Foundation Logo Transparent 

 How Can I Support the Foundation ?

There are numerous ways to make a contribution to the foundation.

  • Join us for our A Taste of Literacy event on September 14, 2014 at 6:00 pm.  
  • Make a tax-deductible donation. 
  • Make a contribution in memory or in honor of a friend or relative.
  • Donate property, investments and/or insurance policies.
  • Include the foundation in your will.

For further information, please contact Julie Clark at 913-971-6878 or jclark@olathelibrary.org.

Monetary contributions can be made: 

  • Online
  • By check, made payable to the Olathe Public Library Foundation and mailed along with the donor form to 16100 W. 135th Street, Olathe, KS 66062.

The IRS recognizes the Olathe Public Library Foundation as a 501(c)(3) organization, making all charitable gifts to the foundation tax deductible to the extent provided by law. 

Your contribution is important! Continuing contributions are necessary to assist the library system in achieving excellence. A gift to the foundation is a gift of knowledge to the community. 

What is the Library Foundation?

The Olathe Public Library Foundation is a component fund of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, established for the purpose of enhancing facilities, providing materials for the library collection, and supporting the library’s services.

Why Does the Library Have a Foundation?

Public funds make libraries possible, but it is private gifts that make them flourish. The Olathe Public Library Foundation was established to ensure the library system remains a vital community resource.

The foundation's purpose is to provide a long-term supplemental funding program to assist in providing those services not available through traditional tax-base funding.

How Does the Foundation Support the Library System?

Donations are invested and the interest is used for the benefit of the library system. Foundation contributions may result in funds to offset some of the costs of library system automation, expansion of reference and circulating collections, programming, and assistance for the disabled.

The Foundation has provided $570,397 in grants to the Olathe Public Library since it was founded in 2000. 

2024 Foundation Grants 

  • Winter/ Summer Reading Program - $12,000: Ongoing support of the annual Winter/Summer Reading Programs, providing promotions, reading incentives and program presenters.
  • Family/ Signature Programs- $6,000: Programs presented throughout the year, including MLK Day, Valentine Fun, Star Wars Day and Winterfest.

  • Makerspace – Roland vinyl printer/cutter replacement – $19,000 - Replacement of the aging equipment will allow the Makerspace to offer this unique service and the replacement equipment will have new features for customers to use.

  • Mobility Scooters - $3,200 – Two electric four-wheeled scooters for each library to assist customers with mobility issues. 

     

  • Author Events - $15,000 – Grant includes author speaking fees, transportation and book purchases for giveaways.

  • Teen Zone Technology - $5,608 – The Teen Zone is vital to lowering barriers for teens to learn skills with computers, consoles and socializing with others. This grant will upgrade equipment at both libraries and keep up with gaming trends.

  • Teen Subscription Box Program - $5,000 – This program provides a monthly box to 50 teens (20 high schoolers and 30 middle schoolers) and is the equivalent of a book club for teens. Each box contains a book and additional items related to a theme and a QR code that allows the teens to discuss the book in a virtual environment.

Foundation Board

  • Gregg Herbert, Chair
  • Emily Baker, Vice-Chair
  • Tracy Hiesberger, Secretary
  • Julie Clark, Treasurer
  • Lori Franklin
  • Eirene Knott
  • Colette McGee
  • Mahta Millerlile
  • Susan Sherman
  • Hector Silva
  • Casey Wilhm

Olathe Library Foundation's Story

Olathe resident Cliff Tatham served for many years on the Olathe Public Library Board. Cliff and his wife, Elaine, felt the need to provide funding for the library programs that would not exist without private donations. In 2000, Cliff started a community wide fundraising campaign to provide funding for these programs. Library Foundation grants to enhance library services are announced in the fall of each year and distributed at the start of the following year. The Foundation is administered by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. 

The Foundation held its first “A Taste of Literacy” dinner in the fall of 2003. The dinner serves to thank donors and raise awareness about the Foundation and library needs. The Foundation continues the tradition of having an author dinner each fall.