Gift Cards Available

A Friends gift card is the perfect present for teachers, book lovers, your best friend, your neighbor, your aunt, your accountant...we could keep going. 😉
Physical cards are available to purchase in person at our used book sales.

About Friends of Johnson County Library

The Friends of Johnson County Library is a member-supported group promoting community awareness of and involvement in Johnson County Library. We serve as Library advocates and we foster literacy and lifelong learning.

Friends volunteers and employees work at the library branches, the Sorting Center, and at books sales – and are 600 strong and growing. Together, we process more than 600,000 donated items each year – and we are the single largest donor to the Library. The Friends have raised and given more than $2.5 million since 1999 and provided 18,200+ hours of volunteer work last year.


Old photograph of bookmobile with librarian and library board members

History of the Friends

The Friends organization was formed more than 65 years ago to advocate for a public library. Prior to county funding, we opened volunteer libraries in schools, stores, and homes. In 1955, Johnson County Library received funding for a paid director, and our group became “Friends of the Library.” In the ensuing years, the Friends have hosted events, advocated for bond issues, conducted book sales, and established used bookstores. As a 501c3, we continue to be a vital part of the Johnson County Library community.

The Friends began as the Prairie School PTA Library Committee. They determined a need for a Johnson County library system which was growing by leaps and bounds after WW2. They circulated petitions for county-wide elections and advocated for citizens to vote for a Bond Issue. The Johnson County Library was established in 1952, with over 80% of the citizens voting YES.

However, it took some time to collect the original tax funds. So, the Committee set up and operated volunteer libraries. They collected donated books, built shelves, sought free spaces, and operated with volunteers. Our County Commission approved funding in 1955 and hired Miss Shirley Brother (seen above on the step of the Bookmobile) as the first County Librarian. In 1956, the Citizens Library Committee reorganized as Friends of the Library. We now operate as a separately incorporated nonprofit and have energetically and eagerly supported JCL since that time with time, talent, and treasure!

the Friends 2024 Board of Directors

The Friends of Johnson County Library, along with the Johnson County Library Foundation, is a volunteer-led and passion-fueled organization. Our joint mission is to support Johnson County Library.

Shanna Eiklenborg, President
Karen O’Mara, Vice President/President-elect
Stacy Bunck, Past President
Lauren Plumlee, Secretary
Cassie Klein, Treasurer

Andrea Artist
Chris Meier
Jae Moyer
Emily Null Miller
Lindsay Park
Tyler Reese
Abigail Yeagle

Our Staff

Shanta Dickerson, Executive Director
Karin Dembinski, Sorting & Sales Specialist
Chris Hickam, E-commerce and Business Operations Manager
Rich Lucero, Sorting & Sales Specialist

Library Support Staff

Amber Bourek Slater, Volunteer & Friends Engagement Coordinator

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