The Independence Library Board and Staff believe that the entire community should benefit from library services.  Adults can utilize the books and materials available for checkout, use public computers, do research or ask the library reference questions, attend programs, meet with others, and utilize other services such as fax and copy service.

The library is welcoming and has several nice areas for reading and relaxing.  This includes a fireplace area with soft seating and a wide screen television with closed-captioning running on a news channel.  If you would like to hear the TV, check out a set of wireless headphones at the desk.  There are also study rooms that can be used to meet with a small group or for quiet study.  If you would like to reserve one, give us a call at 334-2470.  If you have a larger group that you would like to have meet in the library, you will want to find out more about the Community Room.

Adult programs, like computer classes, author talks, book talks, movies in the park (Riverside Cinema), artist showcase events, etc. provide education, information, and cultural experiences.  An annual event for adults is the Summer Reading Program.  The Independence Public Library encourages adults to read each day.  Each year the Summer Reading Program has a theme.  The 2012 theme is Between the Covers.

The library offers adult books in several formats available for checkout: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Large print, and Biography.
There are also magazines, audio books, and DVDs available for checkout.  If you like to download audiobooks or ebooks, check out our NEIBORS program for free book downloads.  Newspapers and magazines are available for browsing.

Fifteen desktop computers and five laptop computers are available for public use in the library.  A valid library card in good standing and technology usage agreement form (part of library card application) are required to use the equipment.  Or, feel free to bring in your own laptop and use our wireless network.

Do you need to do some research?  We have several online information sources offering correct, authoritative information.  Check out EBSCOhost with periodical and newspaper articles (great for current events), NoveList for readers advisory (what book should I read next, etc), and the World Book Web for a wealth of information on many topics as well pictures, videos, timelines, etc.  You will need usernames and passwords, so call us or stop in for that information.

We also have Universal Class, which offers over 500 online classes...all for free with your library card.  For more information about this great opportunity, click here.

What programs are coming up at the library?  See upcoming events on the right side of this website so you can get specifics and mark your calendar!