In conjunction with Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 16 -22) the Johnson County Library will host the third Annual GovFest on Thursday, November 19, from 11 to 6 p.m. at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS.  Fifty representatives from federal, state, and local government agencies including Kansas Small Business Development Center at JCCC, KCSourceLink, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas State Data Center, Heartland Procurement Technical Assistance Center and many more will be available to answer questions and offer information on how government agencies can help business owners start or expand a business for little or no cost. There will also be special programs throughout the day.

For more information, contact the Business Reference Team at the Johnson County Library, (913) 495-2400.  Gov Fest is free and open to the public. No registration or reservations are required.  For details and complete list of participating groups visit www.jocolibary.org/govfest or call (913) 495-2464.

Special Programs in the Carmack Community Room:

10-11:30 a.m.: Winning Government Contracts - Cutting Through the Bureaucracy
Dewayne Long, Heartland Procurement Technical Assistance, Director, Northern Kansas Region
This program takes the attendee through the very basic steps of registering to become a government contractor. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from this program which helps cut through the maze of bureaucratic requirements and helps simplify the entire process.

12-1 p.m.: Lunch & Learn: ReferenceUSA
Learn about ReferenceUSA, a powerful tool that can help entrepreneurs gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Find out who your competitors are, create mailing lists of potential customers or locate new businesses in your area. Johnson County Library has a subscription to this product, so you can get free access with a library card. Box lunches will be proved courtesy of ReferenceUSA.  

1:30-2:30 p.m.: How the Government Funds Small Business
Independence Council on Economic Development, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Mo. and Southwest Johnson County Economic Development Corporation
There are a lot of myths about how the government gives grants to start small businesses. Get the
facts. Learn about state and local financial incentives that you can access to help you start or expand a small business. The panel will include representatives from municipalities around the metro area.

3-4 p.m.: Insurance Issues for Small Businesses
John Meetz, Senior Government Affairs Liaison, Kansas Insurance Department
The speaker will discuss insurance issues pertinent to small business. He will also cover health insurance, including legislative initiatives at both the state and federal level.

4:30-5:30 p.m.: Resources to Support Small Business in Tough Economic Times
Erik Pedersen, Associate Director, Network Kansas and Stephanie Zamora, Network Navigator, KCSourceLink
The success or failure of a business often depends on the business owner's ability to connect with the resources that are available. Come out to learn how KCSourceLink and Network Kansas can help you find the help you need, when you need it. Network Navigators from these agencies will be discussing specific challenges facing business owners in today's recessive economy, like financing.

5-6 p.m.: Reception (Gallery Area)
Networking & snacks provided by FastTrac®, a program of the Kauffman Foundation and the sponsoring agencies.

6-8:30 p.m.: Starting a Business: Success Right from the Start
Kansas Small Business Development Center at JCCC
Attend an overview of business information including government requirements, legal business structure, business plan creation and financial projections.

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. 

Please note: Due to a family emergency, this event has been cancelled.

From shopping at Hen House, dining in Brookside or hightailing it from the West Bottoms to Olathe, reading a mystery in our own backyard makes the action even more spine tingling.

Come to the Leawood Pioneer Library on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009; 2 p.m. to for a thrilling afternoon with Kansas City author Joel Goldman as he discusses his newest mystery The Dead Man.

Ex-FBI agent, now PI, Jack Davis is both cocky and lovable in a story that is fast-paced  and full of murder. When the subjects of a scientific dream study are turning up dead – just the way they dreamt they would die – Jack is called in to find a serial killer who is working right in the midst of a research facililty.

Praised by  Michael Connelly,  John Lescroart and  Linda Fairstein, Joel Goldman weaves a gripping tale with a great dialogue that is sharp, funny and keeps the mystery to the end! - Chris F.

Preschoolers all over the state will be wiggling along with the 2009 Kansas Reads to Preschoolers about Fitness selection: Wiggle by Doreen Cronin! Kansas Reads to Preschoolers is an annual project held the third week of November. This year it will be Nov. 15-21. Get ready for high energy story sharing with this giggly, wiggly picture book! Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy wiggling along with this delightfully energetic dog who wiggles at every opportunity. Told with rhyme, rhythm and repetition which is not only fun, but important in developing the early literacy skill of phonological awareness, this silly story will become a favorite, certain to be read again and again. NOT recommended for bedtime ;).

Please note: Due to a family emergency, this event has been cancelled.

The Johnson County Library will host a program with Kansas City author Joel Goldman on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009; 2 p.m. at the Leawood Pioneer Library, 4700 Town Center Drive, Leawood, Kan. Goldman, an attorney, is the author of several mysteries including the Jack Davis series.

He will discuss the writing process and his newest mystery The Dead Man which is set in Kansas City and Johnson County. From shopping at Hen House to dining in Brookside or hightailing it from the West Bottoms to Olathe, Goldman’s mystery set in our own backyard makes the action even more spine tingling. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Other books by Goldman include: Deadlocked, Shakedown, Cold Truth, Last Witness, Motion to Kill and the Prosecution Rests: New Stories about Courtrooms, Criminals, and the Law.

This Library program is free and open to the public; no registration required. For more information call (913) 826-4620. 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.

“Going Hungry in Hard Times” is our next Community Issues Forum and it will take place Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7:00 – 8:30 pm at the Central Resource Library. Featured panelists include Karen Haren of Harvesters, John Rich from the Mid America Assistance Coalition, Linda Rogers, Johnson County Human Services, Garder Multi-Service Center, and the Director of the Society of St. Andrew’s Western Headquarters, Lisa Ousley. Join the conversation about the challenges of keeping people from going hungry in hard times and find out how you can help.
More information and registration, got to http://www.jocolibrary.org/goinghungry

A group of writers and poets from the Latino Writers Collective performed at the Oak Park Library Hispanic Heritage Festival in October. Listen to the program online. If you'd like more information on the Latino Writers Collective, visit their Web site or become their fan on Facebook!

Listen online

Poets and Writers (in order of reading):

Gabriela N. Lemmons
Gloria Martinez Adams
Monique Maes
Jason Sierra
Ignacio Carvajal

We are teaming up with Johnson County Parks & Recreation to present a Veterans Day event at the Matt Ross Community Center on Tuesday Nov. 10, 2009.

Join us for a pancake breakfast courtesy of Chris Cakes at 8:30 a.m. Veterans will eat free while family and members of the public will be charged $5.  Matt Ross Community Center is located at 8101 Marty, Overland Park (view on map).

Annabeth Surbaugh, Chairman of the Board of Johnson County Commissioners will speak to the group, followed by Peter A. Hansen, editor of Railroad History Magazine. Hansen will present "A Slice of Home and a Cup of Joe: The Story of Trackside Canteens during WWII." During this hour-long portion of the program, participants will hear about how women of at least 43 communities across the nation organized trackside canteens for the soldiers and sailors being transported on troop trains.

With the exception of breakfast for non-veterans, there is no charge for this two and one-half hour program, but reservations are required and can be made by calling (913) 642-6410.

Join members of the Friends of the Library for the 2009 annual meeting and reception on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 at the newly renovated Leawood Pioneer Library, 4700 Town Center Dr., Leawood. There will be an election of officers and board members with updates on the Friends, Library Foundation and Johnson County Library activities. There will be a special presentation to the Library of a photo exhibit honoring the legacy of the library founders. Refreshments will be provided.

The public is invited to attend and meet Friends members, learn about this important library support group and tour the newly renovated Library Pioneer Library. Call (913) 261-2319 for more information.

The Friends of the Johnson County Library was founded in 1956 after the group of volunteers successfully lobbied state and county lawmakers for the creation of a county library system. The operated volunteer libraries throughout Johnson County until funds were appropriated to hire professional staff. The Friends of the Library currently has a membership base of more than 800, operate book sales and two used book stores, advocate for library funding and encourage community support for the Johnson County Library.

For more information call (913) 261-2319 or visit www.jocolibrary.org/friends.

The Johnson County Library will host a reception for artist and children’s book illustrator David Diaz at the Leawood Pioneer Library, 4700 Town Center Drive, Leawood, Kan. on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend this free event and visit with the artist and view his work which is on display in the galley.

Diaz has has illustrated more than thirty books, and won several awards for his work including the Caldecott Medal for Smoky Night. He provided illustrations for and Margaret Wise Brown’s The Little Scarecrow Boy, which was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Book. He lives in Southern California.

Diaz work will be on display in the gallery at the Leawood Pioneer Neighborhood Library through Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009.

This library program is free and open to the public; no registration required. For more information call (913) 826-4620. 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.

Meet David Diaz, children's book illustrator and artist
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009; 3 p.m.
Leawood Pioneer Library

His exhibit will be on display at the Leawood Pioneer Library from Oct. 1 through Dec. 10, 2009. Mr. Diaz has won several awards for his work including the Caldecott Medal. Join us for refreshments and have a chance to visit with this amazing artist.

Thousands of gently used books will be offered for sale at bargain prices at the Fall Used Book Sale, co-sponsored by the Johnson County Library and Friends of the Johnson County Library, in the meeting room of the Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Merriam, Kan., Nov. 5-7, 2009.

Sale hours are:

Thursday Nov. 5; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 6; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

This popular Fall Book Sale will feature a variety of fiction and nonfiction categories for both adults and youth. Music CDs will also be available. Most items are priced at $1 and 50 cents. Some materials may be specially priced. All sales are final; checks, MasterCard, Discover and Visa accepted with proper identification.

Proceeds from the book sales are used to purchase new library materials, fund Library programs for all ages, and train Library staff and volunteers. For more information on book sales or donating items, call (913) 261-2319 or visit www.jocolibrary.org/friends.

Stop by the Antioch Library Nov. 5-7, 2009 for the fall used book sale. This sale features a variety of gently used books for adults and youth, both fiction and non-fiction at bargain prices. Sponsored by Johnson County Library and Friends of the Library.

Cash, check, VISA, MasterCard and Discover accepted with current ID. For more information call (913) 261-2319.

Fall Used Book Sale Hours
Antioch Library
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Have legal questions or doing legal research? The Library can help!

The Library has new online resources for those doing legal in-depth legal research or those just trying to find a legal form online.

Specialists at the Library have created new helpful resources for:

• legal forms
• doing legal research
• teens and the law
• seniors and the law
• estate planning
• landlord and renter law
• locating an attorney or legal assistance

Get started at Personal and Family Law.

Get answers to your important questions about wills and legal documents at this free upcoming program

Learn about the important legal documents you need to ensure that your wishes are honored in the event of incapacity or death and to avoid probate. Alexandra English, an elder law attorney with Kansas Legal Services for Older Adults, will discuss powers of attorney, wills, living wills and transfer on death deeds. Join us for this free program:

Monday, Oct. 19, 2009
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Carmack Meeting Room at the Central Resource Library. 
Register online or call (913) 495-7514 starting Sept. 28.

The Johnson County Library will be participating in Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, along with other libraries in the Kansas City metro area and around the country on Thursday, October 8. Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar is celebrating its 40th year in publication, and the goal is to read the book to as many children as possible this day!

Antioch Neighborhood Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Merriam, KS with its new 6 by 6, Ready to Read early childhood literacy space, will be showcasing Eric Carle’s book through November. On October 8, however, it will be the featured book at the 10:15 am preschool storytime for ages 3 and up, and it will be read or performed every hour on the hour between noon and 8:00 pm. After each reading, children may stay for fun hungry caterpillar activities and make their own caterpillar to take home and register to win their own copy of the book. Registration is not necessary.

All writers ages 5 to 12, enter your original stories! The writing contest will culminate with a reception Friday, February 19, 2010 at 7 p.m. at the Antioch Library, where contestants and their parents will meet and hear from Kansas City's finest, nationally-published children's book authors and illustrators.

Download the Entry Form (PDF) 

No entries accepted after January 29, 2010. Sponsored by Johnson County Library and The Reading Reptile.

The Leawood Pioneer Library is open again! Come visit us in our newly remodeled library and join us for the grand (re)opening celebration on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009.  Learn more!

Financial Workshop for Individual Investors
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009; 10 a.m.
Central Resource Library (Carmack Community Room)
The class begins with the basics of finance, including examining the reasons people fail to meet their investment goals. Next, we'll examine the investments available today--everything from CDs to annuities--and the advantages and disadvantages of each. We'll finish the course with a look at retirement planning. Attendance at all four classes is recommended, but not required. To register, call (913) 495-9100 or register online. Learn more at www.jocolibrary.org/personalinvesting.

Resources for Grantwriters
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009; 1:30 p.m.
Central Resource Library (Carmack Community Room)
Find new funders for your nonprofit's projects! Discover what makes a funder pay attention to your application! Learn what is important to document when budgeting! Use the Library's resources before you spend your own money! Registration is required. Please call (913) 495-2425 or register online. Learn more at www.jocolibrary.org/grants.

Learn more about preparing for, preventing and caring for the flu -- both seasonal flu and Novel H1N1 (pandemic or "swine") flu -- at www.jocolibrary.org/flu.

The Johnson County Library will open the renovated Leawood Pioneer Library, 4700 Town Center Dr., Leawood, Kan on October 1, 2009 after having been closed for a year for expansion construction.  A grand reopening celebration will be held on Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Library which will include a brief ceremony, ribbon cutting, tours, music, activities and refreshments. The event is open to the public.

The Leawood Pioneer renovation project nearly doubled the size of the 10,800-square-foot library which was built in 1994 by increasing it to 19,310 sq. ft. The project included a complete interior redesign, roof replacement, and a new addition constructed with “green” building materials on the east side of the library. The expansion provides space for a 50-person community meeting room, youth programming room, study rooms, teen area, art gallery, a patron lounge, as well as more books and audiovisual materials, and additional computers and seating areas.  There are also new electrical systems, lighting, and finishes as well as acoustical improvements.

County Librarian Donna Lauffer indicated that library visitors will be excited about the changes in the facility. “Library service is greatly improved with this building,” she noted. “When patrons first walk in they will notice more light coming into the building through the added and exposed windows and vibrant colors on the walls and in the carpet and furniture. The building is very open with spaces for teens and children as well as for adults to gather. There are more computers available for public use spread throughout the building. Library staff will be roving in the library to assist patrons in finding materials and the information they need. Materials pick up and self check will be the near the entrance. We hope community residents are pleased with the improvements and thank them for their patience.”

Beginning Oct. 1, 2009, hours of service for the Leawood Pioneer Library will be:

Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For the past year the Library has been operating from a storefront location at Town Center Shopping Center. That temporary location will close on September 30. For more information call Jennifer Mahnken at (913) 495-2466.

In conjunction with National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) the Johnson County Library will host the Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, October 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oak Park Library, 9500 Bluejacket, Overland Park, Kan.  The community is invited to attend and experience the Latin-American culture through art, music, poetry, dress, dance and crafts. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.

Performances
11 a.m. – Taqui Sisacuna Dance Troupe of Peru
11:45 a.m. – Poetry reading from the Latino Writers
12:30 p.m. – Ruben Pascottine – Paraguayan Pianist
1:15 p.m. – Ole! Flamenco Dancers
2:15 p.m. – Traditional Mexican Dress Show & Dances with the Ballet Folklorico of Kansas City

Other attractions
12 – 3 p.m. Explore the countries of Latin America
12 – 3 p.m. Children’s games and crafts on the playground
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Graffiti art mural with Hip Hop Academy
12 – 2 p.m. Refreshments

This event is perfect for the entire family. For more information visit www.jocolibrary.org/hispanicheritage or call (913) 752-8700. All Johnson County 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 scheduled Library program.

Listen to KCUR today, Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. for a discussion of homework in local schools and what organizations like the Johnson County Library do to help local students. School Liaison, Erin Downey Howerton will join host Steve Kraske to discuss the Johnson County Library's Homework Help program and all the fantastic online and in-person services available to help students--all for free!

Thousands of gently used books and audiovisual materials will be offered for sale at bargain prices at the September Used Book Sale, cosponsored by the Johnson County Library and Friends of the Johnson County Library, in the meeting room of the Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Merriam, KS, September 11 & 12, 2009.

Sale hours are:

• Friday, Sept. 11: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 12: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

This popular September Book Sale will feature a variety of fiction and nonfiction hardback and paperback books for adults and youth.  Some audiovisual materials will also be available. Most items are priced at $1.00 and 50¢.  Some materials may be specially priced. All sales are final; checks, MasterCard, Visa and Discover accepted with proper identification.

Proceeds from the book sales are used to purchase new library materials, fund library programs for all ages, and train library staff and volunteers. For more information on book sale or how to donate materials, call (913) 261-2319 or visit www.jocolibrary.org/friends.  

The annual Hispanic Heritage Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oak Park Library. Join us for crafts, food and dance performances!

Experience the Latin-American Culture through art, poetry, music, dance and refreshments. A program for the whole family. No registration is necessary. For more information call (913) 752-8700.

Performances:

11 a.m. – Taqui Sisacuna Dance Troupe of Peru
11:45 a.m. – Poetry reading from the Latino Writers Collective
12:30 p.m. – Ruben Pascottine - Paraguayan Pianist
1:15 p.m. – Ole! Flamenco Dancers
2:15 p.m. – Traditional Mexican Dress Show & Dances with Ballet Folklorico of Kansas City.

Other attractions:

12–3 p.m. – Explore the countries of Latin America 
12–3 p.m. – Children games and crafts
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Graffiti art mural with Hip Hop Academy  
12–2 p.m. – Refreshments

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009; 7 p.m., authors Pat Antonopoulos, Patti Dickinson, Shawna Samuel and Jo Ann Stanley, who met regularly at our very own Cedar Roe Library to write this book, will share their insights about the journey from idea to publication and their encouraging stories about families, relationships, inspiration, and most importantly, friendship. Their stories can help all of us lead happy, "ordinary" lives! Registration begins Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009; register online or call (913) 384-8590. For information on additional author programs at the Library, please visit www.jocolibrary.org/literaryevents.

Library staff review of Four Ordinary Women by Pat Antonopoulos, Patti Dickinson, Shawna Samuel and Jo Ann Stanley
Four women met regularly at the Cedar Roe Library to share their stories and write this book; the result is an inspiring collection of thoughts on a variety of subjects, like family, spirituality, happiness, struggles, and friendship. As women, we all have similar stories and feelings, but these authors had the ability and courage to share theirs, with introspection and candor. The authors' distinct voices shine through their stories, providing us with encouragement, comfort, and insight into balancing our lives. Their wise reflections on life move us, uplift us, and compel us to "celebrate our ordinariness". - Patti R.

On Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009; 12:30 p.m., top barbecue expert and famous local author Chef Paul Kirk will demonstrate grilling techniques to help you create masterful barbecue. Join us at Carpenter Park, on the south side of Cedar Roe Library, where you can test samples and talk shop with Chef Paul as he shares stories from his engaging travelogue, America's Best BBQ: 100 Recipes from America's Best Smokehouses, Pits, Shacks, Rib Joints, Roadhouses and Restaurants. Registration is not necessary.For information on additional author programs at the Library, please visit www.jocolibrary.org/literaryevents.

Library staff review of America's Best BBQ by Ardie A. Davis and Chef Paul Kirk
Two barbecue experts went in search of the best American barbecue and have written of their travels in a book that showcases the idiosyncratic charm of the barbecue eatery, the delightful folks that run these rib joints and roadhouses, and the mouthwatering platefuls of food they serve. Ardie Davis and Paul Kirk offer helpful instructions for reproducing recipes and ordering signature dishes. They’ve also compiled a collection of heartwarming snapshots sure to make you smile. For barbecue enthusiasts and the barbecue curious alike, this book is an excellent choice. It captures the culture as well as the food and is as fun to read as it is to look at. - Michelle H.

Local mystery author Sally Goldenbaum will visit the Gardner Library on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009; 6:30 p.m. She will talk about her writing and her books, featuring her newest Seaside Knitters title, Patterns in the Sand. Her books will be available for purchase or bring your own for Sally to sign. For information on additional author programs at the Library, please visit www.jocolibrary.org/literaryevents.

Library staff review of Patterns in the Sand by Sally Goldenbaum
When young fiber artist Willow Adams visits Izzy Chambers' knitting studio in Sea Harbor, she's immediately embraced by the Seaside knitters. They see the monthly arts event at Canary Cove as a perfect place to showcase Willow's work. But the mood in Sea Harbor quickly turns somber when the body of Nick Peabody, owner of a popular gallery, is found in a garden. Soon Nick’s secrets begin to surface, and when Nick's will reveals that his entire estate has been left to Willow, the knitters find that Willow has some dark secrets of her own. - Lynda H.

The live homework help the Library offers through Tutor.com has gotten better, just in time for the new school year! Using your Library card number and PIN, you can log into Tutor.com anytime day or night to access resources that will help you along with our Homework Help pages. In addition, Tutor.com has expanded its hours for live online assistance from trained tutors. You can now get help from real tutors everyday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. You can upload your papers and get them proofread by English tutors. Tutor.com has also expanded its tutoring services to cover K-12, college students and adults needing career help. You can upload your resume and get assistance with it, get tutoring for the GED and more!

The Library's fall hours for live homework coaches at the Central Resource Library, Antioch and Oak Park Libraries has been scheduled, too. And our Homework Help pages continue to grow. You can access Tutor.com and get more assistance at http://www.jocolibrary.org/homework.

As part of the new 6 by 6 Read to Read program, we are developing a Web site to serve as a resource for parents and child care providers of children under 6 years old, and we are looking for parents to participate in short, 45 minute Web studies to ensure that the site is helpful and easy to use.

Location: Center Resource Library
Dates: Tuesday, Sept. 1 and Wednesday, Sept 2.
Audience: Parents of children under 6
Times are listed below.

Want to participate? Please contact Erica Reynolds, Web Content Manager.

Join us for a great discussion with the Kansas City Royals’ very own Denny Matthews, long time announcer. He will be talking with co-author, Matt Fulks, about his new book, Hi, Anybody! Why I Love Baseball and What I'd Do to Fix It. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Cosponsored by Ascend Books. For information on additional author programs at the Library, please visit www.jocolibrary.org/literaryevents.

Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009
Blue Valley Library

Library programs are open to the public and free of charge. Interpretative services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available. Please request from library staff 48 hours or more in advance of scheduled event.

The Johnson County Library invites adults (age 14 and up) to participate in the Library’s fall adult reading program: BlitzRead! The program runs from September 1 to October 31, 2009. The goal of the Adult Reading program is to encourage adults to read and explore parts of the library’s collection of materials that they may not have discovered.

The Johnson County Library Foundation has named four outstanding individuals as winners of the annual 2009 Pinnacle Award: Doug Talley, Myra J. Christopher, Phillip Spencer, and Gaylon Umbarger.

Have you come into the Library to use the rows of literature criticism books on the shelf? Now Contemporary Literary Criticism and Twentieth Century Literary Criticism are available online through Literature Criticism Online. Find biographical and critical essays on important literary works and authors published in the 20th or 21st centuries. All you need is a library card and PIN. See all our literature criticism resources at www.jocolibrary.org/literature.

Johnson County Library is a great place to explore health and wellness. The Health & Wellness Web pages have been updated with new and expanded information!

• Find the best sources for health and wellness information – featured Web sites, articles, online books and books for checkout
• Hear about the many free and low-cost health and wellness classes and events in the community
• Connect with sources for free and low-cost health and dental care
• Get answers to questions such as “how do I find the best doctor in the area?” or “where can I learn more about how to buy my own health insurance?”

All this can now be found now at www.jocolibrary.org/health. The Web site www.jocohealth.net will be retired but the Library will continue to work with all the wonderful community contacts met through JoCoHealth.

Questions? Ideas? Please contact us.

Great news for iPod lovers! More audiobooks than ever are now compatible.

• In the Recorded Books/NetLibrary collection, all MP3 audiobooks are compatible.
  
• In the Overdrive collection, most titles are now compatible with iPod and all other MP3 players – with a quick upgrade to OverDrive Media Console v3.2. Just look for titles with the picture of the iPod.
  

For more details, check How do you know if the audiobooks will work on your player?

Now available! Free! Learn a language from the comfort of your home or office using Mango Languages. Choose lessons from 12 languages including Spanish, Italian, German, Mandarin Chinese and English for Spanish speakers. See all the Library's language resources at www.jocolibrary.org/languages. All you need is a library card and PIN.

Do you have children age 6 or under? We would love your help in developing and testing our new Web page focused on building early reading skills. The page will be designed for parents of children aged 0-5 with resources, books, videos, activities and more to help develop the essential 6 skills every child should learn before he or she turns 6.

We will be running usability studies on the preliminary Web designs starting on Monday, July 20. Each study will consist of some basic questions and will last about 45 minutes. Check out the study schedule. Questions? Want to sign up? Please e-mail Erica Reynolds, Web Content Manager.

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.

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...

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.

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.

JoCoLibrary - http://twitter.com/jocolibrary

JoCoTeenScene - http://twitter.com/jocoteenscene

JoCoHistory - http://twitter.com/jocohistory

KC Science INC - http://twitter.com/kcscienceinc

Library Foundation - http://twitter.com/jclf

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.