For this month’s Community Minute, we are diving into the incredible work of Turn the Page KC, an organization committed to a singular, life-changing goal: ensuring every child in Kansas City is a strong, confident reader.
We recently sat down with Executive Director Dr. Kristin Droege to discuss how the organization is mobilizing Kansas City to ensure every child acquires the literacy skills needed to fuel a lifetime of success.
More Than Just Reading
Turn the Page KC doesn’t just hand out books. They use a “Collective Impact” model to change the system. Their mission is built on two strategic pillars:
- Collective Impact Coordination: Aligning a network of parents, healthcare providers, and educators to ensure children in every neighborhood become proficient readers by the third grade.
- Inclusive Resources: Providing “Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors.” This means giving children books where they can see themselves reflected (mirrors), look into the lives of others (windows), and step into new worlds (sliding glass doors).
Programs Driving Change
From the doctor’s office to the classroom, Turn the Page KC is everywhere our children are:
- READ 360˚: An award-winning program that centers on Neighborhood Literacy Councils. It’s a grassroots approach where families direct the resources they need most.
- Early Childhood Education Literacy Network (ECELN): Supporting teachers of young children with free classroom materials and best-practice ideas to make early instruction truly inclusive.
- Family Reading: Partnering with pediatricians and teachers to help families establish nightly reading routines, ensuring quality literature is accessible in every home.
- Out-of-School Time Collaborative: Partnering with KCPS to provide language-rich childcare during “no school” days, keeping kids engaged all year long.
- Local Spotlight: Check out their book, Being Me KC! It explores our city and introduces children to Kansas City professionals who have made their dreams a reality.
When it comes to making a difference, the numbers speak for themselves. In 2025 alone, Turn the Page KC put 12,000 books into our community. As Dr. Droege reminds us, while schools facilitate learning, the parents and community members are the primary educators.
How You Can Help
- Volunteer: Sign up for a Literacy Council or help out at their next big event.
- Attend the Festival of Reading: Join us this May at the Urban Youth Academy for a free day of books, food, and author readings.
- Connect: Visit www.turnthepagekc.org to find resources for your school or family.
Join Community Lending of America for our next Happy Hour!
We want to see these programs grow even further. Join the CLA team at our Overland Park office on February 26, 2026 for a community Happy Hour celebrating Turn the Page KC.
We’ll have food, drinks, and great conversation. Feel free to bring a new or gently used book to donate. Let’s help Turn the Page KC reach their next 12,000-book milestone together! Save your spot here.