Activities and events for all ages offered across Johnson County.
Johnson County Library kicks off their annual Summer Reading program Thursday, June 1 with Newberry Award-winning, best-selling author Jacqueline Woodson. Though the event is at capacity, those who join the waitlist will receive a private link to watch a recording of the event, where Woodson will share what motivates her to write and the importance of stories to connect us all.
During the month of June, kids can pick up a free book at any of the 14 branch locations to build their home collection (while supplies last). Special events for all ages will be held throughout the summer, ending with a Summer Celebration July 29 at Overland Park’s Central Resource Library and Strang Park. Pick up or download a reading log to track progress and complete fun summer challenges. More information is available at jocolibrary.org/summerreading.
Programming highlights include:
- A Celebration of Music and Family with Mr. Stinky Feet, Wednesday, June 7 at Monticello Library (Shawnee).
- Breakdancing Workshops with SugEasy, Tuesday, June 13 at Gardner Library, Blue Valley Library (South Overland Park) and Central Resource Library (Overland Park).
- Concert and Meet and Greet with Latin Grammy-award winner MISTER G, Saturday, June 24 at Central Resource Library. *MISTER G is available for press.
- Interactive musical storytelling with Dino O’Dell, Thursday, June 29 at Gardner Library, Central Resource Library, and Lenexa City Center Library.
- Science is Astounding with Mad Science, Thursday, July 6 at Antioch Library (Merriam).
- Folk Tale Capers with Jo Ho, Storyteller, Thursday, July 13 at Shawnee Library and Corinth Library (Prairie Village).
- Drum Safari, Monday, July 24 at Blue Valley Library.
- Circus Variety Workshop, Thursday, July 27 at Gardner Library and Antioch Library.
- Walk and Reads, including a special edition celebrating Juneteenth,will be hosted at several parks throughout the county.
- Family Storytimes, R.E.A.D. to a Dog or Cat with Pets for Life, Tabletop Games, and Black & Veatch MakerSpace activities can be enjoyed all summer at a variety of locations.
About Summer Reading
Johnson County Library’s annual Summer Reading program aims to support literacy skills and encourage the joy of reading in our community. Kids who practice reading skills over the summer are less likely to experience “summer slide,” the loss of academic gains made in the previous school year. This year’s theme, celebrated at libraries nationwide, is “All Together Now,” which the Library will explore through books, programs and presenters June 1 through July 29.
Elissa Andre