2015 - Every Hero Has a Story

2015 Kansas Summer Library Program Summary

This year, there were 312 participating libraries from the seven regional systems. Based on data from reporting libraries, Kansas Libraries provided at least 14,483 days of Summer Reading to children ages 6-11, 11,738 days to children ages birth to 5, 10,830 days to teens, and 8,117 days to adults for a total of 45,168 days.

1. 303 out of 312 libraries (97.1%) utilized the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) theme and materials for their Summer Reading programs. 217 libraries visited the CSLP website.

2. 284 out of 312 libraries (91%) used the Children’s CSLP Program Manual. 198 libraries (63.4%) used the Early Literacy Program Manual. 152 libraries (48.7%) used the Teen CSLP Program Manual. 91 libraries (29.1%) used CSLP’s Adult program materials.

3. 395 library staff attended the regional CSLP workshops. 55% found the workshop was helpful in planning library programs.

4. 57,870 children ages 6-11 participated in the reading portion of the Summer Reading program. 18,718 children ages birth-5 participated in the reading program. 11,861 teens participated in a reading program. 32 used BPH (Talking Books) materials to participate. 9,888 adults participated in a library reading program. 88,481 children and teens(birth to age 18) participated statewide in Summer Reading. The total number of participants including adults in 2015 was 98,369.

5. 5,516 children’s programs or activities were held in conjunction with Summer Reading. 3,192 early literacy programs or activities were held. 2,141 teen programs or activities were held. 1,453 programs were put on for adults. Total reported attendance at Summer Reading programs or activities statewide was 305,743 compared to last year’s total of 246,768.

6. $123,440 was spent on program and support materials from Upstart. $270,553 was spent on program materials from other sources. $166,642 was spent on performers. Libraries spent a total of $560,436 on program support materials and prizes for Summer Reading.

7. Libraries received $783,947 in donated materials and services from their communities to support Summer Reading, compared to $1,034,288 last year.

2015 State Library Project: DIGITAL BOOKS FOR SUMMER READING FUN

The books promoted weekly through the summer of 2015 no longer have direct special links, but are accessible through the Kids' eBook sites:

The Patch (final book - posted 8/14/15)

Becca is afraid the kids at school will make fun of her new glasses and eyepatch.  She has to wear the patch because of an eye problem.  Becca makes up fantastic reasons for the patch until she is ready to talk about it. A TumbleBook storybook, good for early elementary.

Peyton & Eli Manning in the Community

The Manning brothers are two of the most recognizable professional football players, and use their success to give back to their communities. They work with many charities that help hospitals, victims of disasters, and provide health & education programs for children. This Britannica E-STAX ebook is tagged for older elementary, and goes into the sports background of the Mannings as well.

Pop's Bridge

Two boys watch the building of the Golden Gate bridge. Their fathers are on the crew.  The workers walked and climbed the enormous heights of the bridge, dealing with high winds and the danger of falling into the strong currents below. Available on Tumblebooks.

A Very Busy Firehouse

Firefighters are heroes right in your community.  Learn about what a firefighter’s day and tools with the BookFlix paired books “A Very Busy Firehouse” and video storybook “Dot the Fire Dog.”

Jackie Robinson

World War II veteran Jackie Robinson became the first black man to play national league baseball.  He joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 and endured the hatred of other players and fans, while always playing the best game possible.  More than one book about Jackie Robinson is available, one on Britannica E-STAX, another on BookFlix.

Not So Tall For Six

Kylie is a lot smaller than her classmates.  It makes a lot of things frustrating, but Kylie has the courage to deal with bully Rusty Jacks – including being nice to him. A cute book about how bravery doesn’t have to be about fighting.  Available on Tumblebooks, good for preK-early elementary.

Martin's Big Words

A video storybook that makes the life of Martin Luther King Jr and the Civil Rights Movement understandable for children.  “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” The story is paired with an additional early reader book about King on BookFlix.


Kevin Durant in the Community

Professional basketball player Kevin Durant was raised in a poor neighborhood by his mother and grandmother.  Durant is involved in many community charities, and started the Kevin Durant Family Foundation with his mom. The foundation helps single-parent families and provides after-school and summer programs for kids. This Britannica E-STAX ebook is tagged for older elementary.

Officer Buckle and Gloria


This title serves up a double helping of community heroes, Police Officer Buckle and his amazing canine, Gloria. This read-aloud animated picture book is available through BookFlix, so it's paired with Police Officers on the Go!, an early reader. The set will appeal to older preschoolers and younger elementary students.

Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken


There are many types of heroes - this picture book features an unusual one. Louise is no ordinary chicken. Discontented with her henhouse, she ventures out into the world, where she finds plenty of excitement and peril. Being an adventurous chicken means having an abundance of bravery, an aspect of heroism that young children can understand. This title is available on Tumblebooks, and it is divided into chapters, so it will appeal to children about 4 to 8 years old.

Eleanor Roosevelt (first book - posted 6/5/15)

In addition to being First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt was an advocate for women, the poor and for the rights of all people. Recognizing her dedication to advocacy, President Truman appointed her to the United Nations, where she led Commission on Human Rights. This early reader will engage children reading at grade levels 2 through 5, and would make a good read aloud for younger children.  Eleanor Roosevelt is part of the Equal Rights Leaders series, and this and other biography titles are available through Britannica E-STAX.