News

  1. The Kansas Talking Books Service does amazing work all year round, but the first week of March is designated to celebrate all they do for Kansas residents, especially those with visual, physical or print disability needs. Check out their Facebook page for discussions and announcements throughout the week. 
    kansas talking book week proclamation with seal and signature from Governor Laura Kelly

    State of Kansas

    Proclamation by the Governor

    To the people of Kansas, Greetings:

    Whereas, the Kansas Talking Book Division of the State Library of Kansas is taking part in a week-long celebration marking the beginning of free library services for the blind; and

    Whereas, the federal Pratt-Smoot act was enacted on March 3, 1931, establishing free library services for blind adults under the administration of a National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) in the Library of Congress; and

    Whereas, Kansas Talking Books provides materials and supportive services to blind and print disabled Kansans; and

    Whereas, these print impaired individuals may participate in enriching programs and activities connecting patrons to a collection of more than 100,000 items; and

    Whereas these print disabled patrons may choose from materials ranging from digital books to Braille and tactile materials, audio and descriptive videos to popular magazines and current newspapers; and

    Whereas, with the cooperation of the U.S. Postal Service, participants receive these materials through the mail free of charge.

    Now, therefore, I, Laura Kelly, Governor of the State of Kansas, do hereby proclaim March 1st-5th, 2021 as Talking Books Week in Kansas and I urge all citizens to join in the celebration of this free library service for all Kansas residents who are unable to read or used standard printed materials due to vision impairment, physical impairment, reading and /or other print disabilities.



  2. IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 28, 2020 

    Kansas is Reading to Preschoolers 
    A statewide initiative encouraging early childhood literacy 

    Topeka, KS —The opportunity to obtain copies of the children’s book, Groovy Joe: Ice Cream and Dinosaurs, has been made available throughout Kansas and many are preparing to read to Kansas preschoolers during this year’s Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Month. This title is also available digitally through the State Library’s digital book eLending site, Bookflix. 

    The State Library’s 16 th annual one-book/one-state reading initiative, Kansas Reads to Preschoolers, highlights the importance of reading to children with a goal that every Kansas child from birth to age five is read to throughout the month of November. 

    Each year, one age-appropriate book is selected for storytime in libraries, preschools, childcare centers and homes throughout Kansas. Groovy Joe: Ice Cream and Dinosaurs, by Eric Litwin, is this year’s title. Kansas librarians have pooled together learning resources and tools that will be shared throughout the state during the entire month of November. 

    The State Library of Kansas is committed to increasing reading readiness and on-grade reading while promoting reading, literacy and libraries. For storytime ideas, activities and more information on this year’s Kansas Reads to Preschooler’s title, visit http://kslib.info/prek.

  3. Kansas Libraries Report One Million Minutes of Reading


    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 17th, the numbers are:
    • 1,008,456 minutes read
    • 19,088 books completed
    • 264,911 pages read
    • 2,825 literacy activities completed

    For more information, view the full press release or visit the State Library of Kansas website.

  4. Announcing Titles for Kansas Notable Books 2020
    Topeka, KS – State Librarian Eric Norris announced today the 15th annual selection of Kansas Notable Books. The fifteen books feature quality titles with wide public appeal, written either by a Kansan, set in Kansas, or about a Kansas related topic.

    See full press release and more information at www.kslib.info/2020KNB

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Awards

  1. Congratulations to Maggie Witte, Outreach Librarian/Lead Readers' Advisor with Kansas Talking Books, for earning the "New Professional" Award from the Kansas Library Association. 
    Maggie Witte, New Professional Award Winner
    Maggie Witte and Michael Lang
  2. LiteracyLegacyAward

    Sarah Tenfelde-Dubois (right) accepts the 2017 Literacy Legacy Award from Storytime Village on behalf of the State Library of Kansas

    Images from the event

  3. RhondaHeadShot Rhonda Machlan received the 2015 Kansas Library Association Library Personnel Award
  4. lianne
    Lianne Flax named 2014 Mover & Shaker by Library Journal