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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.

This Week at the Library, you can learn more about Medicare, get help on your genealogy journey, learn to keep your bike in tip-top shape, and -- attend an online Slam Poetry Workshop with Rudy Francisco!

Young Adult Literary Council
Sunday, November 15  |  2:00 – 3:00 pm

Making the Move to Medicare
Monday, November 16  |  6:30 – 8:00 pm

One-on-One Genealogy Help
Tuesday, November 17  |  9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Book Party
Wednesday, November 18  |  2:00 – 2:30 pm
Thursday, November 19  |  6:00 – 6:30 pm

Maintain Your Ride
Thursday, November 19  |  12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Makerspace for Beginners
Friday, November 20  |  2:00 – 3:00 pm

Slam Poetry Workshop with Rudy Francisco
Saturday, November 21  |  1:00 – 3:00 pm

See all of our events »

On this Veteran's Day, we celebrate all those who have served in the U.S. military. jocohistory.org provides a great way for you to explore the history of Johnson County veterans. If you you have never visited jocohistory.org, you'll find it is the place to time travel through local history. Enter a search term such as "soldier" to find articles and images. Then, explore! Be sure to follow our hashtag on Twitter.

Also, join Johnson County Government with special facebook and online events today beginning at 11 AM. 
jocogov.org/JocoHonorsVets
facebook.com/jocogov

Johnson County Government invites all veterans and their families to participate in the
34th annual Veterans Day celebration. While this event honors all veterans, with this
year marking the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, we will include special
recognition for veterans of that war.

Because of COVID-19, this year's event will be available online and on
Facebook. The ceremony will include a mixture of live and previously
recorded presentations:

• Speeches honoring veterans
• Patriotic music and songs
• Presentation of the colors
• Placement of memorial wreaths by local veterans organizations
• Playing of "Taps" and a rifle salute
• For more information about this year's event, visit jocogov.org/jocohonorsvets