The Johnson County Health Department, in cooperation with the Johnson County Library, encourages citizens who need a place to cool down during hot days to visit one of 13 library branches. All of these facilities will be available during normal business hours.

Have you seen the trucks? Are there some interesting new businesses in town? Johnson County Library couriers are making their book deliveries between Library locations in some specially decorated, literary-themed trucks: Captain Ahab’s Fine Seafood, Benjamin Button’s Diaper Service, Kafka’s Pest Control, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’s Pharmacy with the tag line "Available at Johnson County Library." The messages on the trucks are part of campaign to promote the library, the many stories that can be found there and to encourage reading, even the classics.

The Johnson County Library will sign an agreement with the Hispanic Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) on Tuesday, June 16 at 10 a.m. at the Oak Park Neighborhood Library, 9500 Bluejacket, Overland Park, KS, to provide bilingual business services to current and aspiring entrepreneurs.

With words like "forclosure, layoffs and downsizing" saturating headlines, who can help but feel stressed? The Library is here to help you through these difficult economic times. We've vamped up our career and personal investing Web pages to guide you through your job search or help you make informed decisions about your finances. The Library also offers free computer classes on Microsoft Windows XP, Word and Excel.

www.jocolibrary.org/careers  |  www.jocolibrary.org/personalinvesting | www.jocolibrary.org/computerclasses  

If you need something a little lighter to occupy your mind, we have a vast selection of DVDs (especially comedies), audiobooks and CDs. Our Find a Good Book pages provide a wonderful selection of staff favorites and themed booklists.

And if you just need to get out of the house for a while, stop by any neighborhood Library for free programs or stroll through the stacks to find your next summer read.

If at anytime you have a question, don't hesitate to contact us. Because you can't talk to a search engine.

Get ready for the upcoming release of newest Harry Potter movie with the popular Harry Potter podcast, PotterCast. The event is on Monday, July 6 at 6 p.m. in the Carmack Community Room at the Central Resource Library. Watch and participate as PotterCast is recorded live from the library, including performances by the popular wizard rock bands The Remus Lupins, and The Whomping Willows. Costumes are welcome!

This is your first opportunity to turn in your Summer Reading logs, so bring them with you to the performance and receive a book for a prize!

Space is limited and attendees will be admitted on a first come, first serve basis.
 
Find out more about this event by visiting the performers' Web pages:
PotterCast: http://www.pottercast.com
The Remus Lupins: http://www.myspace.com/theremuslupins
The Whomping Willows: http://www.myspace.com/thewhompingwillows

On Wednesday, May 27, 2009 Johnson County Library staffmembers Debbie McLeod, Kate Pickett and Helen Hokanson appeared on the program Up to Date on KCUR, 89.3 FM to discuss their picks for the best summer reading. Books for children, teens and adults will be discussed and read from. If you miss the show, you can listen to the archived episode on KCUR's Web site. If you'd like to see what books will be discussed, you can see the list at www.jocolibrary.org/KCURpicks.

The summer of 1969 marked man's first walk on the moon, but locally it was the first summer that a full service Library was available in the Roeland Park and Mission areas of the County. The Johnson County Library will host a 40th anniversary celebration and open house at the Cedar Roe Neighborhood Library, 5120 Cedar, Roeland Park, Kan. on Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The economy may be tight but the prices at this sale are just right! The Johnson County Library will hold the 2009 Annual Sizzlin' Summer Used Book Sale in cooperation with Friends of the Library at Metcalf South Shopping Center, 9635 Metcalf, Overland Park, Kan., in early June. This will provide a great opportunity to stock up on gently used books and audiovisual materials for all ages and interests at bargain prices. Most items are priced at $1 and 50 cents each with some items specially marked.

The 2009 summer reading clubs at Johnson County Library begin on Tuesday, May 26 and run through Saturday, August 1. This year, readers and listeners of all ages are encouraged to get creative and expressive and delve into the exciting world of books by keeping a log of books read and by attending library programs throughout the summer.

The Johnson County Library will host a community issues forum, "No Child Left Inside: How Can We Help Connect Children with Nature," on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 from 7-8:30 p.m., at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, Kan.

Save the Date: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 at the Central Resource Library.

Many government agencies help business owners start or expand a business for little or no cost. Representatives from local agencies will attend this year's event, including: Kansas Small Business Development Center, KCSourceLink, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas State Data Center and many more. There's no cost to attend and no reservations required. For more information send us an e-mail.

This program is a winner of the 2008 National Association of Counties (NACO) Achievement Award.  

You're Invited!
Join our group on LinkedIn.com

More details coming soon...

On Saturday, April 18, 2009 the Library held its second annual Teen Fashion Show. It featured music, teen-created fashions, teen models and slam poetry from teens and National Slam Poet Champion, Gino Morrow.

See the video: http://www.jocoteenscene.org/fashion

The Johnson County Library is looking for community residents to share their Old School stories in conjunction with the 2009 Big Read project. StoryCorps, a national initiative to document everyday history and the unique stories of Americans, will visit the Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 W.87th St., Overland Park, Kan., on May 13-14, 2009 to celebrate the stories of the community as part of its Door-to-Door Program. StoryCorps is a national independent nonprofit project in partnership with NPR and the American Folklife Center (AFC) at the Library of Congress. The Big Read is a Kansas City metrowide reading program that encourages people to read and discuss Tobias Wolff’s book Old School, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest and is designed to restore reading to the center of American culture.  (See: www.kcbigread.org.)

Come enjoy an exciting night of science at the Library! The Johnson County Library will host the third annual Family Science Night on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St. Overland Park, Kan. The program is in partnership with KC Science INC. The event is free and no registration is required. Students and their families will see science come alive.

The Johnson County Library will host a special program entitled The Harvey Girls on Friday, May 8, 2009 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This program is cosponsored by and held at Santa Marta 13800 W. 116th St., Olathe, Kan.

The Johnson County Library will host an Asian Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Blue Valley Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park, Kan. in conjunction with Asian Heritage Month in May.

A wide range of activities will provide a glimpse of Asian culture through music, dancing, art, crafts, and food from several different Asian countries. This will be a fun, exciting day for the whole family. Join us for any part of the day. No registration necessary.

The Johnson County Library Foundation is seeking public nominations for the 2009 Pinnacle Awards. The Pinnacle Award was launched in 2002 by the Johnson County Library Foundation to recognize excellence in the arts. The award is presented annually to a significant artist or arts supporter whose work has influenced the cultural well-being of the community. Beginning in 2008, the Foundation expanded the Pinnacle Award to include three additional categories, which highlight a program or special area of emphasis at the Johnson County Library. The additional awards will recognize Excellence in: Advocacy and Public Engagement; Business and Entrepreneurship; and Literacy and Education. Honorees must demonstrate excellence in their professional field or philanthropic pursuits.

National Library Week runs April 12-18 this year, and to celebrate, the Johnson County Library and the Friends of the Library hold an annual Bookmark Contest. We held the contest earlier this year so that we can announce the winners this week. At the April 15 Library Board meeting, this year's winners were honored:

Ryan Imhoff, Preschool-Kindergarten.
Adit Agarwal Grades 1-2.
Anna Clements, Grades 3-4.
Erika Lobo, Grades 3-4.
Riya Rana, Grades 5-6.
Erica Chang, Grades 5-6.
Betsy Cha, Grades 5-6.
Haile Snider, Grades 7-8.
Christine Perinchery, Grades 9-12.
Janice Haney, Adult.

You can see the winning designs at www.jocolibrary.org/bookmarks, and all 13 Johnson County Libraries will have the designs available as real bookmarks throughout the summer. 

Save the date! Join your neighbors at the annual Asian Heritage Festival at Blue Valley Library on Saturday May 2, 2009 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The festival will provide a glimpse into Asian culture through art, dance, music, food and games. Fun for the whole family. No registration necessary. For more information call (913) 495-3850 or go to www.jocolibrary.org/asianfest.

Sign up today to have your brain implanted with a special chip so that all library information—books, articles, account information, upcoming events and more—will be directly routed into your thoughts.

The brain implant service is available at all 13 Johnson County Library locations with just a library card and PIN.

The actual procedure is painless—and it’s as easy as using the self-check out stations. Just place your head under the special brain chip implant scanner, type in your card number and PIN (don’t forget to omit the D and spaces), and within a few seconds, your brain will have access to all the resources and services of the library.

Contests, shows and spectaculars

The Johnson County Library will provide several outstanding events for teens during April.

Big Read Writing Contest: The Johnson County Library has partnered with the libraries of greater KC this year to provide the entire metro area the opportunity to participate in the Big Read. For teens the Johnson County Library is offering a metro-wide writing contest. Teens can write a short story or poem (1,200 words or less) in the style of their favorite author and submit them to their local library system. Each metro library system will choose two winners who will be invited to a breakfast with local KC authors. The winning teens will be entered into a metro-wide contest to be published in the Kansas City Star and a gift card to Barnes and Nobles. The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2009. A completed submission form must accompany every entry. Entries must be typed and double-spaced with a 1,200-word limit. Writers must be between the ages of 12 and 18: prizes will be awarded in two categories—for those ages 12 to 14 and those ages 15 to 18.Interested teens should check out the Big Read Web site at www.kcbigread.org for contest details and submission forms.

Teen Art Spectacular: The Johnson County Central Resource Library Young Adult Advisory Council is hosting a Teen Art Spectacular for teen artists. This is an opportunity for teens to submit their art (sketches, paintings, sculptures, textiles, etc) and have them displayed at the Teen Art Spectacular Reception at the Central Resource Library, 9875 w.87th St., Overland Park, May 2-4. Admissions will be accepted from April 1- May 1. More information is available on the Web site at www.jocoteenscene.org/spectacular.

Teen Fashion Show: The Johnson County Library is hosting a Teen Fashion Show at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, on Saturday, April 18th, from 7-9 pm. The event will showcase designs created by Blue Valley Academy, Broadmoor Technical School Harmony Middle School and Shawnee Mission Northwest students as well as teens from around Johnson County and the metro. See details and info about past fashion shows at www.jocoteenscene.org/fashion.

Library programs are free and open to the public; no registration required. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the program.

Donate used books, videos, CDs, DVDs until May 1

The Johnson County Library will hold the 2009 Annual Sizzlin’ Summer Used Book Sale in cooperation with Friends of the Library at Metcalf South Shopping Center, 9635 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS, in early June. Sale dates and hours will be:

• Wednesday, June 10, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thursday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday, June 13, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

According to Marsha Bennett, Community Relations Coordinator for Johnson County Library, the popular Sizzlin’ Summer Used Book Sale is one of the biggest and best book sales in the region. “Thousands of boxes of gently used books and audiovisual materials will be moved to the shopping center for the sale. Most items are priced at $1.00 and 50 cents each with some items specially marked,” she stated. “The sale is very popular and provides a great opportunity to stock up on books, videos, CDs, books on tape at bargain prices.

According to Bennett this is a great community recycling event. “Not only are items weeded from the library’s collection offered at the sale, but donations from the community make up about 60 to 70% of the items at the sale,” Bennett said. “We see more people who are budgeting during this economic downturn are shopping for those gently used books to read and enjoy. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on reading materials at fantastic prices. Books are sorted by category so people can easily find their area of interest or favorite authors. People do not go away empty handed; there is something for everyone.”

Proceeds from the sale benefit the library. Last year’s sale, the largest in the 20-year history of the sale raised over $79,000.00.

“We are very pleased that the Metcalf South Shopping Center is donating the space again this year. We look forward to having the sale in a convenient location with ample parking for the large crowds,” Bennett stated. “Hundreds of volunteers work all year long getting materials ready for the sale.” In addition to materials retired from the library’s collection, donated items from the public will also be offered for sale. The Friends of the Library are accepting the following donated items in good condition for the sale until May 1:

• Hardback and paperback books for adults and children
• Fiction and non fiction books
• Coffee table type books on any subject
• Books and music on CD
• Movies and Video on VHS and DVD’s and instructional videos
• Music CDs, books on tape
• Textbooks, business and computer books
• Cookbooks, craft books, repair manuals

• Antioch Neighborhood Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Merriam
• Blue Valley Neighborhood Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park
• Cedar Roe Neighborhood Library, 5120 Cedar, Roeland Park
• Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park
• Corinth Neighborhood Library, 8100 Mission Road, Prairie Village
• Gardner Neighborhood Library, 137 E. Shawnee St., Gardner
• Lackman Neighborhood Library, 15345 W. 87th St. Pkwy, Lenexa
• Oak Park Neighborhood Library, 9500 Bluejacket, Overland Park
• Shawnee Neighborhood Library, 13811 Johnson Drive, Shawnee

• Books that are water damaged, moldy or have missing pages
• Magazines and newspapers
• LP records and music cassettes
• Encyclopedias over 10 years old

In addition to the annual book sale, the Johnson County Library and Friends of the Library cosponsor smaller book sales and operate two used book stores which are open year round, one at the Antioch Library and one at the Blue Valley Library. Founded in 1956, the Friends of the Johnson County Library has provided more than 50 years of support to the Johnson County Library. To join the Friends and support the Library, visit www.jocolibrary.org/friends, call (913) 261-2319 or pick up membership information at any Johnson County Library location.

National Healthcare Decisions Day is April 16

The Johnson County Library in cooperation with Saint Luke’s Health System will provide tables with information on the importance of healthcare decisions on April 16, National Healthcare Decisions Day, from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS.

Staff from Saint Luke’s as well as attorneys and care givers will be available to answer questions relating to health care decisions such as long term care, guardianships, living wills, end of life issues, advance directives and other related topics. Assistance will be provided for completing forms for advance directives and notaries will also be available. In addition, certified financial planners from the Society of Financial Awareness will be volunteering their time to talk about the financial aspects of end-of life issues. Information will also be provided by the library.

April 16, 2009 is National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) and highlights the importance of advance healthcare decision-making. NHDD organizers are encouraging organizations and individuals throughout the country to help raise awareness about the importance of advance care planning on this special day—and throughout the year. To help realize this goal, they have created a Web site with information and tools for the public to talk about future healthcare decisions and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living wills) in accordance with their applicable state laws. Visit www.nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org.

“As a result of National Healthcare Decisions Day, many more people in our community can be expected to have thoughtful conversations about their healthcare decisions and complete reliable advance directives to make their wishes known,” said Lisa Louis, Community Engagement Librarian at Johnson County Library. “Fewer families and healthcare providers will have to struggle with making difficult healthcare decisions in the absence of guidance from the patient, and healthcare providers and facilities will be better equipped to address advance healthcare planning issues before a crisis and be better able to honor patient wishes when the time comes to do so.”

As a participating organization Johnson County Library is providing information and tools for the public to talk about their wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers, and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living will) in accordance with state laws. For more information contact Lisa Louis at 913-495-2421.

Library programs are free and open to the public. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the program.

The Johnson County Library will hold the 2009 Annual Sizzlin’ Summer Used Book Sale in cooperation with Friends of the Library at Metcalf South Shopping Center, 9635 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS, in early June. Sale dates and hours will be:
Wednesday, June 10, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, June 13, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A “Friends of Library Member Only” Preview Sale will be held on Tuesday, June 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. which requires a current Friends of the Library membership card which may be purchased at the sale or Friends Used book stores located at Antioch and Blue Valley Neighborhood libraries.

The Johnson County Library will join with the libraries of Greater Kansas City to launch the 2009 Big Read program in celebration of Tobias Wolff’s Old School. A kick-off event will be held on Saturday, April 4, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. the Legends Shopping Center, 1843 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, KS. Rock out with the Krazy Kats, who will be playing hits from the 1960s—the era depicted in Old School—by the scenic courtyard fountain at the Legends Shopping Center. While enjoying the music, learn more about Big Read activities and book groups—and purchase a copy of the book.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week is April 26 to May 2, 2009. To help raise awareness of victims' rights, the Johnson County District Attorney's Office will host a  reception Thursday, April 2, 2009; 4-6 p.m. at the Central Resource Library. District Attorney Steve Howe and SafeHome Executive Director, Sharon Katz will speak regarding victims of crime. This event will feature art created by victims and service providers.

Details coming soon to www.jocoteenscene.org/fashion.

The front entrance to the Central Resource Library will be closed for a remodeling project that will start sometime this spring depending on contracts and weather. Once began, the project will take about two months.

Please use the west entrance during that time. The project will not only repair the chipping concrete and improve the aesthetics, but the result will be a more accessible and safer entrance for all patrons entering the building.

Track our progress with the flickr sldeshow below.

The Johnson County Library is offering free homework assistance for students at four library locations through May 15.  The drop-in Homework Help program provides homework coaches who are available to assist students after school and on Sundays. The library provides many useful resources for students. The goal of the program is to teach students how to use library resources to complete their homework assignments.

E-mail notification is the fastest, most efficient and most environmentally friendly way to receive information about your library account. In this era of tightening budgets and concerns about overuse of paper, please consider switching from paper to e-mail notices.

Switching is easy! Simply contact any Johnson County Library and tell them you would like to receive e-mail notices instead of paper.

Here's how

• Call (913) 495-9100
• or Visit the service desk at your neighborhood Library
• or Send us an e-mail (be sure to include your card number)

Why Switch?

• Receive courtesy notices before items are due. Never miss a due date again! 
• Get hold notices within one day of their availability.
• Benefit the environment by decreasing the Library's use of paper 
• Conserve Library and taxpayer money

Privacy

Patrons e-mail addresses are used for Library account information only and will not be given or sold to any other party for any purpose whatsoever. You will never be signed up for any communication without your consent.

Questions?

Contact us with any questions or concerns.

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Get Library updates through Twitter! We'll provide you with little snippets about new things at the Library including program information, holiday hours, art exhibits and more!

You can also receive updates on your phone or download other fun Twitter gadgets!

The first, second and third place winners (as well as honorable mention) have been selected for the 2008 Teen Photo Content. This year's contest had the theme "Books With Bite: Show Us Your Inner Beast," and as you'll see, the photographers really went to town with this idea! This year, 145 photos were submitted, making the selection process difficult. As much as we would have liked to display every one, the size of the exhibit is limited.

You can see the photos at www.jocoteenscene.org/teenphoto or by visiting one of our libraries as the photos make a tour of the Johnson County Libraries. The photos will follow this schedule:

• Oct. 18–Nov. 8, 2008: Central Resource Library
• Nov. 15–Dec. 6, 2008: Antioch
• Dec. 13, 2008–Jan. 3, 2009: Cedar Roe
• Jan. 10–Jan. 31, 2009: Oak Park
• Feb. 7–Feb. 28, 2009: Lackman
• March 7–March 28, 2009: Blue Valley
• April 4–April 25, 2009: Gardner

For details on past events, browse our News Archives.