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Comprehensive Library Master Plan Update: Spring 2018
Monticello Library @ 22435 W. 66th St., Shawnee (pictured here)
- Opening: planned 3rd quarter 2018
- Total project cost: $18.1 million
- Monticello Library “sealed the envelope,” as they say in the construction trade, as winter set in. Once the exterior of the building is closed up, work begins in earnest to finish the interiors and to make the building systems operational while librarians are assembling the collection. By spring 2018, the building’s interior surfaces will be the bright, modern colors and textures seen in the Monticello fly-through video.
Lenexa City Center Library @ 8778 Penrose Lane, Lenexa
- Opening: planned mid-2019
- Total project cost: $21.1 million
- The Board of County Commissioners and the Library’s Board of Directors broke ground for Lenexa City Center Library on Nov. 28, 2017. This stunning new facility comprises approximately 40,000 square feet on two levels. This will double the size and replace the existing Lackman Library. The dynamic open floor plan at Lenexa City Center Library will permit rearrangement when needed, as the Library’s service population grows and changes.
Blue Valley Library @ 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park
- Schedule and project budget in process
- The September 2017 Blue Valley Library public input process received responses from more than 2,000 residents. Neighbors and Library users offered their views on placement of the Library on the site, number of stories and various parking solutions. The input received is informing the ongoing Library and City of Overland Park study for this important Library project scheduled for 2022.
Music Monday! Sterling Witt, I Love You More Everyday
Let's face it, like it or not February is for lovers. Get all gushy about that one you love like Mr. Sterling Witt does in his little ditty, I Love You More Everyday. If you don't have anyone, just pretend this power-pop tune is all about you! Happy Music Monday. Come back each week, every Monday morning, for a single from our Listen Local LIVE recording series.
The Weird and Wacky World of Online Sales
You know and love the great deals you find at the Friends of the Johnson County Library book sales, but did you know you can shop with them 24/7, online?
The Friends of Johnson County Library launched their successful summer used book sale about 30 years ago, and have since opened used bookstores at three Johnson County Library branches. The Friends started an internet sales presence in 2004 and sold 116 items that year, earning $3,888. Times have certainly changed. The Friends reported internet sales of 7,841 items grossing nearly $132,000 in 2016. Items sold have ranged from the prosaic: an out-of-print insurance book that is still in demand, to the profound: the collected works of Sigmund Freud. A recent top seller was The Lighting Handbook: Reference and Application which sold for $399.95. Books have been shipped to six continents, and orders arrive daily.
The Online Sales Division is managed by Friends Business Manager Matt Delaney and a corps of dedicated volunteers. We presently have 11 volunteers listing items for sale and 5 volunteers shipping items ordered. Materials deemed appropriate for online sale are manually listed on the three online auction sites where the Friends list: ABEBooks, Amazon and eBay. The sites are monitored daily by the Online Sales volunteers, who also fulfill completed auctions.
Shipments have made their way to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, Malaysia, Great Britain, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Belarus, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Macau and South Africa!
Funds raised by the Friends support a range of programs and services including the 6 by 6: Ready to Read early literacy program, the Meet the Author series and the annual teen literary magazine, elementia.
Support the Friends by browsing our online shops anytime »
-by Matt Delaney, Business Manager, Friends of Johnson County Library
Join us Next Time: Reception and Artist Talk
TIME is the only constant that continually changes. Depending on who you ask, there’s either too much TIME or never enough. Whether it’s reflecting on the past, looking to the future or exploring the here and now, we are investing in TIME this spring with a series of programs and exhibitions.
Join us for our next Meet the Artist events this Spring »
Throwback Thursday
Happy National Serpent Day! This slightly grisly Throwback Thursday picture comes to you via JoCoHistory, where the description reads: "Black and white informal photograph of two men standing outside with several snakeskins (likely rattlesnake)."
See more local history at jocohistory.org or follow our hashtag on Twitter.
Blood Drives at the Library
The American Red Cross is hosting Blood Drives at 3 of our Libraries next week due to a shortage of blood in Johnson County.
You can call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment.
Take Time for Art
TIME is the only constant that continually changes. Depending on who you ask, there’s either too much TIME or never enough. Whether it’s reflecting on the past, looking to the future or exploring the here and now, we are investing in TIME this spring with a series of programs and exhibitions.
The shoes and purses in this post are from the 100 Years of Dress exhibition, which is featured at Central Resource Library this Spring, and is supported by the De De DeVille Collection. It includes 1910s-2010s costumes and ephemeral materials from the local drag legend and cofounder of Late Night Theatre, De De Deville. De De was born and raised in McPherson, KS, attended a theater summer camp between then and now, and has performed in both traditional and nontraditional productions and venues. Over the years, she has created several characters as a Kansas City performer, using photography and the smaller stages of bars and cabarets to showcase her work.
Join De De and other artists exhibiting TIME at an opening reception Thursday, Feb. 1 at 5:30 pm at Central Resource Library »
Storytimes @ Your Library
Need a morning storytime, or one after work? Got an infant, a preschooler or a toddler? Whatever your situation, we've got a storytime for you »
Music Monday! The Wires: Argentine
Happy Music Monday where we select a single from one of our full Local Music LIVE recording performances. This week, it's Argentine by The Wires. Enjoy! Learn more about The Wires and hundreds of other Listen Local artists at jocolibrary.org/listenlocal.
Coming Up in the MakerSpace
Our Maker-in-Residence, Laura Spencer, hosts StoryCorps Listening, meet your new tiny friend: micro:bit, bring your tlc-needed clothing to our Clothing Repair workshop, or if you're new to Making, join our Beginner's Night! See what's happening in the Black & Veatch MakerSpace »