Joint Library-Food Pantry Opens in Eastern Independence
Jul 01, 2019
MCPL and CSL to Occupy Former Fort Osage School District Early Childhood Center
In partnership with the Fort Osage School District, Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) and the Community Services League (CSL) recently opened a joint service location in Eastern Independence, which will be known as the Farview Neighborhood Library and Food Pantry. Located within the School District’s former Early Childhood Center (18109 E 12th St N, Independence, MO 64056), the library-food pantry was established to better serve area residents.
“When we make services accessible and convenient for all, we find that more people access the help they need to move ahead in life,” said Doug Cowan, President and CEO of Community Services League. “Families in Northeast Independence typically have had to travel by car or bus five to eight miles to access a wide array of social programs. The opening of the Farview office brings the power of Mid-Continent Public Library and CSL into their neighborhood. We are grateful for the chance to work alongside such great partners.”
The Farview Food Pantry is staffed by Village Heights Community of Christ and will open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., adjusting hours based on demand. The Library will be staffed by MCPL’s North Independence Branch and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Farview Neighborhood Library customers will be able to pick up their MCPL holds, use public computers, access mobile printing and free Wi-Fi, browse a small collection of books and other items, attend storytimes, and use collaboration rooms.
“MCPL is proud to add Farview to its network of service locations,” said Steven V. Potter, MCPL Director and CEO. “Not only is it more convenient for local residents, it’s also an incredible resource with both library services and food pantry access. We’re so grateful to the Fort Osage School District for offering us this opportunity and to the Community Services League for being such a tremendous partner.”
Renovation work on the Farview Neighborhood Library and Food Pantry began in May after the School District opened a new Early Childhood Center in a different location. Leaders at each of the three organizations came together to formulate a plan for the old center which would benefit the entire community.
“The Fort Osage School District is thrilled to partner with Mid-Continent Public Library and Community Services League,” said Dr. Jason Snodgrass, Superintendent of the Fort Osage School District. “Providing library services and a food pantry in our school district is invaluable and helps hundreds of families.”
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Mid-Continent Public Library is the largest library system in the Kansas City metropolitan area, operating 31 branches and two Library-To-Go locations and serving more than 816,000 people in Jackson, Clay, and Platte Counties. The Library strives to enrich our citizens and communities through expanding access to innovation, information, ideas, and inspiration. MCPL is a 2014 National Medal for Museum and Library Service winner. Connect with the Library on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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