Image courtesy State Library of Kansas

The State Library of Kansas is empowering librarians across the state to foster early literacy and support preschool education through a variety of programs and resources. One of the initiatives is the annual Kansas Reads to Preschoolers event, held each November to promote reading among children under five. This program provides a free copy of a selected book to all public libraries and early childhood centers, with bilingual and Braille editions available to ensure accessibility for all families.

A committee of librarians, library consultants, and childcare professionals selects picture books that are ideal for story time and children’s programs. From the committee’s three recommended titles, the State Librarian chooses one book to feature each November for the Kansas Reads to Preschoolers program.

This year’s featured title is “Little Nita’s BIG Idea” by Anna W. Bardaus and illustrated by Carolina Farias, about a young girl whose mission is to make the biggest fruit salad in the world.

Beyond the annual reading event, the State Library offers a suite of resources to support early childhood education.

More information can be found on the State Library of Kansas’s website.