Building Projects FAQs

  • De Soto Renovations

    While well-maintained, the De Soto Library has received only minor cosmetic upgrades in the more than forty years. A larger-scale renovation will provide more meeting and collaboration spaces, a more intuitive collection layout, an improved kids’ area, updated technology and needed upgrades to building infrastructure. The Library will also be brightened and improved with new carpeting, shelving, furnishings, paint and more.

    At De Soto Library, we plan to enhance the façade and outdoor area in front of the building, and to use the interior space more efficiently, allowing for more meeting and collaboration space and making best use of available natural light.

    Design priorities in general are:

    • Including study and meeting spaces for both quiet and collaborative work where possible
    • Updating 6 by 6 Early Literacy spaces and kids’ area
    • Updating public computers
    • Creating an intuitive collection layout
    • Enhancing outdoor spaces
    • Making the best use of available natural light
    • Security and technology enhancements
    • Modernizing service desks

    In 2025 we will begin refreshing our Comprehensive Library Master Plan, which will identify longer term needs and forecasts and allow us to plan with current data for the De Soto community, as well as all of our communities across Johnson County.

    No services will be available at De Soto Library during the closure period. Returns, holds pickup, public computers, printing and copying and access to the collection are available at our other locations across the county, including Monticello Library (22435 W 66th St., Shawnee) and Lenexa City Center Library (8778 Penrose Ln., Lenexa). Both locations feature drive-thru options for convenient materials return and holds pickup.

    While we are closed, check out these resources:

    • eLibrary – Explore the world at your fingertips with eLibrary! Your Library card gives you free access to thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and more — anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re reading for fun, learning something new or just looking for your next great read, eLibrary has something for everyone. Start browsing today and enjoy the Library from the comfort of home.
    • HomeConnect – HomeConnect is a free service for Johnson County Library cardholders who live in our service area but can’t visit the Library in person — whether for a temporary or long-term reason. If you’re homebound, we’ll mail Library materials directly to you.
    • Johnson County Library YouTube – Check our YouTube where you can find our favorite videos about the Library!
    • Homework Help for Kids and Teens - Our online homework help connects school-age kids with resources to help make learning clear, fun, and stress-free. Students gain access to a wide range of trusted databases, interactive learning tools, and expert support across subjects like math, reading, science, and more.

    The study room has a capacity of 4 and the conference room has a capacity of 8. Both rooms will have AV capabilities and whiteboards.

    Patrons will be able to begin reserving rooms at De Soto Library starting on opening day, Thursday, April 23. Advance reservations are not available before that date. Standard Library room guidelines will apply.

    On Thursday, April 23, the De Soto Library will reopen with normal hours of operation. We will also resume filling holds and Interlibrary Loan pickups on that date.

    De Soto Alternate Locations for:

    • Materials Return: Monticello Library
    • Holds Pickup: Monticello Library
    • Computer/Wi-Fi access: Monticello Library
    • Election Ballot Return: Shawnee Library
    • Other Library tasks: Monticello Library

    No, the ballot box will not be accessible. Patrons may use any of the other ballot boxes at our other locations, or other options available for voting in Johnson County. The ballot box will be available again after reopening.

    The De Soto and Spring Hill projects were both approved by the Library Board and the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) as part of the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan. Anticipated total project costs for both locations are approximately $6.3 million. These two projects are funded by Library reserves.

  • Corinth Replacement

    Corinth Library is the oldest building in the Johnson County Library system, at more than 60 years old. The branch opened in February 1963, was expanded in 1967 and renovated in 1986 and 2002. For decades, it has been a popular and heavily used branch, especially for its kids’ collection.

    The Library’s 2015 Comprehensive Library Master Plan (PDF) identified the need for replacement of the Corinth facility. While beloved, the building now faces significant structural issues that limit practical improvements. After a careful comparison of renovation versus replacement costs, in 2024 the Library Board prioritized the replacement of Corinth Library as the Library’s next capital project.

    No. Renovation was considered and updating a building over 60 years old can reveal unpredictable issues that require substantial contingency costs. At Corinth Library, this work would involve correcting uncertain foundation and groundwater issues, retrofitting structural systems, adding a third floor to meet community needs, constructing structured parking and replacing much of the interior and exterior to meet modern energy codes. Many materials are 40-60 years old and not designed for today’s library services, such as reliable access to power and data.

    A 2024 joint study with the City of Prairie Village and the YMCA revealed additional wish list items that the community desired from their Library facility, including a drive-thru and additional meeting space. The footprint of the existing building would not accommodate these additions

    A new facility can be purpose-built to meet current codes, sustainability goals and operational requirements while providing more study space, meeting rooms and modern amenities. This approach ensures a resilient, efficient and future-ready Library that can reliably serve the community for the next 60-plus years.

    No final decision has been made. The Library Board owns the building and parking lot at 81st and Mission Road and is exploring both keeping the current site and alternative locations, including the site on the City of Prairie Village municipal campus. Recent test fits commissioned by the Library show that an approximately 30,000 square foot building, improved parking, a drive-thru, pedestrian and vehicle access can be accommodated at both locations.

    Regardless of final location, it is important to the Library Board and staff that the community continues to have convenient access to Library services. Should the Board choose to build on a new site, the Corinth Library could remain open through construction.

    The project will be fully funded through the existing mill levy that supports the Library’s Comprehensive Library Master Plan, approved in 2015. Funding specifically for the Corinth Replacement Project was approved in Fall 2025 by the Library Board and the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners as part of the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan.

    For capital projects such as this one, the Library’s practice is to use existing Library Reserve dollars to pay for about half of the project, and work with the County to bond the remainder. The Corinth replacement does not require any additional commitment of dollars from residents.

    Corinth Library is Johnson County Library’s next capital project, as determined by the Library Board. As of July 2026, Library staff are working with the City of Prairie Village to determine if the municipal campus site is a feasible option. Once the Library Board provides direction on a location, anticipated to occur in the second half of 2026, the Library will hire an architect through a Request for Proposal process and design can begin. There will be opportunities for public input during the design process, which is anticipated to occur in 2027.

    The specific construction timeline is still unknown and will be determined by the scope of design, environmental factors, and supply chain considerations.

    You can share your thoughts in several ways:

    Once design is underway, we will share additional opportunities for public input via email, our website, on social media and in the Corinth branch.

    You do not need to live in Prairie Village — or even Johnson County — to give input. People from across the Kansas City metro area use our facilities, and we welcome feedback from a wide range of perspectives.

  • Spring Hill Renovations

    No services will be available at Spring Hill Library while we are closed Aug. 22 to Mid-2026.

    Other options:

    Returns, holds pickup, public computers, printing and copying and access to the collection are available at our other locations across the county, including Gardner Library (137 E Shawnee St, Gardner), Blue Valley Library (9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park), and Olathe Public Library's Indian Creek branch (16100 W. 135th St., Olathe). Johnson County and Olathe Libraries share an online catalog and materials, and your library card will work at either system. The Gardner and Indian Creek locations both feature curbside holds pickup, and Blue Valley Library offers a drive-thru lane for both holds pickup and materials return. 

    While we are closed, check out these resources:

    • eLibrary – Explore the world at your fingertips with eLibrary! Your Library card gives you free access to thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and more — anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re reading for fun, learning something new or just looking for your next great read, eLibrary has something for everyone. Start browsing today and enjoy the Library from the comfort of home.
    • HomeConnect – HomeConnect is a free service for Johnson County Library cardholders who live in our service area but can’t visit the Library in person — whether for a temporary or long-term reason. If you’re homebound, we’ll mail Library materials directly to you.
    • Johnson County Library YouTube – Check our YouTube where you can find our favorite videos about the Library!
    • Homework Help for Kids and Teens - Our online homework help connects school-age kids with resources to help make learning clear, fun, and stress-free. Students gain access to a wide range of trusted databases, interactive learning tools, and expert support across subjects like math, reading, science, and more.

    During periods of extreme heat or cold, the Spring Hill Civic Center offers a comfortable indoor space for community members. The facility also offers free Wi-Fi, making it a convenient location to stay connected while taking shelter from the weather.

    The Spring Hill Library site offers an opportunity for expansion on existing land. An expansion allows for more seating and collaboration spaces, a more spacious children’s area, an enhanced outdoor area and more natural light.

    Design priorities in general are:

    • Including study and meeting spaces for both quiet and collaborative work where possible
    • Updating 6 by 6 Early Literacy spaces and kids’ area
    • Updating public computers
    • Creating an intuitive collection layout
    • Enhancing outdoor spaces
    • Making the best use of available natural light
    • Security and technology enhancements
    • Modernizing service desks
    • Adding “self-service” hours and expanding the building outward at Spring Hill

    In 2025 we will begin refreshing our Comprehensive Library Master Plan, which will identify longer term needs and forecasts and allow us to plan with current data for the Spring Hill community, as well as all of our communities across Johnson County.

    On Wednesday, June 3, the Spring Hill Library will reopen with normal hours of operation. We will also resume filling holds and Interlibrary Loan pickups on that date.

    While well-maintained, the Spring Hill Library has received only minor cosmetic upgrades in the more than forty years. A larger-scale renovation will provide more meeting and collaboration spaces, a more intuitive collection layout, an improved kids’ area, updated technology and needed upgrades to building infrastructure. The Library will also be brightened and improved with new carpeting, shelving, furnishings, paint and more.

    Spring Hill Alternate Locations for:

    • Materials Return: Gardner Library and Indian Creek Library (Olathe Public Library)
    • Holds Pickup: Gardner Library and Indian Creek Library (Olathe Public Library)
    • Computer/Wi-Fi access: Gardner Library and Indian Creek Library (Olathe Public Library)
    • Election Ballot Return: Gardner Library
    • Other Library tasks: Gardner Library

    We are sorry to say, if your hold was not picked up by close of business at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, or the pickup location for your hold was not changed from Spring Hill  to another branch, your hold expired. You will need to place your hold again.

    No, the ballot box will not be accessible. Patrons may use any of the other ballot boxes at our other locations, or other options available for voting in Johnson County. The ballot box will be available again after reopening.

    The De Soto and Spring Hill projects were both approved by the Library Board and the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) as part of the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan. Anticipated total project costs for both locations are approximately $6.3 million. These two projects are funded by Library reserves.