The 2012 summer reading clubs at Johnson County Library begin on Monday, May 21 and run through Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012. This year, readers and listeners of all ages will travel into the exciting world of books by keeping a log of books they have read and/or heard, participating in online book sharing or by simply attending library programs throughout the summer.

The theme for the program is Dream Big READ! Reading logs will be available at all Johnson County Library locations beginning May 21 or may be printed from the Library’s summer reading website.

Summer reading program participants set their own goals for summer reading, record their books on their reading logs, and return the logs to the library July 1 - Aug. 4. Preschoolers can listen to books read by their friends or family members. School-aged children will be encouraged to read at least six books of their choice on their own since research shows that reading at least six books during the summer will help them retain their reading skills. Teens may set their own goals to read their favorite books or magazines and those ages 13-19 may log their progress online through Goodreads, share reviews and enter online contests. Children of all ages may also listen to books-on tape, CDs or the downloadable books found on the library’s website.

Each participant who submits their reading log by Aug. 4 will receive a free paperback book and be eligible to be a “star” on their own READ poster and win a family four-pack of tickets to Science City. There will also be weekly drawings for fun, summer themed-related prizes at each location. Weekly prizes for teens include gift cards to area retailers. The summer reading clubs are supported by a generous donation from the Friends of the Johnson County Library.

Summer programs at neighborhood libraries will include performances by Doctor of Laughology: Harris Deutsch, juggler Brian Wendling, jugglers and comedians Laughing Matters, Funky Mama Music, musician Scott Klamm, storyteller Jo Ho and more. Read to a Dog, storytimes and other 6 b 6 early literacy activities, and Anime Clubs for teens will also be offered. Check the Library website for program times and location details.

Ardie Davis is recognized as a Kansas City barbecue legend and a certified master competition judge. He is the founder of Greasehouse University, the only institution of its kind, where one goes to pursue the famous doctorate of barbecue philosophy (Ph. B). Currently he writes for the Kansas City Bullsheet, the official newsletter of the Kansas City Barbecue Society. He’s authored and coauthored numerous books, of which America’s Best Ribs: Tips and Recipes for Easy, Lip-Smacking, Pull-Off-the-Bone, Pass-the-Sauce, Championship-Quality BBQ Ribs at Home is his latest.

Saturday, June 2, 2012
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cedar Roe Library
No registration required

Mitra Templin, DeSoto, has been reappointed to the Johnson County Library Board of Directors. Neil Shortlidge, Olathe, has been appointed to a 4-year term.  Both appointments are effective through April 30, 2016.

Templin was first appointed in 2008 with that term ending on April 30, 2012. Commissioner Calvin Hayden requested her reappointment. 

Neil Shortlidge was appointed to the Johnson County Library Board of Directors for a four-year term as Commissioner Ed Eilert's appointee for an at-large position.  Shortlidge replaces Kristin Hansen, who completed one term on the Library Board and chose not to be reappointed. Shortlidge is a partner with Stinson Morrison Hecker and previously served on the Library Board from 1985 to 1992 and on the Johnson County Library Foundation Board from its beginnings in 1998 to present. 

 At the April 12 Library Board meeting the following officers were elected:

• President – Mitra Templin
• Vice President/Secretary – Catherine Nugent
• Treasurer – Nancy Hupp

The Library Board meets on the second Thursday of each month, and its agendas and minutes are posted on the Johnson County Library website.

The Johnson County Library Foundation is seeking public nominations for the 2012 Pinnacle Awards. The Pinnacle Award recognizes Excellence in: the Arts; Advocacy and Public Engagement; Business and Entrepreneurship; and Literacy and Education. Honorees have demonstrated excellence in their professional field or philanthropic pursuits.

Nominations may be submitted by the public via online nomination form. Deadline for nomination is Friday, June 29, 2012. Foundation staff is available to assist nominators in completing the online form.

For more information, go to the Johnson County Library Foundation Pinnacle Awards page.

Do you have an important test coming up in school? Are you looking for a career in law enforcement? Do you need to get your GED? LearningExpressLibrary can help you with all of these and more. LearningExpressLibrary has practice tests and tutorials designed for students, elementary through graduate levels and adult learners. Academic and licensing tests are available, with immediate scoring, complete answer explanations and individualized results analysis. LearningExpressLibrary also offers tutorials for business writing skills and job and career success skills. LearningExpressLibrary is free for Library patrons to use and can be accessed both in and outside of the Library.

We are now calling for submissions for the tenth issue of elementia, our teen art and literature zine. The tenth issue of elementia will be dedicated to the 2012 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Walter Dean Myers. Walter Dean Myers is an award winning young adult author who has often said creative writing and reading go hand and hand. As Ambassador, he has proclaimed that “reading is not optional”. We at Johnson County Library agree.

Please submit poetry, fiction, non-fiction, art, or photography that fits into at least one of these forums:

• Read one of Walter Dean Myers books—write a poem from a character’s point a view; paint a picture that captures a scene from one of his books; write an essay reflecting on the themes presented in one of his books.
• Tell us what is not optional in your life? Reading? Writing? Drawing? Music? Travel? Etc. Tell us why.
• Why is reading not optional? How does reading foster creativity? How does reading affect/better a society?

Submissions will be accepted May 1 – Dec. 3. 2012. For more information, please visit our Teen site. We have a list of Walter Dean Myers books in our catalog.

The NEW Kids’ website gives kids access to our collection of books, music, movies, ebooks, and more like never before. Kids can get news about events, contests, and clubs. Homework Help and information about timely issues and happenings is easily accessible through the website. Kids can even listen to stories online. The new Kids’ website gives kids an easy and fun way to use and explore the Library!

We're especially proud of our Librarian Picks pages. Our funny, smart, creative Youth Services staff offer you their suggestions for great picture books, chapter books, poetry, nonfiction and more. Looking for a good book to read? Our staff will give you some terrific suggestions!

And this is just the beginning. Like your children, look for our Kids website to grow and change…fast!

At Johnson County Library, we pride ourselves on recommending books, audiobooks, movies, TV shows and music to you. We love it when someone asks us, "What's a good book you recommend?"

Our new Staff Picks page collects our recommendations for adults, teens and kids into one easy-to-use place. Check out our lists for mysteries, biographies, fantasy, science fiction, history and more, including readalikes for popular books and movies.

Also stop by the Staff Picks blog to read our featured reviews of books, movies and more. The blog is updated daily with insightful reviews of popular and unjustly overlooked works.

Whatever you are looking for, we can recommend something to intrigue, delight and educate you!

In February, 1943, a group of journalists--including a young wire service correspondent named Walter Cronkite and a cub reporter named Andy Rooney--clamored to fly along on a bombing raid over Nazi Germany. Seven of the 64 bombers that attacked a U-boat base that day never made it back to England. A fellow survivor, Homer Bigart of the New York Herald Tribune, asked Cronkite if he’d thought through a lede. “I think I’m going to say,” mused Cronkite, “that I’ve just returned from an assignment to hell.”

Johnson County Library and Rainy Day Books is pleased to offer you the opportunity to meet author Timothy Gay as he discusses his newly released title, Assignment to Hell: The War Against Nazi Germany with Correspondents Walter Cronkite, Andy Rooney, A.J. Liebling, Homer Bigart, and Hal Boyle. Gay, a 30-year veteran of the Washington, DC public policy community, spent more than two years researching this book, combing through microfilm, letters, papers, and diaries from the men, and traveling to old airbases and battlefields throughout Europe. Assignment to Hell offers a unique view of World War II and the journalists who covered it from the front lines.

Thursday, May 17, 2012
6:30-8 p.m.
Central Resource Library
No registration required

The Johnson County Library and the Friends of the Johnson County Library are pleased to announce the winners of the 2012 Bookmark Design Contest.

The winners in each category are:

• Preschool-Kindergarten: Josh Gordon, 6, Leawood, Kan.
• Grades 1-2: Hannah Homburg, 7, Lenexa, Kan.
• Grades 3-4: Catherine Erickson, 9, Leawood, Kan.; Annie Bogart, 10, Shawnee, Kan.
• Grades 5-6: Madeline Derusseau, 11, Leawood, Kan.; Alex Como, 11, Leawood, Kan.
• Grades 7-8: Jane Spencer, 14, Grandview, MO; Anna Clements, 13, Shawnee, Kan.
• Grades 9-12: Thanh Tho Nguyen, 16, Overland Park, Kan.
• Adults, ages 18 and up: Cynthia Bird, Kansas City, Kan.

The ten winning bookmarks were selected from over 700 entries received. Each of the 2012 design contest winners received a $25 cash prize, gift certificates to the Friends of the Library used book stores and copies of their bookmarks at the awards ceremony during the April 12 Library Board Meeting.

See the winning designs »

The 2012 winning designs have been printed and will be available at all Johnson County Library locations.

The Winning Artists

Kristen Hansen, Library Board Chair, and Jane O'Neil, Friends of the Library Board Member, congratulated the winners. 

For more information about the Friends of the Library, call (913) 826-4301.

The Johnson County Library Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Casserley as County Librarian for the Johnson County (Kan.) Library.

Casserley joined the Allen County (Ind.) Public Library in 1994 and has held the position of Bibliographic and Information Technology Manager since 2009, overseeing information technology, cataloging services, material support service, technical services/acquisitions, purchasing and processing. The Allen County Library employs 330 people and operates 13 branches plus a main library on a $22 million budget. Circulation exceeds 6.5 million.

Casserley has a math major/computer science minor undergraduate degree from Purdue University, Ft. Wayne, Ind., and a Master of Library Science from Indiana University (2012 conferral), Indianapolis, Ind. He is a member of the American Library Association (ALA), Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA), Professional Advisory Board for Indiana Purdue University, and the Allen County Education Consortium.

As an Advisory Board member for Indiana Purdue University, he worked with the computer science department in launching an intern program. Sean partners with other local libraries to co-sponsor guest speakers, conferences and training, which result in cost savings. Sean authored an award-winning technology series and has spoken at a variety of library-related conferences.

Casserley enjoys many activities and hobbies, including cross country skiing, surfing, swimming, running and cycling, playing the guitar, cartooning, fiction writing, drawing and animation and creating small movies and videos. Along with his wife, he enjoys international traveling, ballroom dancing, yoga and aikido and together they ran an aikido dojo for several years.

Casserley succeeds Donna Lauffer, who held the position of County Librarian from 2007 to 2011. Lauffer retired from her position as County Librarian in December 2011. He will be the sixth County Librarian since the founding of the library in 1952. He will relocate to Johnson County and begin as County Librarian on May 7, 2012.

Johnson County Library was established in 1952 and serves a population of more than 421,500 in the metropolitan Kansas City area with 12 branch libraries and a Central Resource Library. There are 310 employees and a budget of $23.1 million. The mission of the library is to provide access to ideas, information, experiences and materials that support and enrich people’s lives.

For more information on Johnson County Library please contact Kasey L. Riley at (913) 826-4307 or via email.

We celebrated the end of our Legacies of the Civil War series this week with a lecture by author Jane Smiley. What have you learned from our book discussions, our issues forums, our author visits? At the beginning of our series, we offered a short quiz on the Civil War and the Border War. You can take the quiz again and see if you know more now than you did before.

Whether you took the original quiz or not, everyone who takes the quiz now and provides an email address will be entered into a drawing for a signed copy of Jane Smiley's Border War novel, The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton.

Have you seen our courier trucks? Capt. Ahab’s Fine Seafood? Kafka’s Pest Kontrol? Dr. Jekyll’s Pharmacy? What do all these business names have in common? They aren’t real businesses! In 2009, we launched a creative and successful campaign where classic books were turned into humorous business ideas and featured on our courier trucks. These thought-provoking names and eye-catching images have been stopping traffic for the past three years, but it's time for an update...

Johnson County Library is the place for books. Old books. New books. Classic books. Unforgettable books. Books that make you think. This month, we focus on classic titles that you should not miss. 

Our librarians have suggestions for:

• Classic books
• Classic mysteries

Read all these and looking for more classics? Many websites have lists of titles that "everyone should read":

• Goodreads suggestions for "Books that everyone should read at least once"
• Telegraph's list of 100 novels everyone should read
• 1,001 Books You Must Read Before You Die

Have an e-reader or like to read on a computer or tablet? Classic books are often free! Try:

• Project Gutenberg 
• Bartleby.com

Just like these classic books, libraries are icons of American society, today and tomorrow. Libraries deliver great books to everyone, while providing useful services to students, families and businesses. Public libraries will always be relevant. Let us help you find something to read today!

Whether you're looking to brush up on a language you studied in high school or learn a new language for travel, business or fun, Mango Languages will come in handy. Mango Languages is an online language-learning system that teaches actual conversation skills for many different languages, including Spanish, French, Arabic, Japanese and Mandarin Chinese. We have a complete list of the languages currently available. Mango is free to use for Library patrons and is available both in and outside of the Library.

April is National Poetry Month, and we're here to help you celebrate with a month of poems and poetry resources. We'll feature a poem a day all month long, courtesy of The Writers Place, which you can subscribe to and share with others. We also have links to resources on poets and poetry. What better place to celebrate National Poetry Month than your local library?

I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desart. Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed:
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.
-- "Ozymandias", Percy Bysshe Shelley

The NEW Kids’ website gives kids access to our collection of books, music, movies, ebooks, and more like never before. We’ve made it easy for kids to find the best of the best of the catalog with limitless booklists including hand-selected Librarian picks. Kids can get news about events, contests, and clubs. Homework Help and information about timely issues and happenings is easily accessible through the website. Kids can even listen to stories online. The new Kids’ website gives kids an easy and fun way to use and explore the Library!

The Gardner Library will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, April 4 and 5, 2012, to install Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) equipment and add tags to all of the books and audiovisual materials at that library location. The exterior book drop will remain open during this time.

Johnson County Library is implementing RFID to improve the movement of materials between all 13 Johnson County Library locations. The RFID tags and equipment will also significantly reduce theft.

The installation of the RFID equipment will move to other locations in the spring of 2012. During the closing of the Shawnee Library, patrons are encouraged to visit other Library locations. Library staff plans to have the system-wide RFID project completed by the end of April 2012.

Materials for patrons who have requested materials to be sent to the Gardner Library will be held a few extra days to allow for pickup when the building reopens.

The project will enable the following outcomes:

• Optimized self-service and enhanced patron experience
• Significant return on investment from self-service equipment
• Improved efficiency in all 13 library locations

Learn more about the Library's RFID project »

Johnson County Library will host four programs on April 16, 2012 with author and poet Janet Wong. The author of 24 books including several poetry collections Wong began her professional life as an attorney. After practicing corporate and labor law for a few years, she made a dramatic career change—choosing to write for young people instead.

Wong and her books have received numerous awards and honors, such as the International Reading Association's "Celebrate Literacy Award" for exemplary service in the promotion of literacy, and the prestigious Stone Center Recognition of Merit, given by the Claremont Graduate School. She also has been appointed to two terms on the Commission on Literature of the National Council of Teachers of English. Her biggest honors are being invited twice to the White House and twice appearing on "The Oprah Winfrey Show." Wong currently resides near Princeton, NJ, with her husband Glenn and her son Andrew.

Schedule of Johnson County Library programs with Janet Wong:

Janet Wong's Poetry (& Pizza) Suitcase
Monday, April 16, 2012, 12 p.m.
Blue Valley Library
Make poetry part of your daily life--and get rid of the clutter in your room at the same time! During this pizza lunch, poet Janet Wong will share her fun Poetry Suitcase technique, which pairs poems and props. After this workshop, you’ll be eager to build your own Poetry Suitcase at home! Recommended for students in 2nd-5th grades. Registration begins April 2; register online at www.jocolibrary.org or call (913) 826-4600.

Janet Wong's Poetry Suitcase
Monday, April 16, 2012 2:30 pm
Leawood Pioneer Library
Make poetry part of your daily life--and get rid of the clutter in your room at the same time! Poet Janet Wong will share her fun Poetry Suitcase technique, which pairs poems and props. After this workshop, you’ll be eager to build your own Poetry Suitcase at home! Recommended for students in 2nd-5th grades. Registration begins April 2; register online at www.jocolibrary.org or call (913) 826-4600.

Celebrating Family Stories with Janet Wong
Monday, April 16, 2012, 4:30 p.m.
Cedar Roe Library
When we hear a family story--a father's story about fishing, an uncle's bicycle accident, a grandparent's famous (or ruined) recipes, a mother's birthday, and even stories about wars and hardships--we build an awareness of ourselves and honor our families. Wong will share some of her favorite family stories and make you want to write your own stories down. Recommended for ages 6 and up and their families. Registration is not necessary.

Finding the Author Within Yourself
Monday, April 16, 2012, 7 p.m.
Central Resource Library
Have you ever wanted to be an author? Janet Wong will tell the story of her dramatic change from lawyer to children's author, and will talk about how to create a book, from idea to publication. In this session Janet will discuss traditional publishing and eBook options, and will hopefully inspire you to find the author within yourself. For ages 7 and up. Registration is not necessary.

For more information, visit www.jocolibrary.org/janetwong or call (913) 826-4600. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least one week in advance of the program.

The Cedar Roe Library will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 27 and 28, 2012, to install Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) equipment and add tags to all of the books and audiovisual materials at that library location. The exterior book drop will remain open during this time.

Johnson County Library is implementing RFID to improve the movement of materials between all 13 Johnson County Library locations. The RFID tags and equipment will also significantly reduce theft.

The installation of the RFID equipment will move to other locations in the spring of 2012. During the closing of the Shawnee Library, patrons are encouraged to visit other Library locations. Library staff plans to have the system-wide RFID project completed by the end of April 2012.

Materials for patrons who have requested materials to be sent to the Cedar Roe Library will be held a few extra days to allow for pickup when the building reopens.

The project will enable the following outcomes:

• Optimized self-service and enhanced patron experience
• Significant return on investment from self-service equipment
• Improved efficiency in all 13 library locations

Learn more about the Library's RFID project »

The Friends of the Johnson County Library will hold a Spring Break Used Bookstore Sidewalk Sale. Stock up on reading materials for adults and youth!

Blue Valley Library
Thursday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, March 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The sale will feature a selection of gently used children’s adult books available at bargain prices. Some audiovisual materials will also be available. MasterCard, Visa, Discover and check accepted with current I.D.

Proceeds from the Friends of the Library book sales and book stores are used to support the Johnson County Library’s purchase of new library materials, fund library programs such as the summer reading clubs and provide training for staff and volunteers. For more information on book sales, book stores or how to donate materials, call (913) 826-4301 or the Friends website.

The Johnson County Library is searching for a new County Librarian. To inform this process, we would greatly appreciate your input.

In 1854 President Franklin Pierce faced a critical choice, one that would determine the fate of his presidency and have a profound impact on the future of the United States. Should he support the Kansas-Nebraska proposal, which gave local settlers the right to determine whether or not slavery would be permitted? How would you advise President Pierce?

Join us for a deliberative forum about the Kansas - Nebraska Act on Feb. 16, 2012. Deliberative Dialogues are public conversations designed to assist diverse communities address ethical issues. Forum participants share experiences, priorities, and values. The goal isn’t compromise or consensus, but for everyone to communicate effectively across differences and
develop common ground for acting together.

Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
Central Resource Library
Carmack Community Room
Register for this event »

Completed ahead of schedule. Oak Park Library is back open. Thanks for your patience!

Johnson County Library will close the Oak Park Library on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Jan. 10, 11, 12, 2012, to install Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) equipment and add tags to all of the books and audiovisual materials at that library location. The exterior book drop will remain open during this time.

Johnson County Library is implementing RFID to improve the movement of materials between all 13 Johnson County Library locations. The RFID tags and equipment will also significantly reduce theft.

The installation of the RFID equipment will move to other locations in early 2012. During the closing of the Oak Park Library in January, patrons are encouraged to visit other Library locations. Library staff plans to have the system-wide RFID project completed by the end of April 2012.

Materials for patrons who have requested materials to be sent to the Oak Park Library will be held a few extra days to allow for pickup when the building reopens.

The project will enable the following outcomes:

• Optimized self-service and enhanced patron experience
• Significant return on investment from self-service equipment
• Improved efficiency in all 13 library locations

More information about the RFID project may be found at www.jocolibrary.org/RFID.

Your opinions needed on the Library website! We'd like to know what you like and what you wish we would change.

Please take our short survey and register in a random drawing for four gift bags that include a 1GB thumb drive. Thank you for sharing your ideas and opinions!

Go to the survey »

Due to staffing shortages brought on by Johnson County's Early Retirement Incentive Program, all locations will reduce hours in 2012.

Starting Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012:

• All locations will close Wednesdays at 5 p.m.
• Leawood, Oak Park and Lackman will no longer be open on Sundays
• Cedar Roe will no longer be open on Fridays and will be open 10 a.m - 2 p.m. on Saturdays
• DeSoto and Spring Hill will open at 1 p.m. on Thursdays

Find your Neighborhood Library's hours for 2012 »

Why are we making these changes?

This hours changes are in response to the County's Early Retirement Incentive Program which has significantly impacted the Library. Twenty-eight Library employees opted for early retirement and collectively represent over 621 years of service. Most of these individuals are full-time and in professional positions with responsibilities for helping in the public as Information Specialists and Reference Librarians.

Over the past three years, we have streamlined services resulting in a savings of over $160,000 and a reduction of eight full time equivalent positions. Staff has diminished by 7% since 2008; the early retirement loss results in an additional 8% loss, for a total loss of 15% in the past four years.

To whom may I voice concerns about hours changes?

Please consider voicing your concerns about Library hours to the Johnson County Board of Commissioners. Or feel free to contact us.

For more details, see the full press release (PDF).

County Librarian Donna Lauffer will retire from Johnson County Library on Dec. 24, 2011 ending 32 years of service to Johnson County Library. During her tenure as County Librarian, Johnson County Library has successfully streamlined materials handling processes saving the Library approximately $160,000 annually, implemented Radio Frequency Identification technology to improve inventory taking processes and reduce theft; and the Library was named the 2010 Federal Depository Library of the Year. 

A public reception sponsored by the Friends of the Johnson County Library will be held on Sunday, Dec. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Central Resource Library.

Lauffer became the Johnson County Library’s fifth County Librarian in June 2007 after serving as Associate Director and Deputy County Librarian during her service to the Library since 1979. Prior to that, she worked at the UCLA Research Library in Los Angeles and the Long Beach Public Library in Long Beach, Calif.

As County Librarian, Lauffer directed 323 staff members in operating 13 library facilities with a budget of $23.9 million. The Library is best known for its business services targeted to would-be entrepreneurs and small business owners; its early childhood literacy programs; and its civic engagement programming.

During her tenure with the Johnson County Library, Lauffer has had oversight for the construction or expansion of 10 library facilities. She served for many years on the Buildings/Equipment Section of the American Library Association and related committees, and she served on the International Relations Committee of the Public Library Association.

Lauffer has a national reputation as a leader in civic engagement and developed the Library’s award-winning civic engagement programming, now in its 10th year.  She has presented in numerous forums regarding civic engagement for the By the People Forum, American Library Association (ALA), Public Library Association, and Kansas Library Association. She was a member of the Kettering Foundation's Teaching Public Politics Research Group 2004-2006 and of the National Board of the League of Women Voters, after serving as President of the Kansas League. She was a charter member of the Mid-America Regional Council’s OneKCVoice Board. 
 
The Johnson County Library Board of Directors has named Deputy County Librarian Tricia Suellentrop as Interim County Librarian. Ms. Suellentrop has been with the Library for 13 years and has served as Deputy County Librarian since 2008. 

The Association of Marketing & Communications Professionals has announced that the Johnson County Library has won four awards in its 2011 MarCom Awards international competition.

The “New Web Catalog Promotion Campaign” earned a Platinum award in the Promotional Materials-Product Launch category. This campaign featured temporary tattoos worn by staff to promote introduction in 2010 of a new, Web-based format for the online catalog.

Winning Gold awards were the En Espanol – Spanish-Language Web site in the Governmental Web sites category and “Communiter bona profundere deum est” in the Video Scripts category.

The actual film of “Communiter bona profundere deum est” received an Honorable Mention in the Fundraiser Video category.

Communications Manager Kasey Riley led a team comprised of Marketing Assistant Marty Mothersbaugh, Web Interface Designer Dale Jarrett, and Community Relations Coordinator Marsha Bennett in designing and implementing a product launch campaign in 2010 for the new Web-based online catalog. The same logo used for the temporary tattoos branded ads and printed materials.

En Espanol – Spanish-Language Web site at www.jocolibrary.org/espanol is collaboration between Web Content Developers David LaCrone and David Carson. This is a rich Web site for Spanish-language speakers as an introduction to Johnson County Library services. Because libraries in Latin America often do not allow borrowing, this Web site is also an introduction to the work and purpose of an American public library.

Oak Park Branch Manager Magali Vallazza, who has oversight for the Latino Services Committee, provided input and assisted with translations, and the Oak Park Library staff and Latino Services Committee members also provided input.

Web Content Developer David Carson conceptualized, produced, and filmed the “Communiter bona profundere deum est” (To support the common good is divine) video honoring four recipients of the Johnson County Library Foundation’s 2010 Pinnacle Awards. The film was used as a prologue to the ceremonies at the annual Pinnacle Awards Dinner. The video itself won an Honorable Mention, while Carson’s script won a Gold award. David LaCrone narrated the video. View the video at http://www.youtube.com/jocolibrary

This was the Johnson County Library’s second year to compete in the MarCom Awards.

About the Awards

The MarCom Awards is one of the oldest, largest, and most respected competitions in the creative industry and sponsored by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). It is a creative competition for any individual or company involved in the concept, writing and design of print, visual, audio and web materials and programs. Entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers. The MarCom statuette graces the trophy cases of some of the top business and communication firms in the world.

The MarCom competition has grown to perhaps the largest of its kind in the world with about 5,000 entries per year. The mission of the MarCom Awards is to honor excellence and recognize the creativity, hard work and generosity of marketing and communication professionals. MarCom winners receive well-deserved recognition and third-party validation from a long- established industry organization that has earned a reputation for fairness, consistency and timeliness.

For more information visit http://www.marcomawards.com/

It's never too early to introduce your child to reading. Our 6 by 6 Early Childhood Literacy program is all about getting children exposed to reading as soon as possible. Nov. 13-19, the  Kansas Center for the Book at the State Library of Kansas will sponsor the 2011 Kansas Reads to Preschoolers, and the Johnson County Library, as part of its commitment to early childhood literacy, will naturally be taking part. This year's Kansas Reads to Preschoolers will feature the classic book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Kansas' own Bill Martin, Jr. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a fun book to read aloud, and children love it.

All week, the Library will have readings of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom in storytimes at the Antioch, Lackman, Corinth and Leawood Pioneer Libraries, as well as in child care centers and preschools. We'll have guest readers from the Library Board, the Friends of the Library and the Johnson County Library Foundation. If you haven't gotten you and your children involved in early childhood literacy yet, this is the perfect time to start!

Kansas Reads to Preschoolers
Nov. 13-19, 2011

Johnson County Library's Mobile App Now Available for Both Android and iPhone

Features:

• quickly and accurately search the collection;
• get details on any title including descriptions and community comments;
• check a title’s availability – even map the locations where it is currently available 
• place holds;
• manage your account: check to see if holds are ready, renew titles, suspend holds, or instantly see upcoming due dates;
• add titles to your For Later list; 
• browse bestsellers, new titles and recent reviews; and 
• check neighborhood library hours and get directions to the nearest Johnson County Library location. 

For Android smartphones: Search the Market for "Johnson County" or download now »

For iPhone, iPad, and iPod: Search the Apple App Store for "Johnson County Library" or download now »

Would you like to see something interesting? Visit one of the Johnson County Libraries that is featuring original artwork by local and regional artists as part of our Art in the Stacks program. The Library features photography, paintings, sculptures and assemblages, pottery, jewelry and other forms of visual art, all created by artists from around the area. There's always something new and thought-provoking to see.

To keep up with what's new with Art in the Stacks, become a fan on Facebook!

When people think of studying, they often think of the Library. It's a quiet place to read and do research. But did you know you can also prepare for tests and take practice exams at the Library? Not only do we have lots of prep books for the GED, the SAT, the ACT, the LSAT and more, we also have access to some terrific websites that offer online test prep, practice exams, citizen test help, job placement tips and real-time tutoring. Check out our Practice Exams & Test Preparation page and give LearningExpressLibrary and Tutor.com a try. We make it so easy for you to get ahead in school and the workplace!

Looking for that next great book? But don’t where or how to find it? Books & Authors, a database available through the Johnson County Library, offers new ways to explore the endless possibilities and combinations of books, authors, genres and topics. The WHO WHAT WHERE WHEN features let you browse by Character, Subject, Location and Time Period, and get a visual representation of your matching books. You may also save and modify your reading lists in your own personal Books and Authors Reading Room along with reviews you've written.

To access Books and Authors go to www.jocolibrary.org/booksandauthors. Enter your library card and PIN to access the database from your home or office. This online resource enables you to easily find books of interest to your literary tastes with simple searching and menus you can browse.

You may search by:

• Author
• Title and Series Search 
• "If you like..." 
• Author, Title and Genre Browse 
• Awards 
• Who, What, When, Where 
• Advanced Search 
• And many more!

Why not get started today? After you decide on your titles you may enter the library’s catalog to place a hold on your selections and pick them at a neighborhood library near you.

For more information call (913) 826-4600 or visit any Johnson County Location.

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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!

For details on past events, browse our News Archives.