COVID-19

Navigating COVID-19

COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted us all differently. And it’s especially difficult for those who have limited digital access or skills. To help you navigate the pandemic, we’ve created a list of resources that cover a variety of topics.

Johnson County Library is the primary organization implementing the Digital Navigators project of the Community Reinvestment Phase II of Johnson County COVID-19 Recovery Funding. The goal of this project is to provide support and assistance for Johnson County residents who lack digital access and skills who have been impacted by COVID-19. Johnson County Library staff are connectors to education, career, technology, human services and other resources through our information and public service channels.

If you are looking for resources to help you during the pandemic, check out the list below.

Ask a Librarian

Device/Internet Access

Social Services

Health

Business

Employment

Education

  • Device tutorials

  • JCL homework help
    • Kids - Databases aimed at elementary students, including Brainfuse with online tutoring 2-11pm daily.
    • Teens  - Databases aimed at middle/high students, including Brainfuse.

Digital Literacy

Recursos españoles

  • Mission Adelante - Recursos para comida, ropa, inmigracion, refugio
  • Línea de Información para el Público de los EEUU – (800) 232-4636
  • Optum Línea de Apoyo – (866) 342-6892

Curbside pickup available at Leawood

Bookmarkable COVID-19

The Library recently initiated Curbside Holds Pickup service at the Leawood Pioneer branch. While you are always welcome to pick up your materials inside the Leawood branch, you now have the option for contactless holds pickup from the comfort of your vehicle!

To use the service:

  1. Follow the yellow arrow signs in the South parking lot. In the southeast corner of the lot, you will see stalls with blue Curbside Pickup signs.
     
  2. To initiate the pickup, text the word HOLD to the number listed on the sign. Please follow the prompts -- you'll be asked to enter your first and last name, Library card number and the make, model and color of your vehicle. Please note you must be present at the Library to initiate pickup.
     
  3. When your hold has been located and checked out to you, you'll receive a message asking you to drive around to the orange cone at the Library's front entrance.
     
  4. Pop your trunk or roll down a passenger side window so a Library staff member can place your hold in your car.
     

With the success of the Curbside pickup service at our Leawood location, we are expanding this option to our Gardner branch  beginning August 24, and Cedar Roe beginning August 31. 

Hours for Curbside Holds Pickup will follow branch hours of operation, but the service will end 15 minutes prior to the close of the building at all three locations.

While visitors are always welcome to go into the branches to pick up their holds, browse the shelves, or use public computers (one hour per day limit), the Library anticipates that Curbside Holds Pickup service will continue well into the future due to positive feedback from patrons, especially those with mobility issues and families with small children.

 

MakerSpace Mask Delivery

Bookmarkable COVID-19

You may have caught Johnson County Library in the news recently—our Black & Veatch MakerSpace facilitators have been hard at work during our branch closure, running 3D printers from our MakerSpace and JCCC’s Maker Lab 24/7 to make desperately needed PPE for Johnson County healthcare workers. Last week they handed off their first 80 face shields to Johnson County EMS. Assembled from 3D-printed headbands and plastic dividers, the shields will be sanitized and distributed to Johnson County Developmental Supports for immediate use. In addition to the face shields, Library staff from across all departments have sewn nearly 1,000 fabric masks, with another donation to EMS happening later this week.

Food Pantries

COVID-19

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:

As always, our staff are standing by (virtually) for any questions you might have and to offer one-on-one assistance.

Get informed about COVID-19: Coronavirus

Bookmarkable COVID-19

The global spread of COVID-19 is a rapidly-evolving situation. Johnson County Library wants to keep our patrons informed about the virus, as well as preventative measures the Library is taking in response. Check this page for the latest updates from trusted resources, as well as any potential changes to Library programs and services. See our FAQs for Branch Reopening »

 

Resources

Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirmed its first presumptive-positive case of COVID-19 in Johnson County on March 7.   At the Library, the safety and welfare of our patrons, volunteers and staff is a high priority. The Library’s administration is monitoring the situation and following precautionary recommendations from JCDHE, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Watch the County’s press conference.

Below is a list of websites and library resources assembled by Library staff to help patrons stay informed on the latest news and developments about the virus:

County: The Johnson County Health and Environment has a resource page that includes a FAQ, notices on travel, information about preventing the spread of the virus, and even a “JoCo on the Go” podcast episode by local health experts.

State: The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a page dedicated to COVID-19, including Frequently Asked Questions, a fact sheet, and guidance for schools, day care facilities, and public health professionals.

Federal: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides daily situational reports, a FAQ, and tracks new cases in the United States.

The United States National Library of Medicine, one of the world’s largest medical libraries and part of the National Institutes of Health, tracks clinical studies of the virus and is a rich resource on current scientific writings:

Global: Be sure to visit the World Health Organization, where you can access a daily situation report that tracks the outbreak.

The Johnson County Library also has access to medical databases, accessible with a library card and PIN, including MedLinePlus and Consumer Health Complete, which gives user access to medical journals and magazine articles, in addition to other useful and timely information.