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.
Rockwell Mystery Book Discussion
Monday, January 28, 2019
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Rockwell Branch
5939 E 9th St
The Disappeared by C.J. Box.
GoCreate: Wood Turning
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St
Learn how to do wood turning on a mini-lathe. Registration is required, beginning Dec. 1, 2018; call 261-8500 or register online. Co-sponsored by WSU’s GoCreate.
http://wichita.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?EventId=7720
Job Fair
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Angelou Northeast Branch
30351 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.
Learning Circle: Basic 3D Modeling
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St
Whether you decide to create 3D animation or are drafting something to be made by a 3D printer, 3D Modeling is an important skill that will help you bring your three dimensional ideas to life. This Learning Circle will help you develop a basic understanding of 3D modeling using the open source software Blender. Over 4 weeks the Learning Circle will meet to go over the course material, and you will have access to the software in our Technology Training Lab.
Learning Circles are lightly facilitated study groups for learners who want to take online courses together in person. This Learning Circle meets weekly for 4 weeks. The series is free, but registration is required; visit p2pu.org/wichita to register or call 261-8500.
https://learningcircles.p2pu.org/en/signup/advanced-learning-library-827/
1 Million Cups
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Advanced Learning Library
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
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Alford Branch
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.
GoCreate: Flooring Basics
Tuesday, February 05, 2019
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St
Interested in knowing more about flooring and how to install it? These classes will cover several types of flooring, such as carpet, tile, laminate, and hardwood. and installation requirements for the different types. The goal is to teach you, the consumer, what you need to be aware of when you are choosing flooring for your project and to give you a better understanding of what it is going to take to finish your project successfully. Please bring note taking material; a calculator may also be helpful; and bring plenty of questions. Over the course of these 7 sessions, there will be several exercises for you to complete which are designed to help you understand the installation process for the different types of flooring. Registration is required, beginning Dec. 1, 2018; call 261-8500 or register online.
This first week we will discuss the different types of flooring and the benefits of each type.
http://wichita.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?EventId=7721
First Tuesdays Book Club
Tuesday, February 05, 2019
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Evergreen Branch Library
2601 N Arkansas
Summer Hours at the Robbers Library by Sue Halpern.
Hook & Needle Friends
Wednesday, February 06, 2019
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.
Build Your Online Business, Part II: Google Applied Digital Skills
Wednesday, February 06, 2019
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St
Using the Google Applied Digital Skills curriculum, students will learn to build an online business or service. Skills gained include: collecting feedback, digital publishing, document formatting, Internet searching and spreadsheet organization. This is Part II of two. Part I is Jan. 30. Registration is required, beginning Dec. 1, 2018; call 261-8511 or register online.
http://wichita.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?EventId=7802
High Altitude Balloon Flights and Amateur Radio
Wednesday, February 06, 2019
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St
Amateur radio operators design and build payloads that contain scientific and communications equipment that they then fly to the very edge of outer space on high altitude balloon flights. The missions are tracked using amateur radio equipment. The flights generate useful data that can support educational programs and enhance radio communications. Co-sponsored by the Wichita Amateur Radio Club.
http://wichita.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?EventId=7647
Smart Home Technology Demonstration
Wednesday, February 06, 2019
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Westlink Branch Library
8515 Bekemeyer
There are more options than ever when it comes to making your home “smart.” Learn about various services and technologies that you can use in your home. Registration is required, beginning Dec.1, 2018; call 337-9456 or register online.
http://wichita.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?EventId=6909
Community Poetry Workshop
Thursday, February 07, 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.
Finding Your Next Great Read
Thursday, February 07, 2019
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Evergreen Branch Library
2601 N Arkansas
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 Dec. 1, 2018; call 303-8181 or register online.
http://wichita.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?EventId=7044
First Thursdays Book Discussion
Thursday, February 07, 2019
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Evergreen Branch Library
2601 N Arkasnas
Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfield.
Wichita Genealogical Society: Bessie Coleman, Aviatrix
Saturday, February 09, 2019
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St
Learn more about aviatrix Bessie Coleman in this first person narrative. Co-sponsored by the Wichita Genealogical Society.
Children of the Promised Land
Sunday, February 10, 2019
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Alford Branch Library
3447 S Meridian
Nicodemus, a small, unincorporated town in Graham County, is the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War. This pictorial history explores the unique experience of mothers and their children in Nicodemus, some of whom were the first members of their families born free. This discussion will explore the dynamics of child-rearing during and after slavery, stories of children conceived in slavery but born free, and how baby names were changed or used to reflect attitudes about freeborn children. Presented by Angela Bates, the Executive Director and Past President of the Nicodemus Historical Society. Co-sponsored by Humanities Kansas.
Open Wichita: Working with Data
Sunday, February 10, 2019
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St
Data is everywhere, and has more hidden value than we can imagine. We can use data to better understand the world around us, especially the impact of our decisions. Data can tell us where we need to improve, and how. The best thing is that anyone can learn to work with data! Join us for this event to learn the basics of finding the data you need and using a free tool called Tableau. Our guest presenter will be Ted Kriwiel of Lion Graph. No registration required.
Open Wichita is a group that learns and collaborates at the intersection of technology and civic engagement. Explore the ways data and code can empower anyone to make an impact in their community. Whether you’re a coding veteran or an interested hobbyist, come find a way to get involved in local projects and even pick up some new skills along the way!
GoCreate: Installing Luxury Plank Flooring
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St
Interested in knowing more about flooring and how to install it? These classes will cover several types of flooring, such as carpet, tile, laminate, and hardwood. and installation requirements for the different types. The goal is to teach you, the consumer, what you need to be aware of when you are choosing flooring for your project and to give you a better understanding of what it is going to take to finish your project successfully. Please bring note taking material; a calculator may also be helpful; and bring plenty of questions. Over the course of these 7 sessions, there will be several exercises for you to complete which are designed to help you understand the installation process for the different types of flooring. Registration is required, beginning Dec. 1, 2018; call 261-8500 or register online. Co-sponsored by WSU’s GoCreate.
In this session, we will discuss how to install luxury plank flooring.
http://wichita.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?EventId=7722
We Rock Book Discussion
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Rockwell Branch Library
5939 E 9th St
The Bishop’s Wife by Mette Ivie Harrison.
Senior Wednesday: Exploring the Nooks and Crannies of Kansas
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St
Cultural investigators Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe went to every one of the 626 incorporated cities in Kansas to research for their newKansas Guidebook 2 for Explorers. They will take the library audience on a photo journey around the state showing lesser-known things to see and do and recommending places to eat.
Job Application Assistance
Thursday, February 14, 2019
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Angelou Northeast Branch Library
3051 E 21st St
Drop in for assistance filling out online job applications, searching for jobs on the web, creating a resume, or other job searching tasks. Registration is required, beginning on Dec. 1, 2018; call (316)688-9580, or register online.
http://wichita.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?EventId=7053
GoCreate: Installing Laminate Flooring
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St
Interested in knowing more about flooring and how to install it? These classes will cover several types of flooring, such as carpet, tile, laminate, and hardwood. and installation requirements for the different types. The goal is to teach you, the consumer, what you need to be aware of when you are choosing flooring for your project and to give you a better understanding of what it is going to take to finish your project successfully. Please bring note taking material; a calculator may also be helpful; and bring plenty of questions. Over the course of these 7 sessions, there will be several exercises for you to complete which are designed to help you understand the installation process for the different types of flooring. Registration is required, beginning Dec. 1, 2018; call 261-8500 or register online. Co-sponsored by WSU’s GoCreate.
This week’s topic will be how to install laminate flooring and what to look out for.
http://wichita.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?EventId=7723
Open Books, Open Minds Book Discussion
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.
Hook & Needle Friends
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Alford Brand 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.
SCORE-Essentials of a Business Plan
Saturday, February 23, 2019
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St
This Small Business Administration/SCORE program will show you the steps to build your business plan. You will also learn about business start-up resources at the Library. Registration is required, and is open between Dec. 1, 2018, and Wed., Feb. 20 at 5 pm; call (316) 261-8500 or register online.
http://wichita.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?EventId=6576
Rockwell Mystery Book Discussion
Monday, February 25, 2019
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Rockwell Branch Library
5939 E 9th St
Corrupted by Lisa Scottoline.
Tuesday Topics: Bridging the Racial Divide
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St
What can we do to bridge the racial divide? Let’s start with our local communities. Kiana Knolland from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Kansas will lead a discussion on best practices to bridge the division in this community using some national overtones. As a young person, she will share her own experiences growing up in Wichita and the work she does with the ACLU to facilitate better communications across racial lines. Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters Wichita-Metro. Doors open at 11:30 am for those who wish to bring a lunch.
GoCreate: Installing Carpet
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St
Interested in knowing more about flooring and how to install it? These classes will cover several types of flooring, such as carpet, tile, laminate, and hardwood. and installation requirements for the different types. The goal is to teach you, the consumer, what you need to be aware of when you are choosing flooring for your project and to give you a better understanding of what it is going to take to finish your project successfully. Please bring note taking material; a calculator may also be helpful; and bring plenty of questions. Over the course of these 7 sessions, there will be several exercises for you to complete which are designed to help you understand the installation process for the different types of flooring. Registration is required, beginning Dec. 1, 2018; call 261-8500 or register online. Co-sponsored by WSU’s GoCreate.
This week’s topic will be how to install carpet.
http://wichita.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?EventId=7724
Hook & Needle Friends
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
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.
Masters of Mystery Book Discussion
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Alford Branch Library
3447 S Meridian
Killing Season by Faye Kellerman.
That’s a Crock: The Healthy Cooking Class for Busy Families
Thursday, February 28, 2019
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Evergreen Branch Library
2601 N Arkansas
Learn how to use your slow cooker to create delicious, healthy meals for your family. Nutrition Agent Sara Sawyer from the Sedgwick County Extension Office will demonstrate how easy it is to prepare a healthy family dinner using your crock pot. After the presentation, we will be sampling the recipes. Registration is required, starting Dec. 1; call (316) 303-8181 or register online.
http://wichita.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?EventId=6856
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