Books to Go

picture books on table display

We bring the library to you! Books to Go is a red-carpet service of the Kansas City Public Library. Since 1995 Books to Go has been providing childcare facilities with a monthly, hand curated delivery of materials. This early literacy initiative is designed to encourage passive and active reading.

What is Books to Go?

Books to Go is a FREE service provided to preschools, home child cares, or Kindergarten sites located within the Kansas City Public Library District that care for children ages 6 and under. We set up an in-house library account for your site which is used to check out your Books to Go materials. Items are checked out to your account in advance and placed in boxes. Each classroom receives at least one box of materials depending on class size. One box holds approximately 20 books. We strive to send out two books per child. Once a month, these carefully hand-selected materials are delivered to your location and materials from the previous month are picked up at the same time.

Who is Eligible for this Service?

To be eligible for Books to Go:

Parking Availability and Ease of Access

The site must have designated parking or readily available street parking for Books to Go service. The site agrees to keep the sidewalk/driveway/parking lot clear during the winter months and free from debris. The spot for drop-off and delivery will be agreed upon by Books to Go personnel and the site. The site will notify Books to Go of changes in delivery procedures no later than 4:00 p.m. the day before delivery.

Cancelations, Inclement Weather, Extenuating Circumstances

It is the responsibility of the site to notify Books to Go staff if the site will be unavailable for delivery no later than 4:00 p.m. the day before delivery. In the event of inclement weather, vehicle maintenance, and other unforeseen problems, Books to Go staff will notify the site of a canceled delivery as soon as possible.

Delivery Dates

A calendar will be provided in late July or early August every year. The next delivery date will also be on the top right hand corner of the delivery slip (the piece of paper on the front of your Books to Go boxes). Feel free to contact Books to Go if you have any questions about your delivery date.

How Do I Apply for Books to Go?

Apply now or contact us at bookstogo@kclibrary.org. Depending on program capacity, service may not begin immediately, and you will be placed on our waiting list.

For more information, call 816.701.3667 or email bookstogo@kclibrary.org