When Megan Nicolas first brought her twin boys to the Johnson County Library, they were just toddlers exploring the world one board book at a time.
“Over the years, our boys have grown up with the Library at every stage of their childhood. When they were babies and toddlers, we checked out the 6 by 6 Books to Go kits and spent mornings reading at the Library. Now, they have grown into middle-schoolers who love the Library, have their own library card, and are independent library users.”
That journey—from storytimes to confident, self-directed readers—is exactly what the Johnson County Library Summer Reading Program is all about. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, thousands of children and teens across the county are building their own stories of growth, confidence, and joy through books and experiences.
Summer Reading 2025 Has Officially Launched!
This summer, families across the county can stop by any Johnson County Library branch to pick up a free book, a reading log, and bookmark—and begin a season filled with stories, discovery, and community connection.
“Our goal is to help kids step right into summer with a book in their hand and the opportunity to attend enriching activities that combine learning and fun,” said Melanie Fuemmeler, the Library’s Program Operations Manager. “It’s also about building community with local peers.”
That spirit of joy and connection will be on full display at the Summer Reading Launch Party on Saturday, June 7, at the Central Resource Library. From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., families can enjoy jazz storytelling, face painting, sidewalk chalk, family line dancing, and more—all free and open to the public. As part of the celebration, award-winning author Kiese Laymon will speak from 3:00–4:30 p.m., sharing insights from his acclaimed works, answering questions, and signing books—complimentary copies will be available while supplies last.
Mark your calendars for even more summer fun:
- The Queer Ink Author Symposium on June 14, in partnership with KC Book Beat, celebrating LGBTQIA+ voices
- Community Storytimes throughout June, including June 21 at the Merriam Farmers Market
- An End-of-Summer Celebration at Lenexa City Market on July 31 featuring Mr. Stinky Feet, music, movies, and more!
See the full calendar of Summer Reading events here.
A Look Back: Donor Impact on Summer Reading in 2024
Before we turn the page to a new summer of reading, we want to celebrate all you helped make possible last year:
- 7,565 books distributed to students in 62 schools
- 5,735 books shared through 13 community partners
- Over 20,000 books given out at branches
- 50+ summer programs
- 4,432 visitors to the Black & Veatch Makerspace
- 75 teen volunteers contributed over 900 hours of service
These numbers reflect more than just participation—they represent meaningful moments where children and teens discovered the joy of reading, created something new, or simply felt seen and welcomed at their Library.
The Difference You Make
Melanie Fuemmeler explains the ripple effect of your support:
“Johnson County Library also aims to build in-home libraries through the in-branch and outreach book distribution. Having plenty of books at home and within arm’s reach naturally promotes an increase in daily reading habits. Just 20 minutes of reading a day can provide exponential gains for a child’s exposure to language, the long-term amount of time engaged in text, and as a result, a greater understanding of the world around them, leading to increased test scores.”
This is the heart of Summer Reading: not just preventing learning loss, but empowering kids to see themselves as readers, thinkers, and creators.
Thanks to our wonderful supporters, the Library is once again reaching families across Johnson County with free books, enriching programs, and welcoming spaces to learn and grow. Whether you give, attend an event, or simply tell a friend, you are part of a movement that makes reading joyful and accessible for all.
If you’d like to support Johnson County Library, become a Donor today.