Brownstone Book Fund, together with input from Kansas State Librarian, Ray Walling, chose Cunningham Public Library (CPL) as one of one hundred libraries to receive a gift of one hundred new children’s books.

The donation is a gift from Brownstone Book Fund, a private foundation in New York City interested in fostering early reading, a love of books, and encouraging parents and children to read together.

“I am interested in providing books for young children, hopefully to excite and foster an early interest in and a love of books and reading. The public library of my youth gave me an addiction to books that has enriched my life. My wish with this collection is to give this experience and pleasure to many other young people,” explained Diane Brownstone, Director, Brownstone Book Fund.

The donation includes books ranging from pre-kindergarten through early readers and were selected by The Kansas Library Consultants for Youth.  They are currently in-process and will soon be ready for circulation. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are encouraged to visit the library in coming days to check them out.

In response to this gift, CPL Board Chairperson Mary Stackhouse said, “We’re so incredibly grateful for this gift to add to our collection. Is there anything more special than sharing a book with a child?”

Here at CPL we know the answer to that one, but we encourage everyone to conduct their own research. CPL with help from The State Library, South Central Kansas Library System, and now with this generous gift from Brownstone Book Fund, has plenty of great resources to aid you.

Whether from Kansas or New York, we seem to agree that the joy of reading is a gift meant to be shared. 

Visit the library and share the gift! The friendly volunteers and librarian at CPL look forward to seeing you.