Friends of Johnson County Library close two used bookstores at Library branches 

Friday, Jul. 15, 2022

Used book sales to benefit library continue at weekly Pop Up sales and Online 

The Friends of Johnson County Library announce we are closing the two used bookstores at Library branches. The Friends Board of Directors approved the closures at their July 12 meeting. The last day of business for both stores is Saturday, July 30, 2022. The stores are located at the Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Merriam, and the Blue Valley Library at 9000 W 151st St., Overland Park. 

The Friends have carefully monitored activity at both stores during the pandemic recovery period. "Unfortunately, sales at these locations have continued to lag behind pre-pandemic levels," said Friends president Chris Meier. "We're making this difficult decision so that the organization can focus resources toward our mission of supporting the Library." 

The Friends will continue our successful and dynamic operations: 

  • Pop Up Sales at our Pine Ridge Office Park headquarters, 8279 Melrose Dr., Overland Park, KS.  

  • Starting August 6, sales are each Saturday excepting holidays, 11:30am – 5pm. Friends members always receive 20% discount! 

  • Our Membership program will continue to advocate for Libraries in Johnson County.  

  • See our website for details.  

In 1996, the Friends opened the used bookstore in the Antioch Library. This venture was successful and another used bookstore was opened in the Blue Valley Library in 2003. The third bookstore was opened at the Central Resource Library in January 2016 and later closed in  2020. Pandemic closures seriously affected the remaining stores and sales have been unable to reclaim sustainable levels.