Our awesome Wichita Public Library has great events and classes for adults on a regular basis. They include seminars and workshops on tons of topics, book discussions, crafting clubs, sessions to help you in your career or business, and more. You won’t believe how many things there are to do, and the best part is that they are almost always FREE.
Unbelievable! (But totally true.)
The Outdoor Reading Terrace on the library’s second floor level will soon have seating and can accommodate up to about 70 guests, possibly more. In the future, this space will be available to rent for events.
Be sure to check out our visit to the brand new Advanced Learning Library, and see these related articles:
Events for kids and teens at the Wichita Public Library
Free Technology Classes and Demos at the Wichita Library
Here we’ve listed the latest classes and events for adults in Wichita at the various library branches. We’ll keep it as updated as possible, but be sure to check out the library’s event calendar because they keep adding great new things.
Here are a few things you’ll want to know about classes at the library:
- Most of the library’s classes and events are free; if they aren’t, there will be a fee clearly listed on their website.
- Even if a class is free, you often need to register for it so they’ll know how many people to expect, and so that you can get notifications if any schedule changes happen.
- Our library has many different branches; before you register for a class or seminar, be sure you note which branch library will be hosting the event.
- People and organizations from our own community often present these classes and workshops, usually as volunteers. Be sure to thank them!
- A wide variety of topics are covered, including financial, technology, business and career, home, crafting, arts and music, legal, and more.
Events and Classes for Adults at the Wichita Public Library
These classes and events are held at various library branch locations in Wichita. Some of them do require pre-registration, so be sure to follow the links on those so you don’t miss out.
Ongoing Events
(Double-check the library events calendar in case of schedule changes or cancellations.)
1 Million Cups
- Weekly on Wednesdays
- 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd St.
Based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities over a million cups of coffee, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation developed 1 Million Cups in 2012—a free program designed to educate, engage and inspire entrepreneurs around the country. As a program of the Kauffman Foundation, 1 Million Cups works with entrepreneurs, empowering them with the tools and resources to break down barriers that stand in the way of starting and growing their businesses.
Attendance is free. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Presentations run from 9-10 a.m. Each presentation ends with an audience Q&A where the last question is always “What can we as a community do to support you as a startup?”
Hook & Needle Friends
- Weekly on Wednesdays
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Alford Branch Library, 3447 S Meridian
Bring knitting, crocheting, quilting, or other needlecraft supplies and share your ideas, questions, and love of needlecrafts. Learn from the experience of others and advise those who are just beginning.
Creating Circle
- Second Wednesday of the month
- 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
Love to craft? Enjoy interacting with others? The Westlink Branch Library is hosting a place for crafters of all sorts. Bring your small projects such as knitting, scrapbooking, or beading.
First Thursdays Book Discussion
- First Thursday of every month
- 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N Arkansas
First Tuesdays Book Club
- First Tuesday of every month
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N Arkansas
We Rock Book Discussion
- Second Wednesday of the month
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E 9th St
Third Tuesdays Book Discussion
- Third Tuesday of the month
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
Open Books, Open Minds Book Discussion
- Third Tuesdays
- 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Rockwell Mystery Book Discussion
- Fourth Mondays
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E 9th St
Masters of Mystery Book Discussion
- Fourth Wednesdays
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Alford Branch Library, 3447 S Meridian
Community Poetry Workshop
- Thursday, October 03, 2019
- 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Poetry writing is great for self-expression and creativity, and it helps to have a community to learn and share with. Join us for a monthly gathering of poets who will offer a listening ear and support you in your journey. Each session will include a mini-lesson, a prompt and writing time, and time for reading and feedback.
New events on the schedule
Learn How with GoCreate: Hardwood Flooring
- Tuesday, October 01, 2019
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
During this exciting class, you will learn how to measure and the questions to ask yourself on this project. We will look at and cover different types of hardwood and the different ways to install them. We will be doing some hands on installing and talking about the room or home you will be installing it. We will cover the pros and cons on a few things to look for in the project. Register in advance here.
Finding Your Next Great Read
- Tuesday, October 01, 2019
- 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E 9th St
In this class, we will explore several digital sites and services to keep you informed about the latest books, authors and book trends. Registration is required, beginning on Sept. 3; call (316) 688-9361, or register online.
Basic Book Repair
- Monday, October 07, 2019
- 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
This session aims to teach you some basic book repair techniques. Bring your own, beat up books (hard or paper back), and learn how to mend tears, tighten or replace the hinges, repair the spine, and more. Anyone can learn to be a book mending wizard and prolong the life of their books.
Learn How with GoCreate: Tile Flooring
- Tuesday, October 08, 2019
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
In this class, you will be learning about tile installation ad tile installation tools. We will talk about measuring and proper practices on installing your tile project. You will be learning how to operate some of the tools and equipment safely and effectively. There will be time to ask questions and get more in depth with this! Register in advance.
Book Tasting
- Saturday, October 12, 2019
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Want to escape a reading rut, but not sure where to start? Come get a “taste” of new genres with Librarians Racine and Noelle! You’ll be able to sample a variety of genres like Sci-Fi, Mystery, Westerns, and more. Get some ideas to finish up your #ReadICT challenge and try something new. Come and go anytime between 1pm and 3pm to try out a new reading experience!
Sharing Patterns, Sharing Lives: Kansas Quilts
- Sunday, October 13, 2019
- 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
- Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
In the early 20th century, Emporia was home to a group of innovative quilters that included Rose Kretsinger, Charlotte Whitehill, and Hannah Haynes Headlee. Today their quilts are house in art museums and internationally revered. Learn about Kansas quilts from this time period and the unique collaborations that sparked “the Emporia, Kansas phenomenon” and some of the finest quilts of the 20th century. Presented by Deborah Divine, a researcher, instructor, planner and quilting historian. This program is co-sponsored by Humanities Kansas.
Learn How with GoCreate: Wood Turning Basics
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
In this class, you will be learning about a desktop Lathe machine which can be used for many reasons such as creating pens, bottle stoppers, or you can even use this machine to make your own candle stick holders. You will be learning how to operate this machine safely and effectively. There is no need to have any previous knowledge of lathe equipment to learn how to do any of these things, so anybody can make their own custom projects with ease! Register in advance.
Learning Circle: Paranormal Investigation
- Tuesdays, October 15, 22 & 29, 2019
- 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
This Learning Circle course is designed to give you a deeper insight into the world of paranormal investigation, including the methodology and equipment used by paranormal researchers all over the world. Course materials will be covered in the first two weeks. For the third meeting, Sherrie Currie with Wichita Paranormal Research Society will share her experiences in paranormal investigations.
Learning Circles are lightly facilitated study groups for learners who want to take online courses together in person. This Learning Circle meets weekly for three weeks, beginning October 15. The series is free, but registration is required. Visit www.p2pu.org/wichita to register or call 261-8500.
Tuesday Topics: GMOs
- Tuesday, October 22, 2019
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
What does it mean to be genetically modified vs. the traditional hybrid methods? What are the advantages and disadvantages of GMO and non-GMO methods? How does it affect our food and are there effects on the environment? Join us as we hear from Dr. Harold Trick, Professor of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University (GMO) and Gail Fuller, a farmer that changed from using GMO methods to non-GMO methods. Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters Wichita-Metro. Doors open at 11:30 am for those who wish to bring a lunch or purchase one at Reverie Roasters Café at the Library.
Learn How with GoCreate: Desktop Lathe & Pen Making
- Tuesday, October 22, 2019
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
One of the simplest projects to do on a desktop lathe is to make a pen out of a block of wood. You will learn all of the steps required for making your custom pens, from design all the way to the final product. You will learn about the tools and how to turn a pen in no time. There are no requirements for taking this class, we will be doing some hands on and turning so dress appropriate to get a bit dirty. Register in advance.
Job Fair
- Tuesday, October 22, 2019
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Angelou Branch Library, 3051 E 21st St
Are you looking for a job? Not sure who’s hiring? Attend our job fair. Job seekers will have an opportunity to meet with 5-6 prospective employers. Don’t forget your resume and remember to dress for success. This job fair is co-sponsored by the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas.
Marketing 101
- Saturday, October 26, 2019
- 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
This Small Business Administration/SCORE program will show you the keys to planning a strong marketing plan. You will also learn about business start-up resources at the Library. Registration is required, and is open between September 1 and October 25; call (316) 261-8500 or register online.
NaNoWriMo Kick Off
- Sunday, October 27, 2019
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Get ready to write a whole novel in a month! In celebration of National Novel Writing Month, we’ll get you fired up to create your literary masterpiece and give concrete tips and tricks to help you accomplish your goal.
Learn How with GoCreate: Desktop Lathe & Bottle Stop Making
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
One of the simplest projects to do on a desktop Lathe is to make a bottle stop out of wood. You will learn all of the steps required for making your own bottle stops, from design all the way to the final product. There are no requirements for taking this class; however, it is helpful if you dress to get a bit dirty, we will be having some hands on and you will see how it is done. Register online.
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