FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kansas City, MO — Lead to Read KC and Rainy Day Books are joining forces this fall with a new partnership designed to expand book access, celebrate reading, and support students across Kansas City.
The collaboration kicks off with the first annual Story by Story: The KC Book Fair on Thursday, November 13, 2025 (12:30–7:30 p.m.) at the Old Westport Middle School. Inspired by childhood book fairs, this open-house style event will feature both adult and children’s titles, local vendors (Café Corazón, Fifth & Emery, Made in Kansas City, Nour’s, Ruby Jean’s Juicery), raffle prizes, music, and more — all while raising funds for literacy, mentorship, and book access for Kansas City students. Sponsorship opportunities and event details are available at leadtoreadkc.org/bookfair.
Beyond the event, the partnership includes:
- Discounts for Volunteers: Returning Lead to Read KC Reading Mentors will receive a 20% discount card for in-store purchases at Rainy Day Books during the 2025-26 school year.
- Local Book Donation Hub: Lead to Read KC supporters can purchase book donations directly from Rainy Day Books via a curated wish list: rainydaybooks.com/lead-read-kc-donations.
“The goal of this partnership is to activate our community in service of literacy by bringing together two Kansas City institutions,” said Rhea M. LeGrande, Executive Director of Lead to Read KC. “Both of our organizations share a love of reading, and together, we want to ensure all kids in Kansas City have the access and support they need to develop that same love.”
Echoing that shared mission, Annie Krieg, General Manager of Rainy Day Books, emphasized the importance of working together to reach more students: “As Kansas City’s independent bookstore, we are eager to work with others who inspire love of reading in our young people. Lead to Read has a tremendous impact on students throughout the city, and this book fair furthers our mutual efforts in getting the right books into the hands of all students, no matter their financial background.”
About Lead to Read KC
Lead to Read KC is a children’s literacy nonprofit dedicated to transforming Kansas City into a community where all students thrive academically and personally through unparalleled access to reading resources, mentorship, and support. Learn more at leadtoreadkc.org.
About Rainy Day Books
Since 1975, Rainy Day Books has been Kansas City’s Independent Bookstore. Rainy Day Books is a gathering place for all lovers of literature, a host to hundreds of author events each year, a catalyst for positive change in our community, and an advocate of literacy. Learn more at rainydaybooks.com.
Media Contact:
Rhea M. LeGrande
Executive Director, Lead to Read KC
[email protected]
913.909.0595
