Kansas City’s Favorite Literary Event

Writers for Readers returns this fall with an exciting lineup featuring celebrated author Candice Millard and the announcement of this year’s Maya Angelou Book Award winner for poetry.

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Writers for Readers 2025: An Evening with Candice Millard | Thursday, November 20, 2025, 6 p.m.

UMKC Student Union, Room 401

With your support we make creative writing education more inclusive and accessible in Kansas City. Please consider maximizing your investment in the literary culture of our region by becoming a sponsor.

Proceeds benefit an ongoing partnership between the Kansas City Public Library and the UMKC MFA program in Creative Writing. The project funds graduate internships for students who support the Maya Angelou Book Award and teach free, public writing classes at Library locations. Thank you for your support.

Sponsor Benefits

Premier Sponsor $10,000

  • VIP seating and dinner for 10.
  • Ten invitations to the pre-event meet and greet with Candice Millard and Whitney Terrell.
  • Featured recognition in lobby signage and in digital and print event programs.
  • Two signed copies of the Maya Angelou Book Award selection.
  • Ten entries into the event’s book raffle.

Presenting Sponsor $5,000

  • VIP seating and dinner for 10.
  • Ten invitations to the pre-event meet and greet with Candice Millard and Whitney Terrell.
  • Featured recognition in lobby signage and in digital and print event programs.
  • Ten entries into the event’s book raffle.

Novel Sponsor $3,000

  • Seating and dinner for eight.
  • Eight invitations to the pre-event meet and greet with Candice Millard and Whitney Terrell.
  • Recognized as Novel Sponsor in digital and print event programs.
  • Eight entries into the event’s book raffle.

Inspiration Sponsor $1,500

  • Seating and dinner for six.
  • Six invitations to the pre-event meet and greet with Candice Millard and Whitney Terrell.
  • Recognized as Inspiration Sponsor in the digital program.
  • Six entries into the event’s book raffle.

Book Lover Sponsor $500

  • Seating and dinner for six.
  • Recognized as Book Lover Sponsor in the digital event program.

Individual Ticket $75

  • Seating and dinner for one.

Use the form below to register for the event and choose your sponsor or ticket type.

Pay by check:
Kansas City Public Library
ATTN Philanthropy
MEMO Writers for Readers
14 W 10th Street, Kansas City MO 64105