READ Program

The READ Program is a selection of books curated by community suggestion. Individuals or groups are invited to borrow READ Program books and affiliated discussion guides for reflection. Self-education is a critical component in personal growth, yet it doesn’t have to happen in isolation. Consider using the READ Program as a resource to bring together a group or unit to lead larger group discussions. In future semesters, we will select a book, then gather on a frequent basis to discuss how we might use the reading to address current challenges and opportunities.
KU Libraries: Anti-Racist Reading Guide
KU Libraries: Social Justice Reading Guide

How can we get a kit?

If you would like to request a book kit, please fill out the request form. Book Club Kits are checked out to one person, and only one kit can be checked out to an individual at a given time. Books from the kit should be returned to the designated person, not to the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. That individual is then responsible for returning the Book Club Kit with all contents to the Office during office hours or making other arrangements with our staff. Keep in mind that we want this service to be available to as many members of campus as possible. We ask that you be thoughtful in your check-out request - both quantity of books and duration of check-out.

You should expect at least a 4 business day turn-around between the time you make your request online and when you will be able to check out your kit. For example, if you submit your request on Friday, the earliest you could pick up your kit would be the following Thursday.

Request a Kit

What books can we check out?

Below is a list of READ books, this list was determined by community request upon launching this program.

What about other books?

We absolutely want to expand our offerings!

We recognize that there are topics gaps in our current list and are actively exploring other books that cover topics such as:

  • Anti-Semitism
  • Islamophobia
  • Gender
  • Sexuality
  • Disability Culture and Accessibility 
  • And more!

These books will be added to our list soon. If you have book recommendations, please send them to diversity @ku.edu. 

Book Suggestion Form