Fairview branch on June 11, 2019 at 18109 E. 12th St. N., Independence, MO to help serve residents in eastern Independence. Through a joint partnership with the Fort Osage School District and the Community Service League, the branch offers several services that can benefit patrons. 

What had formerly been the school district’s early childhood center has now been turned into the Farview Library.

“We give customers access to the tools and resources they need to be successful and fulfilled in their lives whether that’s a book, a meeting room, or a class on how to use a computer,” Public Relations Coordinator Emily Brown said in an email.

Library customers will be able to pick up their MCPL holds, use public computers, access mobile printing, access free Wi-Fi, browse a small collection of books and other items, attend storytimes, and use collaboration rooms. In less than a month of opening the library has already checked out over 1000 children’s book. 

The Farview Library is not only a way to feed the brain but also can help feed families and those in need. The library has a food pantry that anyone can donate to. President and CEO of Community Services League Doug Cowan said in an email, that the CSL  helps families living at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (that would be a family of four living on less than $36,000 annually, approximately). 

“We can offer pantry services to families once a month,” Mr. Cowen said in an email. “But we reserve the right to help more often if a situation warrants that.”

The Library will be staffed by MCPL’s North Independence Branch, which is also located off 24 Highway. Superintendent Dr.Snodgrass is very happy about this new library.

“I’m excited about the partnership with the School District, Mid Continent Public Library and Community Services League,” Dr. Snodgrass said in an email. “When Fort Osage’s Early Childhood program moved out of this building in January we wanted to repurpose the building and utilize it for community betterment.” 

“The library benefits everyone,” Ms. Brown said in an email. “From young children who learn critical early literacy skills at storytime, to job seekers who use the Library’s online resources to improve their skills and find a new career, to homebound individuals who use our Library-By-Mail service to get books, movies, and music delivered directly to their doors.”

The Farview Library is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-6pm, and their personal number is 816-252-0951.