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Going to Kansas City... Kansas City here I come!

Or really that should be "Went to Kansas City... Kansas City here I came". But that's less catchy.

Two weeks ago, I was forced to break my Midwestern virginity and found myself in Kansas City, Missouri for work. The trip was mostly boring. And then I got stuck in Missouri for an extra day due to the fire at O'Hare... so that didn't improve my mood. But I did get to go here...

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The central branch of the Kansas City Public Library routinely shows up on "most interesting buildings" lists. And it's obvious why.

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One of the most interesting features of this building is "The Community Bookshelf"... the facade of the parking garage displays the spines of many classic works of literature.

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Even the steps leading up to the parking garage nod to the literary world.

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Formerly the First National Bank, the central branch building still shows it's roots.

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Most notably, the vault in the basement that now serves as a film viewing room for the library's patrons.

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But even without these eccentric little touches, this building is just outright gorgeous. It was a joy to visit it. And while I love my local library, I must say that I'm a wee bit jealous.

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And how stinkin' cute is the children's section?!

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There's a beautiful rooftop reading area, complete with a life-size chess board. And an incredible view of downtown KC.

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And the fact that there's a coffee shop IN the library just sells it as the world's coolest library! It's often that the only reason I feel the need to leave my library is to procure caffeine. This would solve that problem rather nicely. Get on that, CH Booth Library!

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Thank you very much for sharing your beautiful library with me, Missouri!

#travel

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