Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Open today 4 PM - 11 PM
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Open today 4 PM - 11 PM
The Curiosity Shop
Grand Opening August 29
Bring a piece of the Library home that doesn’t need to be returned back to the shelves. Books, kits, and one-of-a-kind finds—all inspired by The Linda Hall’s collection and hand-selected by staff—are the perfect gift for the lifelong learner in your life. Each purchase supports the Library’s mission to inspire curiosity in our communities through free public programs and exhibitions. You can also purchase your Library membership in the shop!
Discover exclusive gifts you won’t find anywhere else in Kansas City:
Citrine Standing—This “stone of abundance” was used for ancient Egyptian talismans, Greek carving symbols, and rings for Roman priests. Reportedly a favorite of Queen Victoria’s, citrine was also featured in brooches and pendants from the era.
Fossilized Ammonite—Ammonites are extinct, ancient mollusks that died out with the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. They ranged in size from smaller than an inch to nine feet wide. Today, scientists use their shells to date other fossils found in the same layer of marine rock.
Moon Buddy—No need to be afraid of the dark with this friendly lunar fellow, who comes with kid-friendly moon facts.
Sibley Flashcards—Test your birding knowledge with this vibrant deck drawn from The Sibley Guide to Birds.
5-Horn Rhino Beetle Globe—First described by British entomologist Gilbert John Arrow in 1908, this beetle is found across east southeast Asia. Though it has wings, it is not a very good flyer. It’s just too big!
Stone Vase—Perfect for holiday décor, these handcrafted vases are a wonderful display for autumn flowers, evergreens, and seasonal arrangements.
Bee Bag—You’ll be the buzz of the town with this eye-catching purse featuring the honeybee, which beats its wings 200 times every second, creating its signature sound.
Swan Scarf—Everyone will know you’re a patron of The Linda Hall with this 100% pure silk scarf. A perfect gift for your partner—swans mate for life!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Curiosity Shop is open during Library hours:
Monday - Friday
10 AM - 5 PM
Saturday
10 AM - 2 PM
It is also open in the evening during public programs.
The Curiosity Shop is located in the Main Reading Room across from the reference desk.
The Curiosity Shop accepts most credit cards. It does not accept cash at this time.
Email: retail@lindahall.org
Phone: 816.926.8759
Returns are accepted within 30 days with a receipt. If you have any questions regarding our return policy or have received a wrong or damaged product, please call the store at 816.926.8759 or email retail@lindahall.org, and an associate will assist you.
Curiosity Shop Consignment Policy
The Curiosity Shop offers a curated collection of books, gifts, and merchandise that inspires curiosity and connects visitors with science, nature, and discovery. We occasionally partner with artists, authors, makers, and other creators on consignment. Because space is limited, these opportunities are highly selective.
Merchandise Strategy
Merchandise should connect meaningfully to the mission, programs, collections, exhibitions, arboretum, or intellectual interests of The Linda Hall. We are particularly interested in: STEM; astronomy and space; nature and the environment; the history of science; books and the pursuit of knowledge; invention, creativity, and making; and current exhibitions or programs. We also weigh quality, originality, price point, customer appeal, space, and fit, and generally decline products that duplicate items already in the Shop.
A Curated and Limited Program
Consignment is not an open marketplace. We generally maintain no more than four partnerships at a time, and The Linda Hall determines the merchandise and quantities accepted. All consignors follow the same review process; meeting our criteria or having a prior relationship with The Linda Hall does not guarantee acceptance, placement, or renewal.
Consignment Terms
New partnerships begin with a three-month trial, renewable for up to two additional six-month terms. As a benchmark, at least 30% of inventory should sell each period for renewal to be considered, though this does not guarantee renewal. Partnerships generally will not extend beyond 15 months.
Pricing and Revenue
Consignors may propose retail pricing; final pricing is approved by The Linda Hall in the Consignment Agreement. The Linda Hall retains a percentage of each sale to support Shop operations; the split and payment schedule are set before merchandise is accepted. Consigned items may be excluded from discounts unless otherwise specified.
Display and Standards
The Linda Hall determines how, where, and how long merchandise is displayed; acceptance does not guarantee display location, marketing inclusion, online availability, or minimum sales. Consignors must ensure merchandise is safe, accurately represented, labeled, and legally compliant. The Linda Hall may decline or remove items over quality, safety, legality, intellectual property, or alignment concerns. Terms for inventory, loss, returns, and payment are set in the Consignment Agreement.
End of Consignment
Consignors must retrieve remaining merchandise within 30 days of the agreement's end unless another arrangement is approved in writing. Items left beyond 30 days are considered abandoned and may be disposed of at The Linda Hall's discretion, subject to applicable law.
Applying for Consignment
Submissions should include creator information, product descriptions, photos or samples, proposed pricing, and the connection to The Linda Hall's mission. Do not deliver merchandise until a Consignment Agreement is completed.
