The Library is beyond thankful for the array of institutions and organizations across the community that team with us on essential programs and activities.

We’re pleased that they value the partnerships as well. Twice in the past three weeks, the Kansas City Public Library has been recognized as a partner of the year.

• Kansas City’s Urban Community Connections, which connects underserved families and individuals with critical resources, honored KCPL as its Community Partner of the Year during the nonprofit’s annual Appreciation Brunch on Saturday, November 5. The Library has been working with UCCKC since 2020, providing books, early literacy information, youth activity kits, and other materials at its events.
• The Housing Authority of Kansas City named the Library as Partner of the Year at its annual Celebration of Excellence on October 21. The Library and HAKC began teaming on the National Book Foundation-sponsored Book Rich Environments initiative some five years ago, bringing a variety of Library services directly to public housing communities. They’ve since expanded the collaboration, with the Library joining the Housing Authority in co-hosting such events as Remake Learning Days in May (revolving around youth and family STEAM activities) and adding a number of HAKC locations as Bookmobile stops.

Elizabeth Giles, the Library’s outreach youth librarian, and Outreach Youth Associate Jessica Yanez, work closely with both organizations.

“It was a surprise to receive these two awards back to back,” Giles says, “but it was very meaningful to us because both the Housing Authority of Kansas City and Urban Community Connections have been so instrumental in helping us reach children and families where they are, particularly during the pandemic.

“As we’ve continued to grow these relationships, it has been rewarding to see the work we do together expand to incorporate a wider range of Library services and new community locations. And we look forward to more opportunities ahead.”