The Mid-Continent Public Library's revamped Reading Rocket vehicle is taking literacy on the road, delivering over 10,000 "Forever Books" annually to neighborhoods, homes, and public spaces across Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties in Missouri. With a new and improved design, the bookmobile is poised to expand its reach and impact within the Kansas City community.
Empowering Families and Communities Through the Power of Reading
Bringing Books and More to the People
The Reading Rocket's first stop was at Zona Rosa, where the team not only distributed books but also handed out library fine forgiveness coupons to encourage community members to reconnect with their local libraries. The revamped vehicle boasts several key improvements, including a new design, Wi-Fi capabilities, an updated interior, increased storage space, and even a sink to enhance the team's operations.
Fostering a Love of Learning
"Play is the best thing you can to learn and to grow as a family and as a kid and as an adult," says Reading Rocket Manager Lisa Campbell. The bookmobile's mission is to provide a welcoming and engaging space for families to explore the joys of reading and learning together. By meeting people where they are, the Reading Rocket aims to inspire a lifelong love of literacy and discovery.
Expanding Reach and Impact
Last year, the Reading Rocket made around 280 visits, and with the new and improved vehicle, the team hopes to catapult their outreach efforts into new areas around Kansas City. "We'd like to blow that out of the water if we have an opportunity," says Campbell, reflecting the team's ambitious goals to bring the joy of reading to even more communities.
Celebrating the Launch with Community Partnerships
To mark the Reading Rocket's second launch event, the team has partnered with the Community America's Hickman Mills Community Access Center on Friday, July 18th. The event will feature a performance by children's musician Dino O'Dell, a visit from KC Wolf, and opportunities for adults to connect with representatives from Literacy KC and Metropolitan Community Colleges, Kansas City. This collaborative effort showcases the library's commitment to fostering community engagement and supporting literacy initiatives across the region.The Mid-Continent Public Library's revamped Reading Rocket is poised to make a significant impact on literacy and learning in the Kansas City area. By bringing books, resources, and a love of reading directly to the people, this mobile literacy hub is empowering families and communities to explore the transformative power of the written word.
