Questions about the Library Foundation:
The Johnson County Library Foundation is a separate 501(c)3 non-profit organization who works on behalf of the Johnson County Library. The Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Johnson County Library.
Friends of Johnson County Library is a separate 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to advocate for public libraries and sells used books, including those from the Johnson County Library. Their Sort-to-Sell Facility is located at 8279 Melrose Dr. in Lenexa.
The Johnson County Library is primarily funded by a tax on all Johnson County property owners, except those who live in Olathe, who fund the Olathe Libraries. This funding covers daily operations, staff, buildings, and core operations. The Foundation raises funds for programs, services, and resources that are not covered by tax dollars. A lot of the services you love at the Library are thanks to private donations via the Foundation.
We work closely with Library leadership to identify high-impact programs that are needed in our community. Each year, library managers decide on the wish list of priority needs.
Our funding comes from a wide range of generous donors—individuals, foundations, and corporations—who believe in the power of public libraries to transform lives.
Questions about Donations:
You can make a secure donation online through our website, mail a check to our office at 9875 W. 87th Street in Overland Park, KS 66212, or call us to give by phone at 913-826-4309. Monthly giving, donor-advised fund, and memorial/tribute gifts are also available. Learn the different ways to give here.
Your donation supports high-impact programs across our Library’s 14 branches, like early literacy initiatives, homework help with Brainfuse, digital and physical materials, not covered by tax dollars.
Yes. The Johnson County Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. You will always receive a receipt for your contribution.
Donations to Library Lets Loose are tax-deductible, minus the value of food and drink. Please see your receipt for the accurate amount for your taxes.
Yes. The easiest way to set it up is via our website. We will send you an annual tax-deduction receipt in January.
Yes. Please send us the person’s name and additional information.
Yes. Many employers will match your charitable contributions—doubling or even tripling your impact. Check with your HR department.
General support helps us with immediate needs. That said, you may select one of the following gift funds to donate to. Please let us know if you have any questions about these gift funds.
- Early childhood literacy
- elementia – teen creative arts magazine
- Brainfuse – Homework Help
- Summer Reading
- Justice Served
- Home Connect
- Library Field Trips
- Writer’s Conference
- Digital materials – Libby
- Physical Materials
- Programming for Older Adults
- MakerSpace
We do not designate to specific branches because our system works as one library. If you have a question about designating funds, please email Shelley O’Brien at [email protected]
You can include the Johnson County Library Foundation in your will, trust, or retirement plan. We’re happy to work with you or your advisor to provide sample language and answer any questions. Learn more about Planned Giving by contacting Shelley O’Brien at [email protected]
The Johnson County Library and Library Foundation does not accept new or used books. We recommend you contact the Friends of Johnson County Library. Additionally, the Friends have donation bins and most of our 14 branches.
Questions about Getting Involved:
Our annual event is called Library Lets Loose. It is hosted in September of each year and raises critical funds to support lifelong learning programs. Over 650 people join us at the Central Resource Library to ‘party in the stacks’ for a terrific cause!
Additionally, all donors are invited to join us twice a year for special speaker events sponsored by the 1952 Society – our planned giving society. Those events are open by RSVP to all Foundation donors and limited by capacity.
Thank you for thinking of us. Donating an auction item is a great way to promote your business. Please contact Melissa Stan at [email protected] for more information.
We welcome corporate and foundation partners who are committed to education, innovation, and community impact. Partnership opportunities include program sponsorships, event sponsorships, and employee engagement activities. Contact Melissa Stan at [email protected] for more information.
Yes! Johnson County Library is very proud of our volunteer program with over 1,000 volunteering each year. To start, you must register on the volunteer website. Click here to learn more.