This story was first published in the May/June edition of KC Studio.

The Kansas City Public Library launches its annual Summer Reading program on May 30 and it runs through August 15.

In 2017, the adult winter reading program was folded into the youth summer reading program to become an all-ages program. Kaite Stover, director of readers' services, says it connects a larger community of readers.

"It's like one of those throwback activities, like playing Twister or something," says Stover, "but it's Summer Reading. We love it when you come and tell us what you're reading."

More than 15,000 people registered for the program in 2024, a 16 percent increase from the previous year, and participants logged 26,397 books.

Librarians suggest reading materials for babies and toddlers, young readers, tweens, teens, and adults. Of course, participants can read anything they'd like or listen to audiobooks.

The focus, says Stover, is on "reading for fun, reading for pleasure, getting back into discovering. And making it easy to participate."

All Library branches will host special activities and events, including nonfiction writer and podcaster Mallory O'Meara's discussion of her latest book, "Daughter of Daring," about the first professional stuntwoman, on Tuesday, June 3, at the Plaza Branch.

The Summer Reading Program also travels to area parks and community centers, offering free books when you sign up. 

Readers of all ages will earn prizes after logging five books. This includes a pint glass for adults, which Stover says has become "the signature element of the adult side of summer reading."

Last year's theme was "Welcome to the Reading Party," a nod to the yearlong celebration of the Library's 150th anniversary. In 2025, it's "Color Our World."

Graphic designers Katelyn Betz and Alex Skorija collaborate on projects across the Library system. They've been working with a team of about 20 staffers to plan the Summer Reading program and its design elements — drawing on a wide range of ideas and distilling them to create a direction for "Color Our World."

"So, illustration is a huge part of this year's concept, and we're trying to keep the typography pretty simple and adaptable," Skorija says, "really focusing on the fun part of illustration, telling the story of Summer Reading."

Betz spearheaded the black-and-white illustration sprinkled with hidden details, including rooftops resembling books.

"It's a very dramatic illustration," she says. "I want it to be playful yet still approachable for adults as well."

Betz adds, "When you think about who the Library audience is, it's everyone."