Kansas City Public Library / Ozark National Building

Constructed in 1897, this Second Renaissance Revival building housed the KC Public Library and Board of Education until 1960 and was home to the nation's first dedicated children's library area.

Kansas City Public Library / Ozark National Building

500 E 9th St, Kansas City, MO 64106 (Map)
Built: 1895-1897
Architect/Style: William Hackney, Charles Smith, Adriance Van Brunt // Second Renaissance Revival
Area: East Village

The Kansas City Public Library building, now known as the Ozark National Life Insurance Building, stands as a significant historical and architectural landmark in Kansas City. Located at 500 East 9th Street, this structure was originally constructed between 1895 and 1897 to house the expanding collection of the Kansas City Public Library.

Over time, the building has played various roles, from serving as the headquarters for the Kansas City Board of Education to its current use by the Ozark National Life Insurance Company. Its architectural design, cultural significance, and historical transformations make it a remarkable piece of Kansas City’s heritage.