Books for Kids

After reaching our goal, the Brown Foundation's Books for Kids program has been suspended, and we are no longer expanding.  While in operation, the program was designed to bring books and other educational resources to children from low-income families. The Foundation, together with other interested partners, established children's libraries onsite in public housing complexes and community centers. Each library included a parent section with books and resources about parenting.

The four Books for Kids libraries were stocked entirely with books that are donated or books purchased with funds donated by individuals, churches, schools, businesses and community groups. The Foundation held an annual Books for Kids Book Drive that enhanced library resources and provided needy children with books of their own.  Brown Foundation staff operated the libraries for a brief period prior to turning over the spaces to the sites where they were established.

During the program's inception, volunteers collected over 20,000 books to fill the shelves of these libraries. The success of this endeavor was due in part to the Volunteers in Service to America (AmeriCorps VISTA) program sponsored by Corporation for National Service. From 1999 to 2001, the Brown Foundation had eight members of this program working to establish children's libraries. The Brown Foundation is pleased to have been a part of a network of AmeriCorps* programs across the United States working to increase opportunities for all people and to empower under-served communities.

We encourage other communities across the country to replicate what was a much needed endeavor, by starting their own Books for Kids initiatives.

Program Sites

Edna M. Manago Children's Library

On March 14, 1999, the Brown Foundation, in partnership with the Topeka Housing Authority, opened the Edna M. Manago Children's Library in the community center of Pine Ridge Manor Housing Complex in East Topeka. The library is named in honor of the longest term resident of the complex. Pine Ridge Manor is currently home to 215 families. After this facility was opened it was donated to the Pine Ridge Manor Housing Complex.

Hand to Hand Children's Library

In April 1999, the Brown Foundation entered a partnership with Community First, a local non-profit organization formed to help revitalize a segment of the East Topeka Community. This library, located in the Abbott Community Center, opened in March 2000. After this facility was opened it was donated to the Abbott Community Center.

Un Mundo/One World Preschool Children's Library

In March 2001, the Brown Foundation opened and briefly operated a third children's library located at Community Action Head Start Center. Community Action Head Start serves 120 pre-schoolers from two Kansas counties. 

Hope Children's Library

In June 2002, the Brown Foundation opened and briefly operated a fourth and final facility at the Topeka Salvation Army. At the time, the site serviced approximately 50 children and their parents.