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There is a popular book, first published in 1973, called “Where Did I Come From?” For generations now, it has helped parents answer questions about the birds and the bees from their children. At about the same time that book was published, the Johnson County Genealogical Society was formed to answer the same question on a much different scale.

“People like to know their histories, know the stories of where they came from,” said Marsha Bennett, vice president for education and outreach for the society. “We help people find the resources to answer their questions.”

The Society occupies a large space in the Central Resource Library and has volunteer genealogists on site seven days a week to help people in search of their family roots, whether they are in Johnson County or anywhere in the world.

At first, the work can seem overwhelming. So many questions. So many generations. So many resources, some in books, some on microfilm, some in government archives stored who knows where. Many people don’t know where to start.

“We are here to help,” said Heather Jenkins, president of the Genealogical Society. “There is a simple place to start: with yourself. Start with your heirlooms, old photos, family Bibles. Start with yourself and work backwards … and occasionally sideways.

“We all go down rabbit holes,” she added with a smile, acknowledging that within those rabbit holes can be wonderful adventures.

JCGS volunteers are available to help every day of the week. They can point you toward resources – either physical or digital – that can aid in your quest. For those looking for a little additional help with either basic genealogical research or DNA and Genetic Genealogy, there are opportunities for one-on-one sessions with volunteers that can be arranged in advance. They can be in-person or over Zoom.

“There are a lot of resources, a lot of places people can go,” Jenkins said.

In all, Jenkins said, there are 7,000 non-circulating items in the Genealogical collection. With the Internet, patrons can also find access to much, much more. Services like Ancestry.com can be used free of charge within the Library. Other internet resources are either free or can be purchased to be used online at home.

Included among the resources at the Central Library Genealogical corner is an old card catalog filled with decades of obituaries clipped from local newspapers. Microfilm of the Kansas City Star and smaller local papers – like The Sun or Johnson’s County Gazette – are on hand and date back generations. There are computers and printers. In a space known as the Memory Lab, scanners are available for people wanting help converting photos, slides and videos to digital formats for safer keeping and sharing. Forms and templates are available to help keep your information organized and to help you get started on the family tree.

Genealogists just getting started can find help knowing where to search, what information to collect from your home or the home of relatives, and the basics as how to navigate genealogical Websites or commonly used abbreviations.

“We call it catching the bug,” Jenkins said when patrons dive into research full force. “It’s the thrill of the hunt. People like to know their history. Maybe they’ve heard stories and now they can know.

“It’s exciting when they have that ’Eureka!’ moment.”

 The society offers special-interest groups – people who want to create digital albums for instance, or those interested in Irish genealogy – to help connect like-interested people together for support and fellowship. There are also monthly programs on history topics on Saturdays at the Central Resource Library. This year’s topics include: – Bleeding Kansas, the National Frontier Trails Museum and Finding Your Military Ancestors. 

“It’s a somewhat unique operation that we have a library within a library,” said Bennett, a former communications manager for the Library, explaining the partnering with the Library that makes genealogical resources more greatly accessible to people.

It’s appropriate that the County Librarian was at the founding meeting of the Genealogical Society, the spark of a 50-plus year partnership between the two organizations. Before moving operations to the Central branch on 87th Street, the Kansas Room at the now-closed Antioch branch was the home of the Society and its resources.

The original mission of the Genealogical Society stated that one of its goals is to “encourage the study of family history.” Put another way, the Society and the Library are here to help people answer the question: “Where did I come from?”

For more information about the Society, visit the Central Resource Library at 9875 W. 87th Street or online.

February is Black History Month—a time to recognize, reflect on and celebrate the achievements, contributions and lasting impact of African Americans throughout U.S. history and right here in Johnson County. In honor of this celebration, we invite you to explore local resources, including a visit to the Webb Family meeting room, where you can learn more about their story. You can also watch their inspiring video on YouTube for a deeper connection to our community’s history. 

In 1915, Historian Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week—a term used at the time—and it soon grew into a nationwide movement. That same year, Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, to promote the study and celebration of Black history. They chose the second week of February to align with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, recognizing their significance in the fight for freedom and equality. 

Over time, schools, cities and institutions embraced the observance, and in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, encouraging all Americans to honor the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans. 

Each year, a national theme guides the celebration. The 2025 theme, "African Americans and Labor,” highlights the essential role of Black labor in shaping economies, industries and communities. From enslaved Africans whose agricultural work sustained colonies to Black entrepreneurs and educators advocating for vocational training, this theme honors the resilience, innovation and lasting economic impact of African Americans. 

At Johnson County Library, we’re proud to provide resources that help our community explore and celebrate Black history and culture. Whether you're looking for books, films, historical documents or engaging programs and events, there’s something for everyone. 

We’re also excited to introduce African American History from Infobase, a dynamic new eResource that brings over 500 years of history to life. This interactive platform offers a fresh way to explore key moments, influential figures and cultural milestones through mobile-friendly videos, slideshows, images, biographies, primary sources, maps, graphs and timelines. 

Take time this month to discover, learn and engage.  Explore Black history and culture with Johnson County Library—anytime, anywhere. 

Explore & Engage 
Get Started with Primary Sources  

• Associated Press Collections Online – Includes news coverage on Martin Luther King, Jr., Freedom Riders, desegregation, voting rights and more.  
• American Civil Liberties Union Papers – 20th century ACLU records focusing on race and civil rights. 
• Slavery and Anti-Slavery: A Transnational Archive – Documents and research guides related to the history of slavery, abolition and emancipation.   

Local History  

• The Legacy of Corinthian Nutter – Learn about the major contributions Ms. Nutter made in Webb v. School District 90 (located in Merriam, KS), which ended segregation five years before Brown v. the Board of Education.  
• JoCo History Collections - Historical photographs and maps documenting the people, places and organizations of Johnson County.  
• Olathe’s early African-American community – Kansas’ anti-slavery legacy offered a fresh start for many former slaves and their families after the Emancipation Proclamation.  

Watch & Listen 

• African-American Stories on Kanopy – Hundreds of films, documentaries and series exploring everything from current events to the history and cultural legacy of African Americans.   
• The Past is Prologue – A series of programs featuring topics that were often left out, glossed over or misrepresented in our history books. 

Read & Discover 

• Celebrate 100 Years of the Negro Leagues - Explore the history, players and lasting legacy of the Negro Leagues. 
• Read More Black Authors: Kids and Teens – Fiction and nonfiction titles celebrating Black voices for young readers. 
• Upbeat Black History Month – Uplifting stories of African American achievements, resilience and innovation. 
• Black History Month – A curated selection of non-fiction books exploring the history of African Americans in the U.S. 
• Black History Month: Biographies for Younger Readers: Inspiring stories of influential Black leaders and trailblazers. 

Library Events 

The Library offers several upcoming programs honoring Black experiences and history, including Storytimes running through the end of February that feature books celebrating African American experiences.  

• Keynote with Dr. Tiya Miles: Join the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures at UMKC for a keynote address with Dr. Tiya Miles, award-winning historian and Harvard University professor. Dr. Miles’ 2021 National Book Award-winning book, "All That She Carried," has earned multiple literary and historical awards, including the Frederick Douglass Prize. Registration required. 
  • When: Thursday, Feb. 6 | 6–8 p.m.
  • Where: UMKC Student Union 
• Book Discussion: All That She Carried by Tiya Miles: Join us for a discussion of "All That She Carried," Tiya Miles’ poignant account of an enslaved mother’s gift to her daughter—a cotton sack that carries generations of resilience, love and survival. This program is presented in partnership with the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. 
  • Dates & Locations: 
    • Monday, Feb. 10 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Cedar Roe Library 
    • Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 2–3 p.m | Online 
• Tween Book Club: Each session features a new book, staff-led discussion and a related activity. Tweens (ages 9–13) can pick up a free copy of the book at the Youth Services desk while supplies last. 
  • Upcoming Sessions: 
    • Saturday, Feb. 4 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. | Monticello Library 
    • Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. | Online 
    • Saturday, Feb. 22 | 10–11 a.m. | Gardner Library 
    • Saturday, Feb. 22 | 2–3 p.m. | Leawood Library 
    • February’s Book: "Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson 
• American Girl Book Club: Explore American history through the stories of American Girl characters, combining reading, discussion and crafts. Best for ages 8–12. 
  • When: Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. 
  • Where: Cedar Roe Library 
  • February’s Book: "No Ordinary Sound (Melody)" by Denise Lewis Patrick 
• Past Is Prologue: The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime: Join historian Phil Dixon as he explores the history of Negro Leagues baseball and the Kansas City Monarchs, highlighting the resilience of the players despite discrimination and inequity. 
  • When: Tuesday, Feb. 11 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Online Event 
• Online Author Talk with Lee Hawkins: Join Pulitzer Prize finalist Lee Hawkins as he discusses his book, I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s Story Set Me Free. Hear the true story behind the book and its personal impact. 
  • When: Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 1–2 p.m. 
  • Where: Online Event 
• KCRep for All: Broke-ology Community Tour: Experience Broke-ology by Nathan Louis Jackson, a moving play about family, sacrifice and resilience. The performance will be followed by a talkback with director Francois Battiste. 
  • When: Saturday, March 8 | 1–5 p.m. 
  • Where: Central Resource Library  
• Upcoming Submission Opportunity: Family-themed Writing Contest: Submit poetry, fiction or essays with the theme of Family. Winning submissions will be featured on our Staff Picks blog, and selected authors will be invited for a reading with a $200 honorarium. This contest ties into Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s production of Broke-ology. Guidelines and submission details »

Warm up to recommendations that we know you'll love so much! Charles continues as host while Dave continues working with his team to build a new website. Charles is joined by Patron Support Specialist Kelsey and Program Support Clerk Cara to share Winter Wonders picks from our collection. But we don't stop there as Brian reads Charles' "'Twas the Night Before the Podcast"—a re-conception of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and Charles treats us to his mad skills on the euphonium as he shares "Concerto No. 4 in F minor, Op. 8, RV 297, 'Winter'" by Antonio Vivaldi. Listen and please let these wonders brighten those dark days of winter!

Check out the recommendations mentioned in this episode »

This spring Kansas City Repertory Theatre will be bringing Broke-ology to Johnson County Library as a part of their KC Rep for All community tour. Inspired by The Old Globe’s Globe for All program in San Diego, the program breaks down economic and geographic barriers and makes KC Rep more accessible as they travel across Kansas City to meet people where they are.  

Broke-ology is a play that explores the complexities of family, sacrifice, and resilience. Whether you get to see the play at KC Rep, at Johnson County Library, or aren’t able to engage in either, we want to hear your story. Our spring writing contest will center around Family.

How is your family complex? What sacrifices have you or your family members made, and what does resilience look like to you? Resilience. Do you have it? Where did it come from? How will you build it if you don’t?

When friends ask Rachel Van Stratton, a young Overland Park mom, for suggestions of family-friendly, cost-effective amenities, she has a ready reply: Johnson County Library!

“What’s something inexpensive I can do with my son? I always tell people the Library,” she said. “It has so many activities.” 

In these inflationary times, everyone is looking for ways to save money while still enriching their lives. Van Stratton, who grew up loving the Antioch branch of Johnson County Library, now frequently visits the Central Resource and Merriam Plaza branches with her 4-year-old son Nico and husband Nick. The Library is their go-to place for books, computers and fun. 

Van Stratton estimates she saved $1,000 in 2023 and more than $1,400 this year by checking out books, eBooks and eAudio books for herself, rather than buying them. She’s saved even more money when she thinks about the many materials she’s checked out for Nico. Her husband is also an avid reader who uses the Library card a lot. 

“I tell everyone the Library is wonderful because of the community is serves,” Van Stratton said. “It is such a safe space. It is so helpful.”  

She usually has three titles going at once, including an eBook, an audio book and a physical book. She loves fantasy but recently has branched out to non-fiction, to understand the world around us. She started this year off reading “The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine,” by Rashid Khalidi.

She also enjoyed “Freedom is a Constant Struggle,” by Angela Davis. And the Library has introduced her to wonderful Latinx authors including Sylvia Moreno-Garcia. 

She is learning the Spanish language, for which audio books can be a great tool. She got the eBook “Canto Contigo,” by Jonny Garza Villa through Libby and then enjoyed the audio book of that same title. 

Nico is really into books about dinosaurs. “It’s rare to leave the Library with less than five Dino books,” she said, laughing. “He knows exactly where the Dino section is at both Central and Merriam. He went and asked the Librarians, which is so sweet.”

Nico enjoys Central Library’s vibrant children’s section, plus playing in Strang Park behind Central. He also had a great time at this year’s Read to a Dog event at Central.

“He was talking about the pictures to the dog,” Van Stratton recalled. “It was so cute.”

In Merriam, the Library and Community Center share a campus. Van Stratton said that makes it super convenient for Nico to take swimming lessons and then go next door for books. 

Van Stratton also teaches cooking and cake decorating at the Culinary Center, in downtown Overland Park. Johnson County Library came in handy when she was looking for a favorite Christmas cookie recipe. She finally found it in a Library book.

Van Stratton is just one patron who has discovered the money-saving value of Johnson County Library. Oher patrons estimate they save hundreds of dollars each year by checking out video games and movie DVDs. 

The Library also has great resources for educational and career advancement. 

Overland Park resident Rachel Audsley used the Central Resource computers, internet service and printers for her graduate school applications. She also explored e-Resources on the Libby platform, particularly the Universal Class, which offers hundreds of online university-level courses for lifelong learning.  The courses are free of charge if accessed through the Library.

Patrons can put their creative juices to work, using the 3D printers, laser and vinyl cutters, electronics and other equipment in the Black & Veatch MakerSpace at Central.

If you don’t already have a Library card, sign up today to start taking advantage of its many perks. To learn more about what the Library has to offer, visit jocolibrary.org/discover.

It’s never too late to explore your passions; whether you have always dreamed of becoming a writer or have many years of experience under your belt, Johnson County Library’s Writers Conference is a wonderful resource to explore the topic and connect with others who share your interest.  

Now in its ninth year, the Writers Conference will be held Friday, Nov. 15 at Central Resource Library (9875 W. 87th St, Overland Park). Normally a multi-day event, the conference is shifting this year to focus on a single day of deep learning, as well as encompass other writing events happening that weekend in the metro area. On Nov. 14 Johnson County Library and Olathe Public Library will host a Writers Social at the Olathe Downtown Library (260 E. Santa Fe, Olathe), and on Nov. 16, Mid-Continent Public Library will host a local author fair at Woodneath Library Story Center (8900 NE Flintlock Rd, Kansas City, MO). 

This year’s conference will also offer several pre-conference lectures available on youtube.com/jocolibrary, via Library OnDemand. Watch online for inspiration, then bring your drafts, plans and questions to the conference ready to workshop.  

Feedback from past years’ events influenced the theme of this year’s conference: community building. Expect to find intimate book discussion groups and opportunities to workshop your writing in small groups. Typically drawing several hundred attendees of all ages, this year’s conference features something for everyone—from poetry sharing, to writing book reviews, navigating social media and even writing without thinking. 

This year’s conference texts that will be referenced throughout the event are “Save the Cat Writes a Novel” by Jessica Brody and “Wired for Story” by Lisa Cron, both available for checkout at the Library. All attendees will receive a free conference notebook. There is no cost to attend this event; to register for the conference or get more information about the schedule of events, visit jocolibrary.org/writersconference or call (913) 826-4600. 

Students of all ages can find homework help at Johnson County Library. You’ll find research help, magazine searches, practice test, tutorials and live homework help for a wide range of subjects and grade levels. In addition to helping with homework, these resources also offer great benefits for students. They can help reduce stress, improve grades, boost self-esteem and build important learning skills. All you need is Johnson County Library card to get started.

Here are a few of the resources available with your Library card:

Biography (Gale In Context) 
Find biographies of individuals in a wide range of subjects including business, politics, government, history, science, sports, the arts and entertainment. Content includes magazine articles, video footage, radio broadcasts, photographs and more to provide contextual information on the world's most influential people.

Brainfuse HelpNow 

Get homework help with live tutoring, a writing lab with feedback, a Skillsurfer offering study resources and test prep, or LEAP where a student can create a customized learning plan.

CultureGrams 

Perfect for kids and teens, CultureGrams contains information on history, culture, and geography of each American state, Canadian provinces, countries and regions of the world. Graphics, charts, videos, printable fact sheets, recipes, interviews, and more are included with each entry.

Khan Academy 
Khan Academy provides a free world-class education for anyone everywhere. Practice at your own pace beginning where you want and ending at the top! You will never run out of practice material and every problem can be broken down step by step.

LearningExpress 

Take practice tests and tutorials designed for students elementary through graduate levels and adult learners. Academic or licensing tests are available, with immediate scoring, complete answer explanations, and individualized results analysis.

Lightbox 

Bring learning to life with hundreds of interactive books online for grades K-12. Topics cover science, social studies, language arts and more. Each title has a suggested reading level (K-10) and interest level (K-12), and some titles also are provided in Spanish. 

Check out the Homework Help topic pages for both kids and teens to find the perfect fit for your needs. There are also plenty of learning resources for adults. If you don’t have a Library card, you can stop by any of the 14 branches with an ID and proof of address to get one today, or Johnson County residents can sign up for an eCard for immediate access to most online resources. 

Join the Friends of Johnson County Library in celebrating the 19th annual National Friends of Libraries Week, October 20-26. This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible role Johnson County Library plays in making a difference in people’s lives. Through group book discussions, storytimes, genealogy services, Summer Reading, Citizenship Civics, incarcerated services, meeting room reservations and so much more, the Library creates and sustains community in countless ways every single day.

Friends of Johnson County Library is a member-supported nonprofit organization promoting community awareness and participation in library services. The Friends serve as library advocates and promote literacy and lifelong learning. Funds raised from your book purchases and your membership support library collection development, community engagement, library advocacy, and so much more.   

The Friends would like to hear how libraries have improved and brightened your life. During National Friends of Libraries Week, share your story on social media using the hashtag #nfolw24. Take a moment to snap a selfie when you pick up your holds, or give a shoutout to a Library staff member who’s made a difference. Be sure to tag the Friends of Johnson County Library (@jclfriends) in your posts.

Last week, the Friends announced the 2024 winners of the beloved Annual Bookmark Design Contest at the Johnson County Library Board meeting. The contest commemorates the creativity of our Library-loving community. The winning illustrations are printed as bookmarks and are available to pick up at all 14 Johnson County Library branches and at the Friends Headquarters, 8279 Melrose Dr., Lenexa, KS 66214, where you can shop their large selection of gently used books each Saturday. 

National Friends of Libraries Week is the perfect time to join or renew your commitment to the Friends. You’ll support a valuable community resource, receive a 20% discount on awesome used books, and be part of a Friends family who believe in Libraries just like you. To join or renew your membership, visit joinjclfriends.org.

Photo caption: Pictured are 2024 Winners L-R: Elizabeth McNutt; JCL Board Member David Sims; Everly Jablonski; Olivia Wang; JCL Board Member Chrysalyn Huff; Lily Hamilton; JCL Deputy County Librarian Kinsley Riggs; Abigail Girard; JCL Board Member Charles McAllister; Anabelle Ritchie; Whitaker Kirkland; Edie Marshall Moore (holding Books Rule); Dominic Kirkland (shark); JCL Board Member Jeffery Mendoza; Joany Degenhardt (chicken); Ira Goyal (fairy books); Friends of JCL Executive Director Shanta Dickerson; and Hughy Buckley (penguin).

Winners not pictured: Kevin Gritzke and Ainsley Van Trump.

Whether you write fiction, creative nonfiction, or screenplays, one of the most important aspects in engaging your readers is your story’s voice. But what even is “voice”? Why does Stephen King sound completely different than Jane Austin? And how exactly does a writer connect to the right voice for their story? In this four part recorded lecture Trai Cartwright will break down this crucial craft element into its components, and then give you a step-by-step guide for engaging your own voice!

Watch Cartwright’s series on Library OnDemand, or here:

Finding Your Story’s Voice, Part 1

Finding Your Story’s Voice, Part 2

Finding Your Story’s Voice, Part 3

Finding Your Story’s Voice, Part 4

Then, join us at the 2024 Writers Conference on Friday, Nov. 15 to workshop your story with Cartwright and fellow writers.