Foundation Stories

  • May 13, 2026

May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month, a reminder to pay attention to a condition that often goes unnoticed. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is commonly called the “silent killer” because it can develop without symptoms while quietly increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Nearly half of American adults live with the condition, and many don’t know they have it.

This month invites a starting point: know your numbers. Regular monitoring can help people understand their baseline and track changes over time. It can also prompt conversations with health care providers about prevention and treatment.

Johnson County Library is helping make that easier. Through a partnership with the American Heart Association and HCA Midwest Health, blood pressure monitors are now available at 10 of the Library’s 14 branches. The initiative is part of a broader effort to expand access to health tools in everyday community spaces across Kansas.

The monitors are free, simple to use and designed with privacy in mind. They are not connected to the internet or any network and do not store personal health data. The only information recorded is how often the machines are used. Each reading prints immediately for the user and is then cleared from the device.

Nearby the machines, patrons will find notebooks with guidance on how to take an accurate reading, along with tips for managing blood pressure and improving heart health. Materials are available in both English and Spanish, making the service accessible to a wide range of users.

High blood pressure affects people of all ages. About one in three Americans has it without realizing it. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Early awareness can make a meaningful difference.

Library staff members are available to point patrons toward reliable resources that explain blood pressure readings and next steps. They may also encourage users to consult a medical professional, especially if readings fall outside a healthy range. A normal blood pressure level is generally considered to be below 120 over 80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury).

Maintaining healthy blood pressure often comes down to daily habits. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep and stress management all play a role. Avoiding tobacco and keeping track of key health numbers, including cholesterol and blood sugar, can also support long-term cardiovascular health.

For many residents, a trip to the Library can now include a quick, confidential health check. To learn more about available services and locations, visit jocolibrary.org.

Johnson County Library – Nurturing the Community’s Collective Wisdom

Johnson County Library Foundation supports community with books and resources.
  • May 4, 2026

From eBooks you can read on your phone or tablet to eAudiobooks you can enjoy while walking the dog, heading out on a road trip, or relaxing at home, Johnson County Library’s digital collection makes it easy to stay connected to stories all summer long and beyond.

Thousands of readers and listeners across Johnson County rely on these resources every day. But this kind of access does not happen automatically. Keeping digital shelves full, current, and available requires ongoing investment beyond public funding alone.

Reading That Works for Real Life

One of the best things about digital books is how flexible they are. eAudiobooks let listeners adjust playback speed to match their pace. eBooks allow readers to change text size, background color, and font style, including dyslexic-friendly options.

These features make reading easier and more enjoyable for many people. For others, they are the difference between having access to books and being left out entirely.

Why Digital Books Cost More Than You Might Think

Digital books are easy and convenient for library patrons to borrow and use, but it’s a little more complicated behind the scenes getting these items into the hands of readers.  

When the Library purchases a physical book, it pays once and that book can circulate for years. Digital titles are licensed for a limited time or a limited number of checkouts. Once that license expires, the Library must repurchase the title to keep it available.

A smiling woman wearing headphones and holding a travel coffee mug.

Here is what that looks like in practice:

  • A popular print book may cost about $17 and remain in circulation for years
  • The same title as an eBook may cost about $27.50 for a one-year license
  • A one-year eAudiobook license for a popular title may cost about $42.75

As more people rely on digital reading, these costs rise quickly. Without additional support, popular titles disappear, wait times grow, and access becomes more limited.

Making a Difference With the Libby Fund: Big Use, Big Impact

In 2025, Libby was the Library’s most popular eResource, with more than 2 million checkouts over the year. That averages nearly 167,000 digital checkouts every month.

This level of use reflects how essential digital access has become. It also means the Library must continually renew and repurchase titles simply to keep pace with demand.

How the Libby Fund Helps

The Libby Fund exists to help offset the rising cost of eBooks and eAudiobooks. Donations to the fund help the Library:

  • Keep popular titles available
  • Add new authors and voices
  • Respond to growing demand for digital access

Private support also helps stretch public dollars further, allowing tax funding to continue supporting essential services like programs and physical collections.

Why This Matters Now

Digital books make it easier for people to read in ways that fit their lives. They support:

  • Readers with visual or learning differences
  • Busy families and commuters
  • Students, job seekers, and lifelong learners

As demand continues to grow, so does the need for private support.

If you value reading and listening with Libby, the Libby Fund needs you.


Your gift directly supports the purchase and renewal of eBooks and eAudiobooks, helping ensure that digital access remains reliable, inclusive, and available to everyone in our community.

Donate to Our Digital Fund

Carol and Fred Logan at Johnson County Library Foundation event.
  • April 22, 2026

Written by Tom McCormally

Excellence does not just happen. It takes planning, demanding work and lots of help. Case in point: Johnson County Library.

The excellence of this world-class library system is built on the planning, hard work, and commitment of thousands of special people. People like Carol and Fred Logan, who have used their passion for libraries over the decades to turn book sales into a funding phenomenon and boardroom conversations into lasting impact.

Early love of reading

“I’ll never forget as a child being taken to the Library and being allowed to check out a book and take it with me. I couldn’t believe I could do that,” said Fred Logan. “I was hooked.”

Carol Logan, too, remembers her early introduction to books. Decades later, she still remembers “I Play at the Beach” by Dorothy, Koch. For the longest time, that was her one and only book before she was introduced to the Library and an entire world of stacks of books changed her life.

From patrons to volunteers

With this love of books and libraries in their background, it is not surprising that in the early 1980s, Fred, a young attorney, found himself as the president of the Friends of the Johnson County Library. Carol, too, was drawn to the Friends and spent countless hours volunteering, later serving on the board as well.

It is quiet dedication like theirs that is the not-so-secret ingredient that allows the Library to flourish.

Turning book sales into lasting support

Carol channeled her love into book sales, in part because she could take along her young children to “work” with her. For decades, she helped collect, mark for sale, load, and unload tomes for the used book sales at the now-defunct Metcalf South and Mission Malls.

“It takes a lot of people, and the people I have been lucky enough to work with: amazing,” said Carol, who also served on the Friends board.

Guarding intellectual freedom

Fred’s passion took him in a different direction: he served as legal counsel for the Library Board of Directors for 44 years, just recently retiring from his law practice. When asked about his proudest accomplishment during those decades, Fred did not hesitate: it was his work on the policies that ensure intellectual freedom for our libraries, their staff, and their patrons.

“We leave things up to the experts. The librarians are the ones who have the knowledge to know what kinds of materials to purchase and collect,” Logan said. He helped craft the Library governance policies that ensure freedom and privacy in libraries. As a testament to the enduring nature of that work, much of it was used by lawmakers to help craft Kansas state statutes that protect libraries and librarians.

“We have one of the finest libraries in the country. I’d say it’s the finest,” Fred said, noting how intellectual freedom has allowed the library staff to apply its expertise, while keeping out those who might meddle in the libraries.

“People would not stand for someone who would mess with it,” Fred said. “I’m confident in the future.”

A library built on community

It is the staff and the other volunteers that give Carol and Fred that confidence. They said the progressive nature of the staff to see needs in the community and act fast to meet them is impressive. They noted that libraries have become community centers and safe places. That is not by accident.

“There is terrific leadership. The Library Board of Directors and the Board of County Commissioners have been terrific for many years,” Fred said.

Inspiring the next generation of supporters

Carol said the Library continues to attract not only outstanding, forward-thinking staff, but also younger volunteers and donors. She pointed to the Library Lets Loose, the annual signature fundraising event put on by the Johnson County Library Foundation.

For over a decade, Library Lets Loose has been a “night of celebration and raising a glass to the Library and the outstanding services provided to our community every single day of the year in our physical and virtual branches,” according to the Foundation website.

In 2025, the theme for the event was Freedom to Read, which is exactly what Fred says was so important in his legal work for the Board. Carol said a large multi-generational crowd fills the Central Resource Library each year for delicious food, delightful conversation, games, and dancing.

“It’s not the same old people who show up at all the fundraisers,” she said. “There is wonderful diversity of age and life experience, all brought together by the Library.”

And again, this is not by accident, but by design.

Research shows that younger volunteers and philanthropists are interested in projects and causes that are “bigger than themselves.” The Library fits the bill, the Logans say.

“What the Library does for people, the way it serves in so many ways is outstanding,” Fred said. “It creates community.”

Carol echoed that, saying, “The Library program connects people. It never ceases to amaze me, the innovative ways the staff help people. The Library is the town square; the Library is the place to be.”

The Logans say they are proud of the many services the Library offers people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds, serving everyone from the single mom who needs resources to help her kids grow and learn, to job seekers navigating a tough market and creative individuals learning new skills in the MakerSpace.

Asked about the benefits they have received through their service, the Logans considered the adage that it is better to give than to receive. They are firm believers that their commitment to the Library has rewarded them many times over.

“The people I have met and been involved with are phenomenal,” Carol said. “That is the fun part. The people,” Carol said.

A legacy that benefits generations

Carol and Fred Logan are proof that behind every storybook at Johnson County Library is a tale of volunteers who turn a passion into something much bigger than themselves, benefiting generations to come.

Make a Donation
Attend Library Lets Loose

Students boarding a yellow school bus for a library field trip.
  • 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

Happy girl holding a book at Johnson County Library.
  • 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

New Johnson County Library Foundation building in De Soto and Spring Hill.
  • 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

Exterior view of Johnson County Library Foundation in De Soto, Kansas.

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

Library foundation office in De Soto, Kansas, with a brick exterior and welcoming entrance.

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

Audience listening to speakers at Johnson County Library Foundation event.
  • 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.”

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