At Twin Valley, we believe that connection is about more than internet access. It’s about building stronger communities, investing in education and creating opportunities for kids to thrive. That’s why, for several years, we’ve proudly partnered with local libraries to support their summer reading programs. What began as a small gesture has grown into a beloved tradition across our rural service area.

Watching Creativity Come to Life

Each bag became a blank canvas for self-expression. Children brought their own artistic style to the project — some added patches and bedazzled their bags with glittering gems, while others used paint, markers and even nature itself, stamping leaves into vibrant designs.

The theme, “Color Our World,” printed atop a stack of books, served as the perfect backdrop for their imagination. Some kids carefully illustrated favorite characters and symbols. Others let creativity take the lead, blending colors with laughter and joy.

What emerged was more than just decorated fabric. It was a display of individuality, pride and a shared love of stories. These moments created memories tied not only to reading, but to community and the freedom to express yourself.

Reading, Creating and Connecting

The real beauty of this program is how it brings people together. Every event centered around the bags becomes an opportunity to connect — parents, librarians, volunteers and neighbors. Storytimes turn into community conversations. Craft sessions become shared experiences between generations. Through the simple act of reading and creating together, communities grow stronger.

Powering Lifelong Learning

We believe that access to education should be within reach for everyone. While our role is just one part of the bigger picture, we’re proud to support programs and partnerships that encourage learning in our communities. This includes providing summer reading bags to local libraries, offering scholarships of up to $2,500 for high school seniors, and providing community grants that benefit schools and educational programs.

We also work with local libraries to help ensure they have the connectivity they need to serve patrons, and we value the essential role they play in fostering lifelong learning. In rural Kansas, where access can be limited, a strong connection is more than a convenience. It is an important resource that helps expand opportunities and open doors for anyone with a curiosity to learn, regardless of where they live.

Participating Libraries

• Belle Plaine Public Library

• Clearwater Public Library

• Cedar Vale Memorial Library

• Moline Public Library

• Howard City Library

• Leon Public Library

• Longton Public Library

• Viola Township Library

• Clifton Public Library

• Randolph Decker Library

• Delphos Public Library

• Glasco City Library

• Olsburg Public Library

• Riley City Library

• Minneapolis Public Library

• Wakefield Public Library

• Dorothy Bramlage Public Library

• Carnegie Library

• Solomon Library

A Story That Keeps Growing

We are proud to have grown this program alongside our communities. Every year we see more libraries join in, more children participate and more smiles shared. The photos from this summer say it all — kids beaming with pride, their bags freshly colored, surrounded by neighbors who believe in the power of reading.

At Twin Valley, we’re honored to be part of these chapters in our communities’ stories. And we look forward to many more summers of reading, coloring and connecting.