[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 72 (Friday, April 26, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE GRAND OPENING OF THE RABBIT HOLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 26, 2024

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with immense pride to 
recognize and celebrate the grand opening of the newest addition to 
Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, the Rabbit hOle. Garnering 
attention on the local and national level, the Rabbit hOle will 
undoubtfully provide new experiences for children and adults alike as 
they take on a one-of-a-kind approach to a children's literature museum 
that has not been pursued before. Through its focus on literature, 
arts, education, and inclusivity to visitors of all ages, the museum 
will show its dedication to our community as well as enable others to 
see the array of activities that Kansas City has to offer. I am truly 
honored to represent an organization who has worked tirelessly to bring 
innovation and new opportunities to our community.
  The Rabbit hOle's creation can be traced back to married couple Pete 
Cowdin and Debbie Pettid, who co-founded the museum in 2015. As a 
result of nearly 30 years in business as booksellers and owners of a 
local children's bookstore, the Reading Reptile, located in Kansas 
City, Missouri, the owners decided to venture into a new adventure. It 
was during their time in this capacity that Cowdin and Pettid began 
thinking about the possibilities of bringing a book to life by creating 
an immersive experience for children's literature. After having this 
idea for nearly two decades, Cowdin and Pettid took a leap of faith and 
began working to bring their vision into fruition.
  As they began working towards the development of this project, their 
core values focused on creating a culture that centered around the love 
of children's literature that could remain accessible to all visitors 
of all ages, builds on the enjoyment of literacy while providing a 
hands-on experience. Moreover, with a special commitment and diligence 
to the children who would one day visit the museum, Cowdin and Pettid 
focused on envisioning a place that would not only be a colorful place 
for children but one that could further their curiosity and involvement 
with literature.
  In testament to that mission, the Rabbit hOle has secured the rights 
to over 70 works from the last century of children's literature with 
the idea to provide permanent exhibits of classic works as well as 
rotating installations. Through their desire to remain inclusive and 
accessible, the Rabbit hOle has pursued works from diverse backgrounds 
to ensure that visitors from all backgrounds can have access to 
exhibits that may reflect their own lives and experiences. Beyond their 
work in diversity, this organization remains invested in the 
improvement of our community through enhanced programs and experiences 
they plan to provide to Kansas Citians, visitors, and educators.
  This organization will bring an out-of-the-ordinary experience to 
educators and students as they visit the museum where they will have 
the ability to have access to a print shop, story lab, resource 
library, among other new novelties that will enrich the diversity of 
activities available to schools. Through these activities and 
possibilities, visitors, especially children, will feel empowered to 
explore and create their own stories along the way. There lies no doubt 
that our youth will feel inspired to engage in new ideas and 
perspectives that will lead to an overall better understanding of the 
world around them as they continue to grow, Our community is proud to 
have an organization that supports and stands for these values in our 
own backyard.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the 
grand opening of the Rabbit hOle and their tremendous accomplishment 
and service to the Greater Kansas City area. Their enthusiasm for 
literature, accessibility, and empowerment in the lives of children and 
adults alike to enhance the quality of life and opportunities to our 
communities is an example for all to follow. I speak with the voice of 
Missouri's entire Fifth Congressional District as we say a heartfelt 
``Welcome'' to the Rabbit hOle as we celebrate and congratulate them on 
their opening and the many achievements to come.

                          ____________________