What the Library Means To John DeCesaro
The son of an eighth-grade English teacher, John DeCesaro grew up in a family of readers.

The son of an eighth-grade English teacher, John DeCesaro grew up in a family of readers.
It’s no surprise that years later, the newly opened Advanced Learning Library became a big part of his family’s life—a place where he could take his kids to be exposed not only to good books but also to a new type of library environment. It was a vibrant, Barnes & Noble-style experience—complete with play areas, STEM activities, and endless opportunities for kids—that completely changed how he thought about libraries compared to how he remembered them growing up.
Having served multiple terms on the Wichita Library Foundation’s board, John is proud to see Wichita take a leadership role in what libraries could be in their communities.
The library is a nexus for tackling issues that concern our city.”
“I got involved with the library foundation because I saw that the library is a nexus for tackling issues that concern our city,” John said. “It’s a connecting point for most of the major challenges we face as a community and need to overcome for long-term success and progress.”

That mindset shift—from a traditional library setting to a more inviting, “retail-inspired” experience—has sparked a new level of engagement for library patrons. Building on its roots of traditional literacy, the foundation has played a key role in expanding the library’s ability to promote digital literacy for users of all ages.
Thanks to the support and funds raised by the Wichita Library Foundation, the Wichita Public Library has reimagined the basics—revamping how books are displayed, expanding its multimedia collection, growing its Library of Things, offering dynamic, hands-on programming, and creating meaningful outreach opportunities for all ages. These efforts to go above and beyond have become a defining feature of the library’s commitment to innovation and community engagement.
But John’s not done advocating for Wichitans. He wants to see innovative resources, expanded collections, and meaningful outreach extend to all neighborhood branches so everyone can access impactful tools and opportunities close to home.
The Library branches take resources directly to where people live and become a community hub throughout Wichita.”
“When you take it outside the confines of the Advanced Learning Library to what the Foundation is helping to make happen in the library system through funding support, it’s all happening in neighborhoods. We’re advancing our branches to reach that same level of purpose in every part of the city—taking technology, digital access, literacy, workforce development, training opportunities directly to where people live and being a community hub throughout Wichita.”

