Olathe Public Library

 How Can I Support the Foundation ?

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

• 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. 

The Olathe Public Library Foundation holds an annual author dinner fundraiser each fall which includes dinner catered by the Olathe North High School Culinary Arts program. If you have questions about the event, please email jclark@olathelibrary.org.

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 $628,252 in grants to the Olathe Public Library since it was founded in 2000. 

2025 Foundation Grants 

• Winter/ Summer Reading Program -$24,000 – Ongoing support of the annual Winter/Summer Reading Programs, providing promotions, reading incentives and program presenters.
• Family/Signature Programs - $4,000 – Programs presented throughout the year, including MLK Day, Valentine Fun, Star Wars Day and Winterfest.
• Makerspace – InvenTABLE (10) equipment and library carts – $4,000 – Tables/accessories/workbooks for the family friendly cardboard cutter equipment as well as carts to store them.
• Safe Sitter Manuals - $3,000 – Safe Sitter classes are offered free to Olathe students and this grant provides funds for the cost of the manuals.
• Durable Umbrellas for DT Library Rooftop Terrace - $15,355 – These umbrellas will provide more shade and a welcoming environment to the community terrace.
• Teen Subscription Box Program - $7,500 – This program provides a monthly box to 60 teens (20 high schoolers and 40 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
• Brooke Cinalli
• Lori Franklin
• Donna McCarthy
• 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.