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Designers Alex Skorija and Katelyn Betz discuss Summer Reading program ideas. (photo by Juli Lancaster\/Kansas City Public Library)<\/p>\nIn June 2024, Kansas City Public Library kicked off Adult Summer Reading at Vine Street Brewing Co. (photo by Kenney Ellison\/3 Shots Photography)<\/p>\n
The Kansas City Public Library launches its annual Summer Reading program May 30, and it runs through August 15.<\/p>\n
In 2017, the adult winter reading program was folded into youth summer reading to become an all-ages program. Kaite Stover, director of readers\u2019 services, says it connects a larger community of readers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like one of those throwback activities, like playing Twister or something,\u201d says Stover, \u201cbut it\u2019s Summer Reading. We love it when you come and tell us what you\u2019re reading.\u201d<\/p>\n
More than 15,000 people registered for the program in 2024, which marked a 16 percent year-over-year uptick, and participants logged 26,397 books.<\/p>\n
Librarians suggest reading materials for babies and toddlers, young readers, tweens, teens \u2014 and adults. But, of course, participants can read anything they\u2019d like or listen to audiobooks.<\/p>\n
The focus, says Stover, is on \u201creading for fun, reading for pleasure, getting back into discovering. And making it easy to participate.\u201d<\/p>\n
All library branches will host special activities and events, including nonfiction writer and podcaster Mallory O\u2019Meara June 3 at the Plaza Branch, discussing her latest book, \u201cDaughter of Daring,\u201d about the first professional stuntwoman.<\/p>\n
The Summer Reading program also travels \u2014 with free books for signing up \u2014 to area parks and community centers.<\/p>\n
Readers of all ages earn prizes after logging five books. This includes a pint glass for adults, which, Stover says, has become \u201cthe signature element of the adult side of summer reading.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s theme was \u201cWelcome to the Reading Party,\u201d a nod to the yearlong celebration of the library\u2019s 150th anniversary. In 2025, it\u2019s \u201cColor Our World.\u201d<\/p>\n
Designers Alex Skorija and Katelyn Betz discuss Summer Reading program ideas. (photo by Juli Lancaster\/Kansas City Public Library)<\/p>\n
Graphic designers Katelyn Betz and Alex Skorija collaborate on projects across the library system, and they\u2019ve been working with a team of about 20 staffers to plan design elements. They drew on a wide range of ideas and distilled them to create a direction for \u201cColor Our World.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, illustration is a huge part of this year\u2019s concept, and we\u2019re going to try to keep the typography pretty simple and adaptable,\u201d Skorija says, \u201creally focusing on the fun part of illustration, telling the story of Summer Reading.\u201d<\/p>\n
Betz spearheaded the black-and-white illustration sprinkled with hidden details, including rooftops resembling books.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a very dynamic illustration,\u201d she says. \u201cI want it to be playful yet still approachable for adults as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Betz adds, \u201cWhen you think about who the library audience is, it\u2019s everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Find out more about the Kansas City Public Library\u2019s Summer Reading program \u2014 and how you can participate \u2014 on the library\u2019s website: kclibrary.org\/reading-programs\/summer<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n