The Comprehensive Library Master Plan outlines specific and coordinated upgrades and changes to Johnson County Library services, facilities and staffing for the next 20 years.
Message From a Former Chair of the Library Board
Bethany Griffith
Chair of the Library Board of Directors, 2021-2022, 2023-2024
In 2015, Johnson County Library leadership approved the Comprehensive Library Master Plan (CLMP), a framework to guide the Library’s sustainable growth of services, operations, and facilities for the next 20 years and beyond. Developed in collaboration with County and Library staff, partners, community members and a team of consultants, the CLMP was guided by data and a deep examination of Library strategic, capital improvement and operations planning documents. Now, several years into that plan, the Johnson County community is seeing the benefits of this thoughtful guidance first-hand:
- In 2018, the Library expanded into a new geographic area for the first time in over 20 years with the opening of the Monticello branch in western Shawnee.
- The spacious, modern Lenexa City Center branch opened in 2019 as the successor to the former Lackman branch, incorporating an award-winning public art installation.
- The Antioch Replacement project, now known as Merriam Plaza Library, was designed with input from Merriam citizens and Library stakeholders through several channels. Antioch was the first Johnson County Library branch and holds many memories for our residents.
- In partnership with the Planning, Design, and Construction team from the Johnson County Facilities Management Department, we have renovated and modernized several other Library locations, including a major overhaul of Central Resource that optimizes service across all our 14 locations.
The CLMP isn’t just about our buildings, however. It is a tool for remaining flexible and responsive to the changing needs of our modern society. We continue to innovate our services, with emphasis on the Library’s five key strategic portfolios: Communication, Community Building, Convenience, Education and Operations. This includes significant growth of our eLibrary resources and an eye on new technologies, from computer and A/V equipment to materials return and marketing.
Along with my fellow members of the Library Board of Directors, I am pleased to play a part in the implementation of current and future CLMP projects. The positive impact of this plan will be felt for generations of Johnson County citizens to come.
Bethany Griffith
Chair of the Library Board of Directors, 2021-2022, 2023-2024
New construction. Work completed. Opened in 2018
New construction. Work completed. Opened in 2019.
Renovation. Work completed in 2022.
New construction. Work completed. Opened in 2024.