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First commercial building: grocery, cigar store and confectionary

First commercial building: grocery, cigar store and confectionary.

Overland Park's Past in Pictures

It’s another grand Throwback Thursday where we encourage you to time travel through Johnson County's history. JoCoHistory is a collaborative presentation of the history from the Johnson County Museum, Johnson County Library and many JoCoHistory partners. Explore historical photographs and documents about the people, places and organizations of Johnson County, Kansas, from the 19th century to the present.

Collection spotlight: Overland Park Historical Society

About this collection: Over 1,300 photographs documenting Overland Park life with special emphasis on local businesses, the Strang Line interurban railroad and school personnel.

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The Fall Guide is Here!

The Fall Guide is here! Pick up a copy at your favorite JoCoLibrary location or browse online to read the latest Library news and see all of our upcoming programs!

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This Week at the Library

Library OnDemand – Available anytime you like.

Young Adult Literary Council – Tuesday, Aug. 8, 5 – 6 p.m.

Teens are invited to join the Young Adult Literary Council at the Lenexa City Center Library to share favorite books, pick up advanced reader copies of teen books to read and review, and participate in other fun activities such as author visits, game days, event planning and more. Meet new people and receive volunteer credit hours for your time with us.

Tabletop Games – Tuesday, Aug. 8, 6 – 7:45 p.m.

Join us at the Central Resource Library for a fun-filled event with family and friends and become a part of the Johnson County tabletop gaming community. Discover new games from our collection or bring your personal favorite to share – you might get creative with a round of Dixit, collaborate to escape the Forbidden Island or strategize your way to victory as King of Tokyo! Come and go as you please. Refreshments are provided.

One-on-One Help: DNA & Genetic Genealogy – Fridays, 9 a.m. – noon

For one-on-one basic or DNA genealogy help at the Central Resource Library visit the Johnson County Genealogical Society at www.jcgsks.org to schedule an appointment.

And much more happening this week … 

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KC Covid Art Recession: Who thrived, who survived, who still needs help?

Join us in a town hall discussion led by a panel of art leaders whose organizations and artists thrived, survived and still need help in recovering from the art recession. 

In 2020, KC Rising reported that of 24 industries, the arts had the greatest downturn and will take the longest to recover. Let’s help the arts recover with our support and ideas. This program is presented in partnership with GUILDit, whose mission is engage, educate, and empower art entrepreneurialism. No registration necessary.

Tuesday, August 22, 2023
6-7:30 p.m.
Central Resource Library

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West building of the Methodist Shawnee mission

Color postcard of the exterior of the West building of the Methodist Shawnee mission. Courtesy Johnson County Museum Collection on JoCo History

Johnson County, Kansas: A Brief Historical Sketch

New JoCoHistory Blog

Johnson County’s earliest history is hazy at best. When the first white settlers reached the area, the Kaw were living to the North and Northwest, and the Osage were living to the South. The Native American population of Johnson County was nomadic and small. The white settlers arrived around 1700. They were French traders ascending the Missouri and its smaller tributaries such as “la Riviere de l’Eau Bleu” – the Blue River. The French phase of this region’s history is only now beginning to receive attention. Read the full article on the JoCoHistory blog »

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Primary Election Tomorrow

August 1, 2023 Primary Election

Whether you are a seasoned voter or voting for the first time, we have all the latest information for you! Visit our Voting 2023 page for the where's, when's and how's of voting! 

Polls are open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Have questions like, "Where and when do I vote on Election Day?" Or, "What do I bring with me to vote in-person?" "Where can I view a sample ballot?"  We have answers!

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