Building a Community of Readers

Join the Kansas City Public Library in a campaign to transform our community by promoting a lifelong love of reading! Our goal is for Kansas City to reap the social and economic benefits of being one of the most literate cities in America.

Why does reading matter to a community?

In 2007 the National Endowment for the Arts published a study of book, magazine and online reading. Among the key findings:

• Americans are reading less.
• Americans are reading less well.
• The declines in reading have civic, social and economic implications.

How can we expect Kansas City to benefit as a Community of Readers?

• More knowledgeable citizens.
• Children better prepared for school success.
• More college graduates.
• More small business start-ups.
• Wider involvement in civic issues.
• Higher lifetime earnings.
• Heightened support for the arts.

How can YOU help make a difference?

• Read every day to a young child in your life.
• Encourage teenagers to visit the Library and read.
• Join the Library’s programs that support reading among adults.

Throughout the year the Library will offer programs designed to help Kansas City become a Community of Readers. Happening right now is Reading Partners, a year-round initiative reminding adults to read with the children in their lives. Watch for these programs and events coming up for Building a Community of Readers:

• Children’s Book Week, May 7-13, 2012, including the annual Children’s Bookmark Contest.
• Summer Reading Program, June-August 2013, reaching out to children and teens at Library branches and other locations with incentives for them to read for pleasure. The children’s theme this year is “Dream Big – Read!” and the teen theme is “Own the Night.”
• Dial-a-Story, ongoing, phone 816-701-3456 to hear a story now!
• Every Child Ready to Read, ongoing, educates parents and caregivers on pre-reading strategies for children through talking, singing, reading, writing and playing.
• Books to Go, ongoing, delivers books on loan each month for children in nearly 400 Head Start and other child care classrooms in the Library District.
• Teen-Only Events at Branches, year-round, brazenly lures teens to the Library to read, discuss books, and pursue other creative Library opportunities.

Bookmark this page and come back often for updates on how you can join the campaign for Building a Community of Readers.

To donate your financial support to Building a Community of Readers, go to our Giving page.