The Reader's Atlas is a free-to-access resource to connect the community with local book stores and libraries in order to gain better access to learn about and read banned books. The importance of protecting the messages and voices behind these challenged books is more than just protecting free speech, but is also about protecting and preserving representation.
Seven stories
12115 Johnson Dr, Shawnee
Seven Stories, opened in late 2023, is owned by America's youngest bookstore owner, Halley Vincent. Seven Stories is invested in bringing books to their community. Though the store may be on the smaller side, Seven Stories is dedicated to its community. Some of the store's profits go to Paws Up KC, a nonprofit founded by Halley Vincent that donates free books and also supports local pet shelters.
The Rabbit Hole
919 E 14th Ave, North Kansas City
The Rabbit Hole is a children's storybook museum and bookstore that brings our beloved childhood books to life in a radically immersive literary wonderland. . Their mission is to create a living culture around literature, accessible to all, that will nourish, empower, and inspire the reading lives of children and adults. The Rabbit Hole also features a Print Shop, Story Lab, The Lucky Rabbit Bookstore, a Makerspace, a Resource Library, and a Discovery Gallery for original book art.
WINC Inclusion Center and Bookstore
10908 E Winner Rd, Independence
The WINC Inclusion Center is a non-profit organization aimed at creating a safe place for the community to hang out, create, and read. The bookstore carries a variety of new and old books, games, and other memorabilia.
Raven Book Store
809 Massachusetts St, Lawrence
The Raven, opened in 1987, prides themselves on its classic, mysterious atmosphere and roots. The Raven is also home to two adorable store cats to accompany you while you read and browse the store. They are dedicated to preserving and sharing underrepresented voices. "Education is learning empathy. Empathy is learned and felt through engaging with the stories & lives of those that are different than oneself."- Raven Book Store