Kansas City Public Library awarded $500,000 to expand literacy, teen programs
The KCPL is one of 11 public library systems to receive a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York through its Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy initiative – which is aimed at helping public libraries expand access to adult literacy and college readiness programs.
This national effort builds on the foundation's renewed commitment to libraries as trusted public institutions that help reduce political polarization.
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'Andrew Carnegie believed libraries were ladders upon which anyone and everyone could rise, and that belief continues to guide us,' Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie, said in a news release. 'At a time when trust in public institutions is fraying, libraries retain public trust. We are delighted to support these grantees as they provide essential programs and community services.'
The KCPL was selected as part of an effort to help deliver critical services that promote socioeconomic mobility.
'Libraries are critical infrastructure in our communities – spaces that nurture learning, connection and possibility,' KCPL Director and Chief Executive Abby Yellman said in a news release.
'We are honored to receive this grant, which reaffirms the vital role libraries play in the ecosystem of community life. This generous support strengthens our commitment to expanding opportunity for all while fostering a shared sense of community and belonging.'
The grant will be used to expand three of KCPL's flagship programs:
Refugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment (RISE)
Teen Leaders of Today (TLOT)
The Kansas City Digital Media Lab (KCDML)
The KCPL said it established RISE in 2014 to connect immigrant populations with quality library services, resources and lifelong learning opportunities through outreach, education and advocacy. The program serves more than 3,000 patrons and offers more than 100 English language classes each year.
The Carnegie Corporation grant will support the development of new multilingual courses to offer instruction that supports workforce certifications in high-demand fields.
The KCPL's college and career readiness programs for teens and tweens will also be expanded thanks to the award. TLOT offers teens leadership and volunteer opportunities at the KCPL's branch locations.
The Digital Media Lab, based in the Southeast Branch, gives teens access to a variety of digital tools and training in two broad areas of focus: media production and engineering.
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'Libraries are places where people build knowledge, skills and agency,' said Ambika Kapur, an education program director at Carnegie. 'This initiative reflects our belief in investing in civic participation—wherever people come together to learn.'
Carnegie has been one of the largest philanthropic funders of libraries, from the early construction of libraries in the United States, to helping establish the endowment of the American Library Association, funding the nation's first graduate library school and digitizing archival collections around the world.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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