Kansas City Public Library gets $500,000 grant. How it plans to use the money
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- Kansas City Public Library receives $500,000 from Carnegie Corporation grant
- Funds will expand literacy, teen leadership and immigrant job training programs
- Grant supports trusted libraries addressing education, workforce and inclusion
The Kansas City Public Library was one of 11 library systems awarded $500,000 from Carnegie Corporation of New York.
The grant is for Carnegie’s Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy initiative, which intends to support public libraries in growing adult literacy and college readiness programs.
Carnegie, established in 1911, is one of the largest funders of libraries, having built a total of 2,509 public libraries internationally and supported many others.
“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,” Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie, said in a press release.
The Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy initiative displays a commitment to libraries as trusted public institutions that help reduce political polarization, according to a press release from KCPL.
How will the KC library use the grant money?
The library plans to use the grant to expand three programs: Refugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment (RISE), Teen Leaders of Today (TLOT), and the Kansas City Digital Media Lab (KCDML).
“This generous support strengthens our commitment to expanding opportunity for all while fostering a shared sense of community and belonging,” KCPL Director and Chief Executive Abby Yellman said in a press release.
For RISE, the library will be developing new multilingual courses teaching job skills that support workforce certifications in high-demand fields. This program, established in 2014, serves over 3,000 Kansas City residents by connecting immigrant populations with library services, resources and learning opportunities.
The library will also be able to provide more teen leadership and volunteer opportunities through the TLOT program with the grant.
At the Southeast Branch on Swope Parkway, the KCDML program, supported by the grant, will expand access for teens to digital tools and training focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) skill-building, leadership training, financial literacy, and career and college exploration.
