Family Fun Fiesta

Family Fun Fiesta is back at the Irene H. Ruiz Biblioteca de las Americas on Saturday, October 10, from 11 AM to 1 PM. It's a monthly session run by the Kansas City Public Library, and the name isn't just for show—it's built for families of all ages, children, teens, and adults alike. You don't have to pick one thing to do; the morning is a mix of coloring and activity pages, storytime, and board games, and you'll have access to the library's 3D printers while you're there. It's an in-person event, and children shouldn't be dropped off without adult supervision.

If you haven't spent much time at the Ruiz branch, it's worth knowing what it is. The library traces back to 1911, when the public school and the public library created the Switzer Branch. It became the West Branch in 1926 when West Junior High opened, then moved to 901 Southwest Boulevard in 1988 after the school district and the library system split, and again to 525 Southwest Boulevard in 1995. It reopened at its current Pennway home on September 15, 2001, renamed in honor of former librarian Irene Ruiz. Today it houses a wide array of Spanish-language materials and resources on Latin American culture, and it's staffed by bilingual librarians.

That background gives the branch a specific character that fits a family day. Between the coloring pages and the 3D printers, there's plenty to keep different ages occupied in the same room. The session runs from 11 AM to 1 PM at 2017 West Pennway Street, Kansas City, MO 64108.