With Antioch Library’s closure in January 2024, Corinth Library is now the oldest building in the Johnson County Library system, at just over 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 the kids collection.
While beloved, the building now faces significant structural issues that limit practical improvements. Renovation was considered but found to be nearly as costly and far riskier than replacement. Like a home remodel, updating a building over 60 years old can reveal unpredictable issues that require substantial contingency costs. At Corinth, 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 new facility, by contrast, 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.
Top Questions
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.
Yes! We have an in-depth video tutorial for using our filament 3D printer created by our MakerSpace staff.
Manufacturer PDFs for set up and use can also be found here.
Thanks to support from Black & Veatch, we provide the resin or filament needed for 3D printing at no cost to patrons.
You cannot bring your own materials for 3D printing.
Space is limited at our in-person Storytimes and we do not accept advanced registration. We encourage patrons to come early and visit the Questions desk to pick up a free ticket when you arrive. You can also virtually tune in anywhere, anytime at our Storytime OnDemand playlist.
See this video tutorial for uploading or emailing a print job, and this video tutorial to see how to release a print job.
Fine-free means that there won’t be late charges on Johnson County Library-owned materials. Interlibrary loan items will retain their three-week checkout period and are subject to the fines structure of the originating library system.