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, Kan., Sept. 11-12, 2009. Sale hours are:

• Friday, Sept. 11 • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 12 • 9 a.m. - 3 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 and 50 cents. 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.

With a $25,000 grant from the Johnson County Library Foundation, the Johnson County Library will convert part of its extensive print literary criticism collection to a web-based format. This grant represents the Foundation’s first Collection Enrichment Project, an annual effort to provide additional depth and breadth to the Library’s collection of materials and databases.

The Johnson County Library announces the addition of the Mango Languages online language-learning system which is available to those with a Johnson County library card and PIN. Mango is free of charge and provides a fun, fast and convenient solution to the community’s growing language learning needs. It is an easy way to learn to speak a foreign language.

The Johnson County Library will host a Financial Aid Fair on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009; 4-8 p.m. at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St. , Overland Park, Kan. Representatives from area colleges, the military, federal student aid and area banks will be available to answer questions and provide information to help students attain their educational funding goals. The event is free and open to the public; no registration required.

Are you a college bound high school student or adult returning to college? Come join the fun at the Central Resource Library on Aug. 4 from 4 - 8 p.m., and see what's out there to help you get the money you need! Representatives from area colleges, the military, federal student aid and area banks will be available to help you attain your goals.

Librarians have collected a list of useful books and Web sites to help you plan for college and find financial aid and scholarships (PDF).

The Kansas Health Foundation has awarded a $25,000 recognition grant to the Johnson County Library Foundation to fund the Johnson County Library’s new 6 By 6, Ready to Read: Six Skills by Six Years early childhood literacy program.  The program will inform parents and caregivers of preschool-aged children about early literacy research and how they can help prepare children to be ready to read. 

During July The Johnson County Library will host Michelle "Mickey" Willard as teen artist-in-residence and Leslie Goodwin as teen writer-in-residence during July.

The Johnson County Library (KS) has been recognized with seven awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) and its subdivision, the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO). The awards will be presented on July 26 during the NACo national conference in Nashville, Tenn.

The Johnson County Library is the first public library to be highlighted in the monthly Depository Library Spotlight on the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) Web site, www.fdlp.gov, and is featured in the July issue.

Monday, July 6th, over 160 kids, teens and adults in full Harry Potter regalia rocked the Central Resource Library at PotterCast, a popular Harry Potter podcast, featuring The Whomping Willows and The Remus Lupins. They started lining up at 3 p.m. to attend the PotterCast hosted event and dance to their favorite wizard rock bands.

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.

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 Johnson County Library Board of Directors elected new officers at its May 20 meeting which will be effective through April 30, 2010. They are:

• Chairman: Jim Berger, Leawood
• Vice Chairman/Secretary: Carol Snyder, Overland Park
• Treasurer: Kristin Hansen, Shawnee

Jim Berger has served on the Library Board since 2003. He is a member of the Kansas, Missouri and Johnson County Bar Associations and serves as President of Berger and Carmody, PA, a law firm located in Overland Park specializing in elder law, life and estate planning.

Additional members of the Library Board are: and James Lutz, Overland Park; Catherine Nugent, Leawood:  Mitra Templin, DeSoto; and Charley Vogt, Shawnee.
 Members of the Board of Directors of the Johnson County Library are appointed by the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners for a four year term. Library Board members may be re-appointed for an additional four year term. The Library Board meets the third Wednesday of every month at 4 p.m. in the Carmack public meeting room of the Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St, Overland Park, KS unless otherwise announced.

Catherine Nugent, Leawood, KS has been appointed to the Johnson County Library board of trustees by the Board of County Commissioners. Nugent’s term will expire April 30, 2013.  

Nugent is owner of Willis, Pendleton, a communications company operating in Kansas City, MO since 1989. She is also a partner with the Integrated Strategies Group. A civic and business community advocate, she has served as the president of the Eisenhower Women’s Series, Executive Director of the Kansas City Business Rights Coalition, American Royal Governor, and on the board of directors of the Greater Kansas City Council of Philanthropy and the Nelson Atkins Museum Young Friends of Art. 

Members of the Board of Directors of the Johnson County Library are appointed by the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners for a four year term. Library Board members may be re-appointed for an additional four year term. The Library Board meets the third Wednesday of every month at 4 p.m. in the public meeting room of the Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St, Overland Park, KS unless otherwise announced. 

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.

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.

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 will host an award reception for local author Elizabeth C. Bunce on Sunday, March 22 from 2-4 p.m. at the Lackman Neighborhood Library, 15345 W. 87th St. Parkway, Lenexa, KS. Bunce, who regularly visits the Lackman Library, recently was named winner of the American Library Association’s William C. Morris Award for her debut young adult novel, A Curse Dark as Gold. Bunce will speak briefly about her award experience. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Refreshments will be served.

The Johnson County Library will host a program with popular local mystery author Nancy Pickard (Prairie Village, KS) on Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m. at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS. Pickard’s suspense book, The Virgin of Small Plains, is the 2009 Kansas Reads selection. The Kansas Center for the Book has chosen Pickard’s novel for its broad-based appeal that could encourage and sustain a spirited discussion. The public is invited to share Pickard’s excitement in this honor at the presentation. Time will be provided to ask questions. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Thousands of gently used books at discounted prices will be offered for sale at the March Madness 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, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 12-14.

In an effort to better serve its customers, the Johnson County Library will be conducting several focus groups and is inviting community input. The information gathered at these informal sessions will be utilized to improve library facilities and make library spaces more welcoming and comfortable Specifically, attendees will be asked why they come to the library; what they would like to see in the library; and how they envision the library of the future. 

Did you know? Many of the best-paying and most interesting new jobs in ALL fields require advanced skills in math and science. Local employers say that not enough young adults are prepared to succeed in these fields.

Join us to answer these questions:
1. How does the Research Triangle benefit Johnson County workforce development?
2. Will our kids be ready for 21st Century Careers?

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. ~ Dinner will be served
Location: University of Kansas Edwards Campus
12600 Quivira Rd Regnier Hall
Overland Park, KS 66213

To participate, please register at: http://jc-cc.eventbrite.com/

This event is co-sposored by: K-State Olathe Innovation Campus, University of Kansas-Edwards Campus, National Institute for Construction Excellence, Johnson County Community College, Blue Valley Schools, Olathe Schools, Shawnee Mission Schools, and Johnson County Library.

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.

The Johnson County Library and the REFORMA Heartland Chapter will present a workshop on Friday March 6, from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. entitled Library Services to Spanish-speaking Patrons at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS. The workshop will provide an emphasis on children’s services and will be presented by Tim Wadham, author and Assistant Director of Youth and Community Services at the St. Louis (Mo.) County Library.

Johnson County Library’s Strategic Plan includes a goal to change organizational cul­ture to meet the needs of each patron and set staff free to solve problems and indi­vidualize service.

Your responses to this short, quick survey will give us a snapshot of where we are right now with respect to this goal. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to respond to this survey.

Please take our short (1-2 minute) customer service survey.

February is the month of love. Days are getting a little longer and the sun shines a little brighter. Fall in love with your Library again with these services, programs and amenities.

Free resume help

Video games

Free Wi-fi

Family-friendly programs

Free tax help

Practice exams (online & print)

Free directory assistance

Cheap books at the Friends bookstore

Free computer access

Free homework help coaches & online tutors

Audiobooks the whole family will love

luv ur lib: Twitter/jocolibrary

Free Valentine's Day programs for all ages 

Mother Daughter Book Club

Guys Read! Book Club

Tuesday evening storytimes at Lackman Neighborhood Library

Read to a Dog program for kids

Teen Anime Clubs

Need 12 more reasons?

St. Valentine’s Day is being celebrated with programs for all ages at the Johnson County Library.

In celebration of Black History Month, the Johnson County Library will host several programs in February...

The Johnson County Library offers tax forms and resources in a variety of formats, at its library locations and via the library’s Web site: www.jocolibrary.org/taxes. Many paper tax forms are available for pick up at the libraries; others, which are not available, may be photocopied from reproducible copies or accessed from Internet computers at the Library. The Library’s Web site, www.jocolibrary.org/taxes, also has links to federal, state and city forms and information.

Find great deals on used VHS tapes, CDs and books on tape at Friends of the Library book sales and bookstores:

• Both Used Book Stores (at Antioch and Blue Valley) are selling VHS tapes and are open Monday-Saturday. They also sell books on tape and music CDs, some entertainment DVDs. Many of the Disney movies are available at the stores.
• There will be a lobby Audiovisual Sale at Blue Valley Library on Thursday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. VHS tapes will be 4/$1 and books on tape are 2/$1. Music CDs will be available for $1.
• The March Madness Used Book Sale at Antioch Library, Thursday, March 12, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, March 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will offer some AV materials.
• The Sizzlin' Summer Book Sale dates and location have yet to be determined but AV materials will also be available at that sale. Check the Friends of the Library Web page for details this summer.

Instead of purchasing a book, study with free test preparation guides at your home or school computer! LearningExpressLibrary has easy to follow online guides for the ACT, SAT and PSAT for high school students.

Thinking about graduate school? Use LearningExpressLibrary to get study guides for the LSAT, GRE, GMAT and MCAT.

All you need is a library card and PIN.

Based on the recent Web survey and usability studies conducted in December, we have made some slight modifications to the look and functionality of the Library’s home page:

1. The Library’s logo is prominent in the upper corner and unmodified.
2. The catalog, articles, and Web site search box is now featured more prominently and accessible across all pages of the Library’s Web site.
3. You can now log in directly to your account from the home page of the Library—and when you do, your information will “stick” so you don’t need to re-type your card number and PIN for each request.
4. The featured events and news tiles are better coordinated and more graphically sophisticated.
5. We’ve added a drop-down box “Information for…” to highlight specific library services and materials designed for special audiences (such as parents or teens) or special topics (such as health or business).

Questions? Feeback? Let us know!

Also, congrats to the winners of the random drawings of survey participants! Amy Warner Koch won the $25 Gift card and Gail Ridgway won the 1 Gig Johnson County Library Flash Drive.

Review the analysis of the Web survey (PDF)

Thanks to everyone who participated in the usability studies and the survey!

Explore a different country each month with stories, crafts, food, and dance. This program is free of charge and open to all ages. The "village" will open at 6 p.m. and remain open until 8 p.m.; come and leave as you please. This program will be held at the Central Resource Library.

Countries featured by month:

Jan. 15, 2009: Iraq
Feb. 19, 2009: Brazil
March 19, 2009: India
April 30, 2009: New Zealand
May 27, 2009: Japan

The Friends of the Johnson County Library Bookmark Design Contest is traditionally held each April during National Library week. We're doing things differently this year and holding it at the beginning of the year. Entry forms for the contest are available right now at at all Johnson County Library locations, the Friends of the Johnson County Library bookstores, or they can be downloaded online.

In the space provided on the entry form, contest entrants may use colored pencils, pens, paints or markers to design an original hand-drawn bookmark with illustrations and/or words. Entrants should show how their family comes together at the library or tell a story about what they like about the library or how the Library is a friend. The contest has categories for preschool through adult. All ages are encouraged to participate.

JCL's very own Web Content Developer Joshua M.Neff was on The Walt Bodine Show on Monday, Jan. 5, 2007. Mr. Neff discussed technological advances in libraries alongside Crosby Kemper III, Chief Executive of the Kansas City Public Library. Listen to the archive

What should the Kansas City region's transportation priorities be for the next three decades?

It's time to announce the 2009 Young Writers contest, cosponsored by the Johnson County Library and the Reading Reptile. The contest is open to all children ages 5-12. The winning stories will be chosen by local authors and illustrators, including Lisa Campbell Ernst, Brad Sneed, Jenny Whitehead, Eric Brace, Dana Regan, and Laura Huliska-Beith. The winners will be announced at a reception at the Antioch Library on Friday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m., where they will be awarded an original illustration based on their story! Click here to download an entry form, and check out last year's winners for inspiration.

Writers Place Poetry Reading Series resumes on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009; 7 p.m. at the Central Resource Library. Learn more...

The Johnson County Library will host a New Year’s Fiesta program on Friday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Oak Park Neighborhood Library, 9500 Bluejacket, Overland Park, KS.  One of the finest folk dancing groups in the area, Ballet Folklorico of Kansas City will perform. Their high energy presentation will feature solo dancers, couples, and large group dances. Their colorful costumes twirling to traditional music will have the audience smiling and clapping along. All ages are welcome. No registration required. For more information call (913) 752-8700.

The Friends of the Johnson County Library is seeking community input on how the Johnson County Library makes a difference in the lives of those it serves. The “Tell Us A Story” Campaign focuses on why the library matters. They would like to know what resources have been of value to you, How library staff helped you find materials that have assisted with your business, career, a health issue or hobby? What has changed in your life because of the Johnson County Library?

The Johnson County Library will host Junior Duck Stamp artwork contest entries from Kansas youth in a special artwork display at the Blue Valley Neighborhood Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS from Jan. 5–30, 2009.  The exhibit will feature 36 colorful art designs from students grades K-12 across the state including the artwork of 2008 Best of Show Kansas winner Layne Anderson of Overland Park.

Renovation of Leawood Library is well underway. View photos of the progress here and get the details on the project.

The Library is excited to bring some new software options to our public computers. New software will include Microsoft Office 2007: Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Also, new Patron Help On-Demand tutorials for e-mail, instant messaging, MySpace, burning CDs, using flash drives and Microsoft Office 2003-2007 Functionality Helpers.

The Johnson County Library and Friends of the Library will provide an opportunity to stock up on some great winter reading materials at bargain prices. The Cabin Fever Used Book Sale will be held Jan. 8-10, 2009 at the Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Merriam, KS.  This year’s event will feature thousands of gently used fiction, romance, science fiction and mystery titles as well as videos, CDs and books on tape and some nonfiction books. Materials for children and teens will also be available.

Entry forms for the 2009 Bookmark Design Contest cosponsored annually by the Johnson County Library and the Friends of the Library will be available beginning Jan. 5 at the Johnson County Central Resource Library, all 12 neighborhood library locations and in a downloadable format from the Library’s home page www.jocolibrary.org.

The Johnson County Library will host two events in conjunction with Kwanzaa on Saturday, December 27, at the Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Merriam, in the Library’s meeting room.

The Library has hundreds of free downloadable audiobooks for listening on a portable audio player or personal computer. Have an audiobook lover on your holiday gift list? Consider a portable audio player for listening to the Library's downloadable audiobooks...

On Saturday, Dec. 27, the Johnson County Library is teaming up with GameStop to bring you another exciting gaming tournament for ages 12-18. What games will we be playing? This time, the choice is yours! Go to www.jocoteenscene.org/gaming and vote for the Wii minigames you'd like to play. The top five choices will be the games played at the tournament. Then be at the Carmack Community Room of the Central Resource Library on Dec. 27, 12-4 p.m. and get in on the minigame tournament!

Registration begins Dec. 6. You can register online or call (913) 495-2400.

The "new" JoCoLibrary Web site has been live a little over a year, and we'd like to know what you like, what you wish we would change, and what potential developments you would enjoy and use most.

Please take our short survey and register for our random drawing for either a 1 GB JoCoLibrary flash drive or a $25 gift card. Thank you for sharing your ideas and opinions! Go to the survey.

It’s train mania time at the Johnson County Library. The Library will host several special events in conjunction with the Nelson Atkins exhibit Art in the Age of Steam which includes library programs, model train demonstrations, an art exhibit and a drawing for tickets to the Art in the Age of Steam exhibit at the Nelson. 

The Johnson County Library sponsors exhibits of original artwork by local and regional artists at the Blue Valley, Cedar Roe, Central Resource, Gardner, Leawood and Oak Park Libraries. Check out our latest video featuring Art in the Stacks. For more information, visit www.jocolibrary.org/artinthestacks.

There were 260 entries in the Staff BlitzRead! A winner was picked at each Library location and received a $25 gift card. The winners and their book of choice are listed below.

Please let us know what you thought of BlitzRead! by taking a short survey. For more information about this year's program, visit www.jocolibrary.org/blitzread.

Central Resource Library, Karen K. – Person of Interest by Theresa Schwegel

Corinth Library, Stephanie M. – My Antonia by Willa Cather

Blue Valley Library, Jessica P. – The Secret Man by Bob Woodward

Oak Park Library, Carol Sue W. – Arkansas by Christine Lynxwiler

Lackman Library, Maria T. – Small Plates by Marguerite Henderson

Antioch Library, Heather B. – The Chase by Clive Cussler

Cedar Roe Library, Jane F. M. – All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

DeSoto Library, Teri N. – No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy

Edgerton Library, Ruth D. – Princess by Ellen Miles

Gardner Library, Sarah P. – Trojan Odyssey by Clive Cussler

Leawood Library, Harold E. – Capital Crimes by Jonathan & Faye Kellerman

Shawnee, Library Kim B. – BBQ Joints by David Gelin

Spring Hill Library, Tara B. – Two Dollar Bill by Stuart Woods

The $100 grand prize winner was Robert P. His book was Killer Weekend by Ridley Pearson.

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone for your participation in BlitzRead!

The health section of the Johnson County Library Web site (also called JoCoHealth) will be rebuilt in the coming months, and your opinions will help us improve it. Sharing your opinions and ideas in this short survey should take about three to five minutes.

Starting Thursday, Nov. 13, the Library will be implementing a new computer reservation and printing system. Learn more about the new system and the roll-out schedule for the 13 Johnson County Library locations...
Update Nov. 25: the roll-out was successful. If you have questions about your printing account, please ask Library staff for assistance.

The DeSoto Neighborhood Branch of the Johnson County Library, 33145 W. 83rd St, is scheduled for a “makeover” in December to enhance patron convenience. Improvements to be made include: more floor space, four additional Internet/computer work stations for public use, and a new adult reading area.

Looking for something fun to do on a chilly autumn afternoon? Local science and nature events and science spots to visit in the metro are all featured on the KC Science, INC Web site at www.kcscienceinc.org.

More than 1300 votes were cast in our Votes for Books election, and the results are clear: women rule in Johnson County! Our big winners were Dora the Explorer and Junie B. Jones. Junie B. got 106 votes, giving her a small victory over the 2004 winner, Harry Potter, who received 100 in this election. Dora received 111 votes, a clear victory over the brother and sister team of Max and Ruby, who got 94 votes.

Thanks to everyone who exercised his or her right to vote! See you again in four years.

The original Nerdfighters are coming to town. The Johnson County Library will host the popular YouTube Nerdfighters, John Green and Hank Green at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street on Monday, Nov. 17, from 6-9 p.m

Find out how many government agencies help business owners start or expand a business for little or no cost at the Second Annual GovFest.  Representatives from federal, state, and local government agencies will be available to answer questions and offer information at this year's event on Thursday, November 20, from 1-6 p.m. at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS.

Johnson County Library will sponsor three programs entitled Get the Picture relating to the transition to the new all-digital television signals that will happen in February 2009.  A representative from Time Warner Cable will explain how technology will change from analog to digital, what equipment will be needed to watch television, and how the government coupon program works for digital conversion boxes for those who have antenna and analog televisions.

The Johnson County Library will host a special celebration to honor veterans entitled Hooray for Veterans on Monday, November 10, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS in the gallery area.  Participants will hear stories from two local veterans: Marjorie Rees and Larry Fries.

The Johnson County Library will host a program with Cheryl Harness, author and illustrator of children’s historical books, on Friday, November 7 at 7 p.m. at the Blue Valley Neighborhood Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS. Harness will demonstrate the creative process from concept to final artwork in this lively, 45-minute presentation. The program is in conjunction with an art display in the Blue Valley gallery during November featuring Harness’s work.  A reception, sale of her books and autographing, will follow the program. The program is recommended for ages 6 and up. Registration is not necessary.

Join us for a special celebration to honor veterans. Hear stories from local vets. Bring some of your own war memorabilia to display during the program. Music provided by the Tune Time Singers. Refreshments also provided. No registration necessary.

Monday, Nov. 10, 2008
10:30 a.m. - Noon
Central Resource Library, Gallery Area

About the presenters:

Marjorie Ellfeldt Rees at the age of 21 was one of a small group of women selected to be trained as military pilots during WWII. They would become the first women military pilots in U.S. history and would fly every plane in the air force arsenal and ineverycapacity except combat. 25,000 women applied; over 1,800 were selected for training and 1,084 completed the program, the attrition rate being comparable with male pilots. Women did every bit as good as the males. Marjorie served 17 months as a WASP (WWII Women Air Force Service Pilots) pilot flying a variety of planes mostly single and twinengine advanced trainers but also the North American B-25 bomber. She ferried planes and personnel but her chief duty was flight testing planes after repair or replacement of parts.

Larry G. Fries was a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army Aviation Corps from Jan. 1967-May 1968. He hauled combat units ina CH-47 Chinook helicopter during the Vietnam War. He was the former Post Commander of VFW #846 for 3.5 years. He was also Senior Vice-Commander of the American Legion from 2000-2003 and was also a member of 40-8.

Meet Cheryl Harness, children’s author and illustrator of historical picture books, at the Blue Valley Library on Friday, Nov. 7, 7-8:30 p.m. Ms. Harness has her artwork on display in the Blue Valley Library's gallery during the month of November. Ms. Harness will transport you from concept to final artwork in her lively 45-minute presentation. Reception and autographing will follow the program, with books for sale provided by Reading Reptile. Recommended for ages six and up. Registration is not necessary.

On February 17, 2009 all full-power broadcast television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. Wonder how this change will affect you? Want to know more about the new digital television changes and what equipment you might need to watch TV? Attend one of our free Get the Picture classes presented by representatives from Time Warner and learn more.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, but you have to be 18 to vote. But starting Tuesday, Oct. 28, kids ages 6-11 can come to the Library and vote for their favorite book characters. Bring your children to any Library location, and they can fill out one of our colorful ballots to vote for their favorite easy and chapter book characters. Voting ends on Election Day, and we'll post the winning characters on JoCoKids. Plus, each Library location will draw names of voters to win free books as prizes!

Lackman Library is open again! Thanks for your patience as we update your neighborhood libraries. If you have questions, please call Lackman Library at (913)495-7540.

 Oct. 16, 2008
Lackman Library will be closed for re-carpeting Monday, Oct. 27 through Thursday, Oct. 30. The Library will re-open at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. The meeting room will remain open during the carpet installation. Therefore, storytimes and most meeting room reservations will go on as planned.  The regular drive up book drop is out of service. Patrons can still return materials at a free standing book drop at the front of the building. If you have questions, please call Lackman Library at (913)495-7540.

Thousands of gently used books and audiovisual materials will be offered for sale at bargain prices at the Fall 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, November 6-8, 2008.

Update! The upgrade to the Web catalog has been completed. Thanks for your patience as we upgrade our systems.

New features include:

• Less clicks to renew materials and review current checkouts and holds.
• A new spell check will make searching easier.

Questions?
Contact us.

Thousands of gently used books and audiovisual materials will be offered for sale at bargain prices at the Fall 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, Kan., Nov. 6-8, 2008.

Johnson County Library will enable names and dates on grave markers in Johnson County cemeteries to be more accessible to genealogists and other researchers.  With assistance from a grant of $38,923 from the Johnson County Heritage Trust Fund, authorized on September 18 by the Board of County Commissioners, the Johnson County Library will implement its Digital Cemetery Project: Recording and Preserving Cemeteries in Johnson County.

New improvements to the DeSoto Library are coming in December. Look for new computers, new furniture, an improved adult reading area, a larger, improved teen space, and a bigger, better check-out/information desk. Questions? Contact the DeSoto Library staff (913)583-3106.

Barbara Brand, Overland Park, has been named Youth Services Manager for the Johnson County Library (KS). She will manage services to children and teens in the County library system.

Avoid the aches, pains and fever of the flu. Throughout the area, many convenient locations offer free or low-cost flu shots. Check the updated flu shot clinic list to find a location near you.

Summer Reading has come to a close, but one lucky youth, Kale Napier, age 4, Fairway, Kan., who attends Rolling Hills Preschool, starts this school year with a $529 Learning Quest college savings account.

• No access to the Web catalog, My Account, renewals, databases, or downloadable audiobooks

• No access to the Web catalog, My Account, renewals, databases, or downloadable audiobooks
• No access to JoCoLibrary or other Library Web sites

The Johnson County Library will sponsor several special events as part of the metro-wide Storytelling Celebration 2008. Local and regional tellers will be featured at Kansas City's 9th annual regional Storytelling Celebration, sponsored by Maple Woods and the Metropolitan Community Colleges.

New! Some downloadable audiobooks from Overdrive are now compatible with iPod and Microsoft Zune. Just look for the MP3 titles in the Overdrive collection. New titles are added to all downloadable audiobook selections monthly.

The Johnson County Library will host potter Micheal L. Smith as the 2008 Artist-in-Residence at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, Kan. and other Library locations during the month of October. Smith will be demonstrating the art of pottery with his wheel creating functional art throughout the month. Library visitors are encouraged to talk with him while he works, ask questions and experience his artistic processes. The program is made possible through funding from the William T. Kemper Foundation, the William T. Kemper II Trust and the Johnson County Library Foundation.

The Johnson County Library will host a unique election experience for teens at the Blue Valley Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park, on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 2-4 p.m. Teens can hear a speech by a young elected official, vote online for their favorite candidate and spar with the political candidates in Wii Sports. This event will provide a great opportunity for teens to connect with like-minded people in the community and find out more about how they can be involved. To register call (913) 495-3850 ext. 4, or register online.

The Johnson County Library will close the Leawood Pioneer Library branch, 4700 Town Center Dr, Leawood, Kan., on Thursday, Oct. 2, to begin construction on a yearlong expansion project. The current Library is 11,800 sq. ft. and an additional 8,000 sq. ft. will be added. Completion is expected in the fall of 2009. When it reopens the Library will have a community meeting room, study rooms, teen space, additional materials and computer work stations, café area and youth programming room.  Library hours will also be expanded to offer service from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

The Johnson County Library Foundation has named four outstanding individuals as winners of the annual 2008 Pinnacle Award: David Hughes, Jr., John Burgess, Vivien L. Jennings and Dr. Robert W. Fry.

As we prepare to move the Leawood Library to a temporary site (which will open in Town Center Plaza on Monday, Oct. 6, 2008), staff is packing up materials for storage and there are limited materials for check-out. For example, children’s books such as the Easy Picture, Easy Fiction, and Easy Readers are all boxed except for what we are taking to the temporary site. So, before you drop by Leawood Library, please call us at (913) 344-0250 to ensure we have what you want available. Thanks for your patience while we prepare to move to our new temporary location so we can build an expanded and improved Leawood Pioneer Library! Learn more about the Leawood Library Expansion Project.

The Corinth Library will undergo a few changes over the coming weeks including new carpeting and repaving of the parking lot. Please note:

• The Youth Services department (“the downstairs”) will close at 7 p.m. today, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008 and will remain closed through Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008. Library staff will be able to retrieve materials for patrons, and all children’s programming will be held as normal.
• Public computer access will be limited for the next two weeks.  Check back to www.jocolibrary.org/news for additional details as they are made available.
• New asphalt is coming to the parking lot beginning Monday, Sept. 29, 2008. Each level of the lot will be resurfaced separately. The entire process should take 2-4 days.

The Johnson County Library will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Spring Hill Neighborhood Library, 109 S. Webster, Spring Hill, Kan. There will be a variety of children’s activities including bubbles and "masterpiece painting." Refreshments will be provided and there will be door prize drawings. 

In an effort to serve you better, the Johnson County Library wants to know how well its collection of materials is meeting your needs. Please take a few moments and complete this brief survey.

The 2008 Artist-in-Residence, Micheal Smith, will be at the Central Resource Library this October! Find out more at www.jocolibrary.org/visitingartist.