It’s Lucile Bluford’s day. Officially.

Bluford, for whom the Library's L.H. Bluford Branch is named, was a leading voice in the civil rights movement in Kansas City and helped make The Call one of the largest and most important African-American newspapers in the nation. In recognition a year ago, the state of Missouri designated July 1—her birthday—as Lucile Bluford Day.

Rep. Brandon Ellington, who cosponsored the commemoration bill, is the featured speaker as the Library celebrates her legacy at the branch named for her. Special, daylong exhibits highlight Bluford’s life and career. And a new, early literacy play station connects young visitors with her story; it includes a replica of her newsroom desk, an old-fashioned typewriter, and a phone (connecting callers to the Library’s Dial a Story program).

Lucile Bluford lived a life that was truly dedicated to building a better world, which is the theme of this year’s Summer Reading program. Discover books, events, activities, and more at kclibrary.org/summerreading.

Read more about Lucile Bluford’s legacy >