Please note that this is a soft announcement for schools and libraries to begin planning for KRARI 2024. Stay tuned for the official public announcement later this month.

The Kids Reading Across RI Committee is happy to announce that The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass is the 2024 selection!

From the publisher:

When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change.

Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself.

Told in turn by a ghost librarian named Al, an aging (but beautiful) cat named Mortimer, and Evan himself, The Lost Library is a timeless story from award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. It’s about owning your truth, choosing the life you want, and the power of a good book (and, of course, the librarian who gave it to you)

Reviews:

Kirkus

Publisher's Weekly

Tuesday, March 5

4:00pm-5:00pm

Register for Zoom link

The Center for the Book and the RI Office of Library and Information Services is kicking off its 2024 Kids Reading Across RI season with The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. Join us for this virtual information session to learn more about the title and themes, and what the KRARI committee has planned for this year's program.

The session will include:

• Overview of the Kids Reading Across Rhode Island program
  
• Introduction to the 2024 selection and LibGuide
• Requesting a book set
• In-person kickoff event
  
• Ways to get involved in KRARI in the future

This session will be recorded and will be made available for those who cannot attend live.

Sets of the 2024 KRARI selection The Lost Library are available to schools and public libraries planning to lead a KRARI book discussion this spring and summer. Please use the appropriate form below to request a book set. Requests must be made using the appropriate form by March 11, 2024. Book sets will be delivered early April.

Questions about book distribution may be addressed to:

Danielle Margarida

Youth Services Coordinator, RI Office of Library and Information Services

danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov

Public libraries and youth serving organizations are invited to participate in the May 4th kickoff event at the State House. The event is scheduled for 2pm-4pm and set-up begins at 1pm. It's a great opportunity to promote your library and summer reading program to families from all over the state. In the past libraries have had tables with activities related to the summer reading theme or the KRARI book. Your activity may be a craft, a STEM demo, or an interactive exhibit.

Kids Reading Across Rhode Island, Rhode Island's One Book, One State community read program for kids, is kicking off its 15th year! This program, offered by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services in partnership with the Rhode Island Center for the Book, encourages students across the state in grades 4 through 6 to read the same book, and engage in community discussions and programs.

Email: danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov
Website: https://olis.ri.gov/programs-and-support/reading-programs/kids-reading-across-ri-program
Phone: 401-574-9309