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Kansas City Public Library Launches Big Read Event

Community members participating in the Big Read event at Kansas City Public Library

News Summary

Kansas City Public Library launches its Big Read event, running from March to May 23, aimed at fostering community through reading. The highlight includes a collaborative reading of Rebekah Taussig’s memoir, ‘Sitting Pretty’, along with the return of the Shelf Life storytelling event on May 1st, where local storytellers will share personal narratives related to this year’s theme, ‘soma’.

Excitement Builds in Kansas City as Public Library Launches Big Read Event

Kansas City is abuzz with excitement as the Kansas City Public Library kicks off its highly anticipated Big Read event, all aimed at bringing the community together through the joy of reading and sharing personal experiences. This fabulous initiative, affectionately dubbed “book-ish joy,” is set to run from March all the way to May 23, and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable experience!

A Special Show-and-Tell Event: Shelf Life

Mark your calendars for May 1st at 6:30 pm, as the library will host a heartwarming show-and-tell event called Shelf Life in the Truman Forum Auditorium, located on the lower level of the Plaza Branch. This event is making a comeback after being on hold for a while and was originally conceived back in 2016 by David Wayne Reed. With its charming intent, Shelf Life aims to cultivate a strong sense of community, where stories are shared and connections are made—like a warm gathering in a church without a church.

Each year, Shelf Life revolves around a specific theme, and this year’s focus is intriguing: soma. This term refers to the body of an organism and explores the distinctive ways individuals experience and navigate through their physical existence. It opens the door for rich storytelling that invites participants to reflect on their personal journeys.

Community Read of a Powerful Memoir

The centerpiece of this year’s Big Read is the community-wide read of Rebekah Taussig’s memoir, Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary, Resilient, Disabled Body. Taussig, a talented author and disability advocate from Kansas City, shares her heartfelt experiences of living with paralysis from the waist down, a result of childhood cancer treatment. Her book aims to inspire others to share their own stories while sparking vital conversations about disability and accessibility within the community.

Meet the Storytellers

Shelf Life will also feature an impressive lineup of talented storytellers, including actor Vanessa Severo, visual artist Kathy Liao, and drummer Billy Brimblecom, who serves as the executive director of the Steps of Faith Foundation. Brimblecom brings a powerful narrative to the table, having lost his left leg to Ewing sarcoma two decades ago. During his storytelling, he recalls a poignant moment from the past where he placed one of his prosthetics on a shelf, symbolizing the journey of acceptance and resilience.

Additionally, David Wayne Reed will share his own tale related to the soma theme, delving into the truths of aging and embracing body acceptance. Over the years, Reed has noticed an uplifting transformation in the confidence of storytellers, as they seem to “stand a little taller” once they share their experiences.

Join the Narrative at the Big Read

If you’re interested in being part of this wonderful collective experience and exploring the vibrant stories from the community, be sure to mark your calendars for the Shelf Life event and dive into Rebekah Taussig’s inspiring memoir. The Big Read offers a beautiful opportunity to connect, reflect, and appreciate the diverse and rich narratives that make up the tapestry of Kansas City’s community.

For more details about the Kansas City Public Library’s 2025 Big Read, curious minds can visit their official website and explore all the remarkable events and activities waiting to be discovered!