Foundation Stories

  • July 20, 2026

If you’ve never been to Library Lets Loose, this is your year.

For one night only, Johnson County Library transforms into an after-hours celebration unlike anything else in our community. On Saturday, September 19th, you’ll experience the Library in a whole new way filled with music, laughter, delicious food and drinks, and plenty of surprises around every corner.

Library Lets Loose is a celebration of the Library and the people who make it such a vibrant part of our community. This year’s co-chairs, Bonnie and Chris Limbird captured it perfectly:

“If you’re a reader, a writer, a maker, a caregiver, an entrepreneur, a student, a collector, a researcher, or just an advocate of public libraries in general, then what better place to throw the best party in town than our biggest library in the county after hours when the lights go down and characters can come out to play?”

Whether you’re coming for the nostalgia, the chance to support the Library, or a fun night out with your friends, here’s a preview of what you can expect.

A Night Full of ’80s Fun

This year’s theme celebrates the unforgettable movies of the 1980s, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself stepping into some of your favorite movie moments throughout the evening.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap photos at themed photo stations, test your knowledge with ’80s trivia, challenge your friends to classic arcade games, and discover a few surprise moments that we’re keeping under wraps for now. You’ll just have to be there to experience them.

Come dressed to impress! If you’ve been looking for an excuse to wear neon, leg warmers, or your favorite movie-inspired outfit, this is it. ’80s attire is encouraged but not required.

Dance, Eat, Bid, and Celebrate

Once DJ Stann starts spinning your favorite throwback hits, don’t expect the dance floor to stay empty for long.

Throughout the evening, you’ll enjoy delicious bites and beverages from local vendors while catching up with friends, meeting fellow Library supporters, and celebrating everything our Library brings to the community.

The Golden Ticket raffle is back with an exclusive trip to Hawaii where you’ll choose the island and enjoy the fun. Each raffle ticket is $100 with a maximum of 200 entries, so you have a great chance to win!

Attendees will also be treated to a silent auction filled with fantastic prizes and experiences from your favorite local businesses.

With more than 650 guests expected, Library Lets Loose is Johnson County Library’s biggest celebration of the year.

Chefs preparing gourmet dishes at Library Lets Loose 2025 event.

Meet This Year’s Honorary Host

We’re thrilled to welcome Heidi Gardner, celebrated comedian and longtime Saturday Night Live cast member, as this year’s Honorary Host.

Heidi’s Kansas City roots, quick wit, and love of community make her the perfect addition to an evening that’s all about bringing people together in support of the Library.

Want the VIP Experience?

One of the best ways to experience Library Lets Loose is as an event sponsor.

Sponsors receive exclusive early access to the event and are invited to a private VIP Meet & Greet with Heidi Gardner before the doors open. It’s a unique opportunity to spend time with Heidi, connect with other sponsors, and enjoy a relaxed start to an unforgettable evening.

Sponsorship also includes recognition throughout the event while helping make Library programs and services possible for thousands of people in our community.

Don’t Miss the Library’s Biggest Party

Woman playing violin at Library Lets Loose 2025 event.

Every year, Library Lets Loose brings together people who believe in the power of libraries and who know how to have a great time.

From the themed experiences and dance party to the unexpected moments that become everyone’s favorite stories the next day, it’s an evening unlike any other.

Join us for this one-of-a-kind celebration. Grab your tickets, invite your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable night, all while supporting Johnson County Library.

Tickets and Sponsorships are available at LibraryLetsLoose.org.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Logo of Johnson County Library Foundation with colorful design.

Library Lets Loose: ’80s Movies Edition
Saturday, September 19, 2025
6:30–10 p.m.
Central Resource Library
9875 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212
www.LibraryLetsLoose.org

Get Tickets

Meet our Co-Chairs: Bonnie and Chris Limbird.
  • June 23, 2026

Longtime Library supporters, dedicated volunteers, and enthusiastic advocates, Bonnie and Chris have said “yes” to the Library in countless ways over the years. Now, they’re stepping into a new role as co-chairs of Library Lets Loose 2026, helping lead the Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

Bonnie’s connection to Johnson County Library began more than two decades ago.

“Getting my JoCo Library card was one of the first things I did when I moved to Johnson County from Missouri as a young professional in 2000,” she said.

In 2004, she began volunteering with the Friends of Johnson County Library, working shifts at the Blue Valley Friends bookstore and later serving on the Friends Board. In 2012, she reconnected with the Library through the Foundation, volunteering in the office and serving on one of the very first Library Lets Loose planning committees.

Today, she serves on the Foundation Board and remains one of the Library’s biggest champions.

“It’s more clear than ever that the Library is always there for me, and I’m always there for the Library,” Bonnie said. “Twenty years and counting.”

Chris has also had a longstanding love of Libraries and all they have to offer. Growing up in Topeka, he eagerly awaited a weekly visit from the bookmobile parked near his neighborhood grocery store.

“That accessibility was really integral to my interest and love of reading,” he said.

Those early experiences helped shape a lifelong appreciation for libraries and the role they play in building stronger communities.

“Libraries are just such a benefit for everyone in their communities,” Chris says.  “The broad range of library services has something for everyone – books to help kids and adults both learn something new, or to just relax and enjoy a story; the MakerSpace to allow people to exercise their creative juices; computer/internet services; during the summer they serve as cooling centers in times of extreme heat. All of this in one great place with friendly staff to help you.  And they’re open to everyone – there’s no barrier to entry.  Why wouldn’t you want to support an institution like that?”

Both Bonnie and Chris have experienced firsthand the many ways the Library serves its community. Bonnie loves accessing Libby through her library card, which keeps her supplied with a steady stream of eBooks and audiobooks. Over the years, she has also relied on Library meeting spaces for everything from Girl Scout troop meetings to PTA retreats.

“The ability to reserve rooms for any purpose, with technology capabilities, is an amazing resource for Johnson County residents,” she said.

When asked to serve as this year’s Library Lets Loose co-chairs, Bonnie and Chris didn’t hesitate.

“Serving as co-chairs was an easy yes for Chris and me,” Bonnie said. “We’re so honored to be asked. The Library and Foundation staff are so warm and welcoming, and it’s just a joy to be a part of it. We want to help continue the growth and success of Library Lets Loose.”

What are they most excited about this year?

The answer came quickly: the ’80s movie theme.

“As kids of the 1980s, we’re very excited,” Bonnie said. “We’re planning to dress on theme as well!”

For those who have never attended Library Lets Loose, the Limbirds say it’s unlike any other fundraising event in Johnson County.

“If you’re a reader, a writer, a maker, a caregiver, an entrepreneur, a student, a collector, a researcher, or just an advocate of public libraries in general, then what better place to hold the best party in town than our biggest library in the county after hours when the lights go down and characters can come out to play.”

The evening brings together everything people love about Johnson County Library and the community that surrounds it, including local food and drinks, live entertainment, silent auction packages, music, dancing, and plenty of surprises along the way.

“This is the event of the year where you can be surrounded by all the things you love about libraries and the library community,” they said.

While the event is certainly a lot of fun, Bonnie and Chris are quick to point out that it also supports something much bigger.

“Library Lets Loose is a fun way to help keep services running and growing as the community grows and changes,” Bonnie said. “It’s important to support local libraries however you can, through your time, talents, or treasure.”

We’re so grateful to have Bonnie and Chris leading this year’s event creating another unforgettable evening in support of Johnson County Library.

Join us on Saturday, September 19th, for Library Lets Loose 2026. With a fun ’80s movie theme, great food and drinks, exclusive auction experiences, and a Library transformed after hours, you won’t want to miss it.

Logo of Johnson County Library Foundation with colorful design.

Library Lets Loose: ’80s Movies Edition
Saturday, September 19, 2025
6:30–10 p.m.
Central Resource Library
9875 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212
www.libraryletsloose.org

Get Tickets

Fund a Need: HomeConnet
  • June 17, 2026

The mailbox opens, and inside is a familiar blue bag from the Library.

For some people, this is the highlight of the week.

Inside might be a stack of mystery novels, a favorite audiobook, a movie to watch in the evening, or large print books requested by someone who can no longer make the trip to the Library themselves. It may not seem like much at first glance, but for homebound patrons, these deliveries can mean comfort, routine, entertainment, and connection. It’s a reminder that someone is thinking about them.

“Books are such a window to the world when I can’t leave my home easily, and I don’t know what I’d do without those blue bags showing up on my doorstep to bring the Library to me,” said HomeConnect patron J.R. Hart.

HomeConnect is a Johnson County Library service that mails Library materials directly to cardholders who cannot visit the Library in person, whether temporarily or long term. Sometimes that means someone recovering from surgery, an older adult who no longer drives, or helping a caregiver who already has too much on their plate.

No matter the reason, the goal is simple: making sure people can still access the Library, even when getting out of the house is difficult.

What HomeConnect Looks Like

Johnson County Library serves approximately 270 active HomeConnect patrons and sends out around 100 bags of materials each week, totaling roughly 250 books, movies, audiobooks, and other items. Behind every delivery is a team of Library staff who take pride in creating a thoughtful, personalized experience for each patron. Librarians work directly with patrons and caregivers to learn about individual interests, favorite genres, accessibility needs, and personal preferences so that every delivery feels curated specifically for them.

For Hart, HomeConnect became much more than a delivery service. Through Library resources, she learned new crafts, explored recipe books, discovered language-learning tools, and found books that helped her better understand and advocate for her own health.

“As a disabled Library user, these books have helped me better advocate for my own care and find specialists and at-home lifestyle changes that can help improve my day-to-day life,” she said.

Whether someone is rediscovering a love of reading, exploring a new hobby, or finding comfort in familiar stories, this service is designed to meet people where they are and help them stay connected to the resources they want and need most.

Why It Matters

The need for services like HomeConnect is growing as more people experience isolation due to age, illness, disability, or limited mobility. According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, heart disease, and dementia.

For individuals who spend much of their time at home, staying mentally engaged and connected to the community becomes increasingly important. A Library delivery can provide entertainment, lifelong learning, comfort, and something to look forward to each week.

HomeConnect also supports caregivers by removing one more errand from already overwhelming schedules while helping loved ones remain engaged and connected from home.

Why We Want to Grow

As Johnson County’s population continues to age, the demand for accessible services like HomeConnect will continue to increase. More people are living alone, more families are stepping into caregiving roles, and more neighbors are quietly experiencing isolation.

Johnson County Library wants to continue growing HomeConnect so that more people can access the resources, entertainment, and connection the Library provides, regardless of their ability to visit a branch in person.

How You Can Help

If you or someone you love has benefited from HomeConnect, you already understand how meaningful this service can be.

A donation helps Johnson County Library expand HomeConnect, reach more homebound neighbor, and ensure more people stay connected through the Library they love.  

Libraries are often thought of as places people go.

HomeConnect is a reminder that sometimes, the Library comes to you.

If you would like to learn more about supporting HomeConnect, please contact Shelley O’Brien at [email protected] or Melissa Stan at [email protected]

Give Today
Learn More About HomeConnect

Johnson County Library Foundation hits Platinum with Candid
  • June 3, 2026

When GuideStar and the Foundation Directory merged in 2019, it rebranded the organization as Candid – a non-profit database with information and tools for both non-profits and funders. The website is based on transparency and data, asking non-profits to upload documents for funders to review and adding data with metrics.

The Johnson County Library Foundation Board of Directors made the decision at the March 2026 board meeting, to go for the highest status – platinum on Candid. After much consideration and gathering of documents, the organization reached the platinum status on June 1st. This means that you can search Candid to see the Library Foundation’s audited financials, tax forms, list of board members and their demographics, and additional information about the organization. This information may be key in making decisions about who and what projects to fund with the Johnson County Library.

Candid Platinum Transparency 2026 Seal

According to Candid, latest research confirms that funders give on average 62% more in contributions to organizations that demonstrate transparency. We hope that our efforts will help library patrons and donors make good decisions in supporting the Library and the Library Foundation. Afterall, as a library, we are in the information business; therefore, we want a high level of transparency.

Executive Director Shelley O’Brien says, “I’m proud that the Foundation Board took this step. Any information we can provide to help donors make a decision on giving is important. We have a great story to tell; putting library patrons first and being highly responsible with our funds.”  

Johnson County Library Foundation’s profile on Candid is currently up to date. Please check it out! View our profile here.

  • May 27, 2026

Retirement is often imagined as a season of travel and freedom. Travel consistently tops retirement wish lists. But while many adults picture themselves exploring the world after leaving full-time work, most retirees discover that travel fills only a small part of daily life.

So what does retirement really look like day to day?

For many people, it becomes less about permanent vacation and more about creating a meaningful lifestyle. Johnson County Library offers resources that can help people prepare for retirement and continue growing throughout it.

Planning with confidence

Retirement planning usually starts with practical questions: How much money will I need? When should I take Social Security? How will Medicare, taxes and inflation affect my budget?

The Library provides free resources that help retirees and pre-retirees learn at their own pace without paying for costly seminars or subscriptions. Cardholders can borrow books on investing, estate planning, budgeting, Medicare, Social Security and tax strategies.

The Library also offers digital tools and research resources, including:

Retirement today also means navigating online systems and digital paperwork. All Library branches provide computers, internet access, printing and staff assistance. For many older adults, access to technology support can make these processes feel far less overwhelming.

Discovering life beyond work

Financial readiness is only one part of retirement. Many retirees also face a more personal question: Who am I when I’m no longer working?

After decades of schedules and routines, retirement can leave people searching for structure, creativity and purpose. The Library offers opportunities to explore new interests, develop skills and stay mentally engaged.

Retirees can learn everything from photography and design software to genealogy and language skills. The Book a Librarian service also provides one-on-one help with technology, research and digital tools.

At Central Resource Library in Overland Park, the Black & Veatch MakerSpace gives patrons hands-on opportunities to experiment with sewing, laser cutting and 3D printing. Some retirees use these resources for enjoyment, while others turn hobbies into freelance work, side income or small businesses.

The Library’s Genealogy Desk also helps people preserve family history by digitizing old photos, VHS tapes, film reels and audio recordings — projects many retirees finally have time to tackle.

Practicing retirement before it arrives

Retirement planning is not only about saving money. It’s also about understanding what daily life will cost and what expenses can be reduced.

Many people begin living on a retirement budget before leaving full-time work. The Library can help by replacing paid entertainment and learning subscriptions with free alternatives. People can stream films and documentaries through Kanopy and IndieFlix, read digital magazines and borrow books, audiobooks and eBooks through Libby.

Finding purpose and connection

One of retirement’s biggest challenges is social isolation. Without the built-in community of the workplace, retirees often need new ways to stay connected and involved.

The Library helps fill that gap through workshops, lectures, book groups and community events that encourage lifelong learning and social engagement. Many retirees use the Library to meet people, volunteer, join discussions or maintain a routine outside the home.

Eligible homebound retirees can also receive materials through HomeConnect, a free delivery service that brings Library resources directly to their door.

More than books

Retirement rarely looks exactly the way people imagine it. Travel may still be part of the picture, but day-to-day fulfillment often comes from learning new skills and maintaining a sense of purpose.

Johnson County Library supports every stage of that journey through free access to financial education, technology, creative resources and lifelong learning opportunities. Learn more at jocolibrary.org.

Johnson County Library – Nurturing the Community’s Collective Wisdom

Stann Tate: One of Johnson County Library's Most Dedicated Volunteers
  • May 21, 2026


Written by Lucie Krisman | May 15, 2026 | Causes & Community | Johnson County Post

Stann Tate’s love of libraries started with childhood trips to the stacks — and one memorable college night. Decades later, he’s become one of Johnson County Library‘s most dedicated volunteers. When people think of libraries, they tend to think of quiet rooms and shelves of books. One certainly doesn’t expect to push open the doors and hear the lively sounds of a party inside.

But after midnight one night in college, Stann and his friends made an exception to that. Roughly half an hour before the lights clicked off at their school’s library at Ohio University, Tate and his friends slipped into the library, backpacks full of beers and cameras in tow.

After midnight, when the library closed, Tate and his friends stayed behind, pulling a different kind of all-nighter — one that involved partying instead of studying.

Now a Leawood resident, the memory has become something of an origin story for what Tate does now in his home of Johnson County. Only this time, as he puts it, the party is “for good.”

Today, Tate is a longtime Johnson County Library volunteer who has played a large role in making the library’s annual Library Lets Loose fundraising event happen. It’s these types of efforts that earned Tate an “Above and Beyond Volunteer” distinction from the library this spring.

Stann Tate in the Library
Stann Tate at the Leawood Pioneer Library. Photo credit Kylie Graham.

Tate helps put on library’s “signature” fundraiser

Tate’s involvement with the library officially began in 2017, when he was hired as a DJ for the Library Lets Loose fundraising event that year.

The concept — an after-hours party inside the library — felt instantly familiar.

“This time I’ve kind of come full circle, because now I’m legally having a party in the library,” he joked.

That experience ultimately paid off. What began as a DJing gig quickly turned into something deeper, as Tate became a bigger part of the brains behind the event.

He began lending his ideas and efforts by joining the library’s volunteer committee, working with staff members and foundation leaders.

“I just kept coming up with ideas,” he said. “I (thought), this is even more fun than just being the DJ at the event, because you get to shape the event, and you get to help plan the party and plan entertainment.”

Logo of Johnson County Library Foundation with colorful design.

Today, the annual fundraiser has grown into what Tate calls the library’s “signature” fundraiser, drawing community partners and volunteers of all ages. Last year, Library Lets Loose raised more than $140,000 to go toward buying more books to put on library branch shelves.

In April, Tate received the “Above and Beyond Volunteer” distinction at this spring’s Johnson County Library Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.

“This is the first time I’ve ever received an award for my volunteer work, and honestly, I was tickled,” he said. “I was so happy to be thought of in that way.”

Tate’s connection to libraries goes back to his earliest years

Tate’s love for libraries began long before he moved to the Kansas City area 32 years ago, and long before that late-night adventure in college.

When he was growing up in Ohio, he and his mother made regular trips to their local library. He recalls wearing out their copy of his favorite book, “Curious George”, and being in awe at only 6 years old that he could check out records, too.

Those early experiences, he said, helped shape the way he sees public libraries today. From what’s on the shelves to what goes on inside the library’s walls (whether that’s educational programs, art events or voter registration and polling), he sees the library as a sort of central nervous system for the community.

“I call them the hub of our community,” Tate said. “The library is a place that you can go to gain information, and you can be a part of so many different organizations and learn so many different things from the different programs that we have at the library.”

Tate also mentors the next generation

The library isn’t where Tate’s volunteer efforts end. In addition to serving on boards for organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Leawood Arts Council, he also mentors kids in the Kansas City metro.

For nearly nine years, he has volunteered with nonprofit C You in the Major Leagues’ mentoring and leadership program, which was founded by former Kansas City Royals general manager Dayton Moore in 2014.

Through that program, Tate has mentored three students so far. He’s watched one graduate from college, and another is on track to finish at the University of Central Missouri next year.

His current mentee, Dakota Thompson, is a senior at William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri. He’ll attend Baker University in the fall.

Throughout his time as a mentor, Tate said, he’s tried to impart the types of lessons and be the kind of mentor he would have wanted to have at their age.

That means everything from teaching them about financial investments to effective communication skills (eye contact, a firm handshake, asking thoughtful questions) that he worries can get lost in a world of screens.

“I did not have a mentor growing up as a teen, I didn’t even have a mentor in my 20s or 30s,” he said. “It wasn’t until probably in my 40s that I realized the importance of mentorship.”

Now Tate sees mentorship as something that can last a lifetime, both for the mentor and the mentee.

“It’s always good to have someone else to just bounce an idea off of other than your parents or guardians,” he said. “I think, you know, being a mentor and even being a mentee is something you should do your entire life. It’s being able to again, share information, best practices, pass along experience and wisdom to another person.”

View the original article. This story is part of Johnson County Post‘s series “Helping Hands”, which aims to spotlight Johnson Countians doing good in the background of their community. If you have an idea for someone to spotlight in a future “Helping Hands” story, email them at [email protected].

  • 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.

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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.

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