Foundation Stories

written by Shelley R. O’Brien

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the link between the federal government and your local public library. They are responsible for distributing federal money to state libraries and administering grant funding. Last Friday (March 14^th) the White House issued an Executive Order to eliminate “to the maximum extent of the law” IMLS and 6 other federal agencies. In 2024, IMLS distributed over $266.7 million to libraries and museums across the country with an estimated $2.1 million coming to Kansas public libraries.

This will impact all Kansas public libraries, but the impact on rural libraries could be significant. 

If federal funding is shut off to the State Library of Kansas, the over 300 libraries across the state will be financially impacted starting in 2026. The Johnson County Library, while in a better position than most, could see a significant decrease to our $165,810 distribution for this year. This funding goes directly to the purchasing of physical books for our 14 libraries. More rural libraries across the state are heavily dependent on their state funding, for some constituting the majority of their budgets.

Additionally, the State Library of Kansas is already fighting for its budget in Topeka including their 29 staff members who serve Kansas residents and researchers for legislators. Their annual budget is $7.3 million, which includes the $2.1 million coming from the federal government.

Since 1855, the State Library of Kansas has provided library and information services to the executive and legislative branches of state government and to deliver 21st-century library services and resources to all Kansas residents.

More updates to come on this developing situation. This is the time to remind everyone that you use public libraries – in person or online – this cut will impact you and your community. The Johnson County Library Foundation will start additional fundraising efforts to make up for this shortfall. More to come!

written by Shelley O’Brien, Executive Director of the Johnson County Library Foundation

Library Giving Day is an annual event started by the Seattle Public Library Foundation. The idea was to create a national day of giving for public libraries to rally around and for the public to embrace. Libraries are the cornerstones of our community. Whether through our in-person or virtual services, libraries are inclusive spaces that offer innovative programs, promote lifelong learning and advance knowledge for all members of our community.

We hope you will join us in supporting Johnson County Library on Library Giving Day or any time of the year. We accept donations through online giving as a 50l(c)(3) organization that supports the Library – or feel free to email me at [email protected] to learn about other avenues of support.

One of the fantastic programs we raise money for is Brainfuse which offers one-on-one online tutoring for K-12 students. The Brainfuse website matches every student with a tutor on-demand based on the grade and subject matter. Struggling with a math homework problem? There is someone to help. Have an important paper to write? Submit your paper and within one business day receive feedback and learning suggestions. Want to learn Spanish? Meet with a tutor who can work with you to practice your vocabulary words. ACT or SAT prep? There are study guides and sample tests to get you ready.

Any student with a Johnson County Library card can access Brainfuse from any computer, anywhere, for unlimited one-on-one tutoring. This is at no cost to the student.

The Johnson County Library Foundation has several donors who designate donations to Brainfuse and other digital resources. This guarantees that the program will continue to help students and they can see it as a stable resource to help them through middle school and high school. Please consider making a gift to the Library Foundation to support Brainfuse and other digital programming from Johnson County Library on Library Giving Day or at any time. We appreciate your support of our Library and our community.