Foundation Stories

I remember going to the local library in my hometown in Ohio, with my mom, when I was probably 3 or 4 years old. I always loved the Curious George books. Ever since, libraries have been a place of adventure and exploration in my personal life. I enjoy the miles and miles of endless opportunities for learning and discovery you have when you walk into a library.

Libraries continue to be the heart of many communities. Libraries are places to communicate, share information and gain knowledge. Libraries have evolved over the years and will continue to do so for years to come.

I love to read, yet I have to admit that Cleveland Guardians baseball is just about all I’m watching on TV and my phone. When the season is over – we’ll see.

I enjoy sharing my time and resources with organizations that are paramount to the growth of communities and people. That’s why I have been a member of the Johnson County Library Foundation Board of Directors since January 2022. I’ve volunteered with the Foundation’s signature fundraiser, Library Lets Loose, since 2017. I have to say it is an easy decision to give time and talent to support Library Lets Loose: it’s a fun event that has a lot of high energy and it’s a party! Come and Let Loose with us on September 23!

Libraries need to be supported – they definitely figure prominently in the future of our society. Libraries will continue to grow and evolve to serve as centers of knowledge and information that strive to meet the needs of all communities. I’m proud to be a part of the evolution.

My earliest Library memory is of the Oak Park branch. I loved watching the librarian go through the check-out process, stamping each card, tucking it into the pocket on the cover and sliding the books back to me!

These early moments of wonder encouraged my love of reading and learning. I loved that pile of library books to read and then when I returned them, loved the anticipation of new books I would find and check out.

Later on, in adult life, I was contemplating a career change and a move to another part of the country. The library was so important at this crucial juncture, it’s where I research new opportunities and communities.

I began my “volunteer career” with the library when I was elected to the Friends of Johnson County Library’s board of directors. I joined a passionate and dedicated group of people who work really hard to support our wonderful Library. I especially enjoyed working on the summer book sale. When I concluded my terms on the Friends board, I guess I wasn’t done supporting Johnson County Library, because I was recruited to join the board of the Library’s Foundation. I’ve served the Foundation for the past 3-1/2 years.

There hasn’t been a chapter of my life that has not featured libraries, and I want to do what I can to sustain this institution that helps so many people in so many different ways. Serving on the board of an organization I believe in is very fulfilling and has lead to new friendships and an understanding of the many positive and vital ways a library system affects its community.

This is my third year as Library Lets Loose event chairperson. The Foundation supports early literacy initiatives and other innovative learning programs, all designed to enhance the community and keep the Library strong for generations. I hope we’ll see you there, it’s the best party in town!

Because it’s about the library, I should tell you what I’m reading. I recently finished listening to Rules of Civility by Amor Towles.  After narrator Eduardo Ballerini spoke at a Foundation event, I checked out a book he narrated, The Lincoln Highway, also by Amor Towles. So good.