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

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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

Johnson County Library Foundation celebrating at the 10th anniversary event.
  • September 29, 2025

What a night! More than 500 guests filled Central Resource Library for the 10th annual Library Lets Loose, and together we raised over $140,000 to put more books on shelves in 2026. Thanks to your generosity, our shelves will be filled with even more stories, ideas, and opportunities for the entire community to enjoy.

The evening was packed with unforgettable moments: dazzling performances by an aerialist, a juggler, a strolling violinist, and DJ Stann on a lively dance floor. Guests feasted on bites and drinks from Of Course Kitchen Co., Sweet Tooth Desserts, Char Bar, Strang Hall, Kate Smith Soirée, and more. Our Honorary Host, Erwin Abrams, shared a moving reflection on the importance of reading and this year’s theme, while around 15 celebrity volunteers, including local elected officials, rolled up their sleeves to make the night shine.

Guests cheered to the freedom to read, embraced the theme by donning red, white, and blue, and bid enthusiastically on 24 silent auction packages, from premium Chiefs tickets to an Ultimate Taylor Swift Basket.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate, support, and make a difference. The joy in the room was undeniable, and it shows in the photos.

Mark your calendars for next year’s Library Lets Loose:
Saturday, September 19th, 2026 | Central Resource Library | 6:30 – 10 p.m.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you in 2026!

Below are the photos from the event. (To download on a computer, open the image. Right click and choose ‘Save Image As.’)

Johnson County Library Foundation staff organizing books for 2025 event.
  • September 11, 2025

Mark your calendars, because Saturday, September 20th from 6:30–10:00 p.m. at Central Resource Library is right around the corner and it’s shaping up to be the best night of the year! Library Lets Loose is back for its 10th anniversary celebration, and we’re pulling out all the stops to make this year unforgettable. Whether you’ve already snagged your ticket or are still thinking it over, here’s everything you can look forward to.

Mouth-Watering Treats

Enjoy delicious food from some local favorites:

  • Atomic Cowboy
  • Jason’s Deli
  • Kate Smith Soirée
  • Whole Harvest Kitchen
  • Bikanervala
  • Char Bar
  • Strang Hall favorites Fenix and Anousone
  • Sweet Tooth Desserts
  • Of Course. Kitchen & Company
  • Nothing Bundt Cakes
  • Old Shawnee Pizza

No party is complete without drinks. You’ll find multiple open bars featuring KC Bier Co., Boulevard Brewery, J. Rieger & Co., and more. Prefer something lighter? Plenty of non-alcoholic options will also be close at hand.

Entertainment Everywhere

Library Lets Loose transforms the Library into a party unlike any other. Guests can:

  • Enjoy live entertainment throughout the evening
  • Dance along with DJ Stann or cheer on the brave souls from the comfort of a cozy chair
  • Take part in a scavenger hunt that winds through the Library (spoiler alert: it’s trickier than it looks!)
  • Visit the MakerSpace, where staff will show off amazing equipment and projects. Ever wonder what a 3D printer or laser cutter can do? Here’s your chance

From the dance floor to the quiet corners of the Library, there will be something fun for everyone.

Raffles and Auctions

Get ready for some friendly competition.

Golden Ticket Raffle – One lucky winner will get to choose from dream trips to Lake Tahoe, Jackson Hole, Mexico, or Hawaii.

Silent Auction – With more than a dozen unique packages (and more still rolling in), there’s something for everyone:

  • Behind-the-scenes library tour with the County Librarian
  • Chiefs premium tickets and Royals Diamond Club seats
  • Family portrait session
  • Independent Bookstore self-guided tour
  • MAPS Coffee & Chocolate tasting experience
  • Holiday lights tour
  • Private chef dinner for six
  • Wood, Whiskey, Wine & Wagyu evening
  • The Saloon Takeover party package
  • Folly Theater, KC Renaissance Festival, and Midwest Trust Center tickets
  • Johnson County Crime Lab tour
  • Family membership to the Jewish Community Center
  • “Fall Off Our Whiskey Wagon” basket
  • Ultimate Taylor Swift basket

With choices ranging from sports and theater to foodie indulgences and adventures, the only challenge will be deciding what to bid on.

Why It Matters

Library Lets Loose is more than an incredible night out. It is a celebration of what libraries mean to our community: access to books, lifelong learning, creativity, and connection.

This year’s support is especially important. The Library is facing a $165,000 loss in federal funding that will impact the 2026 book budget. By attending, bidding, and raising a glass, you’re helping to keep shelves full and ensure that everyone in Johnson County has access to the resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Join the Celebration

We are grateful to our Honorary Hosts Erwin and Phyllis Abrams and to our dedicated Library Lets Loose Committee: Lisa Larson-Bunnell, Marsha Daley, and Anjali Pandya.

Now all that’s missing is you. Tickets are going fast, so don’t miss your chance to be part of Kansas City’s most joyful library event of the year.

Grab Your Tickets Today at LibraryLetsLoose.org

We can’t wait to celebrate with you on September 20th at Central Resource Library.

Library Lets Loose 2025: Freedom to Read

Library Lets Loose: Freedom to Read
Saturday, September 20, 2025
6:30–10 p.m.
Central Resource Library
9875 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212
www.libraryletsloose.org

Get Tickets

We are thrilled to announce the Honorary Hosts of Library Lets Loose 2025: Erwin and Phyllis Abrams!
  • August 25, 2025

We are thrilled to announce the Honorary Hosts of Library Lets Loose 2025: Erwin and Phyllis Abrams!

For Erwin and Phyllis, libraries aren’t just buildings filled with books; they are vibrant community hubs, places of discovery, and safe spaces for all ages. Erwin’s love of libraries began at the tender age of three, when his older brother took him to his local library. That sense of awe has lasted over 80 years, and it’s a passion both he and Phyllis continue to nurture.

Meet Your Favorite Teacher: Matt Eicheldinger April 2024 Library Event

“My wife and I give in order to preserve that child’s sense of awe, that adult’s resource for research, that senior citizen’s place of quiet and safety,” Erwin says. “We give because strengthening community means strengthening America. And we give because we feel good about building Johnson County.”

For 14 years, Erwin has been an active member and generous contributor to the Johnson County Library Foundation, helping ensure that our libraries remain welcoming spaces where curiosity, learning, and imagination can thrive.

Erwin’s love of reading spans from 20th-century history to contemporary mysteries, with authors like Harlan Coben, David Baldacci, and Daniel Silva always at the top of his list. “I read late into the evening, perched on my favorite couch,” he shares. And while every library in the Johnson County system has its charm, Leawood Pioneer holds a special place in his heart.

This year, Erwin and Phyllis are inviting you to join the celebration at Library Lets Loose 2025! Come see them in person, enjoy the festivities, and support the libraries they cherish so deeply.

Can’t attend? You can still honor them, and help our libraries thrive, by making a gift in their name at jocolibraryfoundation.org/donate.

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate, give back, and have a fantastic evening, because nothing says fun quite like supporting the library you love.

Library Lets Loose 2025: Freedom to Read

Library Lets Loose: Freedom to Read
Saturday, September 20, 2025
6:30–10 p.m.
Central Resource Library
9875 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212
www.libraryletsloose.org

Get Tickets

Let Loose, Give Back, and Celebrate the Freedom to Read
  • July 31, 2025

written by Melissa Stan

It starts with a book.

At the Gardner Library, a parent sits cross-legged in the kids’ section, reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar for the tenth time—not because they have to, but because their child’s face lights up with every turn of the page. Around them, storytime songs echo, and tiny readers begin their lifelong journey with books.

Family enjoying storytime at Johnson County Library.

Across the county at Central Resource Library, a grandfather gently feeds faded photographs into a scanner in the Library’s Memory Lab. Each click preserves a moment: a childhood birthday, a family vacation, a long-lost smile. For him, the Library becomes a bridge between the past and the present.

At Lenexa City Center Library, community members gather in a sunlit meeting space with coffees in hand. It’s a Legislative Coffee morning and neighbors have come to hear from elected officials. It’s a rare opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and listen without a filter. At the Library, civic engagement feels accessible and deeply personal.

Student engaging in a classroom activity at Johnson County Library Foundation.

Meanwhile, at Monticello Library, a high school student spreads out notebooks in a reservable study room. It’s quiet, comfortable, and hers for a couple hours. It’s the perfect place to prep for finals or tackle a group project. In a world full of distractions, the Library offers focused space to think, learn, and grow.

These stories are simple, real, and quietly powerful. They’re unfolding every day in all 14 Johnson County Library branches.

And behind them all is one joyful, mission-driven night: Library Lets Loose.

A Party With Purpose

On Saturday, September 20, the Library Foundation invites you to join us at Central Resource Library for the 10th anniversary of Library Lets Loose. It’s our signature fundraising event, filled with food, drinks, games, a silent auction, and a dance floor that keeps the good vibes going all night.

But more than a party, this event is a celebration of everything Johnson County Library stands for: Access. Discovery. Joy. This year, our theme says it all: Freedom to Read.

We Put the FUN in Fundraiser

Library Lets Loose isn’t your typical fundraiser. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of night, filled with laughter, discovery, and making new friends.

The dress code is joyful and come-as-you-are. You’ll see everything from playful red, white, and blue outfits (a nod to our Freedom to Read theme) to casual cocktail attire. Think comfortable, festive, and ready for anything, from filling up on amazing food to dancing the night away.

Come hungry. With mouthwatering bites from a dozen local favorites, including Strang Hall, Char Bar, Kate Smith Soiree, Atomic Cowboy, Whole Harvest Kitchen, and more, you’ll have plenty to sample and savor. Sip on a beer from KC Bier Co., a refreshing non-alcoholic option, or our signature Let Loose Juice from our pals at J. Rieger & Co. as you mingle and explore.

Throughout the night, you’ll be surrounded by fellow library enthusiasts, including local elected officials who are volunteering and celebrating a shared commitment to access, education, and community. This event is a reminder of how powerful it is when people come together to support something bigger than themselves.

Before the dance floor heats up, there’s plenty to entertain. Join the scavenger hunt and browse our silent auction filled with can’t-miss items and experiences.

When the clock hits 8:30 p.m., DJ Stann takes over and the dance floor opens. This is the part of the night when library lovers let loose, and the energy is contagious.

So, grab your friends, bring your book club, or come make new connections. Let’s toast to our love of public libraries, while raising important funding for the Johnson County Library.

Library Lets Loose 2025: Freedom to Read

Library Lets Loose: Freedom to Read
Saturday, September 20, 2025
6:30–10 p.m.
Central Resource Library
9875 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212
www.libraryletsloose.org

Get Tickets

Why you should sponsor Library Lets Loose
  • July 24, 2025

At Johnson County Library, we uplift all library goers, from our newest patrons to our most seasoned ones. Be it a baby art club session or an author talk, we all enjoy access to the Library’s resources and the communities it creates and fosters. The Library is a place for friends, families, and new insightful connections.

Regardless of personal background, Johnson County Library patrons all share the same source of joy, that is, the joy of discovery, of limitless opportunities. Each day, your friends and neighbors learn, create, and have fun in one of our fourteen branch locations. Each book, each edition of elementia, and each 6 by 6 learning unit contains a story of learning.

Readers, volunteers, and even our youngest learners prove the power of library access. With over 40% of the Johnson County community holding library cards and over 87% approval rating by citizens each year, it’s clear that this place is a special one.

Looking for a sure way to make the Library’s impact is even greater? Sponsor Library Lets Loose. This annual soirée reminds us of our power in numbers! Each year, Library Lets Loose contributes over $150,000 to support our physical book collection.

Library Lets Loose is one night to celebrate our contributions as a community. On September 20th, the Library will host 12 local restaurants with yummy bites, cocktails from J. Rieger and Wild Child, fun interactive games, dancing with DJ Stann, and more!

This year’s theme, “Freedom to Read”, reminds us that freedom is an ongoing project to which we all must contribute. Our Library relies on donors like you to increase our opportunities for accessible learning.

As Library Lets Loose Co-Chair, Lisa Larson-Bunnell reminds us, “some of the Library programs that are most important to me are funded solely through grants and donations.  I want our library system to have a robust array of services that benefit our entire community.”

As a donor, you too directly benefit from your contributions. More funding for the Library directly translates to more resources for you and your loved ones to share with the community.

By sponsoring Library Lets Loose, you may obtain tickets for an exclusive night out while supporting the Library system. Sponsoring through your company also provides a great opportunity for community enrichment while also encouraging your clients or employees to let loose for a night.

Unable to attend? Consider purchasing a Golden Ticket with a chance to win a trip for two of your choosing to Hawaii, Mexico, Lake Tahoe, or Jackson Hole. With only 200 golden tickets available, the odds are in your favor! You do not need to be present to win. Your contribution will enhance the Johnson County Library’s offerings for you and fellow patrons– a win-win situation for all library lovers.

The success of our public institutions starts with you. Make an even greater impact today by sponsoring Library Lets Loose 2025: Freedom to Read. For more information on sponsoring, visit the event sponsorship page.

Become a Sponsor
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Johnson County Library Foundation celebrates Freedom to Read event.
  • June 26, 2025

Celebrate the power of stories, choice, and community at Library Lets Loose!

written by Melissa Stan, JCLF Donor Relations Coordinator

Every September, something magical happens at the Johnson County Library. The energy buzzes with celebration. We turn up the music, bring out the tastiest bites and beverages, and let loose — all in support of the Library.

This year, as we mark the 10th anniversary of Library Lets Loose, we’re embracing the theme “Freedom to Read.” It’s a perfect time to reflect on what that freedom means — and why it matters more than ever.

Why This Theme?

According to Lisa Larson-Bunnell, one of this year’s event co-chairs:

“What better theme for our times? Freedom to Read is a celebration of intellectual freedom. It’s an acknowledgement that our ability to access information and literary works of our choosing is a fundamental value in our country that is worth fighting to protect.”

That powerful realization inspired the entire celebration — not just as a party, but as a statement of values. Because when you support the Library, you support the idea that access to books, ideas, and information is not just a service — it’s a right.

What Is Intellectual Freedom, Really?

Intellectual freedom is the right of every individual to seek and receive information from all points of view — without restriction. It protects your ability to explore ideas, form your own opinions, and engage with diverse perspectives, even (and especially) when they challenge your assumptions.

From a Library article in 2024: “When access to ideas is limited, so is freedom. Johnson County Library upholds the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read, Freedom to View, and Library Bill of Rights policies. These statements affirm our belief that people should be trusted to make their own choices.”

That belief is central to the Library’s mission. It’s why our shelves are filled with stories from all walks of life, and why your privacy, autonomy, and curiosity are honored every time you check out a book, ask a question, or attend a program.

Freedom You Can Feel

Whether you’re diving into a bestselling thriller, helping a child find their first favorite book, exploring history, or learning a new skill — the freedom to read empowers every moment of discovery.

Libraries don’t tell you what to think — we believe in your right to think for yourself. And we believe that stories, in all their forms, connect us, challenge us, and help us grow.

So… What’s Library Lets Loose Got to Do With It?

When you attend, sponsor, or donate to Library Lets Loose, you’re not just enjoying a fun night out (although there will be drinks, dancing, and delightful desserts). You’re directly supporting programs and services that uphold the freedom to read and learn.

Your support helps:

  • Keep books and materials accessible to all.
  • Fund programs that promote literacy, digital skills, and lifelong learning.
  • Ensure our collections reflect and serve the wonderfully diverse community of Johnson County.
  • Protect open access to ideas in a rapidly changing world.

It’s one unforgettable night with a lasting impact.

Join the Celebration

Saturday, September 20, 2025
6:30–10 p.m.
Central Resource Library

We hope to see you there — in your dancing shoes, dressed in red, white, and blue. Come celebrate your freedom to read, explore, question, and grow. Let’s toast to stories, community, and the joy of letting loose for a great cause.

Get Your Tickets Now!

Can’t attend? Make a gift to support the Library.

Johnson County Library Foundation logo with two people at event.
  • July 30, 2024

written by Lisa Larson-Bunnell, JCL Foundation Board Member

Library Lets Loose is one of my favorite events of the year. It’s a night where we can have fun and support the Library system that we all love. And supporting our libraries is more important than ever. 

Theme and Dress

The theme for this year is Top Secret: An Evening of Espionage. Yes, a “spy” theme!  Who wants to be James Bond for the evening, or Julia Child? I would love for you to join me in dressing to theme. I can’t wait see what you have planned!

Dancing, Food, Drinks and Other Classified Information

DJ Stann will be with us once again, playing a lot of great music for dancing. We will have 15 local restaurants with bite sized samples including Betty Rae’s Ice Cream, Korma Sutra, Weiner Kitchen, Whole Harvest Kitchen, and many more. J. Rieger & Co. is making our ‘Let Loose Juice’. And, shout out to Jay Sanders with Wild Child (Shawnee) who is making a fun non-alcoholic mixed drink.

Raffle for Experience Prizes

Raffle tickets are $100 each. They can be purchased before or during the event. You don’t need to be present to win. No clandestine operations here. Prizes this year include a 4-night stay at the Hyatt in Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, join KCUR’s Steve Kraske for a taping of his morning radio show and lunch, tour the Johnson County Sherriff’s Crime Lab, and much more. Check out our website for prizes being added daily.

Secret Mission

Every guest has the opportunity to be a Secret Agent for the night. Your mission, should you choose to accept it: apprehend the crime syndicate who wants to get rid of the Dewey Decimal System. They must be brought to justice for all library lovers. The reward will be a chance to win a secret mission prize. As always, should you get caught, we will disavow any knowledge of your actions and your library card will be permanently revoked.

Volunteers and Leadership — Spies are not made, they are Bourne

A BIG thank you to everyone who has made this event a success. Starting with Anne and Bill Blessing who are the Honorary Hosts. Co-Chairs of the event are Sarah Page and Anjali Pandya. Sarah is a local realtor who loves to read. Anjali is a Library Foundation board member who has a killer British accent. Thank you to everyone on the Library Lets Loose Committee, the Library Foundation Board, DJ Stann, and Julie Steiner, Board President.

Library Lets Loose
Saturday, September 21st
6:30 PM – 10:00 PM

at the Central Resource Library
9875 W. 87th St. Overland Park, KS 66212

Get Tickets

Tickets are on sale now! We do expect this event to sell out this year, so purchase your tickets early.

Johnson County Library Foundation hosts Library Lets Loose event on September 21, 2024.
  • May 30, 2024

written by Steph Neu, Event Coordinator of the Johnson County Library Foundation

Fantabulistic is the word Foundation board member and Library Lets Loose DJ Stann Tate uses to describe our annual signature event. Now in its 9th year, Library Lets Loose is our one-night-only opportunity to “let loose” for an evening at the Johnson County Library. This includes enjoying local food and cocktails, interactive experiences, raffle drawings, and music and dancing.

Tray of colorful macarons at Library Lets Loose

This year takes on a new theme to weave through the night: Library Lets Loose – Top Secret: A Night of Espionage. What do spies need? Information of course. No better place to access information than a party at the Library. Just know you may need to take on a new identity, ask a lot of questions, and learn the secrets to access important information. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, will result in fun and rewards.

When asked what he’s looking forward to this year, Stann replied “I’m looking forward to seeing newbies who never thought a library party could be so hip, cool, and fun! I’m also looking forward to seeing what people wear for the spy-themed event.”

Tate added, “This event is important because it opens eyes to many of resources that our amazing libraries offer to the community. Our libraries are more than books, they are a foundational part of our community where people can meet, build, create, and dream through our diverse resources.”

Other event committee members expressed similar excitement. Words used to describe Library Lets Loose included: essential, community, celebration, and generosity. As this event is the largest fundraiser for the Library Foundation each year, every dollar donated makes a difference.

This event is the perfect opportunity for date night, book clubs, girls’ night out, or a solo guest to see the library in a new light. Library Lets Loose is a chance for people who love the library to come together and show their support for this valuable Johnson County agency.

Smiling attendees at Library Lets Loose

Funds raised enhance the Library’s programs, services, and lifelong learning resources. Honorary Hosts Anne and Bill Blessing shared their excitement for this year’s event using the word FUNraiser. The Blessings added their enthusiasm for supporting digital resources this year, like Libby and Brainfuse.

Ebooks and EAudiobooks are accessed on Libby like never before. In 2019, Johnson County Library cardholders downloaded over 956,000 digital materials. Last year, it was over 1,804,000. This year we are on pace to hit over 2,000,000.

Don’t miss it! Join us on Saturday, September 21, 6:30-10 pm at the Central Resource Library. What will your word be to describe this year’s event?

Learn more about Library Lets Loose!
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