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 – 11:00 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 Thursdays
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Alford Branch Library, 3447 S Meridian
Community Poetry Workshop
- First Thursdays
- 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
Title IX and Female Athletes in Kansas
Saturday, February 01, 2020 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E 9th St
Many female athletes in Kansas have fascinating tales of perseverance, hard work, and success on levels where they were previously barred from competition. This presentation by Laura Hartley will explore the landscape for women athletes before and after Title IX legislation and how opportunities for women have impacted sports in our country.
Learn How with GoCreate: Wood Lathe Bottle Turning
Tuesday, February 04, 2020 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
During this class, you will learn all of the safety and operation requirements for running our mini wood lathe. You will also learn several techniques for creating your own wooden bottles. These bottles are unique and make great custom gifts for friends and family. Register online.
Learning Circle: Learning How to Learn
Wednesday, February 05, 2020 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
We’ll learn about the how the brain uses two very different learning modes and how it encapsulates (“chunks”) information. We’ll also cover illusions of learning, memory techniques, dealing with procrastination, and best practices shown by research to be most effective in helping you master tough subjects. Using these approaches, no matter what your skill levels in topics you would like to master, you can change your thinking and change your life.
Learning Circles are lightly facilitated study groups for learners who want to take online courses together in person. This Learning Circle meets weekly for four weeks, beginning Wednesday, February 5. The series is free, but registration is required. Visit www.p2pu.org/wichita to register or call 261-8500.
Wichita Amateur Radio Club: Making of the “Ham Nation” Weekly Amateur Radio Show
Wednesday, February 05, 2020 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Tens of thousands of amateur radio operators around the world tune in to the Ham Nation broadcast on the TWiT.TV. Many watch live at 8 p.m. CT. Others watch the podcast on TWiT or YouTube later in the week or listen to the program’s audio version on iTunes. The WARC’s own Dale Puckett, K0HYD, of Goddard hosts a video viewer segment at least once a month. He will take Wichita Amateur Radio Club members behind the scenes of this popular television show. Cosponsored by the Wichita Amateur Radio Club.
Learn How with GoCreate: Wood Lathe Bottle Turning
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
During this class, you will learn all of the safety and operation requirements for running our mini wood lathe. You will also learn several techniques for creating your own wooden bottles. These bottles are unique and make great custom gifts for friends and family. Register online.
Senior Wednesday: Selfies with Sacajawea: The Corps of Re-Discovery on the Lewis & Clark Trail
Wednesday, February 12, 2020 | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Nearly 215 years after Lewis and Clark blazed their trail west with the help of their young Shoshone guide Sacajawea, two modern-day explorers set out to re-trace the steps of America’s greatest explorers. Battling cheap coffee, poor internet connections, mosquitoes, and a car with questionable brakes, Nelsen Petersen and side-kick Dean Shissler prove that adventure can happen at any time and any place!
Over the last 20 years, Nelsen Petersen has traveled to over 40 countries covering endurance events (marathons and multi-day stage races) and following in the footsteps of history’s greatest explorers and adventurers. This program is made possible with funding support from the Martha Loving Ferrell Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
Learning Circle: Learning How to Learn
Wednesday, February 12, 2020 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
We’ll learn about the how the brain uses two very different learning modes and how it encapsulates (“chunks”) information. We’ll also cover illusions of learning, memory techniques, dealing with procrastination, and best practices shown by research to be most effective in helping you master tough subjects. Using these approaches, no matter what your skill levels in topics you would like to master, you can change your thinking and change your life.
Learning Circles are lightly facilitated study groups for learners who want to take online courses together in person. This Learning Circle meets weekly for four weeks, beginning Wednesday, February 5. The series is free, but registration is required. Visit www.p2pu.org/wichita to register or call 261-8500.
The Kansas City Monarchs in Your Hometown
Saturday, February 15, 2020 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
The Kansas City Monarchs in Your Hometown Formed in 1920, the Kansas City Monarchs revolutionized baseball. The Monarchs sent more players to the major leagues than any other Negro League franchise. Phil S. Dixon is the co-founder of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City and will present information about the Monarchs. Co-sponsored by the Wichita Genealogical Society.
Learn How with GoCreate: Ohm’s Law Theory
Tuesday, February 18, 2020 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
During this class, you will learn about Ohm’s law. We will discuss how we can use this Law in the troubleshooting and design of circuits. We will cover some of the formulas and math in using this law. This is a fun way to see how electronics and the law work hand in hand. Register online.
Learning Circle: Learning How to Learn
Wednesday, February 19, 2020 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
We’ll learn about the how the brain uses two very different learning modes and how it encapsulates (“chunks”) information. We’ll also cover illusions of learning, memory techniques, dealing with procrastination, and best practices shown by research to be most effective in helping you master tough subjects. Using these approaches, no matter what your skill levels in topics you would like to master, you can change your thinking and change your life.
Learning Circles are lightly facilitated study groups for learners who want to take online courses together in person. This Learning Circle meets weekly for four weeks, beginning Wednesday, February 5. The series is free, but registration is required. Visit www.p2pu.org/wichita to register or call 261-8500.
One Page Business Plan
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 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 January 1 and February 21; call (316) 261-8500 or register online.
#ReadICT Meetup and Book Swap
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Join your ReadICT book-loving online community for a real-life meetup and book swap. Bring your favorite book (or bag of books) to discuss and swap. Any leftover books will be donated to the Friends of the Wichita Public Library. Come celebrate reading, books, and libraries with us!
Alzheimer’s Disease: Know the 10 Signs
Sunday, February 23, 2020 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Westlink Branch Library. 8515 Bekemeyer
If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes, it’s time to learn the facts. Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease gives you a chance to begin drug therapy, enroll in clinical studies and plan for the future. This interactive workshop by an Alzheimer’s Association educator features video clips of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Tuesday Topics: Educating Homeless Students in Wichita
Tuesday, February 25, 2020 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
It might surprise you to learn that USD 259 is educating over 2000 students classified as homeless. How is the school district able to do that? The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 makes federal funds available to school districts to help them manage programs to educate and assist homeless children and their families. Cynthia Martinez, McKinney-Vento Liaison for Wichita Public Schools, will discuss the numbers, challenges, impact and future of this important and successful program in our community. This program is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters Wichita-Metro. Doors open at 11:30.
Learn How with GoCreate: Ohm’s Law Theory
Tuesday, February 25, 2020 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
During this class, you will learn about Ohm’s law. We will discuss how we can use this Law in the troubleshooting and design of circuits. We will cover some of the formulas and math in using this law. This is a fun way to see how electronics and the law work hand in hand. Register online.
Learning Circle: Learning How to Learn
Wednesday, February 26, 2020 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
We’ll learn about the how the brain uses two very different learning modes and how it encapsulates (“chunks”) information. We’ll also cover illusions of learning, memory techniques, dealing with procrastination, and best practices shown by research to be most effective in helping you master tough subjects. Using these approaches, no matter what your skill levels in topics you would like to master, you can change your thinking and change your life.
Learning Circles are lightly facilitated study groups for learners who want to take online courses together in person. This Learning Circle meets weekly for four weeks, beginning Wednesday, February 5. The series is free, but registration is required. Visit www.p2pu.org/wichita to register or call 261-8500.
Celebrating 100 Years of Women’s Right to Vote
Saturday, February 29, 2020 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N Arkansas
The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote, is 100 years old. Join the Wichita League of Women Voters for a presentation on the history of the suffrage movement, and what has followed in the years since.
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