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Did you hear? host Dave presented on podcasting--specifically for Libraries and nonprofits--at the Kansas Library Association's annual conference. We share his presentation as a podcast episode. Enjoy.

Here's the description we provided for the program:
We believe subscribable communication is an effective and fun way to reach library audiences—even those you’d never think are podcast addicts. We want to share the lessons we’ve learned over the course of two years and counting while producing the Johnson County Library’s “Did you hear?” podcast. It’s been a twisting and turning journey. We’re ready to help you develop your own pod-voice! Find about strategies taken to engage listeners (and listeners-to-be), how to include library staff in unexpected ways, and why we don’t devote every episode to an upcoming library event. Don’t let the maze of equipment and platforms or time that might be involved intimidate you—we cover all that technical stuff too!

This is our last episode of 2020. Look for our return in 2021 with some fun changes!

This year has been filled with challenges, but Johnson County Library continues to rise to meet them. Online resources have expanded to meet patrons’ interests, and the buildings are open with safe access to books, materials, and computers.

Your year-end gift to the JCL Foundation will have a profound impact on our community. Every dollar donated to the Foundation benefits all Johnson Countians through lifelong learning resources. The Foundation funds Library resources and educational programs that encourage curiosity, spark imagination and bring dreams to life. 

Join JCL's Brian Berrens, for a behind the scenes look at a few of the programs and resources the Foundation and your charitable contribution supports:
 

Black & Veatch MakerSpace  

Collection Development

elementia

Genealogy

Incarcerated Services Support

Summer Reading

6 by 6: Ready to Read

Race Project KC

The Johnson County Library Foundation’s mission is to build an endowment for the Library’s collection and secure support for lifelong learning programs offered at Johnson County Library. Please consider making a year-end donation, 

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

• In-person – visit one of our 14 locations
• Phone – (913) 826-4600
• Text – (913) 667-7523
• Email – ask@jocolibrary.org
• Online form – submit your question online

Device/Internet Access

• Assistance paying overdue internet bills
• Discounted internet & phone service providers
• Setting up your wireless network

Social Services

• Food distribution sites
• Housing assistance
  • United Way housing assistance
  • CDC Housing Hardship Declaration Form
• Rent/utility assistance
  • JoCo Human Services Utility Payment Assistance – Call (913) 715-6653
  • Rent & utility assistance request – Fill out & print this form, then contact United Way KC by calling 2-1-1 for the steps required to submit your request
  • LIEAP Energy Assistance Program
• JoCo Vehicle Registration – Service overview, appointment booking
• HCCI-ks.org - Free financial counseling for debts, housing, loans, rent

Health

• Schedule a COVID-19 test (available to those who live or work in JoCo)
• JoCo COVID-19 dashboard
• JoCo FAQs on COVID-affected services

Business

• Small business assistance
  • SBA.gov loan assistance locator
  • KCSourceLink
• Grant program availability & application
  • SBA.gov grant program locator
  • Foundation Directory

Employment

• JCL Career & Finance Resource Hub - Find links to unemployment resources, job postings, career & finance programs, and many more assistance tools.
• JCL Career Planning & Jobs
• Workforce Partnership job search tools

Education

• Device tutorials
  • School-provided devices - De Soto USD 232 YouTube playlist of tutorials for parents and students
  • WebEx overview
• 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

• NorthStar Digital Skills Assessment
• JCL E-Learning Library
•  iPad Screen and Time Controls

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

This workshop will be an exploration of various tools and techniques that will challenge writers to find unique ways to share their stories. This workshop will be lead by National Poetry Slam Champion/ Individual World Poetry Slam Champion and published author, Rudy Francisco.

Saturday, November 21, 1 - 3 pm on Zoom. This event is filling up! Register now »

As you very well know, November is Movember and that means don't shave that mustache! Movember takes on three serious issues facing men’s health – prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. To find good photos of impressive mustaches, look no further than jocohistory.org!

Remember, jocohistory.org is the place 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.

Start planning your gift list, find great deals, and get time-saving holiday tips with the Consumer Reports Holiday Gift Guide. They show you the top products from their testing, including air fryers, coffee makers, cookware, TVs, and vacuums. They also share expert advice on choosing the right gifts at the right price. Get the latest on the holidays from CR. All you need is your Library Card and PIN.