During National Friends of Libraries Week, Oct. 18-24, Friends of Johnson County Library is recognizing the volunteers, advocates and supporters who help make library services possible across Johnson County.
The annual celebration, coordinated nationally by United for Libraries, raises awareness of Friends groups and their contributions to public libraries. For Friends of Johnson County Library, that work extends beyond its popular weekend used-book sales to include advocacy, volunteer service and opportunities that connect people with their libraries.
“We’re advocates, volunteers, community connectors and enthusiastic champions of Johnson County Library and all that it makes possible,” said Shanta Dickerson, executive director of Friends of Johnson County Library.
Founded 70 years ago to advocate for a public library, the organization initially opened volunteer libraries in schools, stores and homes before Johnson County Library received funding for a paid director in 1955. Today, the Friends operate as a member-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit separate from the Library.
Friends relies on community support rather than public tax dollars and promotes library awareness, literacy and lifelong learning. Its volunteers process about 600,000 donated items annually, contributing more than 24,600 volunteer hours in 2024. In 2025, their work represented more than $856,000 in in-kind services.
Friends also supports community engagement through programs such as its annual bookmark contest, whose winners were recently announced. Fourteen winning designs will be printed and distributed across all 14 Johnson County Library locations and the Friends Book Nook, a used bookstore with proceeds supporting the Library.
Dickerson said the contest reflects the many ways people connect with their libraries.
“You can give people the same little rectangle of space, and they’ll find completely different ways to fill it and tell the story of what the Library means to them,” she said. “There isn’t one right way to tell the Library’s story, and there isn’t one person who can tell it best. Each artist brings their own imagination, perspective and lived experience.”
The contest celebrates creativity while giving artists an opportunity to share their work with the community. For Dickerson, seeing winners celebrate with their families is among the most rewarding parts of the program.
“Getting to see the excitement of the artists, especially the littles and their families, is priceless,” she said. “It’s the ‘why’ of why we do this work.”
Community members can support Friends of Johnson County Library in several ways, including becoming members, donating books, shopping at the Book Nook and volunteering. The organization also encourages residents to advocate for public libraries and help others understand the resources and services they provide.
“Public libraries don’t thrive on goodwill alone and we can’t afford to take them for granted,” Dickerson said. “We need people who understand their value and are willing to help fight for them when the time comes.”
The Friends Book Nook, located at 8281 Melrose Drive in Lenexa, offers gently used books and new inventory each week. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Every little bit of involvement helps, and we’d love to have you join us!” Dickerson said.
To learn more about membership, volunteer opportunities, book donations and other ways to support the organization, visit friendsofjcl.org. To learn about Johnson County Library, visit jocolibrary.org.
