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National Library Week 2020
The theme for National Library Week 2020, "Find your place at the library," was chosen some time ago, before any of us could imagine the emergence of a global pandemic that would force most libraries to temporarily close their physical spaces. But you can still find your place at the library because libraries are open for business online, providing the virtual services and digital content their communities need more than ever. You can access eBooks, streaming movies, music, virtual storytimes, and so much more — all from the the comfort of your home. The new National Library Week 2020 theme, "Find the library at your place," was born.
This year during National Library Week, let’s celebrate by showing our appreciation for the many innovative ways libraries, librarians and library workers are continuing to serve their communities during a time of crisis.
Food Pantries
If you need food assistance during the COVID-19 crisis, Johnson County Library keeps an updated list of area food pantries. We encourage you to call the organization to double-check its hours, as many are operating on different schedules. Local schools have also been passing out school lunches for kids ages 1-18. Many provide breakfasts or a few days of both breakfast and lunch, and homeschoolers are eligible, as well. Check the web pages below for information specific to your area:
- Blue Valley School District
- DeSoto School District
- Gardner/Edgerton School District
- Olathe School District
- Shawnee Mission School District
- Spring Hill School District
As always, our staff are standing by (virtually) for any questions you might have and to offer one-on-one assistance.
Art @ Your Library
At many of our locations, you can see art by local artists and groups on display. This Spring we are featuring art from the Johnson County Developmental Supports Emerging Artists, the InterUrban ArtHouse Photography Group, any many others. Enjoy art @ your library this Spring with our Exhibitions.
TBT: Laugh it up!
As you very well know, it’s National Humor Month!
Check out this little girl holding a chicken. Her laughter is infectious. I bet she knows why the chicken crossed the road and the reason is hilarious!
Remember, jocohistory.org is the place to time travel through local history. Be sure to follow our hashtag on Twitter!
Happy Throwback Thursday! Some call it the best day of the week.
elementia goes Digital
This year elementia has gone digital due to the COVID-19 situation. But that won't stop these teen literary voices from being heard. We give elementia writers the platform to perform live, albeit remotely. Kate McNair interviews a few of the publication's editors and producers as well. We also hear from our Librarians as they offer eLibrary suggestions and some of their favorite young adult author quotes. This is can't miss stuff. Did you hear? We've got some amazingly smart and talented teens right here in Johnson County!
Masks from the Makers
Our Makers have gone into production with the 3D printers, printing harnesses for the face shields and laser cut PETG for the front face shield at the Black & Veatch MakerSpace.
Featured Artist Friday: Calvin Arsenia
Wow! Did we really discover Calvin Arsenia five years ago?! We sure are going to miss his performance that was scheduled for City Center Live!
Calvin, you've come such a long way. We're proud of you and thankful you have made the Library a part of your life. You've shared such great music with us over the years.
TBT: Guitar Hero
As you very well know, it’s International Guitar Month!
"Sometimes you'll want to give up the guitar. You'll hate the guitar. But if you stick with it, you're gonna be rewarded."
~Jimi Hendrix
Remember, jocohistory.org is the place to time travel through local history. Be sure to follow our hashtag on Twitter!
Happy Throwback Thursday! Some call it the best day of the week.
elementia issue xvii
Last month we had to reach out with the sad news that our yearly celebration of our teen 'zine, elementia, was cancelled as we all said goodbye to hugs and high-fives to head inside and isolate. American life has changed in surreal ways over the last few weeks and we thought that now, more than ever, we need to hold onto the things that bring us together, that keep us connected.
That is why we are so excited to announce the early release of the digital issue of elementia issue xvii! We hope that you can scroll through its pages and find stories and art that reflect your experiences, make you feel seen and heard, and most of all, inspire you!
Tour via Your Car or Device
Dividing Lines: A History of Segregation in Kansas City
Journey through the history of segregation in the Kansas City metro, primarily through its real estate. Dividing Lines is a tour of the history of residential segregation and its far-reaching impacts.
Dividing Lines Driving Audio Tour
This Dividing Lines tour is designed so that you can safely drive through the city at your own pace while hearing stories about each area you travel through. Download the Voice Map app on Android or iOS.
Nathaniel Bozarth, ethnographer and host of the “Wide Ruled” podcast, narrates this 90-minute drive, bringing in interviews from several area students and notable city figures Sid Willens, Bill Tammeus, Mamie Hughes, and Margaret May.
“Dividing Lines” was created as a part of the Johnson County Library’s “Race Project KC.” The Library’s Civic Engagement Committee, Local History Committee, and Tanner Colby’s book “Some of My Best Friends are Black: The Strange Story of Integration in America” inspired much of the ongoing work of Race Project KC. This tour was made possible by support from Johnson County Library and the Kansas Humanities Council. It was produced by Brainroot Light & Sound. Written by Nathaniel Bozarth and Christopher Cook. The tour features music from Hermon Mehari and KC Jazz LP.
The content of this tour may contain controversial material; such statements are not an expression of library policy.
Get more information and download the app now.