How the Library Impacts Kids

In Shawnee County, only 31% of children have a formal preschool experience. We bring the preschool to families right in their neighborhoods on the Learn & Play Bus, where kids can learn vital literacy skills for free and in a super fun environment. The library’s early childhood learning coordinator makes sure all the little ones are developing through playing, talking, reading, singing and writing so that they’re prepared to enter school.

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With the Imagination Library, every child under the age of five is mailed an age-appropriate book each month. Studies show that participation in the program positively and significantly improves early childhood literacy.

For the program to be sustainable, the library, in partnership with the United Way of Kaw Valley, need to raise $1 million. Donate today to get the Imagination Library started in our community. $25 covers the cost for a child for one year.

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Our storytellers share stories with more than 3,700 children ages 3-5 each month at 75 daycare centers and preschools throughout the county. At storytime, kids have so much fun they hardly realize they are learning vocabulary skills, narrative skills, letters and shapes and practicing the concentration skills they’ll need to be ready for kindergarten.

The Family Place Library initiative focuses on the development of children birth to 5 years old by providing interactive games and activity stations, Parent/Child Workshops and storytimes that grow a love of reading.

Classroom Connections is a fantastic upgrade to bring even more joy and engagement into elementary classrooms! We offer 17 interactive specially curated, free programs. Each program is 30–45 minutes. Teachers can choose from a wide range of captivating topics from the wonders of animals and the marvels of science to intriguing challenges, the richness of language, and the depths of history.

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