We are continuing to develop our slate of events for this year's program. Keep checking back for updates!
Upcoming Events
Big Read Kickoff
Join us for an after-hours kickoff celebration of the Big Read: Wichita. Attendees will receive a free copy of the book Sitting Pretty: The View From My Ordinary, Resilient, Disabled Body.
Friday, March 14, 6:30 p.m., Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd
Creating a Mini-Memoir Workshop
In this Big Read workshop, participants will craft a mini-memoir to explore ways they defy stereotypes.
Saturday, March 22, 1 p.m., Envision Arts Gallery and Community Engagement Center, 801 E. Douglas, Suite 106
Register
Big Read Film Series with the Sedgwick County Department of Disability and Aging
Watch a showing and join in discussion of the Netflix documentary Crip Camp. The film discusses the historical disability rights movement and its advocacy for legislation changes.
Sunday, March 23, 1:30 p.m., Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd
Big Read Film Series with the Kansas Leadership Center
Watch the 2024 film based on the novel Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper with KLC. Watch the story of Melody as she navigates 6th grade as a nonverbal wheelchair user who has cerebral palsy.
Thursday, March 27, 5:30 p.m., Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd
Big Read Book Discussion
Join us for a discussion of the NEA Big Read Wichita title Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig.
Saturday, March 29, 2 p.m., Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd
Register
Preschool Storytime: We Are All Different
Join us for books, songs, and stories about how even though our families may be different or our bodies and minds might be different, we are all still important and good. For ages 3-5.
Tuesday, April 1, 10 a.m., Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove
Preschool Storytime: We Are All Different
Join us for books, songs, and stories about how even though our families may be different or our bodies and minds might be different, we are all still important and good. For ages 3-5.
Wednesday, April 2, 10 a.m., Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove
Tween Zone: Big Read Day
All brains are beautiful at this explorative tween program. Tweens will make brain headbands, have some snacks, and learn about the many different ways of thinking, feeling, and expressing. For 3rd-5th grade.
Wednesday, April 2, 4 p.m., Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove
Representation in Art and Media: A Panel Discussion
Diverse local artists and creatives will share their insights on the importance of representation in art and media.
Wednesday, April 2, 6 p.m., Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd
Adventures @ the Library: X is for X-Ray
Celebrate how all of our bodies are different by examining them from the inside out. We shares books, do crafts, and eat snacks. For kindergarten-2nd grade.
Thursday, April 3, 4 p.m., Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove
Teen Tuesday: Different Ways to Play
Teens will experience different ways that bodies can move and play with some eye-opening challenges. Teens will also get to make positivity cards for special needs students and snack on some popsicles. For 6th-12th grade.
Tuesday, April 8, 4 p.m., Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove
Progress and Possibilities: Accessibility in Wichita
Explore the present and future of accessibility in Wichita in this Kansas Leadership Center panel discussion.
Tuesday, April 8, 5:30 p.m., Kansas Leadership Center, 325 E. Douglas
Library Lounge Accessibility Series: Crip Camp
In celebration of Big Read 2025, the Library Lounge presents this 3-part film series highlighting incredible stories of accessibility and the diversity of all bodies and minds. Crip Camp is a groundbreaking film about how a summer camp for teens with disabilities inspires a group of its alumni to join the disability rights movement and advocate for historic legislation change. Patrons will also enjoy refreshments, coloring pages, and entry to a grand prize drawing!
Tuesday, April 8, 6 p.m., Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove
Big Read Book Discussion
Join us for a discussion of the NEA Big Read Wichita title Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig.
Wednesday, April 9, 6 p.m., Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd
Register
Innovations in Accessible Reading
Difficulty reading due to vision loss? Unable to hold a book or turn pages? Learn about the free Kansas Talking Books program and other tools available that promote accessibility to print materials.
Saturday, April 12, 2:30 p.m., Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
Big Read Keynote: Author Rebekah Taussig
Hear from Big Read author Rebekah Taussig as she discusses her book, Sitting Pretty: The View From My Ordinary, Resilient, Disabled Body. A book signing will follow.
Saturday, April 12, 6 p.m., Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd
Third Tuesday Book Discussion
The book for the discussion, Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig, will be available for pick up one month before the program.
Tuesday, April 15, 1 p.m., Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
Library Lounge Accessibility Series: 55 Steps
In celebration of Big Read 2025, the Library Lounge presents this 3-part film series highlighting incredible stories of accessibility and the diversity of all bodies and minds. 55 Steps featuring Helena Bonham Carter and Hilary Swank tells the true story of Eleanor Riese and the fight for her right to refuse the psychiatric medication that was causing her harm. Patrons will also enjoy refreshments, coloring pages, and entry to a grand prize drawing!
Tuesday, April 15, 6 p.m., Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove
Wichitalks: Breaking Barriers
Wichitalks is an eclectic and insightful event series featuring lightning-fast, 5-minute talks. We bring together passionate individuals and an active audience for an evening of diverse presentations.
Friday, April 18, 7 p.m., Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd
Chair Yoga For All
A beginner-friendly class with various mobility and flexibility poses done in a seated position. This class can be adaptable for wheelchair-bound yogis or yogis with limited range of motion. Instructed by a 200-hr Registered Yoga Teacher from Yoga Alliance with limited mats and yoga props available to borrow. For adults, teens, and children ages 7+.
Monday, April 21, 6:30 p.m., Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove
Library Lounge Accessibility Series: Imperfect (2021)
In celebration of Big Read 2025, the Library Lounge presents this 3-part film series highlighting incredible stories of accessibility and the diversity of all bodies and minds. Imperfect tells the story of a professional company of actors with disabilities defying expectations by taking center stage in Chicago the Musical. Patrons will also enjoy refreshments, coloring pages, and entry to a grand prize drawing!
Tuesday, April 22, 6 p.m., Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove
Housing for All with the Wichita Journalism Collaborative
Join the Wichita Journalism Collaborative for a discussion of how disability affects a person's choice of housing.
Wednesday, April 23, 3:30 p.m., Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd
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