Written by Melissa Stan
We’re delighted to welcome Kelly Stromberg to the Johnson County Library Foundation Board. Her deep love of libraries and commitment to literacy make her a natural fit for the Foundation.
Kelly’s passion for libraries is rooted in both personal experience and lifelong curiosity. “Libraries are one of the last true third spaces that we have,” she explains. “Your access to information is not limited by your own personal budget.” She recalls a favorite childhood memory of riding the city bus to the big library in downtown St. Paul.
“The building itself was beautiful and the ability to just pick out a book on my own and start reading it without needing to make sure I had cash to buy it, or needing any adult’s permission is a favorite memory of mine,” Kelly says.
Kelly’s commitment to books and literacy has grown through both personal and professional experiences. As a Navy spouse raising three children, she moved frequently, giving her the chance to volunteer in school libraries of all shapes and sizes. In 2021, she founded Helianthus Books, a Kansas City-based pop-up bookstore. Through Helianthus, Kelly curates collections highlighting positive representation of marginalized communities including BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color), LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and questioning), people with disabilities, and more, and tailors book selections to meet the interests and needs of each customer.
As she begins her board service, Kelly is eager to explore the many ways the Foundation supports the Library. “I’m excited to learn about all of the different programs that Johnson County Library Foundation helps bring into being,” she says.
Outside of her work with Helianthus Books and the Foundation, Kelly enjoys reading, walking in the woods, and watching Korean dramas. She also keeps her curiosity alive with thought-provoking books like On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg.
Kelly’s deep love of libraries, experience curating books for diverse communities, and ability to connect with people of all ages make her a fantastic addition to the Foundation Board. We’re excited to see the insight, energy, and passion she brings to supporting Johnson County Library’s mission of connecting people with ideas, stories, and each other.