Free adult classes and events at the Wichita Public Library

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 9^th 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 2^nd St

Rockwell Mystery Book Discussion

• Fourth Mondays
• 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E 9^th 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

Learn How with GoCreate: Series Electronics Circuit Theory
Tuesday, March 03, 2020
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

During this class, you will learn about series circuits and theory. We will discuss how we can use series circuits in designing and in the troubleshooting this circuit. We will cover some of the formulas and math in using series circuits. This is a fun way to see how electronics and Ohm’s law work hand in hand. Register online

Dining with Diabetes
Tuesday, March 03, 2020
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Alford Branch Library
3447 S Meridian

Do you or someone you love have diabetes? Do you need help making the best choices for your health? Sara Sawer, Registered Dietician at Sedgwick County Extension, will lead this class. Topics covered include: planning healthy meals and snacks; healthy food preparation; label reading; portion control; carbohydrate counting; and physical activity. Classes are offered weekly with a 3-month follow-up class. Each class will have food demonstrations and tastings, simple tips to begin making healthy lifestyle changes, and motivation and support. Registration is required, beginning Dec. 1; call 337-9119 or register online.

Wichita Amateur Radio Club: Severe Weather Training: Storm Fury on the Plains
Wednesday, March 04, 2020
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

This severe weather safety program is developed in partnership with the National Weather Service. It is a comprehensive look at the threats faced from severe weather in Kansas. Among the topics covered are storm development, cloud feature recognition, radar interpretation, and above all: safety. This is a scaled-down version of the training that is provided to hundreds of volunteer storm spotters across the state every year, but for this class, the emphasis is on reading the clues, recognizing when you are in a dangerous situation, and appropriate safety measures. Cosponsored by the Wichita Amateur Radio Club.

Learning Circle: Mao to Now: On Chinese Marxism
Thursday, March 05, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

An insightful study of Chinese Marxism, socialism, and capitalism.

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, beginning March 5th. The series is free, but registration is required. Visit www.p2pu.org/wichita to register or call (316) 261-8500.

Women and Civic Engagement Panel Discussion
Thursday, March 05, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

100 years after the passing of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution which granted women the right to vote, women are becoming more civically engaged across all levels of government. Join us for a very important panel discussion featuring prominent women in government as they share their experiences and honor the heritage of the women that paved the way for them as we celebrate the centennial of women’s suffrage.

All Nations Welcome Except Carry…
Saturday, March 07, 2020
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Westlink Branch Library
8515 Bekemeyer

Carry Amelia Nation, born in Kentucky in 1846 and living much of her life in Kansas, became the best-known advocate for the prohibition of alcohol in the country. Let Mrs. Nation tell you how she would come to be willing to endure mob attacks and several arrests for her “hatchetations!” Carry is portrayed by Diane Bernheimer.

Learning Circle: Women in Leadership
Monday, March 09, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

This course aims to inspire and empower women and men across the world to engage in purposeful career development and take on leadership for important causes—to lead change with more conviction and confidence—and improve our workplaces and communities for all. By offering more complex understandings of issues related to professional women and work, the course will help you increase self-knowledge about your own values and vision, as well as enhance your capabilities as a leader, manager, and team contributor. We will examine the opportunities, challenges, trade-offs, and organizational dynamics experienced by women in work organizations, as well as reflect on and practice effective individual behaviors.

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, beginning March 9th. The series is free, but registration is required. Visit www.p2pu.org/wichita to register or call (316) 261-8500.

Learn How with GoCreate: Series Electronics Circuit Theory
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

During this class, you will learn about series circuits and theory. We will discuss how we can use series circuits in designing and in the troubleshooting this circuit. We will cover some of the formulas and math in using series circuits. This is a fun way to see how electronics and Ohm’s law work hand in hand. Register online.

Dining with Diabetes
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Alford Branch Library
3447 S Meridian

Do you or someone you love have diabetes? Do you need help making the best choices for your health? Sara Sawer, Registered Dietician at Sedgwick County Extension, will lead this class. Topics covered include: planning healthy meals and snacks; healthy food preparation; label reading; portion control; carbohydrate counting; and physical activity. Classes are offered weekly with a 3-month follow-up class. Each class will have food demonstrations and tastings, simple tips to begin making healthy lifestyle changes, and motivation and support. Registration is required, beginning Dec. 1; call 337-9119 or register online.

Senior Wednesday: Assistance Dogs
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

Have you ever wondered how assistance dogs are trained to help their human companions? What are the different types of assistance dogs? What jobs can they do? Learn about what goes into the training, the dogs themselves, and the impact these dogs have in the daily lives of the people they serve. Plus you’ll meet a fully-trained Seeing Eye dog named Fitz!

Learning Circle: Mao to Now: On Chinese Marxism
Thursday, March 12, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

An insightful study of Chinese Marxism, socialism, and capitalism.

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, beginning March 5th. The series is free, but registration is required. Visit www.p2pu.org/wichita to register or call (316) 261-8500.

Cooking Matters for Parents®: A Free Cooking Workshop Series
Thursday, March 12, 2020
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

Join a free series of hands-on cooking classes called Cooking Matters For Parents®! Classes help families learn to shop for and cook healthy meals on a budget. This program is ideal for pregnant women or parents/caregivers of young children from lower income households. This is a 6-week program with free groceries. There is no fee to participants. However, please make sure you will be able to attend at least five of the six weekly class dates, Thursdays from March 12 to April 23. Sessions will include recipes and free take-home groceries to try with your families; meal planning and budgeting; and hands-on cooking and tasting of nutritious dinner ideas. Co-sponsored by the Greater Wichita YMCA. Registration is required, beginning Dec. 1; call (316) 261-8500 or register online. Please note: there is no class on March 26.

Learning Circle: Women in Leadership
Monday, March 16, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

This course aims to inspire and empower women and men across the world to engage in purposeful career development and take on leadership for important causes—to lead change with more conviction and confidence—and improve our workplaces and communities for all. By offering more complex understandings of issues related to professional women and work, the course will help you increase self-knowledge about your own values and vision, as well as enhance your capabilities as a leader, manager, and team contributor. We will examine the opportunities, challenges, trade-offs, and organizational dynamics experienced by women in work organizations, as well as reflect on and practice effective individual behaviors.

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, beginning January 7th. The series is free, but registration is required. Visit www.p2pu.org/wichita to register or call (316) 261-8500.

Learn How with GoCreate: Parallel Electronics Circuit Theory
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

During this class, you will learn about parallel circuits and theory. We will discuss how we can use parallel circuits in designing and in the troubleshooting this circuit. We will cover some of the formulas and math in using series circuits. This is a fun way to see how electronics and the Ohm’s law work hand in hand. Register online.

Learning Circle: Mao to Now: On Chinese Marxism
Thursday, March 19, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

An insightful study of Chinese Marxism, socialism, and capitalism.

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, beginning March 5th. The series is free, but registration is required. Visit www.p2pu.org/wichita to register or call (316) 261-8500.

Learning Circle: Women in Leadership
Monday, March 23, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

This course aims to inspire and empower women and men across the world to engage in purposeful career development and take on leadership for important causes—to lead change with more conviction and confidence—and improve our workplaces and communities for all. By offering more complex understandings of issues related to professional women and work, the course will help you increase self-knowledge about your own values and vision, as well as enhance your capabilities as a leader, manager, and team contributor. We will examine the opportunities, challenges, trade-offs, and organizational dynamics experienced by women in work organizations, as well as reflect on and practice effective individual behaviors.

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, beginning January 7th. The series is free, but registration is required. Visit www.p2pu.org/wichita to register or call (316) 261-8500.

Tuesday Topics: Renewable Energy
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

Renewable energy and land use–how can they exist together within the confines of a public policy? Should they both be considered together? How does that impact public policy and protecting the environment? Where does citizen input and expert advice enter the picture? These are questions that Sedgwick County asked when writing a public policy on renewable energy. Come and hear “both sides of the story” from the Sierra Club and a Sedgwick County representative. Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters Wichita-Metro.

Learn How with GoCreate: Parallel Electronics Circuit Theory
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

During this class, you will learn about parallel circuits and theory. We will discuss how we can use parallel circuits in designing and in the troubleshooting this circuit. We will cover some of the formulas and math in using series circuits. This is a fun way to see how electronics and the Ohm’s law work hand in hand. Register online.

Canceled: Dining with Diabetes
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Alford Branch Library
3447 S Meridian

Do you or someone you love have diabetes? Do you need help making the best choices for your health? Sara Sawer, Registered Dietician at Sedgwick County Extension, will lead this class. Topics covered include: planning healthy meals and snacks; healthy food preparation; label reading; portion control; carbohydrate counting; and physical activity. Classes are offered weekly with a 3-month follow-up class. Each class will have food demonstrations and tastings, simple tips to begin making healthy lifestyle changes, and motivation and support. Registration is required, beginning Dec. 1; call 337-9119 or register online.

Learning Circle: Mao to Now: On Chinese Marxism
Thursday, March 26, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

An insightful study of Chinese Marxism, socialism, and capitalism.

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, beginning March 5th. The series is free, but registration is required. Visit www.p2pu.org/wichita to register or call (316) 261-8500.

2020 Census
Thursday, March 26, 2020
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Westlink Branch Library
8515 Bekemeyer

Wonder why your response matters? Jason Dean, a Kansas Partnership Specialist with the United States Census Bureau, will answer this question and more including what the Census is, how you can respond, and how your privacy is protected.

Business Planning for Non-Profits
Saturday, March 28, 2020
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St

This Small Business Administration/SCORE program will show the steps needed to plan a successful non-profit business. You will also learn about Foundation Directory database searching to find potential funding sources, and print resources to start and manage your non-profit. Registration is required, and is open between Sat. Feb1, and Wed. Mar. 19, at 5 pm; call (316) 261-8500 or register online.

Learning Circle: Women in Leadership
Monday, March 30, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

This course aims to inspire and empower women and men across the world to engage in purposeful career development and take on leadership for important causes—to lead change with more conviction and confidence—and improve our workplaces and communities for all. By offering more complex understandings of issues related to professional women and work, the course will help you increase self-knowledge about your own values and vision, as well as enhance your capabilities as a leader, manager, and team contributor. We will examine the opportunities, challenges, trade-offs, and organizational dynamics experienced by women in work organizations, as well as reflect on and practice effective individual behaviors.

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, beginning January 7th. The series is free, but registration is required. Visit www.p2pu.org/wichita to register or call (316) 261-8500.

Learn How with GoCreate: Home Improvement DIY: LED Lighting Installation
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St

This class will teach you how to install and use LED (light emitting diode) lights in your own projects. You will also learn when to use the different types of LED lights so your projects can truly shine! LED lighting is both cost-effective and easy to install which allows you to improve the look and feel of your home. Register online.

Canceled: Dining with Diabetes
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Alford Branch Library
3447 S Meridian

Do you or someone you love have diabetes? Do you need help making the best choices for your health? Sara Sawer, Registered Dietician at Sedgwick County Extension, will lead this class. Topics covered include: planning healthy meals and snacks; healthy food preparation; label reading; portion control; carbohydrate counting; and physical activity. Classes are offered weekly with a 3-month follow-up class. Each class will have food demonstrations and tastings, simple tips to begin making healthy lifestyle changes, and motivation and support. Registration is required, beginning Dec. 1; call 337-9119 or register online.

Tree-mendous Trees!
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Rockwell Branch Library
5939 E 9th St

Extension Master Gardener Donna Wise will talk about the many ways trees enhance our lives, from shade and wind protection, to carbon sequestration, to just being beautiful. She will talk about how to select trees for our area and what to do to care for them so they will thrive. Registration required.