Foundation Stories

  • April 15, 2026

By Melissa Stan

The first thing students notice when they step inside Johnson County Library is the feeling.

It feels welcoming. It feels alive. It feels like a place where they are allowed to take up space.

They step off the bus, some clutching their backpacks a little tighter, others wide-eyed and buzzing with excitement. For a few of them, this is their very first visit. They have passed this building before, maybe wondered what happens inside, but today the doors are open just for them.

A librarian greets them by name. There is laughter, movement, and discovery happening in every corner. There is a sense that this place was built with them in mind.

This is what Library Field Trips looks like.

In the future, we want to make sure every third grader from every Title I school in Johnson County gets to experience it.

The Big Idea

We have a bold but simple goal: introduce third grade students from Title I schools to their local library through a field trip designed to spark curiosity, grow confidence, and ignite a love of reading.

(Pictured: Crestview Elementary School 3rd graders enjoy a curated storytime at Merriam Plaza Library)

We are currently in the pilot phase for this initiative and have seen success through welcoming several schools to their local Library through a field trip. Students leave more excited about books and teachers see increased engagement in the classroom. Families are more likely to use Library resources throughout the summer.

Now, we want to expand this program to reach all Title I schools in Johnson County in 2027. To do that, we need your help.

Why Third Grade Matters

Third grade is a turning point in a child’s education. It is the year students stop learning to read and begin reading to learn. It is also the time when opportunity gaps can widen, especially for students from low-income families.

In Johnson County, 27 schools qualify as Title I. These schools serve communities where at least 40% of students come from low-income households. While Title I funding provides important support, it cannot fully address the lack of access to enrichment opportunities outside of school, especially in summer months when school is out.

Summer Is Where Gaps Grow

Educators call it the summer slide. When school is out, many children lose academic ground. Higher-income students often spend their summers building skills through camps, tutoring, travel, and enrichment programs. Lower-income students are more likely to tread water or fall behind.

The impact is measurable. Nine in ten teachers spend at least three weeks at the start of the school year re-teaching lessons students should already know. The achievement gap between children from high and low-income families is now 30 to 40% larger than it was a generation ago.

The good news is that summer learning works.

According to the National Summer Learning Association, elementary students who participate in at least five weeks of voluntary summer learning experience gains in both reading and math. This engagement also builds social and emotional skills that support success in school and beyond.

What Happens on a Library Field Trip

Library Field Trips are intentionally designed to feel welcoming, joyful, and relevant.

Students tour their local library and learn how to use the space. They attend a program curated by librarians in collaboration with their teachers, shaped around student interests and blending reading with play, exploration, and discovery.

The experience does not end when the bus pulls away.

(Pictured: Crestview Elementary School students interact with literacy stations and browse the Merriam Plaza Library’s collection.)

Every student goes home with a book bag, a pen, a summer guide highlighting free Library programs, a library card sign-up sheet, and their very own book. For many students, this is the first book they will ever own.

They also leave knowing the Library is a place they belong, where they can return all summer long, and is open, welcoming, and free.

We also ensure that families and educators are connected to online resources that support learning anytime, anywhere. One of those tools is BrainFuse, a free on-demand tutoring service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether a student needs help with homework, test prep, or understanding a challenging concept, support is always within reach.

The Library’s Summer Reading Program builds on this foundation by keeping kids engaged throughout the season. Johnson County Library prioritizes getting books into the hands of children, which is why we give books away at the beginning of the summer. Programs designed to delight and educate are offered in every location during times that most families can attend. Reading stays fun, skills stay sharp, and learning continues.

What Stands in the Way

The challenge is not interest—it’s access.

More than half of families who do not participate in summer programs say they would if one were available. Families who pay to engage in summer programs pay on average $288 per child per week. That cost puts summer enrichment out of reach for many households.

To make Library Field Trips possible for more Title I schools in Johnson County, we are seeking $5,000 to $10,000 in donations. That funding covers transportation to and from the Library and provides books that students can take home and keep. This is an investment with a great impact, removing the two biggest barriers that keep kids from accessing learning and enrichment during the summer.

Why Your Support Matters

You can help a child avoid the summer slide, build confidence as a reader, and see themselves as someone who belongs in spaces of learning.

Library Board Member David Sims explains why this work matters.

“I believe education is the great equalizer in life, and the Library helps those who are less advantaged be great contributors to society. My hope is that we reach those in the community who do not currently access the Library, specifically the lower income kids who have trouble getting to the Library.”

You Are the Missing Link

We have the vision. We have the expertise. We have students who are ready and eager.

What we need now is you.

Your gift funds transportation. Your gift puts books into kids’ hands. Your gift transforms a summer of learning loss into a summer of opportunity.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity or discuss how your support can make an impact, please reach out to Shelley O’Brien at [email protected] or Melissa Stan at [email protected]. We would love to talk with you.

Together, we can open the Library doors wider and make sure every child has the chance to step inside, feel welcome, and start the summer with possibility.

Give Today

  • April 2, 2026

By Melissa Stan

What does it take to build a stronger community?

At Johnson County Library, it begins with people having access to a place where they can learn, connect, and grow. Every day, individuals walk through the Library’s doors looking for something different. Some are searching for information or resources. Others are hoping to meet new people or find a sense of belonging. Many discover both.

The Library creates opportunities for connection in ways that are both simple and meaningful. Students find support and develop confidence in their learning. Adults explore new ideas, gain new skills, and engage more deeply with the world around them. These experiences help people grow not only as individuals, but also as active and engaged members of the community.

For volunteer Chris Sadun, these moments are easy to recognize.

“The wonderful thing about being a Library volunteer is that I get to witness and be part of special moments every week,” she says.

Chris has spent years volunteering at Johnson County Library, helping welcome families and support Storytime. From her perspective, what happens in those rooms goes far beyond what most people expect.

“We think of Storytime as children’s programming,” she explains, “but in reality it is community programming.”

She sees caregivers forming connections, children learning and gaining confidence, and families returning week after week because they feel welcomed and included. These moments may seem small, but together they create a stronger, more connected community.

That kind of impact is made possible by people who choose to give back.

Volunteers create the welcoming, human connections that make the Library feel accessible and personal. Donors help expand what the Library can offer by supporting programs, resources, and experiences that respond to the evolving needs of the community. Both forms of generosity are essential, and together they help the Library continue to grow alongside the people it serves.

“I love getting to be an active part of keeping our Library, and ultimately, our entire community, strong,” Chris says.

This spring, we are reminded that the Library’s impact is something we build together.

A little time. A little generosity. A lot of good.

You have the opportunity to be part of that impact.

Will you make a gift today to help expand access to learning and connection across our community?

Will you volunteer your time and help create welcoming experiences for others?

Or will you choose to do both?

Every act of generosity helps ensure the Library continues to be a place where people can connect, grow, and belong.

Give
Volunteer

  • March 4, 2026

The De Soto and Spring Hill branches of Johnson County Library are getting close to reopening, and the final phase of renovation is underway. After more than 40 years of service, both buildings needed updated infrastructure, more space for community use and brighter, more welcoming environments. Patrons helped shape these improvements through community feedback gathered in 2022, and design work began in 2024 after the Johnson County Library Board approved the 2024 to 2028 Capital Improvement Plan.

De Soto Library: Reopening this spring

De Soto Library’s old exterior

De Soto Library is nearing the finish line. With major construction almost complete, crews are preparing to install new technology, shelving and furniture. The branch is expected to reopen this spring, offering a refreshed space designed to make every visit easier and more enjoyable.

Inside, patrons will find new study and conference rooms that support quiet work, tutoring and small gatherings. A reorganized layout improves browsing and access to technology. Outside, updated landscaping and new seating create a warm and inviting entrance.

A standout feature is the renewed 6 by: 6 Ready to Read children’s area. It features a new mural by Brad Sneed, creator of the beloved 6 by 6 characters that help introduce young readers to early literacy. His artwork highlights De Soto landmarks and brings a sense of local pride to a space where families read, play and learn together.

Spring Hill Library: Expansion underway

Spring Hill Library’s old exterior

Spring Hill Library is also moving forward on schedule. The new expansion is built, and interior renovation is in progress. When the branch reopens in mid 2026, patrons will find a larger building with more room to gather and connect.

The updated branch will include a new study and conference room, an expanded 6 by 6 children’s area filled with natural light and interactive literacy elements and a refreshed layout for the collection and technology. The outdoor space will offer new seating, and curbside pickup will return.

Spring Hill Library is also the anticipated pilot site for extended patron access outside staffed hours. This program would allow registered patrons to browse the collection, use computers and printers and pick up holds during designated unstaffed times. The idea grew directly from community requests for more flexible access.

Looking ahead

While construction continues, patrons can visit any of the Library’s 12 other branches, use drive‑thru returns and holds pickup or explore online and home services like eLibrary, HomeConnect, online homework help and the Library’s YouTube channel. Project updates are available at jocolibrary.org/desoto and jocolibrary.org/springhill.

A rendering of De Soto Library’s new exterior (top) and a rendering of Spring Hill Library’s new exterior.
A rendering of De Soto Library’s new exterior (top) and a rendering of Spring Hill Library’s new exterior (bottom).

“These renovations represent a needed investment in two growing communities that rely on their local libraries for learning, connection and opportunity,” said County Librarian Tricia Suellentrop. The combined $6.3 million project, funded through Library reserves, strengthens both branches for the future and ensures they can continue to serve patrons for decades.

Johnson County Library – Nurturing the Community’s Collective Wisdom

A Simple Choice That Grows Community
  • February 25, 2026

Written by Melissa Stan

“The wonderful thing about being a library volunteer is that I get to witness and be part of special moments every week.”

For Chris Sadun, those moments often begin at storytime.

As a longtime volunteer at Johnson County Library, Chris is often the first friendly face families see when they walk through the door. Some are regulars she’s come to know well. Others are visiting the Library for the very first time. Each week, she welcomes them in, invites them to join, and watches something meaningful begin to grow.

“We think of storytime as children’s programming,” Chris says, “but in reality it is community programming.”

From the storytime room, she sees friendships forming between parents and caregivers. She hands out 6 by 6 early literacy materials to families eager to support their children’s love of reading. She notices multi-generational families attending together. She even chats with passersby who pause to reminisce about bringing their own children to the Library years ago.

“I see firsthand how storytime is a program that truly serves the entire community.”

That sense of connection is what keeps Chris coming back. And it’s what makes the Library such a powerful place.

“The Library is one of the few free public spaces that serves all age groups, all abilities, and all backgrounds,” she says. “We think of it as a place where people mix with books, but more uniquely, it is a place where people mix with other people.”

Chris’s love of libraries stretches back decades. As a child in a small town in northern New York, she biked to the Library to explore the stacks and imagine a wider world. As a young professional, the Library provided endless access to books, music, and movies. As a mother, storytime offered something just as important as reading skills: connection.

“It was a sanity saver,” she says. “It helped me make friends and build community.”

Today, Chris gives back through her time. Others give through financial support. Both are essential.

Volunteers help create the welcoming, human moments that make the Library feel accessible and inviting. Donations add value to everything happening inside the Library, expanding opportunities, deepening learning experiences, and ensuring programs can continue to respond to community needs with care.

“I love getting to be an active part of keeping our Library, and ultimately, our entire community, strong,” Chris says.

This spring, the choice to give back can take many forms. You can give your time. You can give through a donation. You can do both. Each act of generosity helps grow the moments Chris witnesses every week and ensures the Library continues to be a place where everyone belongs.

When people choose to give, a little time and a little generosity can grow into a lot of good.

Give
Volunteer

  • February 18, 2026

Johnson County Library, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Johnson County, is bringing back the Legislative Coffee Series to foster respectful dialogue and community engagement.

These free events give residents a chance to meet state senators and representatives who serve Johnson County, ask questions and learn about issues shaping daily life. The goal is to make government more accessible and provide a civil space for conversation.

State and local decisions affect schools, roads, taxes and public services. Legislative Coffees keep the focus close to home and help bridge the gap between lawmakers and the people they represent.

“The Coffees are a place where elected officials and the community can connect in a safe and impartial space,” said Program Coordinator Ashley Fick. “Legislators hear what matters most to residents and participants get updates on what is happening at the Capitol and in committees.”

Each session begins with brief remarks from participating legislators, followed by audience questions. Priority goes to questions that affect the most people or come up most often.

The series grew out of a partnership between the Library and the League of Women Voters to expand public access to elected officials. All legislators with Johnson County constituents are invited. Library staff set expectations at the start to keep discussions courteous and productive.

Free coffee and doughnuts add a welcoming touch. Contact information for participating legislators is shared so conversations can continue after the event.

Event details

Sessions run from 10 to 11 a.m. at these Library branches:

Those who can’t attend in person can watch live or find replays on the Library’s YouTube channel.  For accessibility or accommodations, email [email protected] or call 913-826-4600 at least two weeks before the event.

Johnson County Library – Nurturing the Community’s Collective Wisdom

Welcome New Board Member Dan Shay
  • February 11, 2026

Written by Melissa Stan

We’re excited to welcome Dan Shay to the Johnson County Library Foundation Board. Dan is a Certified Financial Planner at Stepp & Rothwell, where he helps individuals and families plan for their futures. His professional experience, combined with a deep personal connection to Johnson County Library, makes him a great addition to the Foundation’s work.

Dan first learned about the Foundation through longtime Library supporters Ken Eaton and Stephanie Stollsteimer, but it was attending Library Lets Loose that ignited his interest in becoming more involved. After experiencing the event a few times, Dan says he was “reintroduced to all of the things the Library provides for the community at all ages,” and he was eager to join the Foundation Board in supporting that impact.

Dan grew up near the Central Resource Library and spent countless hours there as a kid. The Library was a place to grow and to connect, where he learned how to properly research papers for school, and spent time with friends. Some of his favorite memories aren’t tied to one moment, but to an entire rhythm of summer days: mornings at Strang Park, followed by afternoons at the Library once it got too hot, then cooling off in the air conditioning and playing computer games with friends.

Now, those experiences come full circle as Dan shares the Library with his own children. “Showing my kids those resources and getting them excited about the Library” has been especially meaningful, he says. As he begins his board service, Dan is eager to learn more about how the Library continues to serve the evolving needs of our community, particularly through rapidly changing technology and the hands-on opportunities now available, including the MakerSpace.

Outside of work and volunteering, Dan spends most of his time with his family, often shuttling his kids to and from activities. He also has a long-standing love of coaching and has been a youth football coach for about 15 years. When he finds a quiet moment, he enjoys listening to podcasts like Youth Inc. with Greg Olsen.

With his professional expertise, lifelong connection to the Library, and commitment to family and community, Dan brings perspective and enthusiasm to the Foundation Board. We’re grateful to have him help support the Library’s role as a place to learn, connect, and grow at every stage of life.

Jeffrey Mendoza
  • February 5, 2026

Jeffrey Mendoza,
Johnson County Library Board Chair

Written by Melissa Stan

For Jeffrey Mendoza, Johnson County Library is a place of comfort, discovery, and belonging. He describes it as: “a quiet, welcoming place where people can explore by reading a book, watching a movie, listening to music, or simply sitting in peace.” From open public spaces to study rooms, the Library creates what Jeffrey calls “an environment that feels inclusive and welcoming to everyone who walks through its doors.”

That sense of welcome is especially meaningful in Jeffrey’s life as a parent. He sees the Library as a partner in helping families build strong foundations for the future, noting that “dedicated children’s spaces across the Library system make a meaningful difference for families like mine.” Visits to the Central Resource Library are a favorite in his household, where his son loves “exploring the books and toys” and can “happily spend hours learning and discovering.”

Through his work on the Library Board, Jeffrey also witnesses how intentionally the Library creates opportunity and belonging for people navigating language, cultural, or economic barriers. By serving people of many backgrounds and removing obstacles through initiatives like going fine-free and offering printing allowances, the Library continues to demonstrate, in his words, a deep “commitment to access for everyone.”

As Board Chair, Jeffrey has gained a deeper appreciation for what it takes to sustain a world-class library system. He is quick to point out that “a library system of this caliber does not happen by accident.” Instead, it is the result of “intentional leadership, collaboration, and an incredible staff committed to patrons every day.” Behind the scenes, he explains, “the County Librarian, staff, and volunteer board work together to keep community needs at the center of every decision,” ensuring the Library remains responsive today while planning for tomorrow.

When reflecting on what makes Johnson County Library truly special, Jeffrey returns to the people who bring its mission to life. “What makes Johnson County Library special is its people and their unwavering commitment to a free and accessible public library,” he says. Looking ahead, he hopes the Library continues to “serve all people as a trusted place for access, learning, and community enrichment for generations to come.”

  • January 28, 2026

Written by Melissa Stan

We’re pleased to welcome Cassie (KC) Pfannenstiel to the Johnson County Library Foundation Board. Cassie is an attorney and owner at Bloom Legal Advisors, where she assists individuals and families with estate planning and bankruptcy. She’s passionate about helping to educate her clients on how the law can make their lives better, an approach that aligns with the Library’s mission of access, learning, and empowerment.

Cassie was drawn to the Foundation as a way to pair her professional experience with something she has loved since childhood: libraries.

“I learned about the Foundation and thought, what a wonderful way to be around people who love libraries as much as I do,” she says. “I’m excited to help raise funds so Johnson County Library can keep offering amazing resources for our community.”

Her passion for libraries began early. Cassie credits her elementary school and hometown library with shaping her into a more open-minded, empathetic, and imaginative person. “I truly believe those early stories and biographies helped shape who I am,” she says, noting that she likely never would have read about topics like the hunting of gray wolves, Helen Keller, or Ryan White without library access.

Some of Cassie’s favorite library memories connect past and present. She remembers playing in a small castle at the Hays Library after picking out books as a child. Years later, she experienced that same joy while taking her daughter to Johnson County Library’s Lenexa branch and watching her delight in putting on a puppet show after choosing her books. “I feel like I have come full circle in my library journey,” Cassie says.

As she begins her board service, Cassie is eager to learn more about everything Johnson County Library offers and to help share that information with others. “I want to share what the Library offers with my community so the love of the Library just keeps growing,” she says.

Outside of work and volunteer service, Cassie enjoys gardening, listening to audiobooks on Libby, watching Masterpiece Theatre, playing pickleball, taking road trips, and spending time with her family and dogs. She recently enjoyed The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin and In the Labyrinth of Drakes by Marie Brennan.

With her professional expertise, lifelong love of libraries, and commitment to education and community, Cassie brings thoughtfulness and enthusiasm to the Foundation Board. We’re excited to have her help in supporting Johnson County Library and the people it serves.

  • January 21, 2026

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.

Welcome Peter Zobel
  • January 13, 2026

Written by Melissa Stan

We’re excited to welcome Peter Zobel to the Johnson County Library Foundation Board. Peter and his family have called Overland Park home for the past four years, and his desire to become more involved in the community led him to the Foundation. “Our daughter is almost two years old and has enjoyed visiting the library for the past year, and my wife and I love all of the resources and services available,” he says.

Peter’s professional background makes him a natural fit for the Foundation. He works as an Institutional Advisor at Creative Planning, managing assets for nonprofit organizations and private foundations. “Given my work experience with nonprofit organizations, it felt like a great fit to share my experience,” he explains. He brings expertise in areas like fiduciary training, endowment best practices, and developing investment and spending policies. He also serves on the Foundation’s Finance Committee, bringing a deep understanding of financial stewardship to his board service.

Beyond his professional experience, Peter’s love for libraries is personal. “Our family loves to read, and we love the ways that a library can feel like a central hub for a community,” he says.

One of his favorite recent Library moments? “Most recently, listening to our daughter giggle by putting on a puppet show for her at Central Resource Library.” As he starts his board service, he adds, “More than anything, I’m excited to learn more about how the library system works and do whatever I can to contribute to its ongoing success, given the integral role it plays in the community.”

Outside of work and volunteer service, Peter enjoys cooking, reading, traveling with his family, going to concerts, cheering on Chicago sports teams, and playing with his dog. He also stays curious with books like Africa Is Not a Country by Dipo Faloyin and podcasts such as The Last Invention.

With his mix of professional expertise, personal passion, and community spirit, Peter is a wonderful addition to the Foundation Board. We can’t wait to see the energy, insight, and dedication he will bring to supporting Johnson County Library and the people it serves.

Your investment in Johnson County Library generates a 300% return.