Baehr Audio-Reader Center

The Audio-Reader Center opened in November 1988 after the original 1910 building—formerly the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity house—was renovated by von Achen Chartered Architects.

The center, headquarters for a statewide reading service for blind and visually impaired people staffed largely by volunteer readers, is named for the Louis and Dolpha Baehr Charitable Foundation of Paola, Kansas, a major donor to its programs.

Adjoining it is Broadcasting Hall, housing the offices and studios for Kansas Public Radio.



The Audio-Reader Sensory Garden on the grounds of the Baehr Audio-Reader Center is contained by a brick path that is accessible for pedestrians and wheelchair users; it encloses raised garden beds and leads to a pavilion on the south edge of the grounds. The garden was built and is maintained by volunteers and is open to the public.