Mid-continent Public Library- Colbern Road Branch Passport Services

The Mid-continent Public Library- Colbern Road Branch at 1000 NE COLBERN RD serves the dynamic and expanding eastern quadrant of Lees Summit, MO, acting as a crucial information and community nexus for a diverse population. Positioned strategically at the intersection of NE Colbern Road and NE Douglas Street, this facility primarily caters to residents from the rapidly developing neighborhoods of Summit Pointe, Woodland Shores, and Winterset Valley. The library is a frequented destination for families residing in the nearby subdivisions just south of Colbern Road, including those with students attending Colbern Road Elementary School directly across the street and even farther afield from Summit Lakes Middle School. Retirees from the various senior living communities clustered around SW Ward Road and SE Bailey Road, approximately 1.5 miles west, often utilize the branch for its extensive media collection and quiet reading spaces. Commuters making their way along Colbern Road, a major east-west artery connecting to Highway 50 and Highway 291, frequently stop in for holds pickup or quick computer access. The presence of the large Hy-Vee grocery store immediately to the west, and the broader retail offerings of Summit Fair shopping center just a mile north along Summit Woods Crossing, integrate the library seamlessly into the daily routines of thousands of Lees Summit residents. This strategic placement ensures consistent visitation throughout the week, particularly during after-school hours and on Saturdays.

The architectural design of the Colbern Road Branch reflects a modern approach, emphasizing natural light and an inviting, open floor plan that deviates from traditional, more compartmentalized library structures. Completed in 1998, with significant interior renovations in 2017 to accommodate evolving community needs, the building features expansive windows along its northern and western facades, offering views of the mature oak trees lining Colbern Road and the bustling commercial activity. Its construction represented a pivotal moment in the Mid-continent Public Library system’s commitment to supporting Lees Summit’s eastward growth, anticipating the population boom that would follow the development of Legacy Park to the east. Historically, residents in this part of Lees Summit would have had to travel significantly further west to the Downtown Lees Summit Branch or north to the Blue Ridge Branch in Kansas City. The establishment of this branch significantly reduced travel burdens and immediately fostered a stronger sense of local identity and resource availability for the burgeoning communities.

A unique aspect of the Colbern Road Branch is its robust array of technology resources, which includes 48 public access computers, free high-speed Wi-Fi accessible both inside and in designated parking areas, and a dedicated ‘Innovation Lab’ equipped with 3D printers and specialized software for public use by appointment. This focus on digital literacy and accessible technology distinguishes it within the library system and directly addresses the needs of a demographic that includes home-schooled students, small business owners, and remote workers in the area. The branch also hosts a popular ‘Story Time’ program five mornings a week, drawing an average of 40-60 young children and their caregivers from neighborhoods like Summit Woods, enhancing early childhood literacy in a tangible way. Its comprehensive meeting rooms, capable of seating 20 to 120 individuals, are regularly booked by local community groups, homeowner associations from the surrounding residential developments, and small business networking events, further embedding the library as a community cornerstone.

The facility’s role as a passport application acceptance agent, a service it has provided since 2009, offers immense convenience to Lees Summit citizens, particularly those in the eastern and southern sectors of the city, avoiding the need to travel to downtown post offices or county clerk offices in Independence or Kansas City. This specialized service is critical for a city with a high percentage of international travelers and business professionals, saving them upwards of 30 minutes in travel time compared to alternatives. The staff here are known for their meticulous attention to detail regarding passport requirements, a reputation built over years of processing hundreds of applications annually. They handle inquiries ranging from first-time applicants to complex name changes and urgent renewals, providing guidance that many find invaluable. The combination of accessible location, modern amenities, diverse programming, and essential governmental services such as passport processing solidifies the Mid-continent Public Library- Colbern Road Branch as an indispensable asset to the Lees Summit community, reflecting its growth, its values, and its future aspirations.

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The passport application process at Mid-continent Public Library- Colbern Road Branch starts promptly upon your arrival for a scheduled appointment. As you approach the facility from NE Colbern Road, you’ll notice the distinctive, modern brick and large glass paneling of the library’s north-facing main entrance. This is the designated entry point for all visitors, including passport applicants. Once inside the well-lit, spacious lobby, the Passport Services desk is immediately visible to your right, clearly marked with a hanging sign. There, you’ll check in with a friendly clerk, typically at window number three, who will confirm your appointment time and direct you to a comfortable seating area if the agent is momentarily assisting another applicant. The interior layout is characterized by its open design and high ceilings, creating an airy, welcoming atmosphere with clear pathways. Your typical appointment duration here ranges between a focused 18 to 22 minutes, assuming all your required documents are correctly prepared and readily available. The passport acceptance area is situated in a semi-private alcove, providing a degree of discretion while still being supervised by library staff. The facility is fully accessible, featuring wide, barrier-free aisles, automatic doors at the main entrance, and readily available accessible restrooms located just past the information desk on the east wall. The process is designed to be efficient and straightforward, minimizing wait times and ensuring a smooth experience for every applicant.

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