The Kansas City Public Library’s Summer Reading program wrapped up on August 15, and more than 15,000 people signed up – blowing through 2023’s numbers by the end of June. Participants who read (or listened to) five or more books earned prizes: pint glasses, stuffed owls, and snack cups for our youngest readers.

“Winning is a state of mind,” wrote Kaite Stover, the Library’s director of readers' services, in an email update to staff. “But at the Kansas City Public Library, we know what winning really looks like.”

Summer Reading program participants logged 26,379 books – a 12 percent increase from last year.

Romance, historical fiction, fantasy, and children’s classics topped the summer reading list. And, for the second year in a row, author Emily Henry was the most popular. This year, patrons lined up to read Henry’s 2024 novel Funny Story.

Other books on the top 12 list include the latest romantic comedy by Abby Jimenez, the classic children’s book Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, and fantasy and science fiction by Rebecca Yarros and Sarah Maas.

Teen interns also spearheaded a range of projects, including an art competition, Nostalgia Day, and Halloween in June programs, as well as helping with lock-ins, Art Fridays, Waldo Fest, and a Pride Parade.

Here’s a look at Summer Reading by the numbers:

• 26,397 books read
• 15,060 registrations
• 14,010 in attendance at children and teen programs
• 6,354 adults signed up
• 4,126 active readers (each reader logged over six books)
• 3,533 meals served to children and teens through the Kids Café program
• 2,200 owl prizes awarded
• 1,362 babies and toddlers signed up
• 1,190 preschoolers signed up
• 758 fourth graders signed up
• 625 programs for children and teens at branches
• 300 snack cups awarded
• 50 Teen Leaders of Today (TLoT) interns
• 13 tweens attended a two-week camp at Southeast
• 9 teen members of Team Digital