De Soto Renovations
First Steps
Architectural design work for renovations at the De Soto Library began in October 2024. The Library worked with bc DESIGN GROUP to develop a design that incorporated input heard from community members during initial public forums, making the space more functional and modernizing building infrastructure. This includes creating and improving gathering spaces, updating technology, and enhancing kids’ areas, in addition to updating building finishes (new carpeting, paint, furniture) and more intuitive collection layouts.
Construction work at De Soto is expected to begin September 8th, 2025, pending Library Board approval. The Library will continue to be active in these communities during construction. Stay tuned for updates on this page or @jocolibrary on social media.
Improvements
The exterior of De Soto Library will receive a refreshed facade and new, back-lit signage. There will also be improvements to the sidewalk area, including landscaping and seating. The interior will be both refreshed with new finishes and furniture and rearranged, creating spaces for kids and adults in the front of the building with access to natural light and large windows. In response to community request, the Library is adding a new study and conference room.
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De Soto Renovations FAQ
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In anticipation of the closure, here are a few important dates to keep in mind:
- Sunday, Aug. 17 is the last day to request an item for holds or Interlibrary Loan pick up at De Soto Library. After this date De Soto will no longer show as an option to select when reserving materials through your Library account.
- On Thursday, Aug. 28, all pending holds with a requested pickup location of De Soto will be paused until the building reopens in 2026. You may choose to either:
- Take no action and leave the holds paused. Your holds will automatically resume in your account when the building reopens. You will not lose your place in line with a paused hold; your queue number will be adjusted automatically.
- Log in to your account through our website or app and select a new pickup location for any holds that may become available during the closure period.
- Saturday, Sept. 6 would be the last day of services at De Soto Library, including access to the collection, public computers, holds pick up, and materials return. Available holds not picked up by close of business at 2:00 p.m. will expire.
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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.
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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.