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TBT: Tired of the Rain? It could be worse!
Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day. Are you feeling a little irritated after the downpours and deluges this week? Well, it could be worse! Using the search term "Flood" on jocohistory.org, we found a number of devastating scenes! Just another fun way and interesting way 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.
Imagine Your New Library
Johnson County Library is excited to have begun the design process for the new Library in Merriam. And it’s time to hear from you!
Tonight, Wednesday, May 19, our first public input session will be held virtually. In this session, you’ll have a chance to meet the architects, become familiar with their community involvement approach, learn about the project, and ideate about your future library.
The current Antioch Library has been a fixture in the Merriam community for over 60 years; staff and patrons alike have many fond memories of the building – some having visited Antioch their entire lives.
The new building will be located just a few blocks away on the campus of the Merriam Community Center. This summer, the design for the replacement Library is being developed with an eye toward the future, ensuring the ability to meet the changing needs of the community. Construction is anticipated to occur after the design is finalized with completion in 2023.
For more information about the new Library in Merriam, visit the Antioch Library Replacement Project page. Additional public input sessions will be announced on this page and @jocolibrary on social media.
Genealogy Help
With the Johnson County Genealogical Society's Special Interest Groups, you can learn more about a specific topic or area of interest. Meetings are held via Zoom at no cost.
• Genealogy Newbie Group
• Family Tree Maker Software
• Roots Magic Software
• Legacy Software
• FamilySearch.com
• Irish Special Interest Group
• DNA & Genetic Genealogy
• Writing Group
• Genealogy Scrapbooking
For questions or more information on the Johnson County Genealogical Society and items listed above, or to sign up for notifications, email info@jcgsks.org or visit their website.
Update: Central Resource Upgrade
As you know, we're making areas of Central Resource Library even better in 2021! Here's a little peek at what's been going on behind the scenes.
During April, crews installed a new boiler and completed MakerSpace improvements. In addition, shoring was installed for new exterior openings, existing precast walls were removed, and new wall framing installed. Demo work began at the Drive-Thru addition.
We know you may have many questions about what to expect this year, so we’ve put together a Construction FAQ that addresses the status of popular services like the Black & Veatch MakerSpace and Genealogy resources, more details about Little Central, and where to find alternate services. You’ll also find a Fly-Through video rendering of the project.
In addition to its public service staff, Central is home to many departments that support all 14 branches. Once the work at Central is complete, you will feel the positive impact across the Library system!
Photos provided by Construction Manager, Titan Built, LLC.
This Week at the Library
This week at the Library, you can join us for:
One-on-One Genealogy Help
Tuesday, May 18, 9 AM – 1 PM
Basic Genealogy and DNA one-on-one help are now being held online via Zoom specific to your questions and research. Visit Johnson County Genealogical Society to schedule an appointment. A volunteer will email a personal Zoom meeting link to you prior to the scheduled date.
Antioch Library Replacement Project: Information and Listening Session
Wednesday, May 19, 6 – 7 PM
Antioch Library is relocating to the Merriam Community Center campus, and we want to hear from you. In this session, you will meet the architects, learn about the project and their community involvement process, and ideate about your future library. Learn more about the Antioch Library Replacement Project and ways of engagement via Library OnDemand.
Maintain Your Ride
Thursday, May 20, Noon – 1:30 PM
DIY bike maintenance made simple! Now a virtual class - register to get the link to our live Zoom webinar. Get your hands dirty and learn to keep your bike in tip-top shape with this FREE class from Johnson County Library and BikeWalkKC! Our instructors will teach you how to keep your bike in good working order with a few basic tools and some practical know-how.
Walk and Read
All Day
“Take a walk and read a book.” Not normally sound advice, but that is exactly what Johnson County Library is suggesting families do this week at Blackhawk Park, Spring Hill, (near intersection of Webster/Harrison Street and 223rd Street). Walk and Read creates a family reading experience in the great outdoors! Families who participate will read two stories posted around the path, one going each direction. When you finish one story, you can flip around to the other side of the sign and begin the next story, which will lead you back around the path.
TBT: May You Be Well-Rested
As you very well know, May is Better Sleep Month!
Check out this "sleeping facility" for overflow troops on the grounds of the Olathe Naval Air Station in 1947. We found this photo and so many more at jocohistory.org with the search term "sleep." Such a fun way to time travel through local history. What will you find?
Have a happy Throwback Thursday! Some call it the best day of the week. Be sure to follow our hashtag on Twitter!
Is your bike ready?
Join us for a fantastic online event, Maintain Your Ride! This Thursday, May 20, 2021, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
DIY bike maintenance made simple! Now a virtual class - register to get the link to our live Zoom webinar.
Get your hands dirty and learn to keep your bike in tip-top shape with this FREE class from Johnson County Library and BikeWalkKC! Our instructors will teach you how to keep your bike in good working order with a few basic tools and some practical know-how.
Where: Your home! BWKC will send you a link to a Zoom webinar for LIVE instruction at the same date and time as the in-person class was originally scheduled.
Summer Reading Launches with Can't-Miss Event!
Don't miss this: Summer Reading Launch Keynote Speaker: Kwame Alexander
Newbery medal winner and New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander shares a bit of conversation, a dash of storytelling, and a splash of performance to engage young readers. As Alexander says, "Books are cool like amusement parks, and sometimes you gotta let the kids choose the rides!" A performance for all ages. Registration is required.
Imagine Your New Library
Johnson County Library is excited to have begun the design process for the new Library in Merriam. And we want to hear from YOU!
The current Antioch Library has been a fixture in the Merriam community for over 60 years; staff and patrons alike have many fond memories of the building – some having visited Antioch their entire lives.
The new building will be located just a few blocks away on the campus of the Merriam Community Center. This summer we are developing the design for the replacement Library with an eye toward the future, ensuring we are able to meet the changing needs of the community over time.
The first public input session will be held online Wednesday, May 19, from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Additional dates for public input sessions will be announced on jocolibrary.org/AntiochReplacement and @jocolibrary on social media. Construction is anticipated to occur after the design is finalized with completion in 2023.
We are excited to hear how we can continue to serve the community for years to come.