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Kansas libraries report one million minutes of reading
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Summer reading programs are helping Kansans become better readers.  

Since early June, more than 200 Kansas libraries have been carrying out summer reading programs that have allowed patrons of all ages to record their reading progress.

As of July 17, the numbers are:

• 1,008,456 minutes read

• 19,088 books completed

• 264,911 pages read

• 2,825 literacy activities completed

The State Library of Kansas has worked together with seven regional library systems to engage more than 200 libraries in summer reading programs through an innovative reading app called Reader Zone. These programs consisted of participants of all ages with the majority being kindergarten through 6th grade. Reader Zone is a web-based reading program and app that helps organizations of all kinds to build and deploy meaningful reading programs.  

COVID-19 has greatly impacted libraries in every corner of the state. Libraries that typically carry out in-person events for summer reading have turned to virtual programs that allow them to engage with their communities. The State Library of Kansas is working harder than ever to meet the literacy and informational needs of Kansans during this difficult year. Kansas libraries are committed to keeping staff and patrons safe while adapting programs and services to serve their communities.  

“We are excited to reach the one-million-minute milestone and we thank all our hard-working librarians and our wonderful library patrons for their dedication to literacy and reading,” said Alice Smith, project coordinator at the State Library of Kansas. “But we’re not stopping at one million. Our Summer Reading Programs are still going!”  

“Seeing Kansas readers reach one million minutes demonstrates that there are many dedicated public librarians and engaged families throughout the state. We are extremely proud of Kansas and the success they are having using our virtual reading programs,” said Jake Ball, creator of Reader Zone. 

This project is made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).   

For more information, visit the State Library of Kansas website: https://kslib.info/1448/Summer-ReadingProgram.